Labor in the Cities
299
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
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to the ranks of His people men of ability and influence who are to act
their part in warning the world. Not all in the world are 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 when it is brought to
them in the beauty and simplicity with which it is presented in God’s
word....
Teaching the Principles of Health Reform
As a people we have been given the work of making known the
principles of health reform. There are some who think that the question
of diet is not of sufficient importance to be included in their evangelistic
work. But such make a great mistake. God’s word declares, “Whether
therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory
of God.” [
1 Corinthians 10:31
.] The subject of temperance, in all its
bearings, has an important place in the work of salvation.
In connection with our city missions there should be suitable rooms
where those in whom an interest has been awakened can be gathered
for instruction. This necessary work is not to be carried on in such
a meager way that an unfavorable impression will be made on the
minds of the people. All that is done should bear favorable witness to
the Author of truth, and should properly represent the sacredness and
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importance of the truths of the third angel’s message....