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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
truth in that State. But he added: ‘I have no means, and cannot tell
where the money is coming from to take me there. I think I will walk
out by faith, start on foot, and go as far as God will give me strength.’
My sister said to me: ‘I think the Lord will help me to open the way
for Elder Bates to go to Vermont. Sister F. is looking for a girl to do
her housework, and ... I will earn the money necessary.’ She carried
out her purpose, and, requesting her pay in advance, placed the money
in Elder Bates’s hand. He started the next morning, and my sister
remained to work for a dollar and a quarter a week. Quite a number
were brought into the truth in Vermont, and Elder Bates returned with
great joy because the Lord had indeed blessed his labors....
Filling Up the Ranks of Workers
“As I looked in the faces of the tried ones who are precious in the
sight of the Lord, and saw that some of them seemed almost ready to
lay off their armor, ... the question arose in my mind: Who are coming
up to take the places of these aged, worn soldiers of the cross? Who
will consecrate themselves to the work of God? ... Where are those
who have the knowledge of the truth, and who love Jesus and the souls
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for whom He died well enough to deny self, to choose the suffering
part of religion, and to go without the camp, bearing the reproach of
Christ? ...
“Who will put to use the talents lent them of God, be they great
or small, and work in humility, learning daily in the school of Christ,
and then imparting that precious knowledge to others? Who will see
what ought to be done, and do it? And how many will make excuses,
become tied up with worldly interests? Cut the cords that bind you,
and go into the vineyard to work for the Master.
“In every department of the cause of God, consecrated, God-
fearing, willing helpers are needed; men of brains, men of intellect,
who will go forth as ministers, canvassers, and colporteurs. Brethren
and sisters, let the earnest prayer of faith ascend to God that He will
raise up laborers, and send them into the harvest field; for the harvest
is great, and the laborers are few.”
The Review and Herald, November
20, 1883
.