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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
earnest efforts, the strongest appeals, the closest applications, and,
like valiant soldiers, at the critical moment make the charge upon the
enemy, they would gain the victory. Souls would have strength to break
the bands of Satan and make their decisions for everlasting life. Well-
directed labor at the right time will make a long-tried effort successful,
when to leave the labor even for a few days will in many cases cause
an entire failure. Ministers must give themselves as missionaries to the
work and learn how to make their efforts to the very best advantage.
Some ministers at the very commencement of a series of meetings
become very zealous, take on burdens which God does not require
them to bear, exhaust their strength in singing and in long, loud praying
and talking, and then are worn out and must go home to rest. What
was accomplished in that effort? Literally nothing. The laborers had
spirit and zeal, but lacked understanding. They manifested no wise
generalship. They rode upon the chariot of feeling, but there was not
one victory gained against the enemy. His stronghold was not taken.
I was shown that ministers of Christ should discipline themselves
for the warfare. Greater wisdom is required in generalship in the work
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of God than is required of the generals engaged in national battles.
Ministers of God’s choosing are engaged in a great work. They are
warring not merely against men, but against Satan and his angels. Wise
generalship is required here. They must become Bible students and
give themselves wholly to the work. When they commence labor in
a place, they should be able to give the reasons of our faith, not in a
boisterous manner, not with a perfect storm, but with meekness and
fear. The power which will convince is strong arguments presented in
meekness and in the fear of God.
Able ministers of Christ are required for the work in these last days
of peril, able in word and doctrine, acquainted with the Scriptures, and
understanding the reasons of our faith. I was directed to these scrip-
tures, the meaning of which has not been realized by some ministers:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to
give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
is in you with meekness and fear.” “Let your speech be alway with
grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer
every man.” “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that
oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to