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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
of the popular churches. It may seem necessary on some occasions to
speak of these things, but in general it only creates prejudice against
our work and closes the ears of many who might otherwise have lis-
tened to the truth. If these teachers were connected closely with Christ,
they would have divine wisdom to know how to approach the people.
They would not so soon forget the darkness and error, the passion and
prejudice, which kept themselves from the truth.
Would these teachers work with the spirit of the Master, very
different results would follow. With meekness and long-suffering,
gentleness and love, yet with decided earnestness, they would seek to
direct those erring souls to a crucified and risen Saviour. When this
is done, we shall see God moving upon the hearts of men. Says the
great apostle: “We are laborers together with God.” What a work for
poor mortals! We are provided with spiritual weapons to “fight the
good fight of faith;” but some seem to have drawn from the armory of
heaven only its thunderbolts. How long must these defects exist?
While in the midst of a religious interest, some neglect the most
important part of the work. They fail to visit and become acquainted
with those who have shown an interest to present themselves night
after night to listen to the explanation of the Scriptures. Conversation
upon religious subjects, and earnest prayer with such at the right time,
might balance many souls in the right direction. Ministers who neglect
their duty in this respect are not true shepherds of the flock. At the
very time when they should be most active in visiting, conversing, and
praying with these interested ones, some will be employed in writing
unnecessarily long letters to persons at a distance. Oh, what are we
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doing for the Master! When probation shall end, how many will see
the opportunities they have neglected to render service to their dear
Lord who died for them. And even those who were accounted most
faithful will see much more that they might have done, had not their
minds been diverted by worldly surroundings.
We entreat the heralds of the gospel of Christ never to become
discouraged in the work, never to consider the most hardened sinner
beyond the reach of the grace of God. Such may accept the truth in
the love of it and become the salt of the earth. He who turns the hearts
of men as the rivers of water are turned can bring the most selfish,
sin-hardened soul to surrender to Christ. Is aught too hard for God
to do? “My word,” He says, “shall not return unto Me void, but it