基督在天上的圣所中服务，同时也藉祂的代表在祂地上的教会中服务。祂藉所拣选的人向大众说话，也藉他们推进祂的圣工，正如祂在世上受辱遭难之日，当着人的眼前进行一样。现今虽已过了千百年之久，然而时间的流逝并没有改变祂临别之时向门徒所发的应许：“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。从基督升天之日到如今，上帝所派立的人，从祂得到权威，成为真道的教师。基督是真牧人，祂藉着手下的这些牧人为器皿，治理祂的工作。因此凡负责劳苦传道教导人的，就变成很重要的了。他们是站在基督的地位上，请求人与上帝和好。{GW92 11.1}
人们不应视自己的传道人仅是公众演说家和雄辩家，而当看他们为基督的使者，从教会的大元首领受智慧和权柄。人若是轻看或不理基督的代表所说的话，不但是对这个人不尊敬，也是对那差他来的主不尊敬。他是代替基督的；救主的声音由祂的代表发出，我们理当听从。{GW92 11.2}
我们许多的传道人在讲道时，全篇都是辩论，这是大错。人们来听真理的理论，受所讲凭据的感动，然后若有一段道理提到基督是世人的救主，那么，所撒的种子就必发芽，长大，结出果子来荣耀上帝。可惜许多的讲道没有把基督的十字架呈示人前。有些人也许是生平最后一次听道，有些人或许不会再有真理之链垂于他们之前，并切实应用在他们的心上。黄金般的机会将一去不复返。我们若高举基督和祂救赎的爱，结合真理的理论，就可使人稳站在主的一边。{GW92 11.3}
现今渴望明白怎样来到基督面前的人很多，过于我们所想象得到的。许多人听了台上流行的讲道，仍象未听过一样，不晓得怎样可以找到耶稣和他们内心渴望的平安与安息。凡向世人传扬末后怜悯信息的传道人，应当牢记要高举基督为罪人的避难所。许多传道人以为不必存完全顺服上帝之爱的心传讲悔改和信心；他们以为听众当然完全熟悉福音，所以必须讲些不同性质的题目，才能保持他们的注意力。如果他们的听众听得津津有味，他们便认为这是成功的凭据。其实人对于救恩的计划，更为茫然无知。在这个重要的问题上，他们需要比其他任何题目更多的教导。{GW92 12.1}
凡赴会听讲真理的人，都应希望得益，正如哥尼流和他的朋友们一样：“现今我们都在上帝面前，要听主所吩咐你的一切话”（徒10:33）。{GW92 12.2}
理论性讲道是必要的，使众人可以知道真理的形式，看出真理是环环相接，节节联络，完整结合的。然而在每一次讲道时，却不可不讲基督和祂被钉十字架，作为福音的基础，切实应用在所传扬的真理上，并使听众铭记：基督的道理是不是而又非的。它在基督耶稣都是是的，是实在的。 {GW92 12.3}
在传了真理的理论之后，接着就当作工作中辛劳的部分。我们不应当撇下听众而不教以与其日常生活有关的实际真理。应当使他们看明和认识到自己是罪人，需要悔改归向上帝。凡基督所说、所行、所教的，我们都应当用最感人的方式向他们提出来。{GW92 13.1}
向听众的悟性阐明真理，这不过是传道人工作的开端而已。基督是我们的中保，并在天父面前担任大祭司的职务。约翰曾蒙指示，见到祂是被杀过的羔羊、为罪人流出祂的血。当上帝的律法摆在罪人之前，叫他看出自己罪孽的深重之后，便应向他指出上帝的羔羊，也就是除去世人罪孽的。应当教他向上帝悔改，并信靠我们的主耶稣基督。这样，基督代表的工作就会与主在天上圣所中的工作相符。{GW92 13.2}
传道人若愿多思考实际的敬虔，就会感动更多人的心。往往我们作出努力将真理介绍到新的园地时，所下的工夫几乎全是理论式的。听众感到激动不安。他们看出真理的威力，并急欲寻得可靠的基础。当他们的感情软化时，最要紧的事，就是应使基督的信仰深入他们的良心；然而往往演讲会结束了，却还没有向听众做他们需要的工作。这样的布道会犹如该隐所献的祭一样，其中没有牺牲的血使之可蒙上帝悦纳。该隐献祭原是对的，但他却把那使祭物有价值的要素，就是赎罪之血，漏掉了。 {GW92 13.3}
不幸的是许多人多关注理论，而少思考实际的敬虔，是因为没有基督住在他们心中。他们与上帝没有活泼的联络。许多人因证据确凿而决定赞成真理，却没有悔改。实际的道理并没有与理论配合而传，使听众看出美妙的真理链条，爱慕其作者，并藉着顺从而成圣。传道人若不使听众明白他们必须改变品格，好与其所领受之真理的纯洁原则相符，他的工作就没有完成。{GW92 14.1}
徒具形式的宗教是可怕的，因为其中没有救主。基督所讲的道是明确，严谨，扎心，而又实际的。祂的使者每一次讲道，也当效法祂的榜样。基督与祂的父原为一；凡天父所要求的，基督无不乐意服从。祂具有上帝的心意。救赎主是全善的榜样。耶和华显现在祂里面。天国被珍藏在人性里面，人则进入无穷大爱之主的怀里。传道人若坐在耶稣足前温柔领教，不久就可对上帝的品性存正确的看法，也能教导别人。有些人对于上帝或同胞并没有深刻的爱心，便参加传道的工作。在这等人的生活上，会显出自私和自我放纵的情形。当这些未献身、不忠心的守望者侍奉自己而不尽牧者的本分去喂养羊群时，众人却因为缺乏正当的教导而趋于灭亡。{GW92 14.2}
每一次讲道都应发出热情的呼吁，劝人放弃罪恶，归向基督。应当申斥现代流行的罪恶和放纵，也要加强实际的敬虔。传道人自己应是深刻恳切的，所讲之道应发自衷心，且对基督代死的男女世人有抑制不住的关切之情，圣经上论到主说：“我为你的殿心里焦急，如同火烧”（诗69:9）。祂的代表也应该同样地焦急。{GW92 15.1}
主已为人类作了无穷的牺牲，但人若不接受救恩，那牺牲对他仍是无效的。因此传扬真理的人充分意识到自己身上的责任，这是多么重要啊！世人的救赎主既然这样重视人的价值，那么，传道人在与人交接之时，他的一切行为又该是何等的温柔、慈怜、有礼啊！基督发出的问题是：“谁是忠心有见识的仆人，为主人所派，管理家里的人”（太24:45）？耶稣问道：“谁？”每一个传福音的人，也当在心中重提这个问题。及至他看明严肃的真理，想到那忠心有见识的管家的情景，就会感动到心灵深处。{GW92 15.2}
人人都毫无例外地接受了自己的任务。每一个人按照他的才干都有他的工作。传扬真理的人，当小心而虔诚地研究凡接受真理之人的才能，然后一步一步地教导和带领他们，使他们觉得他们也负有责任，应作上帝所要他们去作之工。要一再敦促他们，叫他们明白，人若不从事自己的工作，不论其大或小，并且要存忠实的心去作，就不能抗拒试探，实现上帝的旨意和过基督徒的生活。大家在去赴礼拜和听上帝的道之外，还有些事也是应当作的。他们应当实行所听的真理，并在每日的生活上表现真理的原则。他们应当不断地为基督作工，非出于自私的动机，而是专注于荣耀那牺牲一切以救他们免致沉沦的主。 {GW92 15.3}
传道人应使凡接受真理的人铭记：他们必须有基督在他们的家中；他们需要从祂而来的恩典和智慧，好引导管教自己的儿女。教育训练这些儿女，使他们顺服，是上帝交给他们工作的一部分。传道人对待儿女，应表现慈爱和礼貌。他应当始终牢记，他们是小成年人，是主家庭中的幼小的成员。他们也许是主所非常接近和亲爱的，如果管教得法，他们虽在年轻之时，也可为主服务。人向儿女所说的每一句严厉苛刻不体谅的话，都使基督忧伤。人往往不重视儿女的权利，常常对待他们好象他们没有个性一样。他们的个性需要良好地发展，避免扭曲，使上帝在他们生活中的旨意不能实现。{GW92 16.1}
提摩太从小明白圣经，这种知识成为他的保障，使他能抵御四围的恶势力，和那引人贪欢纵欲放弃本分的试探。我们的儿女也都需要这个保障。凡是作父母和作基督使者的人，都应作这一份工作，注意让儿童们正确地领受圣经的教训。{GW92 16.2}
传道人若要得主的悦纳，就当忠诚苦干，要把各人在基督里完完全全地引到上帝面前。他不应叫人从他作工的态度上得到这样的印象，以为接受不接受真理，实行不实行真实的敬虔，是无关紧要的；而应在生活上表现忠心和自我牺牲的精神，使罪人相信自己的永恒利益正处在危急关头，他若不响应这为他进行的认真工作，心灵就有危险。凡改邪归正、弃暗就光的人，应当有大改变。他们若非良心觉悟，深信有彻底改革的必要，就必象人看了镜子，即上帝的律法，发觉了自己道德品格上的缺点，走后，随即忘记了自己的相貌如何。人的头脑应当保持清醒，认识到自己的责任，否则，就会倒退到比觉悟之前更不谨慎不注意的地步。{GW92 16.3}
基督使者的工作远比许多人所想象的要重大。他们若不藉着努力工作和上帝的赐福，把有用途的基督徒呈献给祂，就不应满足于自己的成就。这些基督徒要真正感受到自己的责任，愿意做主分派给他们的工作。正确的服务和教导会使品格坚强的人加入圣工的行列。他们有坚定的信念，决不容许任何含有自私性质的事阻拦他们工作，削弱他们的信心，或耽搁他们履行本分。如果传道人正确地教导自己所照应的人，当他被调赴其他工作园地的时候，他所留下的工作必不至散掉，而会系得牢牢的。接受真理的人若不经过彻底悔改，从根本上改变他们的品格和生活，他们的心就没有固定在万古磐石上；及至传道人停止了工作，新鲜劲儿过去了，所得的印象很快就会磨灭掉，真理动人之力也消失了，以致他们不再发挥更圣洁的感化力，除了口称信仰真理之外，别无更好的表现了。{GW92 17.1}
