The church of God who have had great light are called upon to have works corresponding to their light. Considering our superior advantages, and knowing that we must be judged by the light and privileges bestowed, what can we offer as a justification of our conduct? Like Capernaum we have been exalted to heaven in point of privilege. The precious light, freely given to us of God, was not given to Sodom or Gomorrah, or they might have remained unto this day. If the mighty works and knowledge and grace of God had been made manifest to the nations who are in heathen darkness, we know not what they might have been. They might have been far in advance of what we are in Christian lands today.
The world is uneasy, restless, apprehensive that they are on the eve of some great event. Look where we will, men’s hearts are failing them for fear. Impulse and excitement are bearing sway. As children of the light, we should now manifest zeal and deep earnestness for Christ and be constantly watchful, offering unceasing prayer that we may stand in our lot and place, having an eye single to the glory of God. We need to go weighted with the truth, having in our heart Christ’s love for souls. We should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We are to be quickened by the Holy Spirit, that we may discern, and not be ignorant of Satan’s devices.
We should have a vital connection with Christ, that we may note what is transpiring around us; and, having a true understanding of the existing nature of things, be in advance of the world, in advance of its intelligence. We should be in advance in plans and methods to relieve suffering humanity. We must have a character that is far above that of the worldling’s character—character that can bear scrutiny. We should be free from selfishness, abounding in liberality, self-denial, self-sacrifice, goodness and mercy. We must be wide awake, seizing every opportunity for usefulness, for benefiting others, having but one purpose in life, and that to do God’s will on the earth.
Now is our time to work. The angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow upon the earth. A thousand doors of usefulness are opening before us, and if the church was in living connection with God, the people of God would have discerned the wants for this time, and workers would have been educated and trained, and even now be in readiness to enter them.
We lament our scanty resources at present available, while various and urgent demands are pressing in upon us for means and men. Were we, as a people, thoroughly in earnest, even now we could multiply the resources a thousandfold. Selfishness and self-indulgence bar the way to the work of God. All this great want can be accounted for in the want of individual character fashioned after the divine Pattern.
The world is perishing in sin, and our brethren and sisters have not education and training so that the Lord can make them vessels unto honor. They have not the capacity to comprehend and appreciate the things of eternal interest; therefore, they are not employed and honored in the work of the Lord. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Wanting the presence of Jesus, we want everything. Imbued with His Spirit, He is in us as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.
We have not a moment to lose. If the people of God had a living connection with Christ, they could do all things through Him that strengtheneth them. Our moral power is never to die, but is to expand and enlarge that through the ceaseless ages of eternity we may comprehend more and more of the character of God. Nothing that is done for Jesus will ever be lost.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7, Lt 21a, Par. 10-17.
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