112
Gospel Workers 1915
I have been shown that the most signal victories and the most fear-
ful defeats have been on the turn of minutes. God requires promptness
of action. Delays, doubtings, hesitation, and indecision frequently give
the enemy every advantage....
The timing of things may tell much in favor of truth. Victories
are frequently lost through delays. There will be crises in this cause.
Prompt and decisive action at the right time will gain glorious triumphs,
while delay and neglect will result in great failures and positive dis-
honor to God. Rapid movements at the critical moment often disarm
the enemy, and he is disappointed and vanquished, for he had expected
time to lay plans and work by artifice....
The greatest promptness is positively necessary in the hour of peril
and danger. Every plan may be well laid to accomplish certain results,
and yet a delay of a very short time may leave things to assume an
entirely different shape, and the great objects which might have been
gained are lost through lack of quick foresight and prompt dispatch.
[135]
Much may be done in training the mind to overcome indolence.
There are times when caution and great deliberation are necessary;
rashness would be folly. But even here much has been lost by too great
hesitancy. Caution, up to a certain point, is required; but hesitancy and
policy on particular occasions have been more disastrous than would
have been a failure through rashness.—
“Testimonies for the Church.”
Vol. III, pages 496-498
.
* * * * *
There are those who for a time are successful in the struggle against
their selfish desire for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest,
but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil.
Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their
drowsy eyes, and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting
it.
The directions laid down in the word of God leave no room for
compromise with evil. The Son of God was manifested that He might
draw all men unto Himself. He came not to lull the world to sleep,
but to point out the narrow path in which all must travel who reach at
last the gates of the city of God. His children must follow where He
has led the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence,