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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
golden link which binds their souls to Jesus Christ, a pure and holy
character, the true love and meekness and godliness that are the fruit
borne upon the Christian tree, and their influence will be secure
anywhere. The fact that a disregard of the custom occasions remark
is no good reason for adopting it. Americans can make their position
understood by plainly stating that the custom is not regarded as
obligatory in our country. We need not wear the sign, for we are
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not untrue to our marriage vow, and the wearing of the ring would
be no evidence that we were true. I feel deeply over this leavening
process which seems to be going on among us, in the conformity to
custom and fashion. Not one penny should be spent for a circlet of
gold to testify that we are married. In countries where the custom
is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have their
marriage ring; let them wear it if they can do so conscientiously;
but let not our missionaries feel that the wearing of the ring will
increase their influence one jot or tittle. If they are Christians, it
will be manifest in their Christlikeness of character, in their words,
in their works, in the home, in association with others; it will be
evinced by their patience and long-suffering and kindliness. They
will manifest the spirit of the Master, they will possess His beauty
of character, His loveliness of disposition, His sympathetic heart.
* * * * *
Improvement in the Work
[Special Testimonies, Series A 3:7, 8 (1895).]
April 23, 1894.
God calls for decided improvement to be made in the various
branches of the work. The business done in connection with the
cause of God must be marked with greater precision and exactitude.
There have not been close, decided, firm efforts put forth to bring
about essential reform. Some connected with the cause are drawing
near to the close of their lives, and yet they have not so learned the
lessons of the Bible as to feel the necessity of bringing them into
their practical life. They have wasted opportunities, and gracious
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blessings have been unappreciated because they did not wish to
make a change.