Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

546 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[592]not the place for sport, for visiting, for idlers, for laughing or uselesswords. All should feel that they are doing a work for their Master.These truths which they read, which they act their part to prepare tosend out to the people, are invitations of mercy, are reproofs, threatenings,warnings, or encouragements. These are doing their work as asavor of life unto life, or of death unto death. If rejected, the judgmentmust decide the matter. The prayer of all in the office should be: “OGod, make these truths, which are of such vital importance, clear tothe comprehension of the humblest minds! May angels accompanythese silent preachers and bless their influence, that souls may be savedby this humble means!”The heart should go out in fervent prayer while the hands are busy,and Satan will not find such ready access, and the soul, instead ofbeing lifted up unto vanity, will be constantly refreshed, will be like awatered garden. Angels will delight to be near such workers, for theirpresence will be continually encouraged by them. A power will attendthe truths published. Divine rays of light from the heavenly sanctuarywill attend the precious truths sent forth, so that those who read will berefreshed and strengthened, and souls that are opposed to the truth willbe convicted and compelled to say: These things are so; they cannotbe gainsaid.All should feel that the office is a holy place, as sacred as the houseof God. But God has been dishonored by the frivolity and lightnessindulged by some connected with the work. I saw that strangersfrom abroad often went away from the office disappointed. They hadassociated it with everything sacred; but when they saw the youth, orothers connected with the office, possessing but little gravity, carelessin words and acts, it caused them to doubt whether, after all, this isreally the work of God to prepare a people for translation to heaven.May God bless this to all concerned.* * * * *