10
Testimonies to Southern Africa
work. No one man was to do it all, but each man had a specified work
and was to attend to that work faithfully and critically, that the order
and harmony and exalted character of the work should make decided
impressions on the nations around them, showing to these nations that
Israel had a Governor who was the Lord Himself. Thus the work and
character of God would not stand inferior or belittled in the eyes of the
nations who served other gods.
The one object to be kept before the mind is that you are reformers,
and not bigots. In dealing with unbelievers, do not show a contemptible
spirit of littleness, for if you stop to haggle over a small sum, you will,
in the end, lose a much larger sum. They will say, “That man is a
sharper; he would cheat you out of your rights if he possibly could,
so be on your guard when you have any dealing with him.” But if in
a deal a trifle in your favour is placed to the favour of another, that
other will work with you on the same generous plan. Littleness begets
littleness, penuriousness begets penuriousness. Those who pursue this
course do not see how contemptible it appears to others, especially
those not of our faith; and the precious cause of truth bears the stamp
of this defect.
We are not to make the world’s manner of dealing ours. We are to
give to the world a nobler example, showing that our faith is of a high
and elevated character. Do unto others as you would that others should
do unto you. Let every action reveal the nobility of truth. Be true to
your faith, and you will be true to God. Come close to the Word, that
you may learn what its claims really are. When God speaks, it is your
duty to listen and obey. Remember that everything in the world is
judged by appearances; therefore, study carefully the Word of God,
[12]
and see that the words of instruction given to ancient Israel affect your
arrangements and plans. While you shall not conform to the world,
remember that our faith bears the stamp of singularity, and makes us a
peculiar people. Therefore, all odd notions and individual peculiarities
and narrow plans that would give false impressions of the greatness of
the work, should be avoided. None of the workers should manufacture
crosses and duties; for the Bible has given the rule, the cross, the way.
Let none of you feel that you are above temptation, that you have
good principles, and need fear nothing from yourselves or the work
which you have to do. Be jealous of yourselves. You need to humble
your hearts constantly before God, that human depravity shall not