我很惊讶，我们既有许多例子摆在面前，叫我们晓得我们能成为什么样的人，能够做什么事，为什么我们仍然没有得到激励，更加尽力效法义人们的善行呢？虽然不是人人都能身居要职，但都能充任有用的，值得信任的工作。他们若保持忠诚，就能做超过他们想象的善事。信奉真理的人，应该设法清晰地领悟圣经，对永生的救主有经验上的认识。要发展智力，增强记忆。一切智力方面的懒惰都是罪恶。属灵上的昏睡则是死亡。{GW92 18.1}
但愿我能用充分有力的语言，使我的福音同工们受到我希望他们受到的感动！我的弟兄们哪，你们是在传讲生命之道。你们所接触的人，若被引上正路，就会有最高的发展。然而你们所讲的道过分表现自己。基督被钉十字架，基督升天，基督复临等题目应当软化、振奋和充实传福音之人的心，使他愿意本着爱心和真诚，向人介绍这些真理。于是传道人隐藏起来了，耶稣却彰显出来了。这些最吸引人的题目会感动人心，使人们津津乐道，赞不绝口，而不是称赞那仅作为工具的传道人了。如果人们称赞传道人，对他所传之道却没有多大的兴趣，传道人就可知道真理还没有使他自己的心成圣。他对听众演讲的方式并没有使耶稣得尊荣，也没有崇扬祂的爱。{GW92 18.2}
基督说：“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”（太5:16）。你们的光也当这样照出来，使荣耀归于上帝，而不归于自己。人若赞美你，你最好要战兢惭愧，因为没有达到那伟大的目标，反而使仆人，而不是上帝得到了彰显。你们的光也当这样照出来。基督的传道人啊，你们应当小心自己发光的方式。如果光芒朝天发出，显扬基督的美德，这样发光就是正确的。如果光芒朝你自己发出，表彰自己，吸引人来赞美你，你最好就要闭口不言，因为你的光照错方向了。{GW92 18.3}
基督的传道人哪，你们若警醒祈祷，就可与上帝连络。你们的言语应当有盐调和，你们的举动应有基督徒的礼貌及真实的高雅。如果上帝的平安在你们的心中掌权，其力量不但坚固你们的心，也必软化你们的心，你们就要成为基督的活代表了。自称信仰真理的人正在退后离开上帝。耶稣快来了，但他们却没有准备好。传道人自己必须达到更高的标准，应当有更坚定的信心和活泼生动的经验，而不是迟钝平凡，象那些有名无实的信徒一样。圣经在你们面前立下了高尚的标准。你们肯否藉禁食祈祷用功，去达成美满坚定的基督徒品格呢？你们应当修直脚前的道路，免得瘸腿的人岔路。与上帝密切连络，会使你们的工作有活力，能激发人的良心，使罪人觉悟己罪，喊着说：“我当怎样行才可得救”（徒16:30）？ {GW92 19.1}
基督临升天之前所给门徒的使命乃是：“所以你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，奉父、子、圣灵的名给他们施洗。凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守，我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:19,20）。“我不但为这些人祈求，也为那些因他们的话信我的人祈求”（约17:20）。这使命藉着主的门徒传给了凡肯信祂道的人。凡蒙上帝呼召作祂使者的，都应当领受基督在圣经上所赐的实际敬虔的教训，并要将之教导人。{GW92 19.2}
基督曾向祂的门徒打开圣经，从摩西和众先知起，指教他们一切有关祂自己的事，并向他们解释预言。使徒传道之时，也追溯到亚当之日，使听众的心随着预言历史的演进，而归结于基督及其被钉十字架，然后呼召罪人悔改，离弃己罪归向上帝。今日基督的代表们也当效法他们的榜样，在每次讲道之中崇扬基督为升为至高者，是包括一切，又住在众人之内的主。{GW92 20.1}
形式主义不仅风行于那些有名无实的教会中，在号称遵守上帝诫命和期待基督早日在天云中显现的人中，也发展到了惊人的地步。我们不应拘狭自己的眼光，限制自己行善的便利。在上帝的天意开路，我们发挥感化力和扩大计划之时，应当更恳切地防止世上拜偶像之风。我们在作出更大的努力增进自己的效能时，也当作出相应的努力，祈求上帝赐智慧，按祂自己的等次，而不是照世界的立场，去推进各部门的工作。我们不应效法世界的风俗，而应充分利用上帝置于我们范围内的各项便利，去将真理传于人前。{GW92 20.2}
我们这班人，若是行为与所信的相符，就必得见远胜于今日的成就。我们中若有人象以利亚那样热忱，有信心象他那样，就必见到上帝向我们亲自显现，象祂向古时的圣人们显现一样。何时我们中间有人能象雅各那样，一面承认自己的缺欠，一面本着恳切的信心祈求上帝，我们就必见到同样的效果了。出于信心的祈祷，上帝就必应允，而赐人以力量。现今世上缺少信德。过着亲近上帝之生活的人，有如凤毛麟角。当我们忽视上帝的圣经，我们的心也没有因真理而成圣时，又怎能期望更大的权能和上帝亲自向人显现呢？自信自满的人，自己连一半悔改都没有，却向别人传扬真理。然而他们的内心和生活并不圣洁，所以上帝不与他们同工。他们没有谦卑地与上帝同行。我们的传道人必须悔改，然后才得见上帝的光，祂的权能也要帮助我们一切的努力。{GW92 21.1}
古时站在耶路撒冷及其他各城的城墙上的守望者，居于最有责任的职位。全城的安全系于他们的忠诚。危险临近之时，不论昼夜，他们都不可保持静默。他们要时时彼此喊问，察看是否都警醒着，或是否有危险临到任何人。哨兵驻在显要的岗位上，防守重要的地位，警告的呼声和壮胆的呐喊传闻其间，此呼彼应，声遍全城。{GW92 21.2}
这些守望者代表传道人，生灵的得救系于他们的忠贞。上帝奥秘事的管家应当象锡安城上的守望者，若见到刀剑临近，就当扬声警告人。如果他们是沉睡的哨兵，他们的属灵感觉麻木到不见不觉的危险地步，以致有人沉沦，上帝就要向守望者的手索讨流血之罪。 {GW92 21.3}
“人子啊，我照样立你作以色列家守望的人，所以你要听我口中的话，替我警戒他们”（结33:7）。守望者必需过极其亲近上帝的生活，听祂的话，受祂圣灵的感动，好叫人们不至于徒然仰望他们。“我对恶人说：恶人哪，你必要死，你以西结若不开口警戒恶人，使他离开所行的道，这恶人必死在罪孽之中，我却要向你讨他丧命的罪；倘若你警戒恶人转离所行的道，他仍不转离，他必死在罪孽之中，你却救自己脱离了罪”（结33:8,9）。基督的使者应当留意听从，免得因为自己的不忠心，以致丧失了自己的命，也丧失了听众的命。{GW92 22.1}
我蒙指示见到各州中自称为遵守上帝诫命和期待基督复临的教会。他们中间存在的冷淡、骄傲、贪爱世界和冰冷的形式主义，已到了令人担忧的地步。这些人在缺乏敬虔的事上，正在很快地步古代以色列人的后尘。许多人高称敬虔，实际上却缺少自制。食欲及情欲猖狂、一味彰扬自己。许多人固执、独裁、傲慢、自夸、骄矜，不献身。其中有些还是操持圣洁真理的传道人。他们如果不悔改，他们的灯台就要被从原处挪去。救主对那不结果子的无花果树所发的咒诅，正是向一切拘守形式，在人前枝繁叶茂而不结实的自夸伪善的人所讲的一篇道理。这对于那些徒有敬虔的外貌，却过着非基督徒的生活，否认敬虔之力的人们，是何等的申斥啊！我们的主慈心对待罪魁，从不弃绝人的真谦卑和悔改，不论其罪是何等的大；但祂严厉地谴责那些高称敬虔，行事却与其信仰相反的人。—4T.393-403. {GW92 22.2}
Ambassadors for Christ While Christ is the minister in the sanctuary above, he is also, through his delegates, the minister of his church on earth. He speaks to the people through chosen men, and carries forward his work through them, as when, in the days of his humiliation, he moved visibly upon the earth. Although centuries have passed, the lapse of time has not changed his parting promise to his disciples. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] From Christ’s ascension to the present day, men ordained of God, deriving their authority from him, have become teachers of the faith. Christ, the True Shepherd, superintends his work through the instrumentality of these under-shepherds. Thus the position of those who labor in word and doctrine becomes very important. In Christ’s stead they beseech the people to be reconciled to God.{GW92 11.1}
