LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT
Gospel Workers
GOSPEL WORKERS
Instruction for All Who Are " Laborers Together With God "
Compiled From the Complete Published
Writings of the Author, and From
Unpublished Manuscripts
J
By Mrs. E. G. White
Revised and Enlarged Edition
191 5
REVIEW & HERALD PUBLISHING ASSN.
Washington, D. C.
SOUTH BEND, IND. NEW YORK CITY
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copyrighted i915 by Review & Herald Publishing Association
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JUL 24 1915
§>CI.A401878
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PREFACE
THIS revised and enlarged edition of " Gospel Workers" needs but few words of introduction. The first edition, issued in 1892, found a place in nearly every Seventh-day Adventist home. It has become a highly prized handbook of counsel and in- struction to ministers and to all other missionary workers connected with this movement.
Since the publication of the first edition the ever- active pen of the author has produced much of vital interest to this people. The work on this book was completed after the author had closed her active life work as a writer and speaker. It represents, there- fore, a compilation from her complete writings. It is the ripened fruit of the life of one whom God has greatly blessed as His " messenger," to the glory of His name and the upbuilding of this movement from ' its beginning. The value and importance of this book will therefore be appreciated.
It is our earnest prayer that the Holy Spirit who indited these messages of counsel may be present to impress the instruction upon the hearts of all who read it. The Publishers.
CONTENTS
Section I. CALLED WITH A HOLY CALLING
In Christ's Stead 13
The Sacredness of the Work 20
The Field Is the World 24
The Minister's Responsibility 30
The Outlook 36
Section II. MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Christ Our Example . . . 41
Christ as a Teacher . 48
A Lesson for Our Time 51
Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles .... 58
Section III. THE NEEDED PREPARATION
Young Men in the Ministry 63
The Youth to be Burden-Bearers .... 67
Education for Missionary Work ..... 73
Young Men as Missionaries 81
Voice Training for Workers 86
"Study to Show Thyself Approved" .... 92
Canvassing as an Education for the Ministry . . 98
Bible Study Necessary to Efficiency ... 98
Young Ministers to Labor with Older Ministers . 101
The Young Minister . . . . . . 104
Section IV. QUALIFICATIONS
Consecration Ill
Tactfulness 117
The Grace of Courtesy 121
Propriety of Deportment 124
The Social Relations 129
Decision and Promptness . . . . . . 133
Gathering the Fruit — A Dream . . ... 136
Essentials to Service . . ... . . 140
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10 Gospel Workers
Section V. THE MINISTER IN THE PULPIT
"Preach the Word" 147
Breaking the Bread of Life to Souls . . . 153
Preaching Christ .156
Righteousness by Faith 161
Counsel to an Evangelist 163
Practical Suggestions 165
Carefulness in Manners and Dress . . . . 172
Public Prayer 175
Section VI. THE UNDER-SHEPHERD
The Good Shepherd . . ; . . . . . 181
Personal Ministry 185
The Shepherd's Work 190
Bible-Readings with Families ..... 192
The Value of Individual Effort 194
A Division of Labor 196
The Minister's Wife . 201
The Minister in His Home 204
"Feed My Lambs" 207
Prayer for the Sick ....... . 213
Teaching the People to be Liberal . . . . 222
The Support of the Gospel 224
The Influence of Diet upon Health . . 229
Ministers to Teach Health Reform . . . . 231
How to Present the Principles of Health Reform . 233
The Minister and Manual Work .... 234
Our Duty to Preserve Health . , . . 239
Danger from Overwork 243
Section VII. HELPS IN GOSPEL WORK
Bible Study 249
Secret Prayer . ... . . . . . . 254
Faith . . " . 259
Courage . . . . . . . . . . . 264
How God Trains His Workers 269
Take Time to Talk with God 271
Our Greatest Need • 273
Contents 11
Self-examination . 275
Self-improvement 277
The Holy Spirit 284
Development and Service . 290
Section VIII. DANGERS
The Danger of Rejecting Light 297
A Warning Against False Teaching .... 305
Sound Doctrine 311
Fanaticism 316
Self-confidence Q .318
Words of Caution . . 324
No Respect of Persons with God . . . . 330
Seclusion 337
Ministers and Commercial Business . . . . 339
Section IX. METHODS
Labor in the Cities . . . . . . . . 345
Counsel Regarding the Work in Cities . . . 054
Medical Missionary Work in Cities .... 360
The City Mission Training-School .... 364
Thoroughness 367
Meeting Opposition 372
Discussions not to be Sought . . . . • . . 377
Defective Methods 381
The Temperance Work 384
Religious Liberty 389
Our Attitude in Regard to Politics .... 391
Work for the Jews 397
Lmt^ ^ance of the Camp-Meeting 400
Less Breaching, More Teaching 407
Sowing and Reaping 409
Section X. CONFERENCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Conference Presidents 413
Ministers and Business Matters 422
Care for Workers . 426
Houses of Worship 431
Examination for the Ministry 437
12 Gospel Workers
Ordination 441
Business Meetings 446
Proper Remuneration for Ministers .... 449
A Wise Distribution of Means 454
Economy in Mission Work 458
The Regions Beyond . . . . . . . . 464
Section XI. IN RELATION WITH ONE ANOTHER
In Contact with Others 473
Varied Gifts . . . 481
Unity in Diversity 483
The Spirit of Independence 486
Consideration for Those Struggling with
Difficulties 491
"Consider One Another" 496
Church Discipline 498
Section XII. CLOSING WORDS
Power for Service . 505
The Reward of Service 512
Called With a Holy Calling
Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord : men shall call you the Ministers of our God."
IN CHRIST'S STEAD
In every period of this earth's history, God has had His men of opportunity, to whom He has said, "Ye are My witnesses." In every age there have been de- vout men, who gathered up the rays of light as they flashed upon their pathway, and who spoke to the peo- ple the words of God. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Daniel, and the long roll of patriarchs and prophets, — these were ministers of righteousness. They were not infal- lible; they were weak, erring men; but the Lord wrought through them as they gave themselves to His service.
Since His ascension, Christ the great Head of the church, has carried forward His work in the world by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men, and ministers to their needs. The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ's stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God; and they can fulfil their mission only as "they receive wisdom and power from above.
God's ministers are symbolized by the seven stars, which He who is the first and the last has under His special care and protection. The sweet influences that
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14 Gospel Workers
are to be abundant in the church are bound up with these ministers of God, who are to represent the love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under God's con- trol. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power.
It is to the honor of Christ that He makes His min- isters a greater blessing to the church, through the working of the Holy Spirit, than are the stars to the world. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to His Father, they will do His works. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world.
SPIRITUAL WATCHMEN
Christ's ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times, senti- nels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important points to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were re- quired to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake, and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city.
To every minister the Lord declares: " 0 son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the wicked, O
In Christ's Stead 15
wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I re- quire at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, . . . thou hast delivered thy soul." x
These words of the prophet declare the solemn re- sponsibility resting upon those who are appointed as guardians of the church, stewards of the mysteries of God. They are to stand as watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the note of alarm at the approach of the enemy. If for any reason their spiritual senses become so benumbed that they are unable to discern danger, and through their failure to give warning the people perish, God will require at their hands the blood of those who are lost.
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to God, and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through them to tell sinners of their peril, and point them to the place of safety. Chosen of God, sealed with the blood of consecration, they are to rescue men and women from impending destruction. Faithfully are they to warn their fellow-men of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their vigilance. Theirs is a work requiring the exer- cise of every faculty of the being. In trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never should they sound one wavering, uncertain note. Not for wages are they to labor, but because they cannot do otherwise, because they realize that there is a woe upon them if they fail to preach the gospel.
1 Eze. 33 : 7-9.
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FAITHFULNESS IN SEKVICE
The minister who is a co-worker with Christ will have a deep sense of the sacredness of his work, and of the toil and sacrifice required to perform it successfully. He does not study his own ease or convenience. He is forgetful of self. In his search for the lost sheep, he does not realize that he himself is weary, cold, and hungry. He has but one object in view, — the saving of the lost.
He who serves under the blood-stained banner of Emmanuel often has that to do which calls for heroic effort and patient endurance. But the soldier of the cross stands unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle. As the enemy presses the attack against him, he turns to the Stronghold for aid; and as he brings to the Lord the promises of the Word, he is strengthened for the duties of the hour. He realizes his need of strength from above. The victories that he gains do not lead to self-exaltation, but cause him to lean more and more heavily on the Mighty One. Relying upon that power, he is enabled to present the message of salvation so forcibly that it awakens an answering chord in other minds.
The Lord sends His ministers to hold forth the word of life, to preach, not " philosophy and vain deceit," nor " science falsely so called," but the gospel, "the power of God unto salvation." 2 "I charge thee there- fore," Paul wrote to Timothy, "before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure
2 Col. 2:8:1 Tim. 6 : 20 ; Rom. 1 : 16.
In Christ's Stead 17
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangel- ist, make full proof of thy ministry." 3 In this charge every minister has his work outlined, — a work that he can do only through the fulfilment of the prom- ise that Jesus gave to His disciples, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end." 4
Ministers of the gospel, God's messengers to their fellow-men, should never lose sight of their mission and their responsibilities. If they lose their connection with heaven, they are in greater danger than others, and can exert a stronger influence for wrong. Satan watches them continually, waiting for some weakness to develop, through which he may make a successful attack upon them. And how he triumphs when he succeeds ! for an ambassador for Christ, off his guard, allows the great adversary to secure many souls to himself.
The true minister will do nothing that would be- little his sacred office. He will be circumspect in de- portment, and wise in his course of action. He will work as Christ worked; he will do as Christ did. He will use all his powers in carrying the tidings of sal- vation to those who know it not. A deep hunger for the righteousness of Christ will fill his heart. Feel- ing his need, he will seek earnestly for the power that must come to him before he can present in sim- plicity, truthfulness, and humility the truth as it is in Jesus.
3 2 Tim. 4 : 1-5. * Matt. 28 : 20.
2
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EXAMPLES OF HUMAN STEADFASTNESS
God's servants receive no honor or recognition from the world. Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and Him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and finally put to death, because he was a faithful messenger of God to the Gentiles. The apostle John was banished to the Isle of Patmos, "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." 5 These examples of human steadfastness in the might of divine power, are a witness to the world of the faithfulness of God's promises, of His abiding presence and sustaining grace.
No hope of glorious immortality lights up the fu- ture of the enemies of God. The great military com- mander conquers nations, and shakes the armies of half the world; but he dies of disappointment, and in exile. The philosopher who ranges in thought through the universe, everywhere tracing the manifestations of God's power and delighting in their harmony, often fails to behold in these marvelous wonders the Hand that formed them all. "Man that is in honor, and un- derstandeth not, is like the beasts that perish." 6 But God's heroes of faith are heirs to an inheritance of greater value than any earthly riches, — an inheritance that will satisfy the longings of the soul. By the world they may be unknown and unacknowledged, but in the record books above they are enrolled as citizens of heaven, and an exalted greatness, an eternal weight of glory, will be theirs.
The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers are co-laborers with the Lord in the ac- complishment of His purposes. God says to them, Go,
5 Rev. 1:9. ° Ps. 49 : 20.
In Christ's Stead 19
teach and preach Christ. Instruct and educate all who know not of His grace, His goodness, and His mercy. Teach the people. "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" 7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" "Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." 8
Workers for Christ are never to think, much less to speak, of failure in their work. The Lord Jesus is our efficiency in all things; His Spirit is to be our inspiration; and as we place ourselves in His hands, to be channels of light, our means of doing good will never be exhausted. We may draw upon His fulness, and receive of that grace which has no limit.
7 Rom. 10 : 14. 8 Isa. 52 : 7, 9, 10.
THE SACREDNESS OF THE WORK
The minister stands as God's mouthpiece to the people, and in thought, in word, in act, he is to repre- sent his Lord. When Moses was chosen as the messen- ger of the covenant, the word given him was, "Be thou for the people to Godward." x To-day God chooses men as He chose Moses, to be His messengers, and heavy is the woe resting on the one who dishonors his holy calling, or lowers the standard set for him in the life and labors of the Son of God.
The punishment that fell upon Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, shows how God regards those min- isters who do that which dishonors their sacred office. These men were consecrated to the priesthood, but they had not learned to control themselves. Habits of self- indulgence, long cherished, had obtained a hold upon them which even the responsibility of their office had not power to break.
At the hour of worship, as the prayers and praise of the people were ascending to God, Nadab and Abihu, partially intoxicated, took each his censer, and burned fragrant incense thereon. But they transgressed God's command by using " strange fire," instead of the sacred fire which God himself had kindled, and which He had commanded should be used for this purpose. For this sin, a fire went out from the Lord, and devoured them in the sight of the people. "Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified." 2
1 Ex. 18 : 19. 2 See Lev. 10 : 1-7.
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The Sacredness of the Work 21
When God was about to send Isaiah with a message to His people, He first permitted the prophet to look in vision into the holy of holies within the sanctuary. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was per- mitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet's feet might not enter. There rose before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. Around the throne were seraphim, as guards about the great King, and they reflected the glory that surrounded them. As their songs of praise resounded in deep notes of adoration, the pillars of the gate trembled, as if shaken by an earthquake. With lips unpolluted by sin, these angels poured forth the praises of God. "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," they cried; "the whole earth is full of His glory." 3
The seraphim around the throne are so filled with reverential awe as they behold the glory of God, that they do not for an instant look upon themselves with admiration. Their praise is for the Lord of hosts, As they look into the future, when the whole earth shall be filled with His glory, the triumphant song is echoed from one to another in melodious chant, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts." They are fully satisfied to glorify God; abiding in His presence, beneath His smile of approbation, they wish for nothing more. In bear- ing His image, in doing His bidding, in worshiping Him, their highest ambition is reached.
As the prophet listened, the glory, the power, and the majesty of the Lord was opened to his vision; and
3 See Isa. 6 : 1-8.
22 Gospel Workers
in the light of this revelation his own inward defilement appeared with startling clearness. His very words seemed vile to him. In deep humiliation he cried, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips: . . . for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."
Isaiah's humiliation was genuine. As the contrast between humanity and the divine character was made plain to him, he felt altogether inefficient and un- worthy. How could he speak to the people the holy requirements of Jehovah?
"Then flew one of the seraphim unto me," he writes, "having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."
Then Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" and strengthened by the thought of the divine touch, he answered, "Here am I; send me."
As God's ministers look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, they realize that they are men of unclean lips, men whose tongues have often spoken vanity. Well may they despair as they contrast their own unworthiness with the perfection of Christ. With contrition of heart, feeling wholly unworthy and unfit for their great work, they cry, "I am undone." But if, like Isaiah, they humble their hearts before God, the work done for the prophet will be performed for them. Their lips will be touched with a live coal from off the altar, and they will lose sight of self in a sense of
The Sacredness of the Work 23
the greatness and power of God and His readiness to help them. They will realize the sacredness of the work entrusted to them, and will be led to abhor everything that would cause them to dishonor Him who has sent them forth with His message.
The live coal is symbolical of purification, and it also represents the potency of the efforts of God's true servants. To those who make so full a consecration that the Lord can place His touch upon their lips, the word is spoken, Go forth into the harvest-field. I will co-operate with you.
The minister who has received this preparation will be a power for good in the world. His words will be right words, pure and true, fraught with sympathy and love; his actions will be right actions, a help and a blessing to the weak. Christ will be to him an abid- ing presence, controlling thought, word, and deed. He has pledged himself to overcome pride, covetous- ness, selfishness. As he seeks to fulfil this pledge, he gains spiritual strength. By daily communion with God he becomes mighty in a knowledge of the Scrip- tures. His fellowship is with the Father and the Son; and as he constantly obeys the divine will, he becomes daily better fitted to speak words that will guide wandering souls to the fold of Christ.
THE FIELD IS THE WORLD
"Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. And going on from thence, He saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him." 1
The prompt, unquestioning obedience of these men, with no promise of wages, seems remarkable; but the words of Christ were an invitation that carried with it an impelling power. Christ would make these humble fishermen, in connection with Himself, the means of taking men out of the service of Satan, and placing them in the service of God. In this work they would become his witnesses, bearing to the world His truth unmingled with the traditions and sophistries of men. By practicing His virtues, by walking and working with Him, they were to be qualified to be fishers of men.
Thus were the first disciples appointed to the work of the gospel ministry. For three years they labored in connection with the Saviour, and by His teaching, Llis works of healing, His example, they were prepared to carry on the work that He began. By the simplic- ity of faith, by pure, humble service, the disciples were taught to carry responsibilities in God's cause.
i Matt. 4 : 18-22. [24]
The Field Is the World 25
There are lessons for us to learn from the experience of the apostles. These men were as true as steel to principle. They were men who would not fail nor be discouraged. They were full of reverence and zeal for God, full of noble purposes and aspirations. They were by nature as weak and helpless as any of those now engaged in the work, but they put their whole trust in the Lord. Wealth they had, but it consisted of mind and soul culture; and this every one may have who will make God first and last and best in everything. They toiled long to learn the lessons given them in the school of Christ, and they did not toil in vain. They bound themselves up with the mightiest of all powers, and were ever longing for a deeper, higher, broader comprehension of eternal realities, that they might successfully present the treasures of truth to a needy world.
