Church Duties
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the earth; therefore we should show greater perfection of character and
more earnest devotion. A most solemn message has been entrusted to
those who have received the light of present truth. Our light should
shine forth to brighten the pathway of those who are in darkness.
As members of the visible church, and workers in the vineyard of the
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Lord, all professed Christians should do their utmost to preserve peace,
harmony, and love in the church. Mark the prayer of Christ: “That
they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they
also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent
Me.” The unity of the church is the convincing evidence that God has
sent Jesus into the world as its Redeemer. This is an argument which
worldlings cannot controvert. Therefore Satan is constantly working
to prevent this union and harmony, that unbelievers, by witnessing
backsliding, dissension, and strife among professed Christians, may
become disgusted with religion and be confirmed in their impenitence.
God is dishonored by those who profess the truth while they are at
variance and enmity with one another. Satan is the great accuser of the
brethren, and all who engage in this work are enlisted in his service.
We profess to have more truth than other denominations; yet if this
does not lead to greater consecration, to purer, holier lives, of what
benefit is it to us? It would be better for us never to have seen the light
of truth than to profess to accept it and not be sanctified through it.
In order to determine how important are the interests involved in
the conversion of the soul from error to truth, we must appreciate the
value of immortality; we must realize how terrible are the pains of the
second death; we must comprehend the honor and glory awaiting the
ransomed, and understand what it is to live in the presence of Him who
died that He might elevate and ennoble man, and give to the overcomer
a royal diadem.
The worth of a soul cannot be fully estimated by finite minds.
How gratefully will the ransomed and glorified ones remember those
who were instrumental in their salvation! No one will then regret his
self-denying efforts and persevering labors, his patience, forbearance,
and earnest heart yearnings for souls that might have been lost had he
neglected his duty or become weary in well-doing.
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Now these white-robed ones are gathered into the fold of the Great
Shepherd. The faithful worker and the soul saved through his labor
are greeted by the Lamb in the midst of the throne, and are led to the