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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
to become acquainted with those who need help. If one is staggering
under temptation, his case should be taken up carefully and managed
wisely; for his eternal interest is at stake, and the words and acts of
those laboring for him may be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto
death.
Sometimes a case presents itself that should be made a prayerful
study. The person must be shown his true character, understand his own
peculiarities of disposition and temperament, and see his infirmities.
He should be judiciously handled. If he can be reached, if his heart can
be touched by this wise and patient labor, he can be bound with strong
cords to Christ and led to trust in God. Oh, when a work like this is
done, all the heavenly courts look and rejoice; for a precious soul has
been rescued from Satan’s snare and saved from death! Oh, will it not
pay to work intelligently for the salvation of souls? Christ paid the
price of His own life for them, and shall His followers ask: “Am I my
brother’s keeper?” Shall we not work in unison with the Master? Shall
we not appreciate the worth of souls for whom our Saviour died?
Some efforts have been made to interest children in the cause, but
not enough. Our Sabbath schools should be made more interesting.
The public schools have of late years greatly improved their methods
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of teaching. Object lessons, pictures, and blackboards are used to
make difficult lessons clear to the youthful mind. Just so may present
truth be simplified and made intensely interesting to the active minds
of the children.
Parents who can be approached in no other way are frequently
reached through their children. Sabbath school teachers can instruct
the children in the truth, and they will, in turn, take it into the home
circle. But few teachers seem to understand the importance of this
branch of the work. The modes of teaching which have been adopted
with such success in the public schools could be employed with similar
results in the Sabbath schools and be the means of bringing children
to Jesus and educating them in Bible truth. This will do far more good
than religious excitement of an emotional character, that passes off as
rapidly as it comes.
The love of Christ should be cherished. More faith is needed in
the work which we believe is to be done before the coming of Christ.
There should be more self-denying, self-sacrificing labor in the right
direction. There should be thoughtful, prayerful study how to work