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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
the truth from the pulpit. He is then to become acquainted with his
hearers. Many greatly fail in not coming in close sympathy with those
who most need their help. With the Bible in their hand they should
seek in a courteous manner to learn the objections which exist in the
minds of those who are beginning to inquire: “What is truth?”
They should be carefully and tenderly led and educated as pupils
in school. Many have to unlearn theories which have been engrafted
into their lives. As they become convinced that they have been in error
concerning Bible subjects, they are thrown into perplexity and doubt.
They need the tenderest sympathy and the most judicious help; they
should be carefully instructed; they should be prayed for and prayed
with, watched and guarded with the kindest solicitude. Those who
have fallen under temptation and have backslidden from God need
help. This class is represented in the lessons of Christ by the lost
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sheep. The shepherd left the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and
hunted for the one lost sheep until he found it; he then returned with
rejoicing, bearing it on his shoulder. Also by the illustration of the
woman who searched for the lost piece of silver until she found it,
and called together her neighbors to rejoice with her that the lost was
found. The connection of heavenly angels with the Christian’s work
is here brought clearly to light. There is more joy in the presence of
the angels in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety and
nine just persons who need no repentance. There is joy with the Father
and with Christ. All heaven is interested in the salvation of man. He
who is instrumental in saving a soul is at liberty to rejoice; for angels
of God have witnessed his efforts with the most intense interest, and
rejoice with him in his success.
How thorough, then, should be the labor, and how deep the sympa-
thy, of man for his fellow man. It is a great privilege to be a co-worker
with Jesus Christ in the salvation of souls. He with patient, unselfish
efforts sought to reach man in his fallen condition and to rescue him
from the consequences of sin; therefore His disciples, who are the
teachers of His word, should closely imitate their great Exemplar.
It is necessary, in order to pursue this great and arduous work, that
the ministers of Christ should possess physical health. To attain this
end they must become regular in their habits and adopt a healthful
system of living. Many are continually complaining and suffering from
various indispositions. This is almost always because they do not labor