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160
Pastoral Ministry
of the work which the Lord has laid upon them—the burden of leading
souls into the truth. Let them teach the people that they should have a
strong desire to see those not in the faith converted to the truth. Let
those who have opportunity do their God-given work. Those who are
not fulfilling their responsibility should be visited, prayed with, and
labored for, that they may become faithful stewards of the grace of
Christ. Do not lead the people to depend upon you as ministers, but
teach every one who shall embrace the truth that he has a work to do
in using the talents God has given him to save the souls of those who
are nigh him. In thus working, the people will have the cooperation of
the angels of God. They will obtain a valuable experience which will
increase their faith and give them a strong hold of God.—
Manuscript
21
a, 1894 (
A New Life [Revival and Beyond], 1:127, 128
).
The Saviour was disappointed in His lack of success in recruit-
ing workers but persisted—If our workers had been baptized with
the Spirit of Christ, they would have done fifty times more than they
have done to train men for laborers. Though one or two, or even many,
have not borne the test, we should not cease our efforts; for this work
must be done for Christ. The Saviour was disappointed; because of
the perversity of human hearts, His efforts were not rewarded with
success; but He kept at the work, and so must we. If we had toiled with
fidelity, patience, and love, we should have had one hundred workers
where there is one. Unimproved opportunities are written against us
in the same book that bears the record of envy and rebellion against
God. Years have been lost to us in our foreign missions. There have
been a few earnest workers; but to a great extent their energies have
been employed in keeping men who profess the truth from making
shipwreck of faith. Had these men who required so much help to keep
them propped up, been working for the salvation of their fellowmen,
they would have forgotten their trials, and would have become strong
in helping others. We are able to achieve vastly more than we have
done, if we will call to our aid all whom we can get to enlist in the
work. Some will prove worthless; but while finding this out, we must
yet keep at work. One worthy, God-fearing worker will repay all our
effort, care, and expense.—
The Review and Herald, December 15,
1885
.