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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
permitted to remain till Christ shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven
with power and great glory. They may drop out of the ranks at any
time, and sleep in Jesus. But while darkness covers the earth and gross
darkness the people, these children of the light can lift up their heads
and rejoice, knowing that their redemption draweth nigh....
Lay Members as Missionaries for God
“As I looked over the congregation of believers, and marked the
serious, earnest expression upon their countenances, ... my eyes rested
upon not a few who had a knowledge of the truth, and who, if this
knowledge were but sanctified, might accomplish a work for God. I
thought: If all these realized their accountability to God and their duty
to their fellow men, and would work as the Lord has given them ability,
what a light would shine forth from them in Massachusetts, and even
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extend to other States! If every one who has professed faith in the third
angel’s message would make the word of God his rule of action, and
with strict fidelity perform his work as a servant of Christ, this people
would be a power in the world.
“It is not alone those who labor in word and doctrine who are
responsible for souls. Every man and every woman who has a knowl-
edge of the truth should be a coworker with Christ.... He requires the
lay members to act as missionaries. Brethren, go out with your Bibles,
visit the people at their firesides, read the word of God to the family,
and as many more as will come in. Go with a contrite heart and an
abiding trust in God’s grace and mercy, and do what you can....
“There are men who never gave a discourse in their lives, who
ought to be laboring to save souls. Neither great talents nor high
position is required. But there is urgent need of men and women who
are acquainted with Jesus, and familiar with the story of His life and
death....
“We do not need eminent men so much as good, true, and humble
men. God calls for those of all classes and all trades to work in His
cause. Those are wanted who will begin at the lower rounds of the
ladder, who will, if need be, eat their own bread and quietly perform
their duty; men who will not shrink from diligent labor to acquire
means, or from rigid economy in its expenditure, and who will devote
both time and means to work for the Master in their own families and