Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

thus be developed that will not flourish in the sunshine of prosperity. Faith,
patience, meekness, and love will bud and blossom amid clouds and
darkness.
The members of the church should individually keep the light of God's
love brightly burning in their own souls, that it may also shine forth to
others. We have too much at stake to allow spiritual lethargy to creep over
us. Let us beware of indulging a disrelish for religious services and religious
duties. Let us resolutely battle against that sluggishness of soul which is so
fatal to the growth and even the life of the Christian.
That church will be healthy and prosperous whose members are putting
forth active, personal effort to do good to others, to save souls. This will be a
constant incentive to every good work. Such Christians will labor with
greater earnestness to secure their own salvation. The dormant energies will
be aroused, the whole soul inspired with an unconquerable determination to
win the Saviour's plaudit of "Well done," and to wear the victor's crown.
I would encourage those who assemble in little companies to worship
God. Brethren and sisters, be not disheartened because you are so few in
number. The tree that stands alone upon the plain, strikes its roots deeper
into the earth, spreads out its branches farther on every side, and grows
stronger and more symmetrical while wrestling singly with the tempest or
rejoicing in the sunshine. So the Christian, cut off from earthly dependence,
may learn to rely wholly upon God, and may gain strength and courage from
every conflict.
May the Lord bless the scattered and lonely ones, and make them
efficient workers for him. The Christian should not be content to be merely
an active man of business. He should not be so absorbed in worldly affairs as
to have scarcely a spare moment or a thought for recreation or friendship, for
the good of others, for the culture of the mind, or the welfare of the soul.
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