Workers of this character are needed now, men who will consecrate themselves without reserve to the work of representing the kingdom of God to a world lying in wickedness. The world needs men of thought, men of principle, men who are constantly growing in under- standing and discernment. There is great need of men who can use the press to the best advantage, that the truth may be given wings to speed it to every nation, and tongue, and people.
THE GOSPEL TO ALL COUNTRIES
Everywhere the light of truth is to shine forth, that hearts may be awakened and converted. In all coun- tries the gospel is to be proclaimed. God's servants are to labor in places nigh and afar off, enlarging the cultivated portions of the vineyard, and going to the
26 Gospel Workers
regions beyond. They are to work while the day lasts; for the night cometh, in which no man can work. Sin- ners are to be pointed to a Saviour uplifted on the cross, and from many voices is to be heard the invitation, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." 2 Churches are to be organized, and plans laid for work to be done by the members of the newly organized churches. As workers go forth filled with zeal, and with the love of God, the churches at home will be revived; for the success of the workers will be regarded as a subject of deep personal con- cern by every member of the church.
Earnest, self-sacrificing men and women are needed, who will go to God and with strong crying and tears plead for the souls that are on the brink of ruin. There can be no harvest without seed-sowing, no result with- out effort. Abraham was called to go forth from his home, a light-bearer to the heathen. And without questioning, he obeyed. "He went out, not knowing whither he went." 3 So to-day God's servants are to go where He calls, trusting Him to guide them and to give them success in their work.
The terrible condition of the world would seem to indicate that the death of Christ has been almost in vain, and that Satan has triumphed. The great ma- jority of this earth's inhabitants have given their alle- giance to the enemy. But we have not been deceived. Notwithstanding the apparent triumph of Satan, Christ is carrying forward His work in the heavenly sanctuary and on the earth. The word of God portrays the wickedness and corruption that would exist in the last days. As we see the fulfilment of prophecy, our faith in the final triumph of Christ's kingdom should
2 John 1 : 29. 3 Heb. 11 : 8.
The Field Is the World 27
strengthen; and we should go forth with renewed cour- age to do our appointed work.
The solemn, sacred message of warning must be proclaimed in the most difficult fields and in the most sinful cities, in every place where the light of the great threefold gospel message has not yet dawned. Every one is to hear the last call to the marriage supper of the Lamb. From town to town, from city to city, from country to country, the message of present truth is to be proclaimed, not with outward display, but in the power of the Spirit. As the divine principles that our Saviour came to this world to set forth in word and life, are presented in the simplicity of the gospel, the power of the message will make itself felt. In this age, a new life, coming from the Source of all life, is to take pos- session of every laborer. 0, how little do we compre- hend the breadth of our mission! We need a faith that is earnest and determined, and a courage that is unshaken. Our time for work is short, and we are to labor with unflagging zeal.
"The field is the world." 4 We understand better what this saying comprehends than did the apostles who received the commission to preach the gospel. The whole world is a vast missionary field, and we who have long known the gospel message should be en- couraged by the thought that fields which were once difficult of access are now easily entered. Countries hitherto closed to the gospel are opening their doors, and are pleading for the word of God to be explained to them. Kings and princes are opening their long- closed gates, inviting the heralds of the cross to enter. The harvest truly is great. Eternity alone will reveal the results of well-directed efforts put forth now.
4 Matt. 13 : 38.
28 Gospel Workers
Providence is going before us, and Infinite Power is working with human effort. Blind indeed must be the eyes that do not see the working of the Lord, and deaf the ears that do not hear the call of the True Shepherd to His sheep.
Christ longs to extend His sway over every human mind. He longs to stamp His image and character upon every soul. When He was on this earth, He hun- gered for sympathy and co-operation, that His king- dom might extend and embrace the whole world. This earth is His purchased possession, and He would have men free and pure and holy. "For the joy that was set before Him," He "endured the cross, despising the shame." 5 His earthly pilgrimage was cheered by the thought that He would not have all this travail for naught, but would win man back to loyalty to God. And there are triumphs yet to be accomplished through the blood shed for the world, that will bring everlasting glory to God and to the Lamb. The heathen will be given for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. Christ will see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied.6
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the dark- ness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peo- ple: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see : all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the
5 Heb. 12 : 2. 6 See Isa. 53 : 11.
The Field Is the World 29
abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee." "For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." 7
The commission given to the disciples is given also to us. To-day, as then, a crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted before those who are without God and without hope in the world. The Lord calls for pastors, teachers, and evangelists. From door to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation. To every nation, kindred, tongue, and peo- ple the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried. Not with tame, lifeless utterances is the message to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utterances. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives. The world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the power of Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout the world, messages of mercy are needed.
He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transfgrmed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.8
7 Isa. 60 : 1-5 ; 61 : 11. 8 Gal. 6 : 14.
THE MINISTER'S RESPONSIBILITY
"■I charge thee therefore," Paul wrote to Timothy, " before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His king- dom: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 1
This solemn charge to one so zealous and faithful as was Timothy, is a strong testimony to the impor- tance and responsibility of the work of the gospel min- ister. Summoning Timothy before the bar of God, Paul bids him preach the word, not the sayings and customs of men; to be ready to witness for God when- ever opportunity should present itself, — before large congregations and private circles, by the way and at the fireside, to friends and to enemies, whether in safety or exposed to hardship and peril, reproach and loss.
Fearing that Timothy's mild, yielding disposition might lead him to shun an essential part of his work, Paul exhorted him to be faithful in reproving sin, and even to rebuke with sharpness those who were guilty of gross evils. Yet he was to do this "with all long- suffering and doctrine." He was to reveal the patience and Ipve of Christ, explaining and enforcing his re- proofs by the truths of the Word.
To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult achievement. The more earnest our own efforts to attain to holiness of heart and life, the more acute will be our perception of sin, and the more decided our
1 2 Tim. 4 : 1, 2. [30]
The Minister's Responsibility 31
disapproval of it. We must guard against undue se- verity toward the wrong-doer; but we must also be careful not to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. There is need of showing Christlike patience and love for the erring one, but there is also danger of show- ing so great toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and unjust.
A BURDEN FOR SOULS
God's ministers must come into close companion- ship with Christ, and follow His example in all things — in purity of life, in self-denial, in benevolence, in diligence, in perseverance. To win souls to the king- dom of God must be their first consideration. With sorrow for sin and with patient love, they must work as Christ worked, putting forth determined, unceasing effort.
John Welch, a minister of the gospel, felt so great a burden for souls that he often rose in the night to send up to God his supplication for their salvation. On one occasion his wife pleaded with him to regard his health, and not venture on such exposure. His an- swer was, " 0 woman, I have the souls of three thousand to answer for, and I know not how it is with them."
In a town in New England a well was being dug. When the work was nearly finished, while one man was still at the bottom, the earth caved in and buried him. Instantly the alarm was sent out, and mechan- ics, farmers, merchants, lawyers, hurried breathlessly to the rescue. Ropes, ladders, spades, and shovels were brought by eager, willing hands. "Save him, O save him!" was the cry.
32 Gospel Workers
Men worked with desperate energy, till the sweat stood in beads upon their brows and their arms trem- bled with the exertion. At length a pipe was thrust down, through which they shouted to the man to an- swer if he were still alive. The response came, "Alive, but make haste. It is fearful in here." With a shout of joy they renewed their efforts, and at last he was reached and saved, and the cheer that went up seemed to pierce the very heavens. "He is saved!" echoed through every street in the town.
Was this too great zeal and interest, too great en- thusiasm, to save one man? It surely was not; but what is the loss of temporal life in comparison with the loss of a soul? If the threatened loss of a life will arouse in human hearts a feeling so intense, should not the loss of a soul arouse even deeper solicitude in men who claim to realize the danger of those apart from Christ? Shall not the servants of God show as great zeal in laboring for the salvation of souls as was shown for the life of that one man buried in a well?
STARVING FOR THE BREAD OF LIFE
A godly woman once made the remark, "O that we could hear the pure gospel as it used to be preached from the pulpit! Our minister is a good man, but he does not realize the spiritual needs of the people. He clothes the cross of Calvary with beautiful flowers, which hide all the shame, conceal all the reproach. My soul is starving for the bread of life. How refreshing it would be to hundreds of poor souls like me, to listen to something simple, plain, and scriptural, that would nourish our hearts!"
The Minister's Responsibility 33
There is need of men of faith, who will not only preach, but will minister to the people. Men are needed who walk daily with God, who have a living connection with heaven, whose words have power to bring conviction to hearts. Not that they may make a display of their talents and intelligence, are ministers to labor, but that the truth may cut its way to the soul as an arrow from the Almighty.
A minister, after preaching a Bible discourse which brought deep conviction to one of his hearers, was ac- costed with the question, "Do you really believe what you have preached?"
" Certainly," he answered.
"But is it really so?" asked the anxious questioner.
"Certainly," said the minister, as he reached for his Bible.
Then the man broke out, "0, if this is the truth, what shall we do?"
"What shall we do?" thought the minister — "we" ? What could the man mean? But the ques- tion forced its way to his soul. He went away to plead with God to tell him what to do. And as he prayed, there came to him with overwhelming force the thought that he had the solemn realities of eternity to present to a dying world. For three weeks his place in the desk was vacant. He was seeking an answer to the question, "What shall we do?"
The minister returned to his charge with an unc- tion from the Holy One. He realized that his past preaching had made little impression on his hearers. Now he felt upon him the terrible weight of souls. As he came to his desk, he was not alone. There was a great work to be done, but he knew that God would 3
34 Gospel Workers
not fail him. Before his hearers he exalted the Sav- iour and His matchless love. There was a revelation of the Son of God, and a revival began that spread through the churches of the surrounding districts.
THE URGENCY OF CHRIST^ WORK
If our ministers realized how soon the inhabitants of the world are to be arraigned before the judgment- seat of God, they would work more earnestly to lead men and women to Christ. Soon the last test is to come to all. Only a little longer will the voice of mercy be heard; only a little longer can the gracious invita- tion be given, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink." 2 God sends the gospel invitation to people everywhere. Let the messengers He sends work so harmoniously, so untiringly, that all will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus, and learned of Him.
Of Aaron, the high priest of Israel, it is written, He "shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually." 3 What a beautiful and expressive figure this is of the unchanging love of Christ for His church! Our great High Priest, of whom Aaron was a type, bears His people upon His heart. And should not His earthly ministers share His love and sympathy and solicitude?
Divine power alone will melt the sinner's heart and bring him, a penitent, to Christ. No great reformer or teacher, not Luther, Melanchthon, Wesley, or White- field, could of himself have gained access to hearts, or
2 John 7 : 37. 3 Ex. 28 : 29.
The Minister's Responsibility 35
have accomplished the results that these men achieved. But God spoke through them. Men felt the influence of a superior power, and involuntarily yielded to it. To-day those who forget self and rely on God for suc- cess in the work of soul-saving, will have the divine co-operation, and their efforts will tell gloriously in the salvation of souls.
I feel constrained to say that the labors of many of our ministers lack power. God is waiting to bestow His grace upon them, but they pass on from day to day, possessing only a cold, nominal faith, presenting the theory of the truth, but presenting it without that vital force which comes from a connection with heaven, and which sends the spoken words home to the hearts of men. They are half asleep, while all around them are souls perishing in darkness and error.
Ministers of God, with hearts aglow with love for Christ and your fellow-men, seek to arouse those who are dead in trespasses and sins. Let your earnest en- treaties and warnings pierce their consciences. Let your fervent prayers melt their hearts, and lead them in penitence to the Saviour. You are ambassadors for Christ, to proclaim His message of salvation. Re- member that a lack of consecration and wisdom in you may turn the balance for a soul, and send it to eternal death. You cannot afford to be careless and indiffer- ent. You need power, and this power God is willing to give you without stint. He asks only a humble, contrite heart, that is willing to believe and receive His promises. You have only to use the means that God has placed within your reach, and you will obtain the blessing.
THE OUTLOOK
We are nearing the close of this earth's history. We have before us a great work, — the closing work of giving the last warning message to a sinful world. There are men who will be taken from the plow, from the vineyard, from various other branches of work, and sent forth by the Lord to give this message to the world.
The world is out of joint. As we look at the picture, the outlook seems discouraging. But Christ greets with hopeful assurance the very men and women who cause us discouragement. In them He sees quali- fications that will enable them to take a place in His vineyard. If they will constantly be learners, through His providence He will make them men and women fitted to do a work that is not beyond their capabilities; through the impartation of the Holy Spirit, He will give them power of utterance.
Many of the barren, unworked fields must be en- tered by beginners. The brightness of the Saviour's view of the world will inspire confidence in many work- ers, who, if they begin in humility and put their hearts into the work, will be found to be the right men for the time and place. Christ sees all the misery and de- spair of the world, the sight of which would bow down some of our workers of large capabilities with a weight of discouragement so great that they would not know how even to begin the work of leading men and women to the first round of the ladder. Their precise methods are of little value. They would stand above the lower [36]
The Outlook 37
rounds of the ladder, saying, "Come up where we are." But the poor souls do not know where to put their feet.
Christ's heart is cheered by the sight of those who are poor in every sense of the term; cheered by His view of the ill-used ones who are meek; cheered by the seemingly unsatisfied hungering after righteousness, by the inability of many to begin. He welcomes, as it were, the very condition of things that would discour- age many ministers. He corrects our erring piety, giving the burden of the work for the poor and needy in the rough places of the earth, to men and women who have hearts that can feel for the ignorant and for those that are out of the way.
The Lord teaches these workers how to meet those whom He wishes them to help. They will be encour- aged as they see doors opening for them to enter places where they can do medical missionary work. Having little self-confidence, they give God all the glory. Their hands may be rough and unskilled, but their hearts are susceptible to pity; they are filled with an earnest de- sire to do something to relieve the woe so abundant; and Christ is present to help them. He works through those who discern mercy in misery, gain in the loss of all things. When the Light of the world passes by, privileges appear in all hardships, order in confusion, the success and wisdom of God in that which has seemed to be failure.
My brethren and sisters, in your ministry come close to the people. Uplift those who are cast down. Treat of calamities as disguised blessings, of woes as mercies. Work in a way that will cause hope to spring up in the place of despair.
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The common people are to take their place as work- ers. Sharing the sorrows of their fellow-men as the Saviour shared the sorrows of humanity, they will by faith see Him working with them.
"The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly." 1 To every worker I would say: Go forth in humble faith, and the Lord will go with you. But watch unto prayer. This is the science of your labor. The power is of God. Work in. dependence upon Him, remembering that you are laborers together with Him. He is your Helper. Your strength is from Him. He will be your wisdom, your righteousness, your sanctification, your redemption. Wear the yoke of Christ, daily learning of Him His meekness and low- liness. He will be your comfort, your rest. — " Testimo- nies for the Church," Vol. VII, pages 270-272.
The Saviour knows the depths of the world's mis- ery and despair, knows by what means to bring relief. He sees on every hand souls in darkness, bowed down with sin and sorrow and pain. But He sees also their possibilities. He sees the height to which they may attain. Although human beings have abused their mercies, wasted their talents, and lost the dignity of godlike manhood, the Creator is to be glorified in their redemption.
Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His fol- lowers than they could ask or think. He knew that the truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and
i Zeph. 1 : 14.
The Outlook 39
that the blood-stained banner would wave trium- phantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, — a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.
" These things I have spoken unto you," He said, "that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 2 Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged; and His followers are to mani- fest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master- worker.
Courage, energy, and perseverance they must pos- sess. Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to sur- mount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love, Christ had bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the Source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable them to over- come as Christ overcame.
2 John 16 : 33,
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
In Christ's Stead Test. Vol. VIII, pp. 14-18.
Desire, pp. 349-358.
The Sacredness of the Acts, pp. 498-508.
Work
The Field Is the World Test. Vol. VIII, pp. 14-18.
Desire, pp. 244-251, 818-828. C. O. L., pp. 219-237.
The Minister's Respon- Test. Vol. I, pp. 248, 249.
sigility Test. Vol. II, pp. 336-341, 506,
650. Test. Vol. Ill, pp. 242, 243, 358,
359. Test. Vol. IV, p. 185. Acts, pp. 206, 207, 326-329, 394,
395. Desire, pp. 493, 640, 641.
Ministers of Righteousness
"Our sufficiency is of God, who also hath made us able ministers."
CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man's necessity. He "took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses/' 1 that He might minister to every need of humanity. The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restora- tion ; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.
