Church the Light of the World
415
ignorant of the power of godliness. If Christ were our pattern, His life
our rule, what zeal would be manifested, what efforts put forth, what
liberality exercised, what self-denial practiced! How untiringly should
we labor, what fervent petitions for power and wisdom would ascend
to God! If all the professed children of God would feel that it is the
chief business of life to do the work which He has bidden them to do,
if they would labor unselfishly in His cause, what a change would be
seen in hearts and homes, in churches, yea, in the world itself!
Vigilance and fidelity have been required of Christ’s followers
in every age; but now that we are standing upon the very verge of
the eternal world, holding the truths we do, having so great light, so
important a work, we must double our diligence. Everyone is to do
[461]
to the very utmost of his ability. My brother, you endanger your own
salvation if you hold back now. God will call you to account if you
fail in the work He has assigned you. Have you a knowledge of the
truth? give it to others.
What can I say to arouse our churches? What can I say to those who
have acted a prominent part in the proclamation of the last message?
“The Lord is coming,” should be the testimony borne, not only by the
lips, but by the life and character; but many to whom God has given
light and knowledge, talents of influence and means, are men who do
not love the truth and do not practice it. They have drunk so deeply
from the intoxicating cup of selfishness and worldliness that they have
become drunken with the cares of this life. Brethren, if you continue
to be as idle, as worldly, as selfish as you have been, God will surely
pass you by, and take those who are less self-caring, less ambitious
for worldly honor, and who will not hesitate to go, as did their Master,
without the camp, bearing the reproach. The work will be given to
those who will take it, those who prize it, who weave its principles
into their everyday experience. God will choose humble men who
are seeking to glorify His name and advance His cause rather than to
honor and advance themselves. He will raise up men who have not
so much worldly wisdom, but who are connected with Him, and who
will seek strength and counsel from above.
Some of our leading men are inclined to indulge the spirit mani-
fested by the apostle John when he said: “Master, we saw one casting
out devils in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth
not with us.” Organization and discipline are essential, but there is