The people should not regard their ministers as mere public speakers and orators, but as Christ’s ambassadors, receiving their wisdom and power from the great Head of the church. To slight and disregard the word spoken by Christ’s representative, is showing disrespect, not only to the man, but also to the Master who has sent him. He is in Christ’s stead; and the voice of the Saviour should be heard in his representative.{GW92 11.2}
Many of our ministers have made a great mistake in giving discourses which were wholly argumentative. There are souls who listen to the theory of the truth, and are impressed with the evidences brought out, and then, if a portion of the discourse presents Christ as the Saviour of the world, the seed sown may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. But in many discourses the cross of Christ is not presented before the people. Some may be listening to the last sermon they will ever hear, and others will never again be so situated that they can have the chain of truth brought before them, and a practical application made of it to their hearts. That golden opportunity lost, is lost forever. Had Christ and his redeeming love been exalted in connection with the theory of truth, it might have balanced them on his side. {GW92 11.3}
There are more souls longing to understand how they may come to Christ than we imagine. Many listen to popular sermons from the pulpit, and know no better than before they listened, how to find Jesus and the peace and rest which their souls desire. Ministers who preach the last message of mercy to the world should bear in mind that Christ is to be exalted as the sinner’s refuge. Many ministers think that it is not necessary to preach repentance and faith, with a heart all subdued by the love of God; they take it for granted that their hearers are perfectly acquainted with the gospel, and that matters of a different nature must be presented in order to hold their attention. If their hearers are interested, they take it as evidence of success. The people are more ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation, and need more instruction upon this all-important subject, than upon any other.{GW92 12.1}
Those who assemble to listen to the truth should expect to be profited, as did Cornelius and his friends: “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” [Acts 10:33.]{GW92 12.2}
Theoretical discourses are essential, that all may know the form of doctrine, and see the chain of truth, link after link, uniting in a perfect whole. But no discourse should ever be delivered without presenting Christ and him crucified as the foundation of the gospel, making a practical application of the truths set forth, and impressing upon the people the fact that the doctrine of Christ is not yea and nay, but yea and amen in Christ Jesus. {GW92 12.3}
After the theory of truth has been presented, then comes the laborious part of the work. The people should not be left without instruction in the practical truths which relate to their every-day life. They must see and feel that they are sinners, and need to be converted to God. What Christ said, what he did, and what he taught, should be brought before them in the most impressive manner.{GW92 13.1}
