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The Worth of a Soul, February 18
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17
.
We profess to be the repositories of God’s law, and as a people professing
[to have] greater light and to live up to a higher standard than any other people
upon earth, we should show greater perfection of character and a deeper devotion,
exalting sacred and eternal things. A most solemn message has been entrusted
to those who have received the light of truth, and our light should shine forth in
clear beams to brighten the pathway of those who are in darkness, and thus daily
glorify God in our lives.
Every member of the church has an individual responsibility as a member of
the visible church, and a worker in the vineyard of the Lord, and should do his
utmost to preserve harmony, union, and love in the church....
The evidence that the world cannot withstand and controvert, that God has
sent Jesus into the world as its Redeemer, is in the oneness of the church. Their
unity and harmony is the convincing argument. Satan is therefore constantly at
work to prevent this harmony and union, that in witnessing the bickerings, strifes,
and dissension, unbelievers shall become disgusted with Christianity, and fastened
in unbelief and infidelity. God is dishonored by those who profess the truth while
they are at variance with one another.
If our profession ... [to have] greater truths than other denominations [have]
does not lead to deeper consecration, and purer and holier lives, of what advantage
is this truth to us? It would be better for us if we had never seen the light of truth,
than to profess to accept it, and not be sanctified by it.
To determine how great a matter is involved in the conversion of a soul from
error to truth, we must appreciate the value of immortality, we must sense the
pains of the second death. We must comprehend the honors and glory awaiting
the ransomed, and understand what it is to live in the presence of Him who died
that He might elevate, ennoble, and give to the overcomer a royal diadem.
The worth of a soul cannot be fully estimated. How gratefully will the ran-
somed and glorified ones remember those who were instrumental in their salvation.
Not one will forget his self-denying labors, his persevering efforts, his patience,
perseverance, and earnest heart yearning for these souls who might have been
lost to Jesus Christ, had he neglected his duty or became weary in well doing.—
Manuscript 1, February 18, 1880
, “Church Difficulties.”
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