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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
not the place for sport, for visiting, for idlers, for laughing or useless
words. All should feel that they are doing a work for their Master.
These truths which they read, which they act their part to prepare to
send out to the people, are invitations of mercy, are reproofs, threaten-
ings, warnings, or encouragements. These are doing their work as a
savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. If rejected, the judgment
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must decide the matter. The prayer of all in the office should be: “O
God, make these truths, which are of such vital importance, clear to
the comprehension of the humblest minds! May angels accompany
these silent preachers and bless their influence, that souls may be saved
by this humble means!”
The heart should go out in fervent prayer while the hands are busy,
and Satan will not find such ready access, and the soul, instead of
being lifted up unto vanity, will be constantly refreshed, will be like a
watered garden. Angels will delight to be near such workers, for their
presence will be continually encouraged by them. A power will attend
the truths published. Divine rays of light from the heavenly sanctuary
will attend the precious truths sent forth, so that those who read will be
refreshed and strengthened, and souls that are opposed to the truth will
be convicted and compelled to say: These things are so; they cannot
be gainsaid.
All should feel that the office is a holy place, as sacred as the house
of God. But God has been dishonored by the frivolity and lightness
indulged by some connected with the work. I saw that strangers
from abroad often went away from the office disappointed. They had
associated it with everything sacred; but when they saw the youth, or
others connected with the office, possessing but little gravity, careless
in words and acts, it caused them to doubt whether, after all, this is
really the work of God to prepare a people for translation to heaven.
May God bless this to all concerned.
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