The work of the minister is only begun when the truth is opened to the understanding of the people. Christ is our mediator and officiating high priest in the presence of the Father. He was shown to John as a lamb that had been slain, as in the very act of pouring out his blood in the sinner’s behalf. When the law of God is set before the sinner, showing him the depth of his sins, he should then be pointed to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. He should be taught repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus will the labor of Christ’s representative be in harmony with the Saviour’s work in the heavenly sanctuary.{GW92 13.2}
Ministers would reach many more hearts if they would dwell more upon practical godliness. Frequently, when efforts are made to introduce the truth into new fields, the labor is almost entirely theoretical. The people are unsettled. They see the force of truth, and are anxious to obtain a sure foundation. When their feelings are softened, is the time, above all others, to urge the religion of Christ home upon the conscience; but too often the course of lectures has been allowed to close without that work being done for the people which they needed. That effort was too much like the offering of Cain; it had not the sacrificial blood to make it acceptable to God. Cain was right in making an offering, but he left out all that made it of any value—the blood of the atonement. {GW92 13.3}
It is a sad fact that the reason why many dwell so much on theory and so little on practical godliness, is that Christ is not abiding in their own hearts. They do not have a living connection with God. Many souls decide in favor of the truth, from the weight of evidence, without being converted. Practical discourses were not given in connection with the doctrinal, that, as the hearers should see the beautiful chain of truth, they might fall in love with its Author, and be sanctified through obedience. The minister’s work is not done until he has urged home upon his hearers the necessity of a change of character in accordance with the pure principles of the truth which they have received.{GW92 14.1}
A formal religion is to be dreaded; for in it is no Saviour. Plain, close, searching, practical discourses were given by Christ. His ambassadors should follow his example in every discourse. Christ and his Father were one; in all the Father’s requirements Christ cheerfully acquiesced. He had the mind of God. The Redeemer was the perfect pattern. Jehovah was manifested in him. Heaven was enshrined in humanity, and humanity inclosed in the bosom of Infinite Love. If ministers will in meekness sit at the feet of Jesus, they will soon obtain right views of God’s character, and will be able to teach others also. Some enter the ministry without deep love to God or to their fellow-men. Selfishness and self-indulgence will be manifested in the lives of such; and while these unconsecrated, unfaithful watchmen are serving themselves, instead of feeding the flock and attending to their pastoral duties, the people perish for want of proper instruction.{GW92 14.2}
In every discourse fervent appeals should be made to the people to forsake their sins and turn to Christ. The popular sins and indulgences of our day should be condemned, and practical godliness enforced. The minister should be deeply in earnest himself, feeling from the heart the words he utters, and unable to repress his feeling of concern for the souls of men and women for whom Christ died. Of the Master it was said, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” [John 2:17.] The same earnestness should be felt by his representatives.{GW92 15.1}