Varied were the circumstances and needs of those who besought His aid, and none who came to Him went away unhelped. From Him flowed a stream of healing power, and in body and mind and soul men were made whole.
The Saviour's work was not restricted to any time or place. His compassion knew no limit. On so large a scale did He conduct His work of healing and teach- ing that there was no building in Palestine large enough to receive the multitudes that thronged to Him. On the green hillslopes of Galilee, in the thoroughfares of travel, by the seashore, in the synagogues, and in every place where the sick could be brought to Him, was to be found His hospital. In every city., every town, every village through which He passed, He laid His
i Matt. 8:17.
[41]
42 Gospel Workers
hands upon the afflicted ones, and healed them. Wher- ever there were hearts ready to receive His message, He comforted them with the assurance of their heav- enly Father's love. All day He ministered to those who came to Him; in the evening He gave attention to such as through the day must toil to earn a pittance for the support of their families.
Jesus carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless there was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost. This was the burden of His soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him. Through childhood, youth, and manhood, He walked alone. Yet it was heaven to be in His presence. Day by day He met trials and temp- tations; day by day He was brought into contact with evil, and witnessed its power upon those whom He was seeking to bless and to save. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged.
In all things He brought His wishes into strict abey- ance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. When in His youth, His mother, finding Him in the school of the rabbis, said, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us?" He answered, — and His answer is the key-note of His life-work, — "How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Fathers business?" 2
His life was one of constant self-sacrifice. He had no home in this world, except as the kindness of friends provided for Him as a wayfarer. He came to live in our behalf the life of the poorest, and to walk and work among the needy and the suffering. Unrecognized and
2 Luke 2 : 48, 49.
Christ Our Example 43
unhonored, He walked in and out among the people for whom He had done so much.
He was always patient and cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him as a messenger of life and peace. He saw the needs of men and women, children and youth, and to all He gave the invitation, "Come unto Me."
During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testi- fied to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy, but to save. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him. Where He had passed, the objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health, and making trial of their new-found powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear from their lips the works that the Lord had wrought. His voice was the first sound that many had ever heard, His name the first word they had ever spoken, His face the first they had ever looked upon. Why should they not love Jesus, and sound His praise? As He passed through the towns and cities, He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy. . . .
The Saviour made each work of healing an occasion of implanting divine principles in the mind and soul. This was the purpose of His work. He imparted earthly blessings, that He might incline the hearts of men to receive the gospel of His grace.
Christ might have occupied the highest place among the teachers of the Jewish nation, but He preferred rather to take the gospel to the poor. He went from place to place, that those in the highways and byways might hear the words of truth. By the sea, on the mountainside, in the streets of the city, in the syna- gogue, His voice was heard explaining the Scriptures.
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Often He taught in the outer court of the temple, that the Gentiles might hear His words.
So unlike the explanations of Scripture given by the scribes and Pharisees was Christ's teaching, that the attention of the people was arrested. The rabbis dwelt upon tradition, upon human theory and specula- tion. Often that which men had taught and written about the Scripture was put in place of the Scripture itself. The subject of Christ's teaching was the word of God. He met questioners with a plain, "It is writ- ten," "What saith the Scripture?" "How readest thou?" At every opportunity, when an interest was awakened by either friend or foe, He presented the Word. With clearness and power He proclaimed the gospel message. His words shed a flood of light on the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived in the word of God such depth of meaning.
simplicity of Christ's teaching
Never was there such an evangelist as Christ. He was the Majesty of heaven, but He humbled Himself to take our nature, that He might meet men where they were. To all people, rich and poor, free and bond, Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, brought the tidings of salvation. His fame as the great Healer spread throughout Palestine. The sick came to the places through which He would pass, that they might call on Him for help. Hither, too, came many anxious to hear His words and to receive a touch of His hand. Thus He went from city to city, from town to town, preaching the gospel and healing the sick, — the King of glory in the lowly garb of humanity.
Christ Our Example 45
He attended the great yearly festivals of the na- tion, and to the multitude absorbed in outward cere- mony He spoke of heavenly things, bringing eternity within their view. To all He brought treasures from the storehouse of wisdom. He spoke to them in lan- guage so simple that they could not fail of understand- ing. By methods peculiarly His own, He helped all who were in sorrow and affliction. With tender, cour- teous grace, He ministered to the sin-sick soul, bring- ing healing and strength.
The Prince of teachers, He sought access to the people by the pathway of their most familiar associa- tions. He presented the truth in such a way that ever after it was to His hearers intertwined with their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. He taught in a way that made them feel the completeness of His identification with their interests and happiness. His instruction was so direct, His illustrations were so appropriate, His words so sympathetic and cheerful, that His hearers were charmed. The simplicity and earnestness with which He addressed the needy, hallowed every word.
TO RICH AND POOR ALIKE
What a busy life He led! Day by day He might have been seen entering the humble abodes of want and sorrow, speaking hope to the downcast and peace to the distressed. Gracious, tender-hearted, pitiful, He went about lifting up the bowed-down and com- forting the sorrowful. Wherever He went, He carried blessing.
While He ministered to the poor, Jesus studied also to find ways of reaching the rich. He sought the ac-
46 Gospel Workers
quaintance of the wealthy and cultured Pharisee, the Jewish nobleman, and the Roman ruler. He accepted their invitations, attended their feasts, made Himself familiar with their interests and occupations, that He might gain access to their hearts, and reveal to them the imperishable riches.
Christ came to this world to show that by receiving power from on high, man can live an unsullied life. With unwearying patience and sympathetic helpful- ness, He met men in their necessities. By the gentle touch of grace, He banished from the soul unrest and doubt, changing enmity to love, and unbelief to con- fidence. . . .
Christ recognized no distinction of nationality or rank or creed. The scribes and Pharisees desired to make a local and a national benefit of the gifts of heaven, and to exclude the rest of God's family in the world. But Christ came to break down every wall of partition. He came to show that His gift of mercy and love is as unconfined as the air, the light, or the show- ers of rain that refresh the earth.
The life of Christ established a religion in which there is no caste, a religion by which Jew and Gentile, free and bond, are linked in a common brotherhood, equal before God. No question of policy influenced His movements. He made no difference between neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the waters of life.
He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the healing remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson appropriate to the time and the circumstances. Every neglect or insult shown by men to their fellow-
Christ Oar Example 47
men, only made Him more conscious of their need of His divine-human sympathy. He sought to inspire with hope the roughest and most unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God.
Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory.
At the table of the publicans He sat as an honored guest, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life- giving power. New impulses were awakened, and to these outcasts of society there opened the possibility of a new life.
Though He was a Jew, Jesus mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at naught the Pharisaic customs of His nation. In face of their prejudices He accepted the hospitality of this despised people. He slept with them under their roofs, ate with them at their tables, — partaking of the food prepared and served by their hands, — taught in their streets, and treated them with the utmost kindness and courtesy. And while He drew their hearts to Him by the tie of human sympathy, His divine grace brought to them the salvation which the Jews rejected. — "Ministry of Healing," pages 17-26.
CHRIST AS A TEACHER
The world's Redeemer went about doing good. When before the people, speaking to them the words of eternal truth, with what earnestness He watched the changing countenances of His hearers! The faces that expressed deep interest and pleasure as they listened to His words, gave Him great satisfaction. And when the truth, plainly uttered, touched some cherished sin or idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, stern, forbidding look, which told that the truth was unwelcome. Jesus knew that the plain reproof of sin was the very thing that His hearers needed; and the light He shed into the darkened chambers of their minds would have been the greatest blessing to them, had they accepted it.
Christ's work was to lay down in simple lines, yet so as to be clearly understood, truths that, if obe3^ed, would bring peace and happiness to the soul. He could look beneath the surface, and see the cherished sins that were ruining the life and character, and shut- ting souls away from God. He pointed out these sins, that all might see them in the true light, and put them away. In some who presented the most hardened ex- terior, He discerned hopeful subjects. He knew that they would respond to the light, and that they would become His true followers.
As the arrows of truth pierced the hearts of Christ's hearers, breaking through the barriers of selfishness and bringing humiliation, contrition, and finally grati- tude, the Saviour's heart was made glad. When His eyes swept over the throng of listeners about Him, and [48]
Christ as a Teacher 49
He recognized among them the same faces that He had seen on former occasions, joy was expressed in His countenance, that here were hopeful subjects of His kingdom.
The messengers of Christ, those whom He sends in His stead, will have the same feelings, the same ear- nest interest. And those who are tempted to think that their labor is not appreciated, and are inclined to be discouraged, should remember that Jesus had just as hard hearts to deal with, and had a more trying experience than they have had or ever can have. He taught the people with patient love. His deep, search- ing wisdom knew the wants of every soul among His listeners; and when He saw them refuse the message of peace and love that He came to give them, His heart felt anguish to the very depths.
The world's Redeemer did not come with outward display, or a show of worldly wisdom. Men could not see, beneath the guise of humanity, the glory of the Son of God. He was "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." He was to them as "a root out of a dry ground," with "no form nor comeliness," 1 that they should desire Him. But He declared, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." 2
Christ reached the people where they were. He presented the plain truth to their minds in the most
'» Isa. 53 : 3, 2. 2 Isa. 61 : 1.
50 Gospel Workers
forcible, simple language. The humble poor, the most unlearned, could comprehend, through faith in Him, the most exalted truths. No one needed to consult the learned doctors as to His meaning. He did not perplex the ignorant with mysterious inferences, or use unaccustomed and learned words, of which they had no knowledge. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known, was the most definite, simple, and prac- tical in His instruction.
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." 3 The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimu- lated thought and opened to view vast fields of knowl- edge; and these men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race. But there is One who stands higher than they. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." "No man hath seen God at any time; the only be- gotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." 3
We can trace the line of the world's great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world's great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world.
3 John 1 : 9, 12, 18..
A LESSON FOR OUR TIME
The experience of Enoch and of John the Baptist represents what ours should be. Far more than we do, we need to study the lives of these men, — he who was translated to heaven without seeing death; and he who, before Christ's first advent, was called to prepare the way of the Lord, to make His paths straight.
THE EXPERIENCE OF ENOCH
Of Enoch it is written that he lived sixty-five years and begat a son; after that he walked with God three hundred years. During those earlier years, Enoch had loved and feared God, and had kept His command- ments. After the birth of his first son, he reached a higher experience; he was drawn into closer relation- ship with God. As he saw the child's love for its father, its simple trust in his protection; as he felt the deep yearning tenderness of his own heart for that first-born son, he learned a precious lesson of the won- derful love of God to man in the gift of His Son, and the confidence which the children of God may repose in their heavenly Father. The infinite, unfathomable love of God through Christ, became the subject of his meditations day and night. With all the fervor of his soul he sought to reveal that love to the people among whom he dwelt.
Enoch's walk with God was not in a trance or a vision, but in all the duties of his daily life. He did not become a hermit, shutting himself entirely from the world; for he had, in the world, a work to do for God.
[51]
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In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of God.
In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch stead- fastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to ex- clude himself at certain periods from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart.
Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance.
His faith waxed stronger, his love became more ar- dent, with the lapse of centuries. To him prayer was as the breath of the soul. He lived in the atmosphere of heaven.
As the scenes of the future were opened to his view, Enoch became a preacher of righteousness, bearing God's message to all who would hear the words of warn- ing. In the land where Cain had sought to flee from the divine presence, the prophet of God made known the wonderful scenes that had passed before his vision. " Behold," he declared, "the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds." *
!Jude 14, 15.
A Lesson for Our Time 53
The power of God that wrought with His servant was felt by those who heard. Some gave heed to the warning and renounced their sins; but the multitudes mocked at the solemn message. The servants of God are to bear a similar message to the world in the last days, and it also will be received by the majority with unbelief and mockery.
As year after year passed, deeper and deeper grew the tide of human guilt, darker and darker gathered the clouds of divine judgment. Yet Enoch, the witness of faith, held on his way, warning, pleading, and teaching, striving to turn back the tide of guilt and to stay the bolts of vengeance.
The men of that generation mocked the folly of him who sought not to gather gold or silver, or to build up possessions here. But Enoch's heart was upon eternal treasures. He had looked upon the celestial city. He had seen the King in His glory in the midst of Zion. The greater the existing iniquity, the more earnest was his longing for the home of God. While still on earth, he dwelt by faith in the realms of light.
" Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." 2 For three hundred years Enoch had been seeking purity of heart, that he might be in harmony with heaven. For three centuries he had walked with God. Day by day he had longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer had grown the communion, until God took him to Himself. He had stood at the thresh- old of the eternal world, only a step between him and the land of the blest; and now the portals opened, the walk with God, so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the gates of the holy city, — the first from among men to enter there.
2 Matt. 5 : 8.
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"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; ... for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." 3
To such communion God is calling us. As was Enoch's, so must be their holiness of character who shall be redeemed from among men at the Lord's sec- ond coming.
THE EXPEKIENCE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
John the Baptist in his desert life was taught of God. He studied the revelations of God in nature. Under the guiding of the divine Spirit, he studied the scrolls of the prophets. By day and by night, Christ was his study, his meditation, until mind and heart and soul were filled with the glorious vision.
He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was lost sight of. He beheld the majesty of holiness, and knew himself to be inefficient and unworthy. It was God's message that he was to declare. It was in God's power and His righteousness that he was to stand. He was ready to go forth as Heaven's mes- senger, unawed by the human, because he had looked upon the Divine. He could stand fearless in the pres- ence of earthly monarchs, because with trembling he had bowed before the King of kings.
With no elaborate arguments or fine-spun theories did John declare his message. Startling and stern, yet full of hope, his voice was heard from the wilderness, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 4 With a new, strange power it moved the people. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.
3Heb. 11: 5. 4Matt. 3: 2.
A Lesson for Our Time 55
Unlearned peasants and fishermen from the sur- rounding country; the Roman soldiers from the bar- racks of Herod; chieftains with their swords at their sides, ready to put down anything that might savor of rebellion; the avaricious tax-gatherers from their toll-booths; and from the Sanhedrim the phylactered priests, — all listened as if spellbound; and all, even the Pharisee and the Sadducee, the cold, unimpress- ible scoffer, went away with the sneer silenced, and cut to the heart with a sense of their sins. Herod in his palace heard the message, and the proud, sin- hardened ruler trembled at the call to repentance.
In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a peo- ple to stand in the great day of the Lord. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was, Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Saddu- cees; " repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As a people who believe in Christ's soon coming, we have a message to bear, — "Prepare to meet thy God." 5
Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Not- withstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God's word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.
In order to give such a message as John gave, we must have a spiritual experience like his. The same work must be wrought in us. We must behold God, and in beholding Him, lose sight of self.
John had by nature the faults and weaknesses com- mon to humanity; but the touch of divine love had
5 Amos 4 : 12.
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transformed him. When, after Christ's ministry be- gan, the disciples of John came to him with the com- plaint that all men were following the new Teacher, John showed how clearly he understood his relation to the Messiah, and how gladly he welcomed the One for whom he had prepared the way.
"A man can receive nothing," he said, "except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him. He that hath the bride is the bride- groom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stand- eth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.'' 6
Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to at- tract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice, a cry in the wilderness. Now with joy he accepted silence and obscurity, that the eyes of all might be turned to the Light of life.
Those who are true to their calling as messengers' of God, will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." 7
The soul of the prophet, emptied of self, was filled with the light of the Divine. In words that were al- most a counterpart of the words of Christ Himself, he bore witness to the Saviour's glory. "He that cometh
6 John 3 : 27-30. 7 John 1 : 29.
A Lesson for Our Time 57
from above," he said, "is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all." "For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God." 8
In this glory of Christ all His followers are to share. The Saviour could say, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." 9 And John declared, "God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him." So with the followers of Christ. We can re- ceive of heaven's light only as we are willing to he emptied of self. We can discern the character of God, and accept Christ by faith, only as we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedi- ence of Christ. And to all who do this, the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." 10
The life of John was not spent in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or in selfish isolation. From time to time he went forth to mingle with men; and he was ever an interested observer of what was passing in the world. From his quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of events. With vision illuminated by the Divine Spirit he studied the character of men, that he might under- stand how to reach their hearts with the message of heaven. The burden of his mission was upon him. In solitude, by meditation and prayer, he sought to gird up his soul for the life-work before him.
8 John 3 : 31, 31. 9 John 5 : 30. 10 Col. 2 : 9, 10.
PAUL, THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
Foremost among those called to preach the gospel of Christ stands the apostle Paul, to every minister an example of loyalty, devotion, and untiring effort. His experiences and his instruction regarding the sacred- ness of the minister's work, are a source of help and inspiration to those engaged in the gospel ministry.
