L. A. CARTWRIGHT by L. A. Cartwright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 14, 1873

L. A. CARTWRIGHT

By L. A. Cartwright

Work.

“Go work in my vineyard; and whatsoever is right, I will give thee.” None are excepted. And no excuse will avail; for it is in vain to say, “Lord, Lord,” while we do not the things that he requires. And if we are not at work for God, it is because we are sluggards, or else desirous to do something, to which we are altogether unsuited. In either case we sin against “the Master.” He has told us to learn of him. And we must study to be workmen. He requires no impossibilities at our hands, but our wills must be brought into subjection to his, and obedience rendered. Then we shall “not despise the day of small things.” “Cups of cold water” will be freely given “in the name of a disciple.” “Widow’s mites” will be plenty, and we shall not pass by, on the other side, any of the crushed and suffering sons and daughters of Adam.

Oh! there is plenty of work, “but the laborers are few.” Pray the Lord to send more laborers! Every time a soul is converted, that prayer is answered. The convert may not be a public speaker, a Paul, or Apollos, but he will be a laborer, a living witness to the “grace of God that brings salvation.” The perishing are all around us, and directly personal effort is required of every one to snatch them as brands from the burning. And no matter who works, God only can give success. All can do something. We can deal justly, live soberly and righteously; even our very looks may do good, while sympathy and kind words are powerful agents in winning souls to Christ. Then whatsoever our hands find to do, let us do with our might, “for we know not which shall prosper, this or that.”

And what inducements to be faithful; for if we turn a sinner from the error of his ways, a soul is saved from death, “And they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever.” Go work! “Let no man take thy crown.”