An infinite sacrifice has been made for man, and made in vain for every soul who will not accept of salvation. How important, then, that the one who presents the truth shall do so under a full sense of the responsibility resting upon him! How tender, pitiful, and courteous should be all his conduct in dealing with the souls of men, when the Redeemer of the world has shown that he values them so highly! The question is asked by Christ, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household?” [Matthew 24:45.] Jesus asks, “Who?” and every minister of the gospel should repeat the question to his own heart. As he views the solemn truths, and his mind beholds the picture drawn of the faithful and wise steward, his soul should be stirred to the very depths.{GW92 15.2}
To every man is given his work; not one is excused. Each has a part to act, according to his capacity; and it devolves upon the one who presents the truth carefully and prayerfully, to learn the ability of all who accept the truth, and then to instruct them and lead them along, step by step, letting them realize the burden of responsibility resting upon them to do the work that God has for them to do. It should be urged upon them again and again, that no one will be able to resist temptation, to answer the purpose of God, and to live the life of a Christian, unless he shall take up his work, be it great or small, and do that work with conscientious fidelity. There is something for all to do besides going to church, and listening to the word of God. They must practice the truth heard, carrying its principles into their every-day life. They must be doing work for Christ constantly, not from selfish motives, but with an eye single to the glory of Him who made every sacrifice to save them from ruin. {GW92 15.3}
Ministers should impress upon those who accept the truth that they must have Christ in their homes; that they need grace and wisdom from him in guiding and controlling their children. It is part of the work which God has left for them to do, to educate and discipline these children, bringing them into subjection. Let the kindness and courtesy of the minister be seen in his treatment of children. He should ever bear in mind that they are miniature men and women, younger members of the Lord’s family. These may be very near and dear to the Master, and if properly instructed and disciplined, will do service for him even in their youth. Christ is grieved with every harsh, severe, and inconsiderate word spoken to children. Their rights are not always respected, and they are frequently treated as though they had not an individual character, which needs to be properly developed that it may not be warped, and the purpose of God in their lives prove a failure.{GW92 16.1}
From a child, Timothy knew the Scriptures; and this knowledge was a safeguard to him against the evil influences surrounding him, and the temptation to choose pleasure and selfish gratification before duty. Such a safeguard all our children need; and it should be a part of the work of parents and of Christ’s ambassadors to see that the children are properly instructed in the word of God.{GW92 16.2}
If the minister would meet the approval of his Lord, he must labor with fidelity to present every man perfect in Christ. He should not, in his manner of labor, carry the impression that it is of little consequence whether men do or do not accept the truth and practice true godliness; but the faithfulness and self-sacrifice manifested in his life should be such as to convince the sinner that eternal interests are at stake, and that his soul is in peril unless he responds to the earnest labor put forth in his behalf. Those who have been brought from error and darkness to truth and light have great changes to make, and unless the necessity of thorough reform is pressed home upon the conscience, they will be like the man who looked into the mirror, the law of God, and discovered the defects in his moral character, but went away and forgot what manner of man he was. The mind must be kept awake to a sense of responsibility, or it will settle back into a state of even more careless inattention than before it was aroused. {GW92 16.3}