Before his conversion, Paul was a bitter persecutor of the followers of Christ. But at the gate of Damas- cus a voice spoke to him, light from heaven shone into his soul, and in the revelation that there came to him, of the Crucified One, he beheld that which changed the whole current of his life. Henceforth love for the Lord of glory, whom he had so relentlessly persecuted in the person of His saints, came before all else. To him had been given the ministry of making known "the mys- tery" which had been "kept secret since the world be- gan." x "He is a chosen vessel unto Me," declared the Angel who appeared to Ananias, "to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel." 2
And throughout his long term of service, Paul never faltered in his allegiance to his Saviour. "I count not myself to have apprehended," he wrote to the Philip- pians; "but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ." 3
Paul's was a life of intense and varied activities. From city to city, from country to country, he jour-
iRom. IS: 25. 2 Acts 9 : 15. 3 Phil. 3 : 13, 14.
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Paul, the Ajiostle to the Gentiles 59
neyed, telling the story of the cross, winning converts to the gospel, and establishing churches. For these churches he had a constant care, and he wrote many letters of instruction to them. At times he worked at his trade to earn his daily bread. But in all the busy activity of his life, he never lost sight of the one great purpose, — to press toward the mark of his high calling.
Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life exempli- fied the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of the truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist.
The apostle's heart burned with love for sinners, and he put all his energies into the work of soul-win- ning. There never lived a more self-denying, persever- ing worker. The blessings he received he prized as so many advantages to be used in blessing others. He lost no opportunity of speaking of the Saviour or of helping those in trouble. Wherever he could find a hearing, he sought to counteract wrong and to turn the feet of men and women into the path of righteousness.
Paul never forgot the responsibility resting on him as a minister of Christ; or that if souls were lost through unfaithfulness on his part, God would hold him ac- countable. "I take you to record this day," he de- clared, "that I am pure from the blood of all men." 4 "Whereof I am made a minister," he said of the gospel, "according to the dispensation of God which is given
4 Acts 20:26.
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to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mys- tery which hath been hid from ages and from genera- tions, but now is made manifest to His saints : to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory : whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: where- unto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily." 5
These words present before the worker for Christ a high standard of attainment, yet this standard all can reach who, putting themselves under the control of the great Teacher, learn daily in the school of Christ. The power at God's command is limitless; and the minister who in his great need shuts himself in with the Lord, may be assured that he will receive that which will be to his hearers a savor of life unto life.
Paul's writings show that the gospel minister should be an example of the truths that he teaches, " giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed." 6 To Titus he wrote, " Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thy- self a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned: that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." 7
Of his own work he has left us a picture in his letter to the Corinthian believers: "In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in im- prisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in
6 Col. 1 : 25-29. 6 2 Cor. 6:3. 7 Titus 2 : 6-8.
Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles 61
fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich." 8
Paul's heart was filled with a deep, abiding sense of his responsibility; and he labored in close communion with Him who is the fountain of justice, mercy, and truth. He clung to the cross of Christ as his only guar- anty of success. The love of the Saviour was the un- dying motive that upheld him in his conflicts with self and in his struggle against evil, as in the service of Christ he pressed forward against the unfriendliness of the world and the opposition of his enemies.
What the church needs in these days of peril, is an army of workers who, like Paul, have educated them- selves for usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of God, and who are filled with earnestness and zeal. Sanctified, self-sacrificing men are needed; men who are brave and true; men in whose hearts Christ is formed, "the hope of glory," 9 and who with lips touched with holy fire will "preach the word." 10 For the want of such workers the cause of God lan- guishes, and fatal errors, like a deadly poison, taint the morals and blight the hopes of a large part of the human race.
As the faithful, toil-worn standard-bearers are of- fering up their lives for the truth's sake, who will come forward to take their place? Will our young men ac-
8 2 Cor. 6 : 4-10. 9 Col. 1 : 27. 10 2 Tim. 4 : 2.
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Gospel Workers
cept the holy trust at the hand of their fathers? Are they preparing to fill the vacancies made by the death of the faithful? Will the apostle's charge be heeded, the call to duty be heard, amid the incitements to self- ishness and ambition that allure the youth?
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Christ Our Example Test. Vol. II, p. 628.
Test. Vol. Ill, pp. 421-423. Test. Vol. IV, pp. 263, 268, 373. Desire, pp. 253-255. M. of H., pp. 503, 504.
Christ as a Teacher Ed., pp. 73-83.
Desire, pp. 168-177, 183-195,
298-314, 365-371. M. of H., pp. 52-54. Counsels, pp. 28, 29, 49-52, 178- 180, 259-263, 381, 385, 386.
A Lesson for Our (Enoch) Test. Vol. II, pp. 121, 122. Time Test. Vol. VI, p. 392.
P. and P., pp. 84-89. C. O. L., p. 332.
(John) Test. Vol. V, pp. 224-227.
Test. Vol. VIII, pp. 221, 222. Desire, pp. 100-108, 178-182,
214-225. C. O. L., pp. 277, 278. Acts, pp. 269, 270. Counsels, pp. 445-447.
Paul, the Apostle to See "Acts of the Apostles."
the Gentiles M. of H., pp. 154, 166, 167,
214, 215.
The Needed Preparation
: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need- eth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
YOUNG MEN IN THE MINISTRY
There must be no belittling of the gospel ministry. No enterprise should be so conducted as to cause the ministry of the word to be looked upon as an inferior matter. It is not so. Those who belittle the ministry are belittling Christ. The highest of all work is min- istry in its various lines, and it should be kept before the youth that there is no work more blessed of God than that of the gospel minister.
Let not our young men be deterred from entering the ministry. There is danger that through glowing representations some will be drawn away from the path where God bids them walk. Some have been encour- aged to take a course of study in medical lines who ought to be preparing themselves to enter the min- istry. The Lord calls for more ministers to labor in His vineyard. The words were spoken, "Strengthen the outposts; have faithful sentinels in every part of the world." God calls for you, young men. He calls for whole armies of young men who are large-hearted and large-minded, and who have a deep love for Christ and the truth.
The measure of capacity or learning is of far less consequence than is the spirit with which you engage
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in the work. It is not great and learned men that the ministry needs; it is not eloquent sermonizers. God calls for men who will give themselves to Him to be imbued with His Spirit. The cause of Christ and hu- manity demands sanctified, self-sacrificing men, those who can go forth without the camp, bearing the re- proach. Let them be strong, valiant men, fit for worthy enterprises, and let them make a covenant with God by sacrifice.
The ministry is no place for idlers. God's servants are to make full proof of their ministry. They will not be sluggards, but as expositors of His word they will put forth their utmost energies to be faithful. They should never cease to be learners. They are to keep their own souls alive to the sacredness of the work and to the great responsibilities of their calling, that they may at no time or place bring to God a maimed sacrifice, an offering which has cost them neither study nor prayer.
The Lord has need of men of intense spiritual life. Every worker may receive an endowment of strength from on high, and may go forward with faith and hope in the path where God bids him walk. The word of God abides in the young, consecrated laborer. He is^ quick, earnest, powerful, having in the counsel of God an unfailing source of supply.
God has called this people to give to the world the message of Christ's soon coming. We are to give to men the last call to the gospel feast, the last invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Thousands of places that have not heard the call are yet to hear it. Many who have not given the message are yet to proclaim it. Again I appeal to our young men:
Young Men in the Ministry 65
Has not God called upon you to sound this mes- sage?
How many of our young men will enter the service of God, not to be served, but to serve? In times past there were those who fastened their minds upon one soul after another, saying, "Lord, help me to save this soul." But now such instances are rare. How many act as if they realized the peril of sinners? How many take those whom they know to be in peril, pre- senting them to God in praj^er, and supplicating Him to save them?
The apostle Paul could say of the early church, "They glorified God in me." * Shall we not strive to live so that the same words can be said of us? The Lord will provide ways and means for those who will seek Him with the whole heart. He desires us to acknowledge the divine superintendence shown in preparing fields of labor and in preparing the way for these fields to be occupied successfully.
Let ministers and evangelists have more seasons of earnest prayer with those who are convicted by the truth. Remember that Christ is always with you. The Lord has in readiness the most precious exhibitions of His grace to strengthen and encourage the sincere, humble worker. Then reflect to others the light which God has caused to shine upon you. Those who do this bring to the Lord the most precious offering. The hearts of those who bear the good tidings of salvation are aglow with the spirit of praise. . . .
The number of workers in the ministry is not to be lessened, but greatly increased. Where there is now
!Gal. 1:24.
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one minister in the field, twenty are to be added; and if the Spirit of God controls them, these twenty will so present the truth that twenty more will be added.
Christ's dignity and office-work are in imposing such conditions as He pleases. His followers are to become more and more a power in the proclamation of the truth as they draw nearer to the perfection of faith and of love for their brethren. God has pro- vided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. He means that sufficient facilities shall be provided for the working out of His plans. I bid you seek counsel from God. Seek Him with the whole heart, and " whatsoever He saith unto you, do." 2 — " Testimonies for the Church" Vol. VI, pages
414, 415.
♦
With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come, — the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! How soon, in place of a possession here, with its blight of sin and pain, our children might receive their inheritance where "the righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever;" where "the in- habitant shall not say, I am sick," and "the voice of weeping shall be no more heard!"3 — "Education" page 271.
2 John 2:5. 3 Ps. 37 : 29 ; Isa. 83 : 24 ; 65 : 19.
THE YOUTH TO BE BURDEN-BEARERS
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." l
In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth to aid in the advancement of His cause. To plan with clear mind and execute with courageous hand demands fresh, uncrippled energies. Young men and women are in- vited to give God the strength of their youth, that through the .exercise of their powers, through keen thought and vigorous action, they may bring glory to Him and salvation to their fellow-men.
In view of their high calling, the youth among us should not seek for amusement or live for selfish grati- fication. The salvation of souls is to be the motive that inspires them to action. In their God-given strength they are to rise above every enslaving, debas- ing habit. They are to ponder well the paths of their feet, remembering that where they lead the way, others will follow.
No one lives to himself; all exert an influence for good or for evil. Because of this, the apostle exhorts young men to be sober-minded. How can they be otherwise when they remember that they are to be co-workers with Christ, partakers with Him of His self-denial and sacrifice, His forbearance and gracious benevolence?
To the youth of to-day, as surely as to Timothy, are spoken the words, " Study to show thyself approved
1 1 John 2 : 14.
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Unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." "Flee also youth- ful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace." "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 2
Whe burden-bearers among us are falling in death. Many of those who have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted by us as a people, are now past the meridian of life, and are declining in physical and mental strength. With the deepest concern the ques- tion may be asked, Who will fill their places? To whom are to be committed the vital interests of the church when the present standard-bearers fall? We cannot but look anxiously upon the youth of to-day as those who must take these burdens, and upon whom responsi- bilities must fall. These must take up the work where others leave it, and their course will determine whether moralhVy, religion, and vital godliness shall prevail, or whether immorality and infidelity shall corrupt and blight all that is valuable.
Those who are older must educate the youth, by precept and example, to discharge the claims that so- ciety and their Maker have upon them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities. The ques- tion is, Are they capable of governing themselves, and standing forth in the purity of their God-given man- hood, abhorring everything that savors of wickedness?
Never before was there so much at stake; never were there results so mighty depending upon a genera- tion as upon these now coming upon the stage of ac- tion. Not for one moment should the youth think that
* 2 Tim. 2:15, 22 ; 1 Tim. 4 : 12.
The Youth to be Burden-Bearers 69
they can acceptably fill any position of trust without possessing a good character. Just as well might they expect to gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles.
A good character must be built up brick by brick. Those characteristics which will enable the youth to labor successfully in God's cause must be obtained by the diligent exercise of their faculties, by improving every advantage Providence gives them, and by con- necting with the Source of all wisdom. They must be satisfied with no low standard. The characters of Joseph and Daniel are good models for them to follow, and in the life of the Saviour they have a perfect pattern.
All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may fill their appointed places in God's great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him a channel of light. If the youth of to-day will consecrate them- selves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, "0 God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works." 3
THE NEED OF TRAINING WORKERS
The youth must soon bear the burdens that older workers are now carrying. We have lost time in neg- lecting to give young men a solid, practical education. The cause of God is constantly progressing, and we must obey the command, Go forward. There is need of young men and women who will not be swayed by
3 Ps. 71 : 17,
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circumstances, who walk with God, who pray much, and who put forth earnest efforts to gather all the light they can.
The worker for God should put forth the highest mental and moral energies with which nature, cultiva- tion, and the grace of God have endowed him; but his success will be proportionate to the degree of consecra- tion and self-sacrifice in which his work is done, rather than to either natural or acquired endowments. Ear- nest, continuous endeavor to acquire qualifications for usefulness is necessary; but unless God works with humanity, nothing good can be accomplished. Divine grace is the great element of saving power; without it all human effort is unavailing.
Whenever the Lord has a work to be done, He calls not only for the commanding officers, but for all the workers. To-day He is calling for young men and women who are strong and active in mind and body. He desires them to bring into the conflict against prin- cipalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places, their fresh, healthy powers of brain, bone, and muscle. But they must have the needed preparation. Some young men are urging their way into the work who have no real fitness for it. They do not under- stand that they need to be taught before they can teach. They point to men who, with little preparation, have labored with a measure of success. But if these men were successful, it was because they put heart and soul into the work. And how much more effective their labors might have been if at the first they had received suitable training!
The cause of God needs efficient men. Education and training are rightly regarded as an essential prepa-
The Youth to be Burden-Bearers 71
ration for business life; and how much more essential is thorough preparation for the work of presenting the last message of mercy to the world. This training can- not be gained by merely listening to preaching. In our schools our youth are to bear burdens for God. They are to receive a thorough training under experienced teachers. They should make the best possible use of their time in study, and put into practice the knowl- edge acquired. Hard study and hard work are re- quired to make a successful minister or a successful worker in any branch of God's cause. Nothing less than constant cultivation will develop the value of the gifts that God has bestowed for wise improvement.
A great injury is often done our young men by per- mitting them to begin to preach when they have not sufficient knowledge of the Scriptures to present our faith in an intelligent manner. Some who enter the field are novices in the Scriptures. In other things also they are incompetent and inefficient. They can- not read the Scriptures without hesitating, mispro- nouncing words, and jumbling them together in such a manner that the word of God is abused. Those who cannot read correctly should learn to do so, and should become apt to teach, before they attempt to stand before the public.
The teachers in our schools are obliged to apply themselves closely to study, that they may be prepared to instruct others. These teachers are not accepted until they have passed a critical examination, and their capabilities to teach have been tested by competent judges. No less caution should be used in the exami- nation of ministers; those who are about to enter upon the sacred work of teaching Bible truth to the world,
72 Gospel Workers
should be carefully examined by faithful, experienced men.
The teaching in our schools is not to be the same as in other colleges and seminaries. It is not to be of an inferior order; the knowledge essential to pre- pare a people to stand in the great day of God is to be made the all-important theme. The students are to be fitted to serve God, not only in this life, but in the future life. The Lord requires that our schools shall fit students for the kingdom to which they are bound. Thus they will be prepared to blend in the holy, happy harmony of the redeemed. . . .
Let those who have been trained for service now take their places quickly in the Lord's work. House- to-house laborers are needed. The Lord calls for de- cided efforts to be put forth in places where the people know nothing of Bible truth. Singing and praying and Bible-readings are needed in the homes of the people. Now, just now, is the time to obey the commission, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." 4 Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. "It is written" is to be their weapon of defense. God has given us light on His word, that we may give this light to our fellow-men. The truth spoken by Christ will reach hearts. A "Thus saith the Lord" will fall upon the ear with power, and fruit will appear wherever honest service is done. — "Counsels to Teachers," pages 535-540.
* Matt. 8 : 20
EDUCATION FOR MISSIONARY WORK*
"We are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." 1
The work of the Christian laborer is not light or unimportant. He has a high vocation, from which his whole future life must take its mould and coloring. He who gives himself to so sacred a work should bend all his energies to its accomplishment. He should aim high; he will never reach a higher standard than that which he seeks to attain. He cannot diffuse light until he has first received it. He must be a learner before he can have ' sufficient wisdom and experience to become a teacher, able to open the Scriptures to those who are in darkness. If God has called men to be laborers to- gether with Him, it is equally certain that He has called them to make the best possible preparation rightly to represent the sacred, elevating truths of His word.
Those who desire to give themselves to the work of God should receive an education and training for this work, that they may be prepared to engage in it in- telligently. They should not feel that they can step at once upon the higher rounds of the ladder; those who would succeed must begin at the first round, and climb upward step by step. Opportunities and privileges are granted them for improvement, and they should make every effort in their power to learn how to do the work of God acceptably.
* First published in " Historical Sketches of S. D. A. Foreign Missions," 1886.
1 1 Cor. 3 : 9.
[73]
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Wherever our ministers labor, in Europe or in America, they should seek to arouse the youth to pre- pare for active service in God's great field of battle. All who claim to be the servants of Christ have a work to do for Him. The very name of servant conveys the idea of hire, work, responsibility. To every one God has entrusted powers to be employed in His service. He has given to each his work, and He requires that every faculty shall be improved to His glory.
