We have a plain, straightforward message from the Lord to bear to the world,—a message that is to be borne in all the rich fulness of the Spirit's power. Let our ministers see the need of seeking to save the lost. Direct appeals are to be made to the unconverted. “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” the Pharisees asked Christ's disciples. And the Saviour responded, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” This is the work that He has given us. And never was there greater need of it than at the present time.PUR January 29, 1903, par. 1

God has not given His ministers the work of setting the churches right. No sooner is this work done, apparently, than it has to be done over again. Church-members that are thus looked after and labored for become religious weaklings. If nine-tenths of the effort that has been put forth for those who know the truth had been put forth for those who have never heard the truth, how much greater would have been the advancement made! God has withheld His blessings because His people have not worked in harmony with His directions.PUR January 29, 1903, par. 2

It weakens those who know the truth for our ministers to expend on them the time and talent that should be given to the unconverted. In many of our churches in the cities, the minister preaches Sabbath after Sabbath; and Sabbath after Sabbath the church-members come to the house of God with no words to tell of blessings received because of blessings imparted. They have not worked during the week to carry out the instruction given them on the Sabbath. So long as church-members make no effort to give to others the help given them, great spiritual feebleness must result.PUR January 29, 1903, par. 3

The greatest help that can be given to our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers. Let them learn to work as Christ worked. Let them join His army of workers, and do faithful service for Him.PUR January 29, 1903, par. 4

There will be times when it is fitting for our ministers to give on the Sabbath in our churches short discourses full of the life and love of Christ. But the church-members are not to expect a sermon every Sabbath.PUR January 29, 1903, par. 5

Let us remember that we are pilgrims and strangers on this earth, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. Let us work with such earnestness, such devotion that sinners will be drawn to Christ. Those who have united with the Lord in the covenant of service are under bonds to cooperate with Him in the great, grand work of soul-saving. Let church-members during the week act their part faithfully, and on the Sabbath tell their experience. The meeting will then be as meat in due season, bringing to all present new life and fresh vigor. When God's people see the great need of working as Christ worked for the conversion of sinners, the testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath service will be filled with power. With joy they will bear witness to the precious experience they have gained in working for others.PUR January 29, 1903, par. 6

Ellen G. White

January 15, 1903

March 26, 1903