The work of the ambassadors for Christ is far greater and more responsible than many dream of. They should not be at all satisfied with their success until they can, by their earnest labors and the blessing of God, present to him serviceable Christians, who have a true sense of their responsibility, and will do their appointed work. The proper labor and instruction will result in bringing into working order those men and women whose characters are strong, and their convictions so firm that nothing of a selfish character is permitted to hinder them in their work, to lessen their faith, or to deter them from duty. If the minister has properly instructed those under his care, when he leaves for other fields of labor, the work left will not ravel out; for it will be bound off so firmly as to be secure. Unless those who receive the truth are thoroughly converted, and there is a radical change in their life and character, the soul is not riveted to the eternal Rock; and after the labor of the minister ceases, and the novelty is gone, the impression soon wears away, the truth loses its power to charm, and they exert no holier influence, and are no better, for their profession of the truth. {GW92 17.1}
I am astonished that with the examples before us of what man may be and what he may do, we are not stimulated to greater exertion to emulate the good works of the righteous. All may not occupy a position of prominence; yet all may fill positions of usefulness and trust, and may, by their persevering fidelity, do far more good than they have any idea that they can do. Those who embrace the truth should seek a clear understanding of the Scriptures, and an experimental knowledge of a living Saviour. The intellect should be cultivated, the memory taxed. All intellectual laziness is sin, and spiritual lethargy is death.{GW92 18.1}
O that I could command language of sufficient force to make the impression I wish to make upon my fellow-laborers in the gospel! My brethren, you are handling the words of life; you are dealing with minds that are capable of the highest development, if directed in the right channel. But there is too much exhibition of self in the discourses given. Christ crucified, Christ ascended into the heavens, Christ coming again, should so soften, gladden, and fill the mind of the minister of the gospel that he will present these truths to the people in love and deep earnestness. The minister will then be lost sight of, and Jesus magnified. The people will be so impressed with these all-absorbing subjects that they will talk of them and praise them, instead of praising the minister—the mere instrument. But if the people, while they praise the minister, have little interest in the word preached, he may know that the truth is not sanctifying his own soul. He does not speak to his hearers in such a manner that Jesus is honored and his love magnified.{GW92 18.2}
