Writing and Speaking
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their own neighborhoods. If the work of reformation be begun and
carried forward in each family, there will be a living and prosperous
church. Things must first be set in order at home. The cause needs
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those who can work at home, who will study the Bible and practise its
teachings, and who will train up their children in the fear of God. Then
let diligent, persevering effort be put forth for others, with earnest
prayer for the aid of divine grace and power, and great results will
follow missionary labor.
“No matter who you are, it is the mind, the heart, the sincere
purpose, and the daily life that mark the value of the man. Restless,
talkative, dictatorial men are not needed in this work. There are too
many of them springing up everywhere. Many youth who have but
little experience, push themselves forward, manifest no reverence for
age or office, and take offense if counseled or reproved. We have
already more of these self-important ones than we want. God calls for
modest, quiet, sober-minded youth, and men of mature age, who are
well balanced with principle, who can pray as well as talk, who will
rise up before the aged, and treat gray hairs with respect.
“The cause of God is suffering for want of laborers of understand-
ing and mental power. My brethren and sisters, the Lord has blessed
you with intellectual faculties capable of vast improvement. Cultivate
your talents with persevering earnestness. Train and discipline the
mind by study, by observation, by reflection. You cannot meet the
mind of God unless you put to use every power. The mental faculties
will strengthen and develop if you will go to work in the fear of God, in
humility, and with earnest prayer. A resolute purpose will accomplish
wonders. Be open, firm, decided Christians. Exalt Jesus, talk of His
love, tell of His power, and thus let your light shine forth to the world.”
The Review and Herald, November 13, 1883
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An Example of Self-Sacrifice
“I was glad of the privilege of attending the Vermont camp meeting,
which was held in Montpelier, August 30 to September 4.... My mind
was carried back thirty years, to the time when, in company with
my sister, I visited Fairhaven, Mass., to bear my message to the little
company in that place. Elder Bates was then living there, and expressed
his conviction that it was his duty to visit Vermont, and preach the