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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
to be there. And just so it will be with those who know the truth
and yet close the door of the heart against its sanctifying power. “It
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that be-
lieve.” The servants of Christ are not only to be instruments through
the preaching of Jesus to lead men to repentance, but they are to
continue their watchcare and interest by keeping before the people,
by precept and example, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They are
to sanctify themselves that their hearers also may be sanctified. Thus
all will grow in godliness, going on from grace to grace, until the
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ambassador for God can present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Then the ministerial office will be seen in its true, sacred character.
A Lowered Standard
But the standard of the ministry has been greatly lowered, and
the Minister of the true sanctuary is misrepresented before the world.
God is ready to accept men as His colaborers, and to make them the
light of the world, agents through whom He can graciously infuse
light into the understanding. If the men who bear the message have
not Christ abiding in them, if they are not true,—and some are not,—
may the Lord awaken them from their deception before it shall be
too late. God wants men to be tenderhearted, compassionate, and
to love as brethren. Jesus is waiting for them to open the door, that
He may come in and infuse into their hearts the warmth of His love,
His goodness, His tender compassion; that the worker may in all his
connection with humanity reveal the Saviour to the world.
Ministers too often act the part of critics, showing their aptness
and sharpness in controversy. Sabbath after Sabbath passes away,
and scarcely an impression of the grace of Christ is made upon the
hearts and minds of the hearers. Thus the ministry comes to be
regarded as unimportant. All heaven is working for the salvation
of sinners; and when the poorest of the human family comes with
repentance to his Father, as did the prodigal son, there is joy among
the heavenly host. There is warmth and courtesy and love in heaven.
Let ministers go before God in prayer, confessing their sins, and
with all the simplicity of a little child ask for the blessings that they
need. Plead for the warmth of Christ’s love, and then bring it into
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your discourses; and let no one have occasion to go away and say