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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
point, the opposition was strong, and it had to be met again and
again. But we knew that the Lord God of Israel was leading us, and
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guiding by His providence. We engaged in the work of organization,
and marked prosperity attended this advance movement.
As the development of the work called upon us to engage in
new enterprises, we were prepared to enter upon them. The Lord
directed our minds to the importance of the educational work. We
saw the need of schools, that our children might receive instruction
free from the errors of false philosophy, that their training might
be in harmony with the principles of the word of God. The need
of a health institution had been urged upon us, both for the help
and instruction of our own people and as a means of blessing and
enlightenment to others. This enterprise also was carried forward.
All this was missionary work of the highest order.
Results of United Effort
Our work was not sustained by large gifts or legacies; for we
have few wealthy men among us. What is the secret of our pros-
perity? We have moved under the orders of the Captain of our
salvation. God has blessed our united efforts. The truth has spread
and flourished. Institutions have multiplied. The mustard seed has
grown to a great tree. The system of organization has proved a grand
success. Systematic benevolence [
See appendix.
] was entered into
according to the Bible plan. The body has been “compacted by that
which every joint supplieth.” As we have advanced, our system of
organization has still proved effectual.
Let none entertain the thought that we can dispense with organi-
zation. It has cost us much study and many prayers for wisdom, that
we know God has answered, to erect this structure. It has been built
up by His direction, through much sacrifice and conflict. Let none
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of our brethren be so deceived as to attempt to tear it down, for you
will thus bring in a condition of things that you do not dream of. In
the name of the Lord I declare to you that it is to stand, strengthened,
established, and settled. At God’s command, “Go forward,” we
advanced when the difficulties to be surmounted made the advance
seem impossible. We know how much it has cost to work out God’s
plans in the past, which have made us as a people what we are. Then