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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
special efforts for these souls, who are in need of special labor because
of their responsibilities and temptations.
From the light given me I know that a plain “Thus saith the Lord”
should now be spoken to men who have influence and authority in
the world. They are stewards to whom God has committed important
trusts. If they will accept His call, God will use them in His cause.
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There are men of the world who have God-given powers of organi-
zation that are needed in the carrying forward of the work for these last
days. Men are needed who can take the management of institutions,
men who can act as leaders and educators in our conferences. God
calls for men who can look ahead and discern the work that needs to
be done, who can act as faithful financiers, men who will stand firm as
a rock to principle in every peril and crisis that may arise.
The cause of God needs now, as it has needed in past years, talent
which it was God’s purpose that it should have. But so much selfishness
has been woven into our institutions that the Lord has not wrought to
connect with the work those who should be connected with it. He has
seen that they would not be properly recognized and appreciated.
God calls for earnest, humble workers who will carry the truth to
the higher classes. It is by no casual, accidental touch that wealthy,
world-loving, world-worshiping souls can be drawn to Christ. Decided
personal effort must be put forth by men and women imbued with the
missionary spirit, those who will not fail nor be discouraged.
We should hold convocations for prayer, asking the Lord to open
the way for the truth to enter the strongholds where Satan has set up his
throne, and dispel the shadow he has cast athwart the pathway of those
whom he is seeking to deceive and destroy. We have the assurance:
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James
5:16
.
Solicit prayer for the souls for whom you labor; present them
before the church as subjects for their supplication. It will be just
what the members of the church need, to have their minds called from
their petty difficulties, to feel a great burden, a personal interest, for a
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soul that is ready to perish. Select another and still another soul, daily
seeking guidance from God, laying every thing before Him in earnest
prayer, and working in divine wisdom. As you do this, God will give
you the Holy Spirit to convict and convert the soul.