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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
Master has left them to do, and “Unfaithful servant” is written against
their names in the books of heaven. The church come to the conclusion
that if these things were essential, the minister, whom God has sent to
present the truth to them, would tell them so; and they feel secure and
at ease while neglecting their duty. They go contrary to the express
requirements of God and as the result become lifeless and inefficient.
They do not exert a saving influence upon the world, and they are
represented by Christ as salt without savor.
Companies of Sabbathkeepers may be raised up in many places.
Often they will not be large companies; but they must not be neglected,
they must not be left to die for want of proper personal effort and
training. The work should not be left prematurely. See that all are
intelligent in the truth, established in the faith, and interested in every
branch of the work, before leaving them for another field. And then,
like the apostle Paul, visit them often to see how they do. Oh, the slack
work that is done by many who claim to be commissioned of God to
preach His word, makes angels weep.
The cause might be in a healthful condition in every field, and it
would be if ministers would trust in God and allow nothing to come
between them and their work. Laborers are needed much more than
mere preachers, but the two offices must be united. It has been proved
in the missionary field that, whatever may be the preaching talent, if
the laboring part is neglected, if the people are not taught how to work,
how to conduct meetings, how to act their part in missionary labor,
how to reach people successfully, the work will be nearly a failure.
There is much to be done in the Sabbath school work also in bringing
the people to realize their obligation and to act their part. God calls
them to work for Him, and the ministers should guide their efforts.
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The sad fact is apparent that the work in these fields ought to be
years in advance of what it now is. The negligence on the part of the
ministers has discouraged the people, and the lack of interest, self-
sacrifice, and appreciation of the work on the part of the people has
discouraged the ministers. “Two years behind” stands recorded in the
Ledger of Heaven. This people might have done much to advance the
cause of truth and to bring souls to Christ in different localities, and
at the same time might themselves have been growing in grace and in
the knowledge of the truth, had they improved their opportunities and
made the most of their privileges, walking, not with murmuring and