Work of Soulsaving
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anxious solicitude the one who is truly converted seeks to rescue those
who are still in Satan’s power. He refuses to do anything that would
hinder him in his work. If he has children he realizes that his work
must begin in his own family. His children are exceedingly precious to
him. Remembering that they are the younger members of the Lord’s
family, he strives with all his power to place them where they will
stand on the Lord’s side. He has pledged himself to serve, honor, and
obey Christ; and he puts forth patient, untiring effort so to train his
children that they will never be hostile to the Saviour.
On fathers and mothers, God has placed the responsibility of saving
their children from the power of the enemy. This is their work, a work
that they should on no account neglect. Those parents who have a
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living connection with Christ will not rest until they see their children
safe in the fold. They will make this the burden of their life.
Parents, do not neglect the work waiting for you in the church in
your own family. This is your first field of missionary effort. The most
important work you can do is to place your children on the Lord’s
side. When they err, deal with them tenderly, yet firmly. Let them
unite with you in opposing the evil by which Satan seeks to destroy
the souls and bodies of human beings. Share with them the secret of
the cross, the secret that to you means sanctification, redemption, and
eternal victory. As you take your children with you into the service of
the Lord, what a victory you gain.
If the families around you are opposed to the truth, strive to lead
them to yield to the claims of Christ. Work patiently, wisely, consid-
erately, winning your way by the tender ministry of love. Present the
truth in such a way that it will be seen in all its beauty, exerting an
influence that cannot be resisted. Thus the walls of prejudice will be
broken down.
If this work were faithfully done, if fathers and mothers would
work for the members of their own families, and then for those around
them, uplifting Christ by a godly life, thousands of souls would be
saved. When God’s people are truly converted, when they realize the
obligation resting on them to labor for those within their reach, when
they leave no means untried to rescue sinners from the power of the
enemy, the reproach will be removed from our churches.
We have now only a little time in which to prepare for eternity.
May the Lord open the closed eyes of His people and quicken their