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done by our ministers to keep this complicated machinery in motion
engrosses so much time that the spiritual work is neglected. And with
so many things to run, this work requires so large an amount of means
that other branches of the work will wither and die for want of due
attention.
While the silent messengers of truth should be scattered like the
leaves of autumn, our ministers should not make this work a form and
leave devotion and true piety out of the question. Ten truly converted,
willing-minded, unselfish workers can do more in the missionary field
than one hundred who confine their efforts to set forms and preserve
mechanical rules, working without deep love for souls.
Vigilant missionary work must in no case be neglected. It has done
much for the salvation of souls. The success of God’s work depends
very much upon this; but those who do this work are to be those who
are spiritual, whose letters will breathe the light and love of Jesus, and
who feel the burden of the work. They should be men and women
who can pray, who have a close connection with God. The ready
mind, the sanctified will, and sound judgment are needed. They will
have learned of the heavenly Teacher the most successful manner of
appealing to souls. They will have learned their lessons in the school
of Christ. They will do their work with an eye single to the glory of
God.
Without this education all the teachings received from your instruc-
tors in regard to forms and rules, however thorough the lessons may
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be, will leave you still novices in the work. You must learn of Christ.
You should deny self for Christ. You should put your neck under the
yoke of Christ. You must carry the burden of Christ. You must feel
that you are not your own, but servants of Christ, doing a work that
He has enjoined upon you, not for any praise or honor or glory that
you shall receive, but for His own dear sake. Into all your work you
should weave His grace, His love, His devotion, His zeal, His untiring
perseverance, His indomitable energy, that will tell for time and for
eternity.
The tract and missionary work is a good work. It is God’s work.
It should be in no way belittled, but there is continual danger of per-
verting it from its true object. Canvassers are wanted to labor in the
missionary field. Persons of uncouth manners are not fitted for this
work. Men and women who possess tact, good address, keen foresight,