8
Testimonies to Southern Africa
than it is if our brethren had not tried to move in so cheap a way. If
they had hired good halls, and carried forward the work as though they
had great truths which would be victorious and as though God would
have them start in to make the very first impression the very best that
could be made, as far as they go, the work would have advanced more
than it has.
Keep up the elevated character of the missionary work. Let the
inquiry of both men and women associated in the missionary work
be, What am I? and what ought I to be and do? Let each worker
consider that he cannot give to others that which he does not possess
himself. Therefore, he should not settle down into his own set ways
and habits, and make no change for the better. Paul says, “Not as
though I had already attained,but I follow after.... I press toward the
mark.”
Philippians 3:12, 14
. It is constant advancement and improve-
ment, and reformation that is to be made with individuals to perfect a
symmetrical, well-balanced character.
Please remember the words of caution that I now give you. You
all need a more perfect and symmetrical character than you now have.
No one has ways and habits that do not need improvement, and if
this improvement is not made with you all individually, if you are not
constantly seeking for higher attainments in every way, you will greatly
hinder the work of each other. There must be a continual advancement
with ever-varying changes. New duties will arise, new fields of labour
open before you, and thoroughly organized effort will bring success.
There is little that any of you can do alone. Two or more are better
than one, if there will be that humility that you will esteem each other
better than yourselves. If any of you consider your plans and modes
of labour perfect, you greatly deceive yourselves. Counsel together
with much prayer and humbleness of mind, willing to be entreated and
advised. This will bring you where God will be your Counsellor. The
work you are engaged in cannot be done except by forces which are
[10]
the result of well-understood plans. If you undertake the work in a
narrow, cheap plan, as they have done in [the British] mission, it will
be no more in place in Africa than in any British territory and will not
be wisdom in any large city.
There must be something ventured, and some risks run by those
on the field of battle. They must not in every movement feel that they
must receive orders from headquarters. They must do the best they can