Christ said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Let your light so shine that the glory will redound to God instead of to yourselves. If the praise comes to you, well may you tremble and be ashamed, for the great object is defeated; it is not God, but the servant, that is magnified. Let your light so shine; be careful, minister of Christ, in what manner your light shines. If it flashes heavenward, revealing the excellence of Christ, it shines aright. If it is turned upon yourself, if you exhibit yourself, and attract the people to admire you, it would be better for you to hold your peace altogether; for your light shines in the wrong way. {GW92 18.3}
Ministers of Christ, you may be connected with God if you will watch and pray. Let your words be seasoned with salt, and let Christian courtesy and true elevation pervade your demeanor. If the peace of God is ruling within, its power will not only strengthen, but soften your hearts, and you will be living representatives of Christ. The people who profess the truth are backsliding from God. Jesus is soon to come, and they are not ready. The minister must reach a higher standard himself, a faith marked with greater firmness, an experience that is living and vivid, not dull and commonplace, like that of the nominal professors. The word of God sets a high mark before you. Will you, through fasting and prayerful effort, attain to the completeness and consistency of Christian character? You should make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. A close connection with God will bring to you, in your labor, that vital power which arouses the conscience, and convicts the sinner of sin, leading him to cry, “What shall I do to be saved?”{GW92 19.1}
The commission which Christ gave to the disciples, just prior to his ascension to heaven, was, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” [Matthew 28:19, 20; John 17:20.] The commission reaches those who shall believe on his word through his disciples. And all who are called of God to stand as ambassadors for him, should take the lessons upon practical godliness given them by Christ in his word, and teach them to the people. {GW92 19.2}
Christ opened the Scriptures to his disciples, beginning at Moses and the prophets, and instructed them in all things concerning himself, and also explained to them the prophecies. The apostles, in their preaching, went back to Adam’s day, and brought their hearers down through prophetic history, and ended with Christ and him crucified, calling upon sinners to repent and turn from their sins to God. The representatives of Christ in our day should follow their example, and in every discourse magnify Christ as the Exalted One, as all and in all.{GW92 20.1}
Not only is formality taking possession of the nominal churches, but it is increasing to an alarming extent among those who profess to be keeping the commandments of God, and looking for the soon appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven. We should not be narrow in our views, and limit our facilities for doing good; yet while we extend our influence and enlarge our plans as Providence opens the way, we should be more earnest to avoid the idolatry of the world. While we make greater efforts to increase our usefulness, we must make corresponding efforts to obtain wisdom from God to carry on all the branches of the work after his own order, and not from a worldly standpoint. We should not pattern after the customs of the world, but make the most of the facilities which God has placed within our reach to get the truth before the people.{GW92 20.2}
