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Appeal to Laymen
109
ing God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A
spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the
great Day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting
families and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were
convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine
conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open
to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened
with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the
true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and
praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed
in 1844.
Yet some refused to be converted. They were not willing to
walk in God’s way, and when, in order that the work of God might
be advanced, calls were made for freewill offerings, some clung
selfishly to their earthly possessions. These covetous ones became
separated from the company of believers.
Laboring While Probation Lingers
The judgments of God are in the earth, and, under the influence
of the Holy Spirit, we must give the message of warning that He has
entrusted to us. We must give this message quickly, line upon line,
precept upon precept. Men will soon be forced to great decisions,
and it is our duty to see that they are given an opportunity to under-
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stand the truth, that they may take their stand intelligently on the
right side. The Lord calls upon His people to labor—labor earnestly
and wisely—while probation lingers.
The Importance of Personal Labor
Among the members of our churches there should be more house-
to-house labor in giving Bible readings and distributing literature.
A Christian character can be symmetrically and completely formed
only when the human agent regards it as a privilege to work disinter-
estedly in the proclamation of the truth and to sustain the cause of
God with means. We must sow beside all waters, keeping our souls
in the love of God, working while it is day, and using the means the
Lord has given us to do whatever duty comes next. Whatever our