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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Study the Pattern
Now in the establishment and broadening of the work in this
country, means will be essential, that we may do a large work in a
short time. And the only way we can do it is, in every movement, to
keep the eye single to the glory of God, so that it may not be said of
us, They began to build, and were not able to finish. In leading out
to do a broader work, we need, at the very beginning, to put pride
and worldly ambition entirely out of our hearts. Having before us
the example of Christ, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, we
need not make a mistake. “He that followeth Me shall not walk in
darkness, but shall have the light of life.” “If any man will come after
Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow
Me.” We must study the Pattern, and inquire at every step, “Is this
the way of the Lord?” We shall certainly make grave mistakes if
we do not keep self-denial and self-sacrifice prominent before the
people in every movement.
The work in this missionary field is yet in its infancy. The
believers have made only a beginning in the Christian life; and the
reason why we have felt so great a burden for this people is, that
henceforth they may learn greater things. It doth not yet appear
what they shall be through a practical belief in the truth and the
sanctification of the entire being by the truth. The words and example
of our Redeemer in His life of humility and self-denial will be the
light and strength of His people if they follow Jesus fully, trusting in
Him at every step. Let it be the language of our hearts, “Be Thou
my pattern.” He that “willeth to do His will, he shall know of the
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teaching.” Nothing is so desirable as to live as Christ lived, to deny
self as Christ denied Himself, and to labor with Him in seeking to
save that which is lost.
Avoid Extravagance
In the line of furniture, do not purchase one article merely to
make a show. Get things that will be useful, and that will bear
handling. Educate the people to practice self-denial. Let it be
considered that every dollar may represent a soul, for someone might
be brought to a knowledge of the truth through the use of that dollar
in the missionary work. We may have very nice taste, and enjoy