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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
God has not given talents to men capriciously, but according to
their God-given ability to use them. The greater the talents lent to
man, the greater the returns required. God requires every human
agent to consult the living oracle, and become thoroughly acquainted
with His expressed will in all matters, that by diligently using the
talents lent him, he may gain others.
God would have us learn the solemn lesson that we are working
out our own destiny. The character we form in this life decides
whether or not we are fitted to live through the eternal ages. No man
can with safety remain idle. He may not have many talents, but let
him trade on those which he has; and in proportion as he exhibits
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integrity toward God and his fellowmen, so God will bless him.
The Holy Spirit waits to give aid to every believing soul, and
Jesus declares, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world.” Let those who believe in Jesus be strong, prayerful, and
full of trust in Christ’s power to save. “Call upon Me in the day of
trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”
The Lord’s Entreaty
Let me entreat our state conferences and our churches to cease
putting their dependence upon men and making flesh their arm.
Look not to other men to see how they conduct themselves under
the conviction of the truth, or to ask them for aid. Look not to men
in high positions of responsibility for strength, for they are the very
men who are in danger of considering a position of responsibility as
evidence of God’s special power. Our churches are weak because the
members are educated to look to and depend upon human resources,
and thousands of dollars are needlessly expended in transporting
finite men from one place to another, in order that they may settle
little difficulties, when Jesus is ever near to help those who are needy
and distressed.
The warnings given in the word of God to the children of Israel
were meant, not merely for them, but for all who should live upon
the earth. He says to them: “Woe to the rebellious children, ... that
take counsel, but not of Me; and that cover with a covering, but not
of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin: that walk to go down into
Egypt, and have not asked at My mouth; to strengthen themselves in