THE TRAINING OF SOLDIERS
Just in front of our printing-office in Basel, Swit- zerland, is a large park of many acres, reserved by the government for military drill. Here, day after day, at certain seasons of the year, we see the soldiers training. They are drilled in all the duties of the army, so that in case of war they may be ready at the call of the government to engage in actual service.
One day a fine tent was brought upon the ground. Then came the discipline of pitching it and taking it down. Instruction was given as to setting it up in proper order, every man having his specific work to do. Several times the tent was pitched and taken down.
By another company many small cannon were brought upon the ground, and lessons were given by the officers in the matter of moving these quickly from place to place, in taking apart the cannon wagon, and setting the gun ready for use, and in quickly attaching again the fore wheels, so as to be, ready at the call to set them in motion in an instant.
Ambulances were brought to the ground, and the sanitary corps were taught to take care of the wounded.
Education for Missionary Work 75
Men were laid upon stretchers, and their heads and limbs were bandaged as are those of the wounded on the field of battle. Then they were laid in the ambulance and drawn from the ground.
For hours, soldiers are drilled to disencumber them- selves of their knapsacks, and place them quickly in position again upon the person. They are taught how to stack their arms, and how to seize them quickly. They are drilled in making a charge against the enemy, and are trained in all kinds of maneuvers.
Thus the drill goes on, preparing men for any emer- gency. And should those who are fighting the battle for Prince Emmanuel be less earnest and painstaking in their preparation for the spiritual warfare? Those who engage in this great work must take part in the necessary drill. They must learn to obey before they are fitted to command.
FACILITIES FOR TRAINING
There should be decided advancement in the matter of special preparatory work. In all our conferences there should be well-organized plans for the instruction and training of those who desire to give themselves to the work of God. Our city missions afford favorable opportunities for education in missionary labor; but these are not enough. There ought to be connected with our schools the best possible facilities for the prep- aration of laborers for both home and foreign fields. There should also be in our larger churches special training-schools for young men and women, to fit them to become workers for God. And far more attention should be given by our ministers to the matter of assisting and educating younger laborers.
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When an effort is made to introduce the truth in an important place, our ministers should give special at- tention to the instruction and training of those who are to co-operate with them. Colporteurs and can- vassers are needed, and those who are fitted to give Bible-readings in families, so that while the ministers are laboring in word and doctrine, these can also be calling minds to the truth.
Our ministers who have gone to important places to hold tent-meetings, have often made a serious mis- take in devoting all their time to sermonizing. There should be less preaching and more teaching, — teaching the people, and also teaching young men how to labor successfully. Ministers should become efficient in teaching others how to study the Bible, and in training the minds and manners of those who would become workers in the cause of God. And they should be ready to counsel and instruct those who have newly come to the faith, and who give promise of possessing ability to work for the Master. . . .
All who would be efficient workers must give much time to prayer. The communication between God and the soul must be kept open, that the workers may rec- ognize the voice of their Captain. The Bible should be diligently studied. The truth of God, like gold, is not always lying right on the surface; it is to be ob- tained only by earnest thought and study. This study will not only store the mind with most valuable knowl- edge, but will strengthen and expand the mental pow- ers, and will give a true estimate of eternal things. Let the divine precepts be brought into the daily life; let the life be fashioned after God's great standard of righteousness, and the whole character will be strength- ened and ennobled.
Education for Missionary Work 11
He who is seeking to qualify himself for the sacred work of God should be careful not to place himself on the enemy's ground, but should choose the society of those who will help him to obtain divine knowledge. God suffered John, the beloved disciple, to be exiled to Patmos, where he was separated from the world's bus- tle and strife, shut away from every outside influence, and even from the work that he loved. Then the Lord could commune with him, opening before him the clos- ing scenes of this world's history. John the Baptist made his home in the wilderness, there to receive from God the message that he was to bear, — a message that was to prepare the way for the Coming One.
So far as consistent, we should shun every influ- ence that would tend to divert the mind from the work of God. And those especially who are young in faith and experience should beware that they do not in self- confidence place themselves in the way of temptation.
Those who take hold of the work aright, will feel the necessity of having Jesus with them at every step, and they will feel that the cultivation of the mind and the manners is a duty due to themselves and required by God, — a duty which is essential to the success of the work.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Some who contemplate becoming missionary work- ers may think themselves so far advanced that they do not need all this particular drill; but those who feel thus are the very ones who stand in the greatest need of thorough training. When they know much more in regard to the truth and the importance of the work, they will realize their ignorance and inefficiency.
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When they closely examine their own hearts, they will see themselves in such contrast to the pure character of Christ that they will cry out, "Who is sufficient for these things?" Then they will in deep humility strive daily to place themselves in close connection with Christ. While overcoming the selfish inclinations of the natural heart, they are placing their feet in the path where Christ leads the way. "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the sim- ple." 2 But those who have a high estimate of their own ability and acquisitions, are so full of self-impor- tance that there is no opportunity for the entrance of the word of God to instruct and enlighten them.
Many feel that they are fitted for a work that they know scarcely anything about; and if they start to labor in a self-important manner, they will fail to receive that knowledge which they must obtain in the school of Christ. These will be doomed to struggle with many difficulties, for which they are wholly unprepared. They will ever lack experience and wisdom until they learn their great inefficiency.
Very much has been lost to the cause by the de- fective labors of men who possess ability, but who have not had proper training. They have engaged in a work which they knew not how to manage, and as the result have accomplished but little. They have not done a tithe of what they could have done had they received the right discipline at the start. They seized upon a few ideas, managed to get a runway of a few dis- courses, and here their progress ended. They felt competent to be teachers, when they had scarcely mastered their a b c in the knowledge of the truth. They have been stumbling along ever since, not do-
2 Ps. 119 : 130.
Education for Missionary Work 79
ing justice to themselves or to the work. They do not seem to have sufficient interest to arouse their dor- mant energies, or to tax their powers to become effi- cient workers. They have not taken pains to form thorough and well-devised plans, and their work shows deficiency in every part.
Some have given up in discouragement, and have engaged in other employment. Had these patiently and humbly placed their feet on the lowest round of the ladder, and then with persevering energy climbed step by step, diligently improving the privileges and opportunities within their reach, they might have be- come able, useful workmen, who could give full proof of their ministry, and of whom the Master would not be ashamed.
If those who propose to work for the salvation of souls depend on their own finite wisdom, they will cer- tainly fail. If they entertain humble views of self, and rely fully upon the promises of God, He will never fail them. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." 3 We have the privilege of being directed by a wise Counselor.
God can make humble men mighty in His service. Those who obediently respond to the call of duty, im- proving their abilities to the very utmost, may be sure of receiving divine assistance. Angels will come as messengers of light to the help of those who will do all that they can on their part, and then trust in God to co-operate with their efforts.
It should be impressed on all who have decided to become workers for God, that they must give evidence
3 Prov. 3:5, 6.
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that they are converted men. A young man without a sound, virtuous character will be no honor to the truth. Every worker should be pure in heart; in his mouth should be found no guile. He should bear in mind that, to be successful, he must have Christ by his side, and that every sinful practice, however secret, is open to the view of Him with whom we have to do.
Sin has marred the divine image in man. Through Christ this may be restored, but it is only through ear- nest pra}rer and the conquest of self that we can become partakers of the divine nature. . . .
The true toilers in the Lord's vineyard will be men of prayer, of faith, of self-denial, — men who hold in restraint the natural appetites and passions. These will in their own lives give evidence of the power of the truth which they present to others; and their labors will not be without effect.
The worker for God should be prepared to put forth the highest mental and moral energies with which nature, cultivation, and the grace of God have endowed him; but his success will be proportionate to the degree of consecration and self-sacrifice in which the work is done, rather than to either nat- ural or acquired endowments. The most earnest and continued efforts to acquire qualifications for useful- ness are necessary; but unless God works with the human effort, nothing can be accomplished. Christ saj^s, " Without Me ye can do nothing." 4 Divine grace is the great element of saving power; without it all human efforts are unavailing. — " Testimonies for the Church," Vol V, page 583.
4 John 15 : 5.
YOUNG MEN AS MISSIONARIES
Young men who desire to enter the field as minis- ters, colporteurs, or canvassers, should first receive a suitable degree of mental training, as well as a special preparation for their calling. Those who are unedu- cated, untrained, and unrefined, are not prepared to enter a field in which the powerful influences of talent and education combat the truths of God's word. Nei- ther can they successfully meet the strange forms of error, religious and philosophical combined, to expose which requires a knowledge of scientific as well as Scriptural truth.
Those especially who have the ministry in view, should feel the importance of the Scriptural method of ministerial training. They should enter heartily into the work, and while they study in the schools, they should learn of the great Teacher the meekness and humility of Christ. A covenant-keeping God has prom- ised that in answer to prayer His Spirit shall be poured out upon these learners in the school of Christ, that they may become ministers of righteousness.
There is hard work to be done in dislodging error and false doctrine from the head, that Bible truth and Bible religion may find a place in the heart. It was as a means ordained of God to educate young men and women for the various departments of missionary labor, that colleges were established among us. It is God's will that they send forth not merely a few, but many laborers. But Satan, determined to overthrow this purpose, has often secured the very ones Whom God would qualify for places of usefulness in His work. 6 [81]
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There are many who would work if urged into service, and who would save their souls by thus working. The church should feel her great responsibility in shutting up the light of truth, and restraining the grace of God within her own narrow limits, when money and influ- ence should be freely employed in bringing competent persons into the missionary field.
Hundreds of young men should have been preparing to act a part in the work of scattering the seeds of truth beside all waters. We want men who will push the triumphs of the cross; men who will persevere under discouragements and privations; who will have the zeal and resolution and faith that are indispensable in the missionary field. . . .
FOEEIGN LANGUAGES
There are among us those who, without the toil and delay of learning a foreign language, might qualify themselves to proclaim the truth to other nations. In the primitive church, missionaries were miraculously endowed with a knowledge of the languages in which they were called to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. And if God was willing thus to help His serv- ants then, can we doubt that His blessing will rest upon our efforts to qualify those who naturally possess a knowledge of foreign tongues, and who, with proper en- couragement, would bear to their own countrymen the message of truth? We might have had more labor- ers in foreign missionary fields, had those who entered these fields availed themselves of every talent within their reach. . . .
It may in some cases be necessary that young men learn foreign languages. This they can do with most success by associating with the people, and at the
Young Men as Missionaries 83
same time devoting a portion of each day to study- ing the language. This should be done, however, only as a necessary step preparatory to educating such as are found in the missionary fields themselves, and who, with proper training, can become workers. It is essential that those be urged into the service who can speak in their mother tongue to the people of different nations.
It is a great undertaking for a man of middle age to learn a foreign language ; and with all his efforts, it will be next to impossible for him to speak it so readily and correctly as to render him an efficient laborer. We cannot afford to deprive our home missions of the in- fluence of middle-aged and aged ministers, to send them into distant fields to engage in a work for which they are not qualified, and to which no amount of training will enable them to adapt themselves. The men thus sent out leave vacancies which inexperienced laborers cannot supply.
YOUNG MEN WANTED FOR HARD PLACES
The church may inquire whether young men can be entrusted with the grave responsibilities involved in the establishing and superintending of a foreign mission. I answer, God designed that they should be so trained in our colleges and by association in labor with men of experience, that they would be prepared for places of usefulness in this cause.
We must manifest confidence in our young men. They should be pioneers in every enterprise involving toil and sacrifice, while the overtaxed servants of Christ should be cherished as counselors, to encourage and bless those who strike the heaviest blows for God. Providence thrust these experienced fathers into try-
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ing, responsible positions at an early age, when neither physical nor intellectual powers were fully developed. The magnitude of the trust committed to them aroused their energies, and their active labor in the work aided both physical and mental development.
Young men are wanted. God calls them to mis- sionary fields. Being comparatively free from care and responsibilities, they are more favorably situated to engage in the work than are those who must pro- vide for the training and support of a large family. Furthermore, young men can more readily adapt themselves to new climates and new society, and can better endure inconveniences and hardships. By tact and perseverance, they can reach the people where they are.
Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use the ability which God has given them, will have in- creased ability to devote to His service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God, will fail to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who would lie down and refuse to exercise his limbs, would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers, not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength which he already had; he becomes a spiritual paralytic.
It is those who, with love for God and their fellow- men, are striving to help others, that become estab- lished, strengthened, settled, in the truth. The true Christian works for God, not from impulse, but from principle; not for a day or a month, but during the entire life. . . .
The Master calls for gospel workers. Who will re- spond? Not all who enter the army are to be generals,
Young Men as Missionaries 85
captains, sergeants, or even corporals. Not all have the care and responsibility of leaders. There is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and build fortifications; some are to stand as sentinels, some to carry messages. While there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers to form the rank and file of the army; yet its success depends upon the fidelity of every soldier. One man's coward- ice or treachery may bring disaster upon the entire army. . . .
He who has appointed "to every man his work," l according to his ability, will never let the faithful per- formance of duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God's favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoic- ing, bringing his sheaves with him." 2 — " Testimonies for the Church," Vol V, pages 390-395.
Many a lad of to-day, growing up as did Daniel in his Judean home, studying God's word and His works, and learning the lessons of faithful service, will yet stand in legislative assemblies, in halls of justice, or in royal courts, as a witness for the King of kings. Multitudes will be called to a wider min- istry. The whole world is opening to the gospel. Ethiopia is stretching out her hands unto God. From Japan and China and India, from the still darkened lands of our own continent, from every quarter of this world of ours, comes the cry of sin-stricken hearts for a knowledge of the God of love. — "Education," page 262.
1 Mark 13 : 34. 2 Ps. 126 : 6.
VOICE TRAINING FOR WORKERS
In all our ministerial work, more attention should be given to the culture of the voice. We may have knowledge, but unless we know how to use the voice correctly, our work will be a failure. Unless we can clothe our ideas in appropriate language, of what avail is our education? Knowledge will be of little advan- tage to us unless we cultivate the talent of speech; but it is a wonderful power when combined with the ability to speak wise, helpful words, and to speak them in a way that will command attention.
Students who expect to become workers in the cause of God should be trained to speak in a clear, straightforward manner, else they will be shorn of half their influence for good. The ability to speak plainly and clearly, in full, round tones, is invaluable in any line of work. This qualification is indispensable in those who desire to become ministers, evangelists, Bible-workers, or canvassers. Those who are plan- ning to enter these lines of work should be taught to use the voice in such a way that when they speak to people about the truth, a decided impression for good will be made. The truth must not be marred by being communicated through defective utterance.
The canvasser who can speak clearly and distinctly about the merits of the book he wishes to sell, will find this a great help in his work. He may have an oppor- tunity to read a chapter of the book, and by the music of his voice and the emphasis placed on the words, he can make the scene presented stand out as clearly [86]
Voice Training for Workers 87
before the mind of the listener as if it could actually be seen.
The one who gives Bible-readings in the congrega- tion or in the family should be able to read with a soft, musical cadence which will charm the hearers.
Ministers of the gospel should know how to speak with power and expression, making the words of eter- nal life so expressive and impressive that the hearers cannot but feel their weight. I am pained as I hear the defective voices of many of our ministers. Such ministers rob God of the glory He might have if they had trained themselves to speak the word with power.
OVERCOMING DEFECTS
No man should regard himself as qualified to enter the ministry until by persevering effort he has over- come every defect in his utterance. If he attempts to speak to the people without knowing how to use the talent of speech, half his influence is lost, for he has little power to hold the attention of a congregation.
Whatever his calling, every person should learn to control the voice, so that when something goes wrong, he will not speak in tones that stir the worst passions of the heart. Too often the speaker and the one ad- dressed speak sharply and harshly. Sharp, dictatorial words, uttered in hard, rasping tones, have separated friends and resulted in the loss of souls. . . .
In the social meeting there is special need of clear, distinct utterance, that all may hear the testimonies borne and be benefited by them. Difficulties are re- moved and help is given as in social meeting God's people relate their experiences. But too often the testimonies are borne with faulty, indistinct utterance,
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and it is impossible to gain a correct idea of what is said. Thus the. blessing is often lost.
Let those who pray and those who speak pronounce their words properly, and speak in clear, distinct, even tones. Prayer, if properly offered, is a power for good. It is one of the means used by the Lord to communicate to the people the precious treasures of truth. But prayer is not what it should be, be- cause of the defective voices of those who utter it. Satan rejoices when the prayers offered to God are almost inaudible.
Let God's people learn how to speak and pray in a way that will properly represent the great truths they possess. Let the testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct. Thus God will be glori- fied. Let all make the most of the talent of speech.
