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Colporteur Ministry
change their course of hypocrisy and deception. Others who have erred
are seeking to redeem themselves. May the dear Jesus help them to set
their faces as a flint against all falsehoods and the flatteries of those
who would weaken their purpose to do right or who would insinuate
doubts or infidel sentiments to shake their faith in the truth. Young
friends, do not spend an hour in the company of those who would unfit
you for the pure and sacred work of God. Do nothing before strangers
that you would not do before your father and mother, or that you would
be ashamed of before Christ and the holy angels.
Some may think these cautions are not needed by Sabbathkeepers,
but those to whom they apply know what I mean. I tell you, young men,
to beware; for you can do nothing that is not open to the eyes of angels
and of God. You cannot do an evil work and others not be affected by
it. While your course of action reveals what kind of material is used
in your own character building, it also has a powerful influence over
others. Never lose sight of the fact that you belong to God, that He has
bought you with a price, and you must render an account to Him for
all His entrusted talents. No one should have any part in the work of
the canvasser or colporteur whose hand is defiled with sin or whose
heart is not right with God, for such persons will surely dishonor the
cause of truth. Those who are workers in the missionary field need
God to guide them. They should be careful to start right and then keep
quietly and firmly on in the path of rectitude. They should be decided,
[54]
for Satan is determined and persevering in his efforts to overthrow
them.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:396-399
(1885).
Constant Dependence on God—He who in his work meets with
trials and temptations should profit by these experiences, learning to
lean more decidedly upon God. He should feel his dependence every
moment.
No complaint should be cherished in his heart or be uttered by
his lips. When successful, he should take no glory to himself, for his
success is due to the working of God’s angels upon the heart. And let
him remember that both in the time of encouragement and the time
of discouragement the heavenly messengers are always beside him.
He should acknowledge the goodness of the Lord, praising Him with
cheerfulness.
Christ laid aside His glory and came to this earth to suffer for
sinners. If we meet with hardships in our work, let us look to Him