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Welfare Ministry
shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought [famine],
and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and
like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”—
Testimonies for the
Church 2:33-35
.
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The Twofold Reform of
Isaiah 58
—The work specified in these
words [
Isaiah 58
] is the work God requires His people to do. It is a
work of God’s own appointment. With the work of advocating the
commandments of God and repairing the breach that has been made in
the law of God, we are to mingle compassion for suffering humanity.
We are to show supreme love to God; we are to exalt His memorial,
which has been trodden down by unholy feet; and with this we are
to manifest mercy, benevolence, and the tenderest pity for the fallen
race. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” As a people we must
take hold of this work. Love revealed for suffering humanity gives
significance and power to the truth.—
Special Testimonies, Series A
10:3, 4
.
A True Interpretation of the Gospel—It is only by an unselfish
interest in those in need of help that we can give a practical demon-
stration of the truths of the gospel. “If a brother or sister be naked,
and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in
peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not
those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even
so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” “And now abideth
faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
Much more than mere sermonizing is included in preaching the
gospel. The ignorant are to be enlightened; the discouraged are to be
uplifted; the sick are to be healed. The human voice is to act its part in
God’s work. Words of tenderness, sympathy, and love are to witness
to the truth. Earnest, heartfelt prayers are to bring the angels near....
The Lord will give you success in this work; ... it is interwoven
[33]
with the practical life, when it is lived and practiced. The union of
Christlike work for the body and Christlike work for the soul is the
true interpretation of the gospel.—
The Review and Herald, March 4,
1902
.
The Counsel Is Explicit—I have no fears of workers who are
engaged in the work represented in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah.
This chapter is explicit, and is enough to enlighten anyone who wishes
to do the will of God. There is plenty of opportunity for everyone to