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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
But the little interest that has been manifested in the work of
God by our churches alarms me. I would ask all who have means
to remember that God has entrusted this means to them to be used
in the advancement of the work which Christ came to our world to
do. The Lord tells every man that in the sight of God he is not the
owner of what he possesses, but only a trustee. Not thine, but Mine,
saith the Lord. God will call you to account for your stewardship.
Whether you have one talent, or two, or five, not a farthing is to be
squandered on your own selfish indulgences. Your accountability to
Heaven should cause you to fear and tremble. The decisions of the
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last day turn upon our practical benevolence. Christ acknowledges
every act of beneficence as done to Himself.
* * * * *
Zeal for Christ
[Special Testimonies, Series A 10:33-39 (1897).]
All who name the name of Christ should work for Him with heart
and mind and soul and strength; and
they will work
if they believe
the great gospel of truth. The heartiness of their zeal for Christ’s
sake will testify to the measure of their faith. Self will be swallowed
in Christ if they are truly united with Him. “I live,” said the great
apostle; “yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me,
and gave Himself for me.”
The light given over and over again by the Spirit of God is, Do
not colonize. [
See appendix.
] Enter the large cities, and create an
interest among the high and the low. Make it your work to preach
the gospel to the poor, but do not stop there. Seek to reach the higher
classes also. Study your location with a view to letting your light
shine forth to others. This work should have been done long since.
Do not make the Sabbath question your first specialty. You must
reach the people with practical subjects, upon which all can agree....
God’s people have a work to do which is not being done. The last
message of mercy must be given to a world perishing in their sins.
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