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Address to Ministers
445
faith, will accomplish the work that He requires to be wrought in us.
God calls for working men. It is continuance in well-doing that will
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form characters for heaven. In plainness, in faithfulness and love,
we must appeal to the people to prepare for the day of God. Some
will need to be entreated with earnestness before they will be moved.
Let the labor be characterized by meekness and humility, yet by an
earnestness that will make them understand that these things are a
reality, and that life and death are for them to choose. The salvation
of the soul is not a matter to be trifled with. The deportment of the
laborer for God should be serious and characterized by simplicity and
true Christian politeness, yet he should be fearfully in earnest in the
work which the Master has left him to do. Decided perseverance in a
course of righteousness, disciplining the mind by religious exercises
to love devotion and heavenly things, will bring the greatest amount
of happiness.
If we make God our trust, we have it in our power to control the
mind in these things. Through continued exercise it will become
strong to battle with internal foes and to subdue self, until there is a
complete transformation, and the passions, appetites, and will are
brought into perfect subjection. Then there will be daily piety at
home and abroad, and when we engage in labor for souls, a power
will attend our efforts. The humble Christian will have seasons
of devotion which are not spasmodic, fitful, or superstitious, but
calm and tranquil, deep, constant, and earnest. The love of God,
the practice of holiness, will be pleasant when there is a perfect
surrender to God.
The reason why ministers of Christ are no more successful in
their labors is that they are not unselfishly devoted to the work. The
interest of some is divided; they are double-minded. The cares of
this life engage their attention, and they do not realize how sacred is
the work of the minister. Such may complain of darkness, of great
unbelief, of infidelity. The reason for this is, they are not right with
God; they do not see the importance of making a full and entire
consecration to Him. They serve God a little, but themselves more.
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They pray but little.
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in His earthly ministry,
prayed much to His Father. He was frequently bowed all night
in prayer. His spirit was often sorrowful as He felt the powers