After the Camp Meeting
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In every place where the truth is presented, earnest efforts should
be made from the first to preach the gospel to the poor and to heal the
sick. This work, faithfully done, will add to the church many souls of
such as shall be saved.
Those who engage in house-to-house labor will find opportunities
for ministry in many lines. They should pray for the sick and should
do all in their power to relieve them from suffering. They should work
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among the lowly, the poor, and the oppressed. We should pray for
and with the helpless ones who have not strength of will to control
the appetites that passion has degraded. Earnest, persevering effort
must be made for the salvation of those in whose hearts an interest is
awakened. Many can be reached only through acts of disinterested
kindness. Their physical wants must first be relieved. As they see
evidence of our unselfish love, it will be easier for them to believe in
the love of Christ.
Missionary nurses are best qualified for this work; but others should
be connected with them. These, although not specially educated and
trained in nursing, can learn from their fellow workers the best manner
of labor.
Talk, pharisaism, and self-praise are abundant; but these will never
win souls to Christ. Pure, sanctified love, such love as was expressed
in Christ’s lifework, is as a sacred perfume. Like Mary’s broken
box of ointment, it fills the whole house with fragrance. Eloquence,
knowledge of truth, rare talents, mingled with love, are all precious
endowments. But ability alone, the choicest talents alone, cannot take
the place of love.
This love must be manifested by God’s workers. Love for God and
for those for whom Christ has died will do a work that we can scarcely
comprehend. Those who do not cherish and cultivate this love cannot
be successful missionaries.
* * * * *
Let all who decide for Christ be set to work for others who are
dead in trespasses and sins. Wherever the truth has been proclaimed
and people have been awakened and converted, the believers are at
once to unite in exercises of charity. Wherever Bible truth has been
presented, a work of practical godliness is to be begun. Wherever a
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