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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
are living examples because they are like Christ. They are the light
of the world, the salt of the earth, and their influence upon others
is saving. They are Christ’s representatives upon the earth. Their
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objects and desires are not inspired by earthly things, neither can they
labor for gain nor enjoy a selfish love for it. Eternal considerations
are sufficient to overbalance every earthly attraction. A genuine
Christian will labor only to please God, having an eye single to His
glory and enjoying the reward of doing His will.
Ministers especially should know the character and works of
Christ, that they may imitate Him; for the character and works of a
true Christian are like His. He laid aside His glory, His dominion,
His riches, and sought after those who were perishing in sin. He
humbled Himself to our necessities, that He might exalt us to heaven.
Sacrifice, self-denial, and disinterested benevolence characterized
His life. He is our pattern. Have you, Brother A, imitated the
Pattern? I answer: No. He is a perfect and holy example, given
for us to imitate. We cannot equal the pattern; but we shall not be
approved of God if we do not copy it and, according to the ability
which God has given, resemble it. Love for souls for whom Christ
died will lead to a denial of self and a willingness to make any
sacrifice in order to be co-workers with Christ in the salvation of
souls.
The work of God’s chosen servants will be fruitful if wrought
in Him. Their words and works are the channels through which
the pure principles of truth and holiness are conveyed to the world.
Their exemplary lives make them the light of the world and the salt
of the earth. The servants of God should, with the hand of faith,
lay hold of the mighty arm and gather the divine rays of light from
above, while, with the hand of love, they reach after perishing souls.
Diligence is necessary for this work. Indolence will permit souls
who might be saved, to drift beyond reach. God wants in His service
ministers who are awake, who are energetic and persevering, who
are faithful watchmen upon Zion’s walls, listening to hear the words
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from the divine Teacher and faithfully proclaiming the same to the
people.
You are very much like Meroz. You are quite diligent when that
which you do will bring some advantage to yourself, but there is
no motive for special diligence unless you are to be benefited. You