Heartiness in Work

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 2, 1882

Heartiness in Work.

THERE is a great danger among active Christians of undervaluing heartiness in work. The discussion of methods is apt to put out of sight other elements of success. Critical minds are disposed to sneer at self-forgetting enthusiasm, and too often this foolish contempt is allowed to check the promptings of affection. This is a fatal mistake, a cruel wrong, which ought to be rooted up. Religious work is like music—it is worth nothing without soul in it. One may imitate a tune by turning the crank of a hand-organ, but he only is a musician who thrills us by the vibrations of his own heartstrings, who makes us feel that he feels the sentiment which the tune expresses.

In no work is heartiness more effective than in direct labor for the salvation of men. The truth spoken in love, the plea made from unalloyed affection, the loyalty which is manifestly a personal attachment to the Saviour—these make the conquering force which it is not in the heart of men to withstand. And it is a mockery to attempt Christian work without it. Heartily, as to the Lord, should be the motto of every one who believes that God is love, and that love rather than knowledge is the seat of power.—The Testimony.