God calls for a higher, more perfect ministry. He is dishonored by the imperfect utterance of the one who by painstaking effort could become an acceptable mouthpiece for Him. The truth is too often marred by the channel through which it passes.
The Lord calls upon all who are connected with His service to give attention to the cultivation of the voice, that they may utter in an acceptable manner the great and solemn truths He has entrusted to them. Let none mar the truth by defective utterance. Let not those who have neglected to cultivate the talent of speech suppose that they are qualified to minister; for they have yet to obtain the power to communicate.
DISTINCT ENUNCIATION
When you speak, let every word be full and well rounded, every sentence clear and distinct, to the very
Voice Training for Workers 89
last word. Many as they approach the end of a sen- tence lower the tone of the voice, speaking so indis- tinctly that the force of the thought is destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are worth speak- ing in a clear, distinct voice, with emphasis and ex- pression. But never search for words that will give the impression that you are learned. The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be under- stood.
Young men and women, has God placed in your hearts a desire to do service for Him? Then by all means cultivate the voice to the utmost of your ability, so that you can make plain the precious truth to others. Do not fall into the habit of praying so indistinctly and in so low a tone that your prayers need an interpreter. Pray simply, but clearly and distinctly. To let the voice sink so low that it cannot be heard, is no evidence of humility.
To those who are planning to enter God's service as ministers, I would say, Strive with determination to be perfect in speech. Ask God to help you to accom- plish this great object. When in the congregation you offer prayer, remember that you are addressing God, and that He desires you to speak so that all who are present can hear and can blend their supplications with yours. A prayer uttered so hurriedly that the words are jumbled together, is no honor to God and does the hearers no good. Let ministers and all who offer public prayer learn to pray in such a way that God will be glorified and the hearers will be blessed. Let them speak slowly and distinctly, and in tones loud enough to be heard by all, so that the people may
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unite in saying Amen. — " Testimonies for the Church,* Vol. VI, pages 380-383.
Some of our most talented ministers are doing them- selves great injury by their defective manner of speak- ing. While teaching the people their duty to obey God's moral law, they should not be found violating the laws of God in regard to health and life. Minis- ters should stand erect, and speak slowly, firmly, and distinctly, taking a full inspiration of air at every sen- tence, and throwing out the words by exercising the abdominal muscles. If they will observe this simple rule, giving attention to the laws of health in other respects, they may preserve their life and usefulness much longer than men in any other profession. The chest will become broader, and . . . the speaker need seldom become hoarse, even by constant speaking. Instead of becoming consumptives, ministers may, by exercising care, overcome all tendency to consumption.
Unless ministers educate themselves to speak in ac- cordance with physical law, they will sacrifice life, and many will mourn the loss of " those martyrs to the cause of truth;" when the facts in the case are, that by indulging in wrong habits, they did injustice to them- selves and to the truth which they represented, and robbed God and the world of the service they might have rendered. God would have been pleased to have them live, but they slowly committed suicide.
The manner in which the truth is presented often has much to do in determining whether it will be ac- cepted or rejected. All who labor in the great cause of reform should study to become efficient workmen, that they may accomplish the greatest possible amount of
Voice Training for Workers 91
good, and not detract from the force of the truth by their own deficiencies.
Ministers and teachers should discipline themselves to articulate clearly and distinctly, allowing the full sound to every word. Those who talk rapidly, from the throat, jumbling the words together, and raising the voice to "an unnaturally high pitch, soon become hoarse, and the words spoken lose half the force which they would have if spoken slowly, distinctly, and not so loud. The sympathies of the hearers are awakened for the speaker; for they know that he is doing violence to himself, and they fear that he will break down at any moment. It is no evidence that a man has zeal for God because he works himself up into a frenzy of excitement and gesticulation. "Bodily exercise," says the apostle, "profiteth little." x
The Saviour of the world would have His co-labor- ers represent Him; and the more closely a man walks with God, the more faultless will be his manner of ad- dress, his deportment, his attitude, and his gestures. Coarse and uncouth manners were never seen in our pattern, Christ Jesus. He was a representative of heaven, and His followers must be like Him.
Some reason that the Lord will by His Holy Spirit qualify a man to speak as He would have him; but the Lord does not propose to do the work that He has given man to do. He has given us reasoning powers, and opportunities to educate the mind and manners. And after we have done all we can for ourselves, mak- ing the best use of the advantages within our reach, then we may look to God with earnest prayer to do by His Spirit that which we cannot do for ourselves. — ■ " Testimonies for the Clnurdn" Vol. IV, pages 404, 405.
1 1 Tim. 4 : 8.
"STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED"
The cause of God needs efficient men; it needs men who are trained to do service as teachers and preach- ers. Men have labored with a measure of success who have had little training in school or college; but these might have attained a greater measure of success, and might have been more efficient laborers, if at the very start they had acquired mental discipline.
To Timothy, a youthful minister, the apostle Paul wrote, " Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly di- viding the word of truth." x The work of winning souls to Christ demands careful preparation. Men cannot enter the Lord's service without the needed training, and expect the highest success. Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions, are edu- cated for the line of business they hope to enter. It is their policy to make themselves as efficient as pos- sible. Go to the milliner or the dressmaker, and she will tell you how long she toiled before she had a thor- ough knowledge of her business. The architect will tell you how long it took him to understand how to plan a tasteful, commodious building. And so it is in all the callings that men follow.
Should the servants of Christ show less diligence in preparing for a work infinitely more important? Should they be ignorant of the ways and means to be employed in winning souls? It requires a knowledge of human nature, close study, careful thought, and ear- nest prayer, to know how to approach men and women on the great subjects that concern their eternal welfare.
1 2 Tim. 2 : 15. [92]
" Study to Show Thyself Approved " 93
Not a few of those called to be co-laborers with the Master have failed to learn their trade. They have dishonored their Redeemer by entering His work with- out the needed preparation. There are some who, be- coming wearied by the superficial gloss that the world calls refinement, have gone to the other extreme, and one fully as harmful. They refuse to receive the pol- ish and refinement that Christ desires His children to possess. The minister should remember that he is an educator, and that if in manner and speech he is coarse and unrefined, those who have less knowledge and experience will follow in his steps.
SUPERFICIAL KNOWLEDGE
Never should a young minister rest satisfied with a superficial knowledge of the truth, for he knows not where he may be required to bear witness for God. Many will have to stand before kings and before the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith. Those who have only a superficial understanding of the truth have failed to become workmen that need not be ashamed. They will be confused, and will not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures.
It is a lamentable fact that the advancement of the cause is hindered by the dearth of educated laborers. Many are wanting in moral and intellectual qualifica- tions. They do not tax the mind, they do not dig for the hidden treasure. Because they only skim the surface, they gain only that knowledge which is to be found upon the surface.
Do men think that they will be able, under pressure of circumstances, to step into an important position, when they have neglected to train and discipline them-
94 Gospel Workers
selves for the work? Do they imagine that they can be polished instruments in the hands of God for the salvation of souls, if they have not used the opportu- nities placed at their command for obtaining a fitness for the work? The cause of God calls for all-round men, who can devise, plan, build up, and organize. And those who appreciate the probabilities and possi- bilities of the work for this time, will seek by earnest study to obtain all the knowledge they can from the Word, to use in ministering to needy, sin-sick souls.
A minister should never think that he has learned enough, and may now relax his efforts. His educa- tion should continue throughout his lifetime; every day he should be learning, and putting to use the knowledge gained.
Let those who are in training for the ministry never forget that the preparation of the heart is of all the most important. No amount of mental culture or theo- logical training can take the place of this. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness must shine into the heart of the worker and purify his life, before light from • the throne of God can shine through him to those in darkness.
During the night many scenes passed before me, and many points in reference to the work that we are to do for our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, were made plain and clear. Words were spoken by One of authority, and I will try to repeat in finite words the instruction given regarding the work to be done. The heavenly Messenger said:
The ministry is becoming enfeebled because men are assuming the responsibility of preaching without
LV
"Study to Show Thyself Approved" 95
gaining the needed preparation for this work. Many have made a mistake in receiving credentials. They will have to take up work to which they are better adapted than the preaching of the word. They are being paid from the tithe, but their efforts are feeble, and they should not continue to be paid from this fund. In many ways the ministry is losing its sacred character.
Those who are called to the ministry of the word are to be true, self-sacrificing laborers. God calls for men who realize that they must put forth earnest effort, men who bring thought, zeal, prudence, capa- bility, and the attributes of Christ's character into their labors. The saving of souls is a vast work, which calls for the employment of every talent, every gift of grace. Those engaged in it should constantly increase in efficiency. They should have an earnest desire to strengthen their powers, knowing that they will be weak without a constantly increasing supply of grace. They should seek to attain larger and still larger results in their work. When this is the expe- rience of our workers, fruit will be seen. Many souls will be won to the truth.
Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children. Godliness — Godlike- ness — is the goal to be reached. Before the student here is opened a path of continual progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that in- cludes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. — "Education" page 18.
CANVASSING AS AN EDUCATION FOR THE MINISTRY
One of the very best ways in which young men can obtain a fitness for the ministry is by entering the can- vassing field. Let them go into towns and cities to canvass for the books which contain the truth for this time. In this work they will find opportunity to speak the words of life, and the seeds of truth they sow will spring up to bear fruit. By meeting the people and presenting to them our publications, they will gain an experience that they could not gain by preaching.
When young men enter the canvassing field filled with an intense longing to save their fellow-men, a har- vest for the Lord will be reaped as a result of their efforts. Then let them go forth as missionaries, to pro- claim present truth, praying constantly for increased light, and for the guidance of the Spirit, that they may know how to speak words in season to those who are weary. Let them improve every opportunity for per- forming deeds of kindness, remembering that they are doing errands for the Lord.
All who desire an opportunity for true ministry, and who will give themselves unreservedly to God, will find in the canvassing work opportunity to speak upon many things pertaining to the future immortal life. The experience thus gained will be of the greatest value to those who are fitting themselves for the ministry.
It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares workers, both men and women, to be- [96]
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come pastors to the flock of God. As they cherish the thought that Christ is their companion, a holy awe, a sacred joy, will be felt by them amid all their trying ex- periences and all their tests. They will learn to pray as they work. They will be educated in patience, kindness, affability, and helpfulness. They will prac- tice true Christian courtesy, bearing in mind that Christ, their companion, cannot approve of harsh, un- kind words or feelings. Their words will be purified. The power of speech will be regarded as a precious talent, lent them to do a high and holy work.
The human agent will learn how to represent the divine Companion with whom he is associated. To that unseen Holy One he will show respect and rever- ence, because he is wearing His yoke and is learning His pure, holy ways. Those who have faith in this di- vine Attendant will develop. They will be gifted with power to clothe the message of truth with a sacred beauty. — " Testimonies for the Church,11 Vol. VI, p. 322,
Follow on, young men, to know the Lord, and you will know that " His going forth is prepared as the morn- ing." l Seek constantly to improve. Strive earnestly for close fellowship with the Redeemer. Live by faith in Christ. Do the work He did. Live for the saving of the souls for whom He laid down His life. Try in every way to help those with whom you come in con- tact. . . . Talk with your Elder Brother, who will complete your education line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. A close con- nection with Him who offered Himself as a sacrifice to save a perishing world, will make you acceptable work- ers.— " Testimonies for the Church,11 Vol. VI, page 416.
1 Hosea 6 : 3.
7
BIBLE STUDY NECESSARY TO EFFICIENCY
Those young men who desire to give themselves to the ministry, or who have already done so, should become familiar with every line of prophetic history and every lesson given by Christ. The mind gains in strength, breadth, and acuteness by active use. It must work, or it will become weak. It must be trained to think, to think habitually, or it will in a great measure lose the power of thought. Let the young minister wrestle with the difficult problems found in the word of God, and his intellect will be thoroughly awakened. As he gives diligent study to the great truths found in the Scriptures, he will be enabled to preach sermons which will contain a direct, definite message, and which will help his hearers to choose the right way.
The minister who ventures to teach the truth when he has only a smattering knowledge of the word of God, grieves the Holy Spirit. But he who begins with a little knowledge, and tells what he knows, at the same time seeking for more knowledge, will become qualified to do a larger work. The more light he gathers to his own soul, the more of heavenly illumination will he be able to impart to others.
There is no need for weakness in the ministry. The message of truth that we bear is all-powerful. But many ministers do not put their minds to the task of studying the deep things of God. If these would have power in their service, obtaining an experience that will enable them to help others, they must overcome their indolent habits of thought. Let ministers put the [98]
Bible Study Necessary 99
whole heart into the task of searching the Scriptures, and a new power will come to them. A divine element unites with human effort when the soul reaches out after God; and the yearning heart may say, "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." 1
Ministers who would labor effectively for the sal- vation of souls must be Bible students and men of prayer. It is a sin to be neglectful of the study of the Word while attempting to teach it to others. Those who feel the worth of souls realize that too much is at stake for them to dare to be careless in regard to their advancement in divine knowledge, and they flee to the stronghold of truth, whence they may obtain wisdom, knowledge, and strength to work the works of God. They will not rest without an unction from on high.
As the worker makes a constant companion of the word of God, he gains an increased ability to labor. Continually advancing in knowledge, he becomes con- stantly better able to represent Christ. He is strength- ened in faith, and can present to unbelievers a proof of the fulness of the grace and l^ve that is in Christ. His mind is a treasure-house, from which he can draw to supply the needs of others. By the work of the Holy Spirit the truth is graven on his mind, and those to whom he communicates truth, and for whom he must one day give account, are greatly blessed. He who in this way obtains a preparation for the ministry, is entitled to the reward promised to those who turn many to righteousness.
The perusal of works upon our faith, the reading of arguments from the pens of others, is an excellent and important aid, but this will not give the mind the great-
1 Ps. 62 : 5.
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est strength. The Bible is the best book in the world for giving intellectual culture. Its study taxes the mind, strengthens the memory, and sharpens the in- tellect more than the study of all the subjects that human philosophy embraces. The great themes which it presents, the dignified simplicity with which these themes are handled, the light which is shed upon the great problems of life, bring strength and vigor to the understanding^
In the great conflict before us, he who would keep true to Christ must penetrate deeper than the opinions and doctrines of men. My message to ministers, young and old, is this: Guard jealously your hours for prayer, Bible study, and self-examination. Set aside a portion of each day for a study of the Scriptures and com- munion with God. Thus you will obtain spiritual strength, and will grow in favor with God. He alone can give you noble aspirations; He alone can fashion the character after the divine similitude. Draw near to Him in earnest prayer, and He will fill your hearts with high and holy purposes, and with deep, earnest longings for purity and clearness of thought.
A true knowledge of the Bible can be gained only through the aid of that Spirit by whom the Word was given. And in order to gain this knowledge, we must live by it. All that God's word commands, we are to obey. All that it promises, we may claim. The life which it enjoins is the life that, through its power, we are to live. Only as the Bible is thus held, can it be studied effectively. — "Education," page 189.
YOUNG MINISTERS TO LABOR WITH OLDER MINISTERS
In gaining a preparation for the ministry, young men should be associated with older ministers. Those who have gained an experience in active service are to take young, inexperienced workers with them into the harvest-field, teaching them how to labor successfully for the conversion of souls. Kindly and affectionately these older workers are to help the younger ones to prepare for the work to which the Lord may call them. And the young men in training should respect the counsel of their instructors, honoring their devotion, and remembering that their years of labor have given them wisdom.
Wise counsel for church and conference officers is given by Peter in the following words: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Like- wise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." l
Let the older workers be educators, keeping them- selves under the discipline of God. Let the young men feel it a privilege to study under older workers, and let them carry every burden that their youth and experi-
1 1 Peter 5 : 2-5.
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ence will allow. Thus Elijah educated the youth of Israel in the schools of the prophets; and young men to-day are to have a similar training. It is not pos- sible to advise in every particular the part that the youth should act; but they should be faithfully in- structed by the older workers, and taught to look ever to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.
The apostle Paul saw the importance of training younger workers. After making a missionary tour, he and Barnabas retraced their steps, and visited the churches they had raised up, choosing men whom they could unite with them, to train for the work of pro- claiming the gospel.
Paul made it a part of his work to educate young men for the gospel ministry. He took them with him on his missionary journeys, and thus they gained an experience that later enabled them to fill positions of responsibility. When separated from them, he still kept in touch with their work, and his letters to Timothy and Titus are an evidence of how deep was his desire for their success. "The things that thou hast heard," he wrote, "commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." 2
This feature of Paul's work teaches an important lesson to ministers to-day. Experienced laborers do a noble work when, instead of trying to carry all the bur- dens themselves, they train younger men, and place burdens on their shoulders. It is God's desire that those who have gained an experience in His cause, shall train young men for His service.
The younger worker must not become so wrapped up in the ideas and opinions of the one in whose charge he is placed, that he will forfeit his individuality. He
2 2 Tim, 2 : 2.
