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Testimonies for the Church Volume 9
simplicity, humility, and graceful dignity, avoiding everything of a
theatrical nature, their work will make a lasting impression for good.
There is a necessity, it is true, for expending money judiciously
in advertising the meetings and in carrying forward the work solidly.
Yet the strength of every worker will be found to lie, not in these
outward agencies, but in trustful dependence upon God, in earnest
prayer to Him for help, in obedience to His word. Much more prayer,
much more Christlikeness, much more conformity to God’s will, is
to be brought into the Lord’s work. Outward show and extravagant
outlay of means will not accomplish the work to be done.
God’s work is to be carried forward with power. We need the
baptism of the Holy Spirit. We need to understand that God will
add to the ranks of His people men of ability and influence who
are to act their part in warning the world. All in the world are not
lawless and sinful. God has many thousands who have not bowed the
knee to Baal. There are God-fearing men and women in the fallen
churches. If this were not so, we would not be given the message to
bear: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.... Come out of her, My
people.”
Revelation 18:2-4
. Many of the honest in heart are gasping
for a breath of life from heaven. They will recognize the gospel
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when it is brought to them in the beauty and simplicity with which
it is presented in God’s word.
The Need of House-to-House Work
Of equal importance with special public efforts is house-to-house
work in the homes of the people. In large cities there are certain
classes that cannot be reached by public meetings. These must be
searched out as the shepherd searches for his lost sheep. Diligent,
personal effort must be put forth in their behalf. When personal
work is neglected, many precious opportunities are lost, which, were
they improved, would advance the work decidedly.
As the result of the presentation of the truth in large congrega-
tions, a spirit of inquiry is awakened, and it is especially important
that this interest be followed up by personal labor. Those who desire
to investigate the truth need to be taught to study diligently the word
of God. Someone must help them to build on the sure foundation.
At this critical time in their religious experience, how important it is