Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

are the channels through which the pure principles
of truth and holiness are conveyed to the world.
Their exemplary lives make them the light of the
world and the salt of the earth. The servants of God
should, with the hand of faith, lay hold of the
mighty arm and gather the divine rays of light from
above, while, with the hand of love, they reach
after perishing souls. Diligence is necessary for this
work. Indolence will permit souls who might be
saved, to drift beyond reach. God wants in His
service ministers who are awake, who are energetic
and persevering, who are faithful watchmen upon
Zion's walls, listening to hear the words from the
divine Teacher and faithfully proclaiming the same
to the people.
You are very much like Meroz. You are quite
diligent when that which you do will bring some
advantage to yourself, but there is no motive for
special diligence unless you are to be benefited.
You are decidedly a lazy man. You can eat your
rations regularly, but you have no special love for
physical labor. No man can fill his position as a
minister unless he is industrious, diligent in
984