When as a people our works correspond to our profession, we shall see very much more accomplished than now. When we have men as devoted as Elijah, and possessing the faith which he had, we shall see that God will reveal himself to us as he did to holy men of old. When we have men, who, while they acknowledge their deficiencies, will plead with God in earnest faith, as did Jacob, we shall see the same results. Power will come from God to man in answer to the prayer of faith. There is but little faith in the world. There are but few who are living near to God. And how can we expect more power, and that God will reveal himself to men, when his word is handled negligently, and when hearts are not sanctified through the truth? Men who are not half converted, who are self-confident and self-sufficient in character, preach the truth to others. But God does not work with them, for they are not holy in heart and life. They do not walk humbly with God. We must have a converted ministry, and then we shall see the light of God, and his power aiding all our efforts.{GW92 21.1}
The watchmen anciently placed upon the walls of Jerusalem and other cities, occupied a most responsible position. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within those cities. When danger was apprehended, they were not to keep silent day nor night. Every few moments they were required to call to one another, to see if all were awake, and no harm had come to any. Sentinels were stationed upon some eminence overlooking the important posts to be guarded, and the cry of warning or of good cheer was sounded from them. This was borne from one to another, each repeating the words, till it went the entire rounds of the city.{GW92 21.2}
These watchmen represent the ministry, upon whose fidelity depends the salvation of souls. The stewards of the mysteries of God should stand as watchmen upon the walls of Zion; and if they see the sword coming, they should sound the note of warning. If they are sleepy sentinels, if their spiritual senses are so benumbed that they see and realize no danger, and the people perish, God will require their blood at the watchmen’s hands. {GW92 21.3}
“O 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.” The watchmen will need to live very near to God, to hear his word and be impressed with his Spirit, that the people may not look to them in vain. “When I say unto the wicked, O 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 require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” [Ezekiel 33:7-9.] Ambassadors of Christ should take heed that they do not, through their unfaithfulness, lose their own souls and the souls of those who hear them.{GW92 22.1}
I was shown the churches in different States that profess to be keeping the commandments of God, and looking for the second coming of Christ. There is an alarming amount of indifference, pride, love of the world, and cold formality existing among them. And these are the people who are fast coming to resemble ancient Israel, so far as the want of piety is concerned. Many make high claims to godliness, and yet are destitute of self-control. Appetite and passion bear sway; self is made prominent. Many are arbitrary, dictatorial, overbearing, boastful, proud, and unconsecrated. Yet some of these persons are ministers, handling sacred truths. Unless they repent, their candlestick will be removed out of its place. The Saviour’s curse pronounced upon the fruitless fig-tree is a sermon to all formalists and boasting hypocrites who stand forth to the world in pretentious leaves, but are devoid of fruit. What a rebuke to those who have a form of godliness, while in their unchristian lives they deny the power thereof! He who treated with tenderness the very chief of sinners, he who never spurned true meekness and penitence, however great the guilt, came down with scathing denunciations upon those who made high professions of godliness, but in works denied their faith.—Testimonies for the Church 4:403. {GW92 22.2}
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