TO THOSE WHO FEEL ANXIOUS TO WORK BUT DO NOT KNOW HOW TO BEGIN.
APPEALS to our brethren and sisters have become quite common. Every month a special appeal is prepared with the greatest care and sent to all parts of the field. Sometimes we have almost feared that they would become so common that our brethren would not realize their importance, and give that heed to them that they should. The truth is that we are upon the verge of the eternal world, and there is great danger of many of our brethren and sisters failing of the kingdom of God. The Bible most clearly presents the fact that among those who profess to be the children of God two classes will be developed. There is a constant conflict between the two great armies led by the Prince of light, and the prince of darkness. Satan is constantly putting forth the most determined effort to gather souls under his banner, by causing the spirit of lethargy and stupidity to come over those who profess to believe the present truth. On the other hand, Jesus Christ, with all the holy angels, is diligently at work, pressing back the powers of darkness, and rescuing souls from the wiles of Satan, and placing them under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. Those who are true soldiers of the cross of Christ will not be idle spectators of the great conflict that is being waged between light and darkness, but they will be studying and planning how they can help forward the work of God. They will be co-laborers with Jesus Christ, in disseminating the light of truth to redeem the purchase of his blood from a slavery of sin and death. Men and women who can be co-workers with their self-sacrificing and self-denying Redeemer are wanted in every part of the field. By unselfish acts of kindness, and by special efforts to prepare themselves to know how best to bring the truth to others, they will find pure happiness and rich joys. Rest and peace will be found in a forgetfulness of self, and an earnest, persevering effort to save souls from the darkness of error. But those who shirk these responsibilities, and seek for rest in their present surroundings, will find themselves destitute of spiritual joy and divine peace, and cannot be partakers of Christ's glory. Churches are strong only as they are working. Each member should feel the responsibility of doing his part in strengthening, and encouraging, and building up. Union and love should exist in every heart. The truth spreads and the work prospers when living, active workers commend it by personal effort, characterized by piety, beauty, and true holiness. There is no people so favored with special privileges and blessings as those whom God has made the depositaries of his law. No one should be idle in the vineyard of the Lord. All are not qualified to do the same kind of work, yet there is something for all to do. Men and women are needed to act a part in this great work of carrying forward the truth by holding Bible-readings, and circulating our periodicals and publications. This work has not been taken hold of as it should have been, and our object in this appeal is to encourage in some way the spirit of labor among our brethren and sisters. The larger part of the members of our churches are not working Christians. They are living as though there was no great danger pending. They think they are safe if they only continue to profess the truth without putting forth any special efforts. Not only men are wanted, but women also, who will set their hearts and minds to become intelligent in regard to the very best manner of working for the Master, and qualifying themselves for doing that part of the work to which they are best adapted.