Page 215 - Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 (1871)

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Chapter 33—Christian Zeal
There is a noisy zeal, without aim or purpose, which is not
according to knowledge, which is blind in its operations and de-
structive in its results. This is not Christian zeal. Christian zeal is
controlled by principle and is not spasmodic. It is earnest, deep, and
strong, engaging the whole soul and arousing to exercise the moral
sensibilities. The salvation of souls and the interests of the kingdom
of God are matters of the highest importance. What object is there
that calls for greater earnestness than the salvation of souls and the
glory of God? There are considerations here which cannot be lightly
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regarded. They are as weighty as eternity. Eternal destinies are at
stake. Men and women are deciding for weal or woe. Christian zeal
will not exhaust itself in talk, but will feel and act with vigor and
efficiency. Yet Christian zeal will not act for the sake of being seen.
Humility will characterize every effort and be seen in every work.
Christian zeal will lead to earnest prayer and humiliation, and to
faithfulness in home duties. In the family circle will be seen the
gentleness and love, benevolence and compassion, which are ever
the fruits of Christian zeal.
I was shown that you must make an advance move. Your treasure
in heaven, Sister E, is not large. You are not rich toward God. May
the Lord open your eyes to see and your heart to feel, and cause you
to manifest Christian zeal. Oh, how few feel the worth of souls! How
few are willing to sacrifice to bring souls to the knowledge of Christ!
There is much talking, much professed love for perishing souls; but
talk is cheap stuff. It is earnest Christian zeal that is wanted—a zeal
that will be manifested by doing something. All must now work
for themselves, and when they have Jesus in their hearts they will
confess Him to others. No more could a soul who possesses Christ
be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of Niagara
be stopped from flowing over the falls.
I was shown that Brother F is buried in the rubbish of the world.
He cannot afford time to serve God, not even to earnestly study and
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