The Labor of Young Ministers 103
must not lose his identity in the one who is instructing him, so that he dare not exercise his own judgment, but does what he is told, irrespective of his own under- standing of what is right and wrong. It is his privi- lege to learn for himself of the great Teacher. If the one with whom he is working pursues a course which is not in harmony with a "Thus saith the Lord," let him not go to some outside party, but let him go to his superior in office, and lay the matter before him, freely expressing his mind. Thus the learner may be a blessing to the teacher. He must faithfully dis- charge his duty. God will not hold him guiltless if he connives at a wrong course of action, however great may be the influence or responsibility of the one taking the wrong course.
Young men will be bidden to link up with the aged standard-bearers, that they may be strengthened and taught by these faithful ones, who have passed through so many conflicts, and to whom, through the testimonies of His Spirit, God has so often spoken, pointing out the right way and condemning the wrong. When perils arise which try the faith of God's people, these pioneer workers are to recount the experiences of the past, when in just such crises the truth was ques- tioned, and strange sentiments, proceeding not from God, were brought in. To-day Satan is seeking oppor- tunities to tear down the waymarks of truth, — the mon- uments that have been raised up along the way; and we need the experience of the aged workers who have built their house upon the solid rock, who through evil report as well as good report have been steadfast to the truth.
THE YOUNG MINISTER
Young men are to enter the ministry as co-workers with Jesus, sharing His life of self-denial and sacrifice, voicing the words of the Master, "I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified." 1 If they will yield themselves to God, He will use them in helping to carry out His plan for the salvation of souls. Let the young man who has entered the ministry look his calling fairly in the face, and determine to devote his time, his strength, his influence, to the work, well aware of the conditions under which he serves the Redeemer.
The standard-bearers are falling, and young men must be prepared to take the places left vacant, that the message may still be proclaimed. The aggressive warfare is to be extended. Those who have youth and strength are to go into the dark places of the earth, to call perishing souls to repentance. But they must first cleanse the soul-temple of all impurity, and enthrone Christ in the heart.
To every young man who enters the ministry, Paul's words to Timothy are spoken, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine." 2 " Thyself" needs the first attention. First give yourself to the Lord for puri- fication and sanctification. A godly example will tell more for the truth than the greatest eloquence, unac- companied by a well-ordered life. Trim the lamp .of the soul, and replenish it with the oil of the Spirit.
* John 17 : 19. 2 1 Tim. 4 : 16.
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Seek from Christ that grace, that clearness of compre- hension, which will enable you to do successful work. Learn from Him what it means to work for those for whom He gave His life.
"Take heed," first to yourself, and then to the doc- trine. Do not let your heart become hardened by sin. Closely examine your manners and habits. Compare them with the word of God, and then cut away from the life every wrong habit and indulgence. Kneel be- fore God, and plead with Him for an understanding of His word. Be sure that you know the real principles of the truth; and then when you meet opponents, it will not be in your own strength; an angel of God will stand by your side, to help in answering every ques- tion that may be asked. Day by day you are to be shut in, as it were, with Jesus; and then your words and example will have a strong influence for good.
NO EXCUSE FOR IGNORANCE
Some who enter the ministry do not feel the burden of the work. They have false ideas of the qualifica- tions of a minister. They think that it requires little close study of the sciences or of the word of God in order to gain a fitness for the ministry. Some who are teaching present truth are so deficient in Bible knowl- edge that it is difficult for them to quote a text of Scripture correctly from memory. By blundering along in the awkward manner that they do, they sin against God. They wrest the Scriptures, and make the Bible say things that are not written therein.
Some think that an education or a thorough knowl- edge of the Scriptures is of little consequence if only a man has the Spirit. But God never sends His Spirit
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to sanction ignorance. He may and does pity and bless those who are so situated that it is impossible for them to obtain an education; and sometimes He condescends to make His strength perfect in their weakness. But it is the duty of such to study His word. A lack of knowledge in the sciences is no excuse for a neglect of Bible study; for the words of inspiration are so plain that the unlearned may under- stand them.
REPAYING HOSPITALITY
Young ministers should make themselves useful wherever they are. When visiting people in their homes, they should not be idle, making no effort to help those whose hospitality the}^ share. Obligations are mutual; if the minister shares the hospitality of his friends, it is his duty to respond to their kindness by thoughtfulness and consideration in his conduct toward them. The entertainer may be a man of care and hard labor. By manifesting a disposition, not only to wait upon himself, but to render timely assist- ance to others, the minister may often find access to the heart, and open the way for the reception of truth.
The love of ease, and, I may say, physical laziness, unfits a man to be a minister. Those who are prepar- ing to enter the ministry should train themselves to do hard physical work; then they will be better able to do hard thinking.
Let young men set up well-defined landmarks, by which they may be governed in emergencies. When a crisis comes that demands active, well-developed physi- cal powers and a clear, strong, practical mind; when
The Young Minister 107
difficult work is to be done, where every stroke must tell; when perplexities arise which can be met only by wisdom from on high, then the youth who have learned to overcome difficulties by earnest labor can respond to the call for workers.
THE NECESSITY FOR STEADFASTNESS
In Paul's letter to Timothy there are many lessons for the young minister to learn. The aged apostle urged upon the younger worker the necessity of stead- fastness in the faith. "I put thee in remembrance," he wrote, "that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God."
Paul entreated Timothy to remember that he had been called "with a holy calling" to proclaim the power of Him who had "brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: whereunto," he declared, "I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 3
Wherever Paul was, — whether before scowling Pharisees, or Roman authorities ; before the furious mob at Lystra, or the convicted sinners in the Macedonian dungeon; whether reasoning with the panic-stricken
3 2 Tim. 1 : 6-12.
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sailors on the shipwrecked vessel, or standing alone before Nero to plead for his life, — he had never been ashamed of the cause he was advocating. The one great purpose of his Christian life had been to serve Him whose name had once filled him with contempt; and from this purpose no opposition or persecution had been able to turn him aside. His faith, made strong by effort and pure by sacrifice, upheld and strengthened him.
"Thou therefore, my son," Paul continued, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many wit- nesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 4
The true minister of God will not shun hardship or responsibility. From the Source that never fails those who sincerely seek for divine power, he draws strength that enables him to meet and overcome temptation, and to perform the duties that God places upon him. The nature of the grace that he receives, enlarges his capacity to know God and His Son. His soul goes out in longing desire to do acceptable service for the Mas- ter. And as he advances in the Christian pathway, he becomes "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." This grace enables him to be a faithful witness of the things that he has heard. He does not despise or neglect the knowledge that he has received from God, but commits this knowledge to faithful men, who in their turn teach others.
In this his last letter to Timothy, Paul held up before the younger worker a high ideal, pointing out the duties devolving on him as a minister of Christ.
4 2 Tim. 2 : 1-3.
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109
"Study to show thyself approved unto God," the apostle wrote, "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish. and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the ac- knowledging of the truth." 5 — " The Acts of the Apostles," pages 499-502.
Young Men in the Ministry
The Youth to be Burden- Bearers
Education for Missionary Work
Young Men as Mission- aries
Voice Training for Workers
"Study to Show Thyself Approved"
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Test. Vol. VI, p. 135.
Test. Vol. II, p. 128. Test. Vol. Ill, pp. 362-367. Test. Vol. V, pp. 580 586. Test. Vol. VI, pp. 133-136. Test. Vol. VII, pp. 280-282. Test. Vol. VIII, pp. 28, 29. Acts, pp. 572-577.
Test. Vol. II, p. 556. Test. Vol. Ill, p. 551.
Test. Vol. TV, pp. 437-449, 603-
607. Test. Vol. V, pp. 580-586.
Test. Vol. II, p. 672. Ed., p. 199.
C. O. L., pp. 335, 336. Counsels, pp. 237-247.
Test. Vol. V, pp. 528, 529. M. of H., pp. 497-502.
2 Tim. 2 : 15, 22-25.
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Canvassing as an Educa- tion for the Ministry
Test. Vol. IV, pp. 603, 604. Test. Vol. VI, pp. 321-325, 329- 340.
Bible Study Necessary to Efficiency
Young Ministers to Labor with Older Ministers
The Young Minister
Test. Vol. II, pp. 499, 500. Test. Vol. IV, pp. 9-15, 545,
546. Test. Vol. V, pp. 573-580. Test. Vol. VI, pp. 131-133. Test. Vol. VIII, pp. 319-325. Desire, pp. 390, 391. M. of H., pp. 409-466. C. O. L., pp. 107-114, 124-134. Counsels, pp. 421-463, 510.
Test. Vol. I, pp. 443, 444. Test. Vol. V, p. 585. Test. Vol. VI, p. 415. Test. Vol. VII, p. 180 (individ- uality). Acts, pp. 573, 574.
Test. Vol. II, pp. 504, 505, 569,
650. Test. Vol. Ill, pp. 209-211, 308,
551 558. Test. Vol, IV, pp. 269, 442-449. Acts, pp. 202, 203, 352-358,
498-508.
Qualifications
"In all things approv- ing ourselves as the ministers of God."
CONSECRATION
In order for a man to be a successful minister, some- thing more than book knowledge is essential. The laborer for souls needs consecration, integrity, intel- ligence, industry, energy, and tact. Possessing these qualifications, no man can be inferior; instead, he will have a commanding influence for good.
Christ brought His desires and wishes into strict abeyance to His mission, — the mission that bore the insignia of Heaven. He made everything subordinate to the work that He came to this world to accomplish. When in His youth His mother found Him in the school of the rabbis, and said to Him, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing," He answered, — and His answer is the key-note of His life-work, — "How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" l
The same devotion, the same consecration, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants. He left His home of security and peace, left the glory that He had with the Father before the world was, left His
1 Luke 2 : 48, 49.
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position upon the throne of the universe, and went forth, a suffering, tempted man; went forth in solitude, to sow in tears, to water with His blood the seed of life for a lost world.
His servants in like manner must go forth to sow. When called to become a sower of the seed of truth, Abraham was bidden, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee." 2 "And he went out, not knowing whither he went," 3 as God's light- bearer, to keep His name alive in the earth. He for- sook his country, his home, his relatives, and all the pleasant associations connected with his earthly life, to become a pilgrim and a stranger.
So to the apostle Paul, praying in the temple at Jerusalem, came the message, "Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles." 4 So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown.
Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God, will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible sup- plies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth His highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ,
2 Gen. 12 : 1. 3 Heb. 11:8. 4 Acts 22 : 21.
Consecration 113
they are made complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Om- nipotence.
The Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily the worker for God must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must stud}^ the word of God, learn- ing its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.
When Christ called His disciples to follow Him, He offered them no nattering prospects in this life. He gave them no promise of gain or worldly honor, nor did they make any stipulation as to what they should receive. To Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom, the Saviour said, " Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him." 5 Matthew did not, before ren- dering service, wait to demand a certain salary, equal to the amount received in his former occupation. Without question or hesitation he followed Jesus. It was enough for him that he was to be with the Sav- iour, that he might hear His words and unite with Him in His work.
So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, they immediately left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for sup- port; but when they received the Saviour's invitation, they did not hesitate, inquiring, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call;
6 Matt. 9:9.
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and when afterward Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? " the}^ could answer, " Nothing." 6
To-day the Saviour calls us, as He called Matthew and John and Peter, to His work. If our hearts are touched by His love, the question of compensation will not be uppermost in our minds. We shall rejoice to be co-workers with Christ, and we shall not fear to trust His care. If we make God our strength, we shall have clear perceptions of duty, and unselfish aspirations; our life will be actuated by a noble purpose, which will raise us above sordid motives.
Many whom the Lord could use will not hear and obey His voice above all others . Kindred and friends, former habits and associations, have so strong an in- fluence upon them that God can give them but little instruction, can communicate to them but little knowl- edge of His purposes. The Lord would do much more for His servants if they were wholly consecrated to Him, placing His service above the ties of kindred and all other earthly associations.
DEEPER CONSECRATION NEEDED
The time demands greater efficiency and deeper consecration. I cry to God, Raise up and send forth messengers filled with a sense of their responsibility, men in whose hearts self -idolatry, which lies at the foundation of all sin, has been crucified; who are will- ing to consecrate themselves without reserve to God's service; whose souls are alive to the sacredness of the work and the responsibility of their calling; who are determined not to bring to God a maimed sacrifice, which costs them neither effort nor prayer.
3 Luke 22 : ,35.
Consecration 115
The Duke of Wellington was once present where a party of Christian men were discussing the possibility of success in missionary effort among the heathen. They appealed to the duke to say whether in his judgment such efforts were likely to prove a success commensurate to the cost. The old soldier replied:
" Gentlemen, what are your marching orders? Suc- cess is not the question for you to discuss. If I read your orders aright, they run thus, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Gentlemen, obey your marching orders."
My brethren, the Lord is coming, and we need to bend every energy to the accomplishment of the work before us. I appeal to you to give yourselves wholly to the work. Christ gave His time, His soul, His strength, to labor for the benefit and blessing of humanity. Entire days were devoted to labor, and entire nights were spent in prayer, that He might be braced to meet the foe and fortified to help those who came to Him for relief. As we trace a stream of living water by the line of green that it produces, so Christ may be seen in the deeds of mercy that marked His path at every step. Wherever He went, health sprang up, and happiness followed where He passed. So simply did He present the words of life that a child could understand them. The youth caught His spirit of ministry, and sought to pattern after His gracious ways by assisting those who needed help. The blind and deaf rejoiced in His presence. His words to the ignorant and sinful opened to them a fountain of life. He dispensed His blessings abun- dantly and continuously; they were the garnered riches of eternity, given in Christ, the Father's gift to man.
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Workers for God should as surely feel that they are not their own as if the very stamp and seal of identifi- cation were placed upon their persons. They are to be sprinkled with the blood of Christ's sacrifice, and in the spirit of entire consecration the}^ should resolve that by the grace of Christ they will be a living sacrifice. But how few of us regard the salvation of sinners in the light in which it is viewed by the heavenly universe, — as a plan devised from eternity in the mind of God! How few of us are heart to heart with the Redeemer in this solemn, closing work! There is scarcely a tithe of the compassion that there should be for souls unsaved. There are so many to be warned, and yet how few sym- pathize with God sufficiently to be anything or nothing if only they can see souls won to Christ!
When Elijah was about to leave Elisha, he said to him, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." 7 Elisha did not ask for worldly honor, for a place among the great men of the earth. That which he craved was a large portion of the spirit given to the one whom God was about to honor with translation. He knew that noth- ing else could fit him for the work that would be required of him.
Ministers of the gospel, had this question been asked you, what would you have answered? What is the greatest desire of your heart, as you engage in the service of God?
7 2 Kings 2:9.
TACTFULNESS
In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave un- necessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regard to every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save.
Paul's discretion
The minister must not feel that the whole truth is to be spoken to unbelievers on any and every occasion. He should study carefully when to speak, what to say, and what to leave unsaid. This is not practicing de- ception; it is working as Paul worked. " Though I be free from all men," he wrote to the Corinthians, "yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as
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without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1
Paul did not approach the Jews in such a way as to arouse their prejudices. He did not at first tell them that they must believe in Jesus of Nazareth; but dwelt upon the prophecies that spoke of Christ, His mission and His work. Step by step he led his hear- ers on, showing the importance of honoring the law of God. He gave due honor to the ceremonial law, show- ing that it was Christ who instituted the Jewish econ- omy and the sacrificial service. Then he brought them down to the first advent of the Redeemer, and showed that in the life and death of Christ every specification of the sacrificial service had been fulfilled.
The Gentiles, Paul approached by exalting Christ, and then presenting the binding claims of the law. He showed how the light reflected by the cross of Cal- vary gave significance and glorj^ to the whole Jewish economy.
Thus the apostle varied his manner of labor, shap- ing his message to the circumstances under which he was placed. After patient labor he was successful to a large degree; yet there were many who would not be convinced. Some there are to-day who will not be convinced by any method of presenting the truth; and the laborer for God is to study carefully the best meth- ods, that he may not arouse prejudice or combative- ness. This is where some have failed. By following their natural inclinations, they have closed doors through which they might, by a different method of
1 1 Cor. 9 : 19-22.
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labor, have found access to hearts, and through them to other hearts.
God's workmen must be many-sided men; that is, they must have breadth of character. They are not to be one-idea men, stereotyped in their manner of working, unable to see that their advocacy of truth must vary with the class of people among whom they work and the circumstances they have to meet.
There is delicate work for the minister to do as he meets with alienation, bitterness, and opposition. More than others, he needs that wisdom which "is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." 2 As the dew and the still show- ers fall gently upon withering plants, so his words are to fall gently when he proclaims the truth. He is to win souls, not to repulse them. He is to study to be skilful when there are no rules to meet the case.
Many souls have been turned in the wrong direc- tion, and thus lost to the cause of God, by a lack of skill and wisdom on the part of the worker. Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the laborer a hundred-fold. If he will speak the right words at the right time, and show the right spirit, this will exert a melting power on the heart of the one he is trying to help.
