The world needs missionaries, consecrated home missionaries, and no one will be registered in the
books of heaven as a Christian who has not a missionary spirit. But we can do nothing without
sanctified energy. Just as soon as the missionary spirit is lost from the heart, and zeal for the cause
of God begins to wane, the burden of our testimonies and plans is a cry for prudence and economy,
and real backsliding begins in the missionary work.
Instead of diminishing the work, let all the councils be conducted in such a manner that increased
purpose may be manifested to carry forward the great work of warning the world, though it may
cost self-denial and sacrifice. If every member of the church was constantly impressed with the
thought, I am not my own, but have been bought with a price, all would feel that they are under the
most sacred obligation to improve every ability given of God, to double their usefulness year by
year, and have no excuse for spiritual negligence. Then there would be no lack of sympathy with the
Master in the great work of saving souls.
Who are there among us that with spiritual perception can discern the stirring conflict that is going
on in the world between the forces of good and evil? Do you understand the nature of the great
controversy between Christ, the Prince of life, and Satan, the prince of darkness? Does the conflict
appear the same to you as it appears to the heavenly intelligences?
Oh, if all who professed to be followers of Christ were indeed living channels of light to the world,
imbued by the Spirit of God, with hearts full to overflowing with the gospel message, with the very
countenance beaming with devotion to God and love to others, what a work might be accomplished
in a short time! The messengers of the truth would not speak with hesitation, with uncertainty, but
with fearlessness and confidence. Their words and the very tones of the voice would strike
conviction to the hearts of the hearers.—The Review and Herald, August 23, 1892.