Work While You May

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1885

Work While You May.

Do not be a drone. Do not waste your life in idleness while there is so much to do. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," is the exhortation of the Wise Man, and it is an exhortation to which all should give heed. There are many men, and men who profess to be Christians, who are active and energetic enough in prosecuting their worldly business, but in the church they are good for nothing, mere drones, perfect idlers, who act as if neither their own souls nor the souls of others were worth saving. Whatever they do in the church, or for the church, they do it with reluctance, and in a seemingly half-hearted way, as though they felt no interest in its prosperity and welfare. While this is the case, it is no wonder the church does not prosper; indeed, it would be a wonder if it did. What is needed is for every one to go to work in earnest, to work with vim, and do all he can for the advancement of the cause he professes to love. Do not wait for some great thing to do. Do whatever comes to your hand, and do it with your might. The time for doing will soon be past. Work while you may. No work should be done so cheerfully and so earnestly as work for God and humanity. Stir yourself up, arouse yourself from your lethargy, and work while it is day; "the night cometh when no man can work."—Sel.