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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
now very great danger of a departure from the simplicity of the gospel
of Christ. What we need is less dependence upon mere form and
ceremony, and far more of the power of true godliness. If their life
and character are exemplary, let all work who will, in any capacity.
Although they may not conform exactly to your methods, not a word
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should be spoken to condemn or discourage them. When the Pharisees
desired Jesus to silence the children who sang His praise, the Saviour
said: “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately
cry out.” Prophecy must be fulfilled. So in these days, the work must
be done. There are many departments of labor; let everyone act a part
as best he can. The man with one talent is not to bury that in the earth.
God has given to every man his work according to his ability. Those
to whom larger trusts and capabilities have been committed should
not endeavor to silence others who are less able or experienced. Men
with one talent may reach a class that those with two or five talents
cannot approach. Great and small alike are chosen vessels to bear the
water of life to thirsting souls. Let not those who preach the word lay
their hands upon the humblest worker and say: “You must labor in this
channel or not work at all.” Hands off, brethren. Let everyone work
in his own sphere, with his own armor on, doing whatever he can do
in his humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is no time
for pharisaism to control. Let God work through whom He will. The
message must go.
All are to show their fidelity to God by the wise use of His entrusted
capital, not in means alone, but in any endowment that will tend to the
upbuilding of His kingdom. Satan will employ every possible device
to prevent the truth from reaching those who are buried in error; but
the voice of warning and entreaty must come to them. And while
only a few are engaged in this work, thousands ought to be as much
interested as they. God never designed that the lay members of the
church should be excused from labor in His cause. “Go, labor in My
vineyard,” is the Master’s command to each of His followers. As long
as there are unconverted souls in the world, there should be the most
active, earnest, zealous, determined effort for their salvation. Those
who have received the light should seek to enlighten those who have it
not. If the church members do not individually take hold of this work,
then they show that they have no living connection with God. Their
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names are registered as slothful servants. Can you not discern the