IN NEW FIELDS
In laboring in a new field, do not think it your duty to say at once to the people, We are Seventh-day Ad- ventists; we believe that the seventh day is the Sab- bath; we believe in the non-immortality of the soul. This would often erect a formidable barrier between
2. Tames 3 : 17.
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you and those you wish to reach. Speak to them, as you have opportunity, upon points of doctrine on which you can agree. Dwell on the necessity of practical godliness. Give them evidence that you are a Chris- tian, desiring peace, and that you love their souls. Let them see that you are conscientious. Thus you will gain their confidence ; and there will be time enough for doctrines. Let the heart be won, the soil prepared, and then sow the seed, presenting in love the truth as it is in Jesus.
God will surely help those who seek Him for wis- dom. We are not to wait until opportunities come to us; we are to seek for opportunities, and we are to be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in us. If the worker keeps his heart uplifted in prayer, God will help him to speak the right word at the right time.
In seeking to correct or reform others, we should be careful of our words. They will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. In giving reproof or counsel, many indulge in sharp, severe speech, words not adapted to heal the wounded soul. By these ill-advised expressions the spirit is chafed, and often the erring ones are stirred to rebellion.
All who would advocate the principles of truth need to receive the heavenly oil of love. Under all circumstances reproof should be spoken in love. Then our words will reform, but not exasperate. Christ by His Holy Spirit will supply the force and the power. This is His work.
THE GRACE OF COURTESY
Those who work for Christ are to be. upright and trustworthy, firm as a rock to principle, and at the same time kind and courteous. Courtesy is one of the graces of the Spirit. To deal with human minds is the greatest work ever given to man; and he who would find access to hearts must heed the injunction, "Be pitiful, be courteous." 1 Love will do that which argument will fail to accomplish. But a moment's petulance, a single gruff answer, a lack of Christian politeness and courtesy in some small matter, may result in the loss of both friends and influence.
What Christ was on this earth, the Christain worker should strive to be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. His life is an illustration of true courtesy. He had ever a kind look and a word of comfort for the needy and the oppressed. His pres- ence brought a purer atmosphere into the home. His life was as leaven working amid the elements of society. Pure and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; among unjust publicans, un- righteous Samaritans, heathen soldiers, rough peasants, and the mixed multitude. He spoke a word of sym- pathy here and a word there. As He saw men weary, and compelled to bear heavy burdens, He shared their burdens, and repeated to them the lessons He had learned from nature, of the love, the kindness, the good- ness of God. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assur-
1 1 Peter 3 : 8.
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ance that they might attain such a character as would make them manifest as children of God.
The religion of Jesus softens whatever is hard and rough in the temper, and smooths whatever is rugged and sharp in the manners. It makes the words gentle and the demeanor winning. Let us learn from Christ how to combine a high sense of purity and integ- rity with sunniness of disposition. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity.
Kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The Scripture says of Christ, that grace was poured into His lips, that He might "know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." 2 And the Lord bids us, "Let your speech be alway with grace " "that it may minister grace unto the hearers." 3
Some with whom you are brought in contact may be rough and uncourteous, but do not, because of this, be less courteous yourself. He who wishes to preserve his own self-respect must be careful not to wound neecT- lessly the self-respect of others. This rule should be sacredly observed toward the dullest, the most blun- dering. What God intends to do with these appar- ently unpromising ones, you do not know. He has in the past accepted persons no more promising or attractive to do a great work for Him. His Spirit, moving upon the heart, has roused every faculty to vigorous action. The Lord saw in these rough, un- hewn stones precious material, which would stand the test of storm and heat and pressure.
2 Isa. 50 : 4. 3 Col. 4 : tt ; Eph. 4 : 29.
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see as man sees. He does not judge from appear- ances, but searches the heart and judges righteously.
The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the rights of every man. Men's social rights, and their rights as Christians, are to be taken into consideration. All are to be treated with refinement and delicacy, as the sons and daughters of God.
Christianity will make a man a gentleman. Christ was courteous, even to His persecutors; and His true followers will manifest the same spirit. Look at Paul when brought before rulers. His speech before x\grippa is an illustration of true courtesy as well as persuasive eloquence. The gospel does not encourage the formal politeness current with the world, but the courtesy that springs from real kindness of heart.
The most careful attention to the outward proprie- ties of life is not sufficient to shut out all fretfulness, harsh judgment, and unbecoming speech. True re- finement will never be revealed so long as self is con- sidered as the supreme object. Love must dwell in the heart. A thoroughgoing Christian draws his motives of action from his deep heart-love for his Master. Up through the roots of his affection for Christ springs an unselfish interest in his brethren. Love imparts to its possessor grace, propriety, • and comeliness of deport- ment. It illuminates the countenance and subdues the voice; it refines and elevates the entire being.
PROPRIETY OF DEPORTMENT
To those who handle sacred things comes the sol- emn injunction, "Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord." * Of all men, those who have been trusted and honored by the Lord, those who have been given special service to perform, should be circumspect in word and deed. They should be men of devotion, who, by works of righteousness and pure, true words, can lift their fellow-men to a higher level; men who are not unsettled by every passing temptation; men of firm, earnest purpose, whose highest aim is to gather souls to Christ.
Satan's special temptations are directed against the ministry. He knows that ministers are but human, possessing no grace or holiness of their own; that the treasures of the gospel have been placed in earthen ves- sels, which divine power alone can make vessels unto honor. He knows that God has ordained ministers to be a powerful means for the salvation of souls, and that they can be successful in their work only as they allow the eternal Father to rule their lives. There- fore he tries with all his ingenuity to lead them into sin, knowing that their office makes sin in them more exceeding sinful; for in committing sin, they make themselves ministers of evil.
Those whom God has called to the ministry are to give evidence that they are fit to minister in the sacred desk. The Lord has commanded, "Be ye holy in all manner of conversation."2 "Be thou an example of the believers," Paul writes. "Take heed unto thyself,
1 Isa. 52 : 11. 2 1 Peter 1 : 15.
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and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."3 "The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." 4
The subject of purity and propriety of deportment is one to which we must give heed. We must guard against the sins of this degenerate age. Let not Christ's ambassadors descend to trifling conversation, to familiarity with women, married or single. Let them keep their proper place with becoming dignity; yet at the same time they may be sociable, kind, and cour- teous to all. They must stand aloof from everything that savors of commonness and familiarity. This is forbidden ground, upon which it is unsafe to set the feet. Every word, every act, should tend to elevate, to refine, to ennoble. ■ There is sin in thoughtlessness about such matters.
Paul urged Timothy to meditate upon those things that are pure and excellent, that his profiting might appear unto all. The same counsel is greatly needed by men of the present age. I urge upon our workers the necessity of purity in every thought, every act. We have an individual accountability to God, an individual work which no one else can do for us. It is to strive to make the world better. While we should cultivate sociability, let it not be merely for amusement, but for a higher purpose.
Is there not enough taking place around us to show the need for this caution? Everywhere are seen wrecks of humanity, broken-down family altars, ruined homes. There is a strange abandonment of principle, the standard of morality is lowered, and the earth is
3 1 Tim. 4 : 12, 16. * 1 Peter 4 : 7.
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fast becoming a Sodom. The practices which brought the judgment of God upon the antediluvian world, and which caused Sodom to be destroyed by fire, are fast increasing. We are nearing the end, when the earth is to be purified by fire.
Let those in whose hands God has placed the light of truth, depart from all iniquity. Let them walk in the paths of rectitude, mastering every passion and habit that would in any way mar the work of God, or leave a spot upon its sacredness. It is the work of the minister to resist the temptations that lie in his pathway, to rise above those debasements that drag the mind down to a low level. By watchfulness and prayer, he ma}r so guard his weakest points that they will become his strongest points. Through the grace of Christ, men may acquire moral stamina, strength of will, and stability of purpose. There is power in this grace to enable them to rise above the alluring, infatuating temptations of Satan, and to become loyal, devoted Christians.
MINISTERS TO SET A WORTHY EXAMPLE
Ministers should set the youth a worthy example, one corresponding to their holy calling. They should help the young to be frank, yet modest and dignified in all their associations. Day by day they are sowing seed that will spring up and bear fruit. They are to put away all coarseness, all trifling, ever remembering that they are educators; that, whether they will or not, their words and acts are to those with whom they come in contact a savor of life or of death.
It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought, that is needed. Moral purity depends on
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right thinking and right acting. Evil thoughts de- stroy the soul, while a right control of the thoughts pre- pares the mind to labor harmoniously for the Master. Every thought should be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
The teachers of truth must be wise men, very care- ful of their words and actions. They must be men who will give meat in due season to the flock of God; men who will not give the least sanction to low standards of living; men who have that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul from all carnal thoughts and desires. Workers of this character will not grovel in earthliness; they will not be in bondage to human be- ings or to Satan's temptations. They will quit them- selves like men, and be strong. They will turn their faces to the Sun of Righteousness, rising above all base things into an atmosphere free from spiritual and moral defilement.
He who lives the principles of Bible religion, will not be found weak in moral power. Under the en- nobling influence of the Holy Spirit, the tastes and inclinations become pure and holy. Nothing takes so strong a hold upon the affections, nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of action, nothing exerts so potent an influence upon the life, and gives so great firmness and stability to the character, as the religion of Christ. It leads its possessor ever upward, inspiring him with noble purposes, teaching him pro- priety of deportment, and imparting a becoming dignity to every action.
By what means shall the young man repress his evil propensities, and develop that which js noble and
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good in his character? Let him heed the words, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 5 Here is a principle that is to underlie every motive, thought, and act. Un- holy passions must be crucified. They will clamor for indulgence, but God has implanted in the heart high and holy purposes and desires, and these need not be debased. It is only when we refuse to submit to the control of reason and conscience that we are dragged down. Paul declared, "I can do all things through Christ." 6
If you draw close to Jesus, and seek to adorn your profession by a well-ordered life and godly conver- sation, your feet will be kept from straying into for- bidden paths. If you will only watch, continually watch unto prayer, if you will do everything as if you were in the immediate presence of God, you will be saved from yielding to temptation, and may hope to be kept pure, spotless, and undefiled till the last. If you hold the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end, your ways will be established in God, and what grace has begun, glory will crown in the kingdom of our God. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- ness, temperance; against such there is no law. If Christ be within us, we shall crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts.
51 Cor. 10: 31. ''Phil. 4 : 13.
THE SOCIAL RELATIONS
The usefulness of young ministers, married or un- married, is often destroyed by the attachment shown to them by young women. Such women do not real- ize that other eyes are upon them, and that the course pursued by them may have a tendency to injure the influence of the minister to whom they give so much attention. If they would strictly regard the rules of propriety, it would be much better for them and much better for the minister. Their failure to do this places him in a disagreeable position, and causes others to look upon him in a wrong light.
But the burden of this matter rests upon the min- isters themselves. They should show a distaste for such attention; and if they take the course which God would have them, they will not long be troubled. They should shun every appearance of evil; and when young women are very sociable, it is the ministers' duty to let them know that this is not pleasing. They must re- pulse forwardness, even if they are thought to be rude, in order to save the cause from reproach. Young women who have been converted to the truth and to God, will listen to reproof, and will be reformed.
Jesting, joking, and worldly conversation belong to the world. Christians who have the peace of God in their hearts, will be cheerful and happy without in- dulging in lightness or frivolity. While watching unto prayer, they will have a serenity and peace which will elevate them above all superfluities.
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The mystery of godliness, opened to the mind of the minister of Christ, will raise him above earthly and sensual enjoyments. He will be a partaker of the di- vine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The communion opened be- tween God and his soul will make him fruitful in the knowledge of God's will, and open before him treas- ures of practical subjects that he can present to the people, which will not cause levity or the semblance of a smile, but will solemnize the mind, touch the heart, and arouse the moral sensibilities to the sacred claims that God has upon the affections and life. Those who labor in word and doctrine should be men of God, pure in heart and life. — " Testimonies for the Church" Vol. Ill, page 2^1.
Young men are arising to engage in the work of God, some of whom have scarcely any sense of the sacredness and responsibility of the work. They have but little experience in exercising faith, and in ear- nest soul-hunger for the Spirit of God, which ever brings returns. Some men of good capabilities, who might fill important positions, do not know what spirit they are of. They run in a jovial mood as naturally as water flows downhill. They talk non- sense, and sport with young girls, while almost daily listening to the most solemn, soul-stirring truths. These men have a religion of the head, but their hearts are not sanctified by the truths they hear. Such can never lead others to the Fountain of living waters until they have drunk of the stream themselves.
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It is no time now for lightness, vanity, or trifling. The scenes of this earth's history are soon to close. Minds that have been left to loose thought, need change. The apostle Peter says, "Girdjup the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ig- norance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." *
Loose thoughts must be gathered up and centered on God. The very thoughts should be in obedience to the will of God. Praise should not be given or ex- pected; for this will have a tendency to foster self- confidence rather than to increase humility, to corrupt rather than to purify. Men who are really qualified, and who feel that they have a part to act in con- nection with the work of God, will feel pressed be- neath a sense of the sacredness of the work, as a cart beneath sheaves. Now is the time to make the most earnest efforts to overcome the natural feelings of the carnal heart. — " Testimonies for the Church" Vol. Ill, pages 473, 474.
When a minister bearing the solemn message of warning to the world, receives the hospitable courtesies of friends and brethren, and neglects the duties of a shepherd of the flock, and is careless in his example and deportment, engaging with the young in trifling conver- sation, in jesting and joking, and in relating humorous anecdotes to create laughter, he is unworthy of being a
* 1 Peter 1 : 13-16.
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gospel minister, and needs to be converted before he is entrusted with the care of the sheep and lambs. Min- isters who are neglectful of the duties devolving on a faithful pastor, give evidence that they are not sancti- fied by the truths they present to others, and should not be sustained as laborers in the vineyard of the Lord till they have a high sense of the sacredness of the work of a minister. — " Testimonies for the Church," Vol. Ill, page
The minister of Christ should be a man of prayer, a man of piety; cheerful, but never coarse and rough, jesting or frivolous. A spirit of frivolity may be in keeping with the profession of clowns and theatrical performers, but it is altogether beneath the dignity of a man who is chosen to stand between the living and the dead, and to be a mouthpiece for God.
The mystery of godliness, opened to the mind of the minister of Christ, will raise him above earthly and sensual enjoyments. He will be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The communication opened between God and his soul will make him fruit- ful in the knowledge of God's will, and open before him treasures of practical subjects that he can present to the people, which will not cause levity or the sem- blance of a smile, but will solemnize the mind, touch the heart, and arouse the moral sensibilities to the sacred claims that God has upon the affections and life. Those who labor in word and doctrine should be men of God, pure in heart and life.
DECISION AND PROMPTNESS
Independent men of earnest endeavor are needed, not men as impressible as putty. Those who want their work made ready to their hand, who desire a fixed amount to do and a fixed salary, and who wish to prove an exact fit without the trouble of adaptation or train- ing, are not the men whom God calls to work in His cause. A man who cannot adapt his abilities to almost any place, if necessity requires, is not the man for this time. Men whom God will connect with His work are not limp and fiberless, without muscle or moral force of character. . . .
There are men who flatter themselves that they might do something great and good if they were only circumstanced differently, while they make no use of the faculties they already have, by working in the positions where Providence has placed them. . . . In- dividual independence and individual power are the qualities now needed. Individual character need not be sacrificed, but it should be modulated, refined, elevated. . . .
The cause of God demands men who can see quickly and act instantaneously at the right time and with power. If you wait to measure every difficulty and balance every perplexity you meet, you will do but little. You will have obstacles and difficulties to en- counter at every turn, and you must with firm purpose decide to conquer them, or they will conquer you.
Sometimes various ways and purposes, different modes of operation in connection with the work of God,
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are about evenly balanced in the mind; and it is at this very point that the nicest discrimination is necessary. And if anything is accomplished to the purpose, it must be done at the golden moment. The slightest in- clination of the weight in the balance should be seen, and should determine the matter at once. Long de- lays tire the angels. It is even more excusable to make a wrong decision sometimes than to be continu- ally in a wavering position; to be hesitating, sometimes inclined in one direction, then in another. More per- plexity and wretchedness result from thus hesitating and doubting than from sometimes moving too hastily.
I have been shown that the most signal victories and the most fearful defeats have been on the turn of minutes. God requires promptness of action. De- lays, doubtings, hesitation, and indecision frequently give the enemy every advantage. . . .
The timing of things may tell much in favor of truth. Victories are frequently lost through delays. There will be crises in this cause. Prompt and decisive action at the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect will result in great failures and positive dishonor to God. Rapid movements at the critical moment often disarm the enemy, and he is disappointed and vanquished, for he had expected time to lay plans and work by artifice.