Reflex Blessings
223
disciples the benefits to be derived from the exercise of this virtue. He
says: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He illustrates the spirit
of cheerful benevolence, which should be exercised toward friends,
neighbors, and strangers, by the parable of the man who journeyed
from Jerusalem to Jericho.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:56, 57
.
In Saving His Neighbor He Saved Himself—A working church
is a growing church. The members find a stimulus and a tonic in
helping others. I have read of a man who, journeying on a winter’s day
through deep drifts of snow, became benumbed by the cold, which was
almost imperceptibly freezing his vital powers. He was nearly chilled
to death and was about to give up the struggle for life, when he heard
the moans of a fellow traveler who was also perishing with cold. His
sympathy was aroused, and he determined to rescue him. He chafed
the ice-cold limbs of the unfortunate man, and after considerable effort
raised him to his feet. As the sufferer could not stand, he bore him
in sympathizing arms through the very drifts he had thought he could
never get through alone.
When he had carried his fellow traveler to a place of safety, the
truth flashed home to him that in saving his neighbor he had also saved
himself. His earnest efforts to help another had quickened the blood
that was freezing in his own veins and sent a healthy warmth to the
extremities of his body.
The lesson that in helping others we ourselves receive help, must
[306]
be urged upon young believers continually, by precept and example,
that in their Christian experience they may gain the best results. Let
the desponding ones, those disposed to think that the way to eternal
life is trying and difficult, go to work to help others. Such efforts,
united with prayer for divine light, will cause their own hearts to throb
with the quickening influence of the grace of God, their own affections
to glow with more divine fervor. Their whole Christian life will be
more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.—
Gospel Workers,
198, 199
.
The Church Is Blessed—Let church members during the week
act their part faithfully, and on the Sabbath tell their experiences. The
meeting will then be as meat in due season, bringing to all present new
life and fresh vigor. When God’s people see the great need of working
as Christ worked for the conversion of sinners, the testimonies borne
by them in the Sabbath services will be filled with power. With joy