God gives to every man his work, and men and women are to do their best wherever they are placed, working untiringly for the salvation of souls. Beside all waters they are to sow the seeds of truth. Not a hand should be raised, not a barrier be placed, to prescribe or limit the work. There is to be no close figuring; for this will bring the displeasure of God on the one who takes this course. Let no selfish practise mar the work of God. Let no narrow ideas shut out opportunities and privileges whereby souls may be reached.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 1

When Christ sent the seventy to proclaim the kingdom of God throughout Judea, He taught that the piety of His people should be diffusive. He was educating His church to enlarge the borders of their labor, and eventually encircle the world. The work is one the world over. Christ has annihilated the ancient distinctions made between Jew and Gentile. There is to be no boundary to our labor. It must take us from small plans, the narrowing limitations of selfishness. He presents to our view the inhabitants of the world, who may become enlightened and lay hold of immortality through faith in Christ. They are all exposed to the temptations of Satan, who hopes to take them in his snare; but the Lord calls those who would be laborers together with Him to unite in bringing every power into exercise to work for the deliverance of these souls from Satanic agencies. And if prosperity attends our efforts, it will be because there is not a thread of selfishness interwoven with them. If selfish ideas and plans are allowed to creep into the management of the work of God, it will be a far greater evil than the same thing would be in common worldly matters.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 2

Every encouragement is given to God's people to expect unlimited progress and improvement. We are to work as if we knew that we were in the sight of the whole heavenly universe. Through Christ we are to say, “I will not fail or become discouraged.” We are to hope for everything in moral advancement and the restoration of the image of God in man. At every step our prayers should ascend to the throne of God. While working as if everything depended on our diligence and faithfulness, we must take God as our only dependence, doing unto others as we would wish them to do unto us. This principle is broad and deep. No selfishness should tarnish the work of God. Teach by precept and example that earth can be assimilated to heaven.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 3

Our means of doing good are never to be limited to any man's ideas or devising. At every step we are empowered of God to work in Christ's lines. Lay hold of the work in any place, and this will set in motion the heavenly agencies to prepare the way for the sowers and the reapers. Study the Word. Read it with all your mind, your heart, and your soul; for eternal interests are involved. Then its lessons will have a voice. They will call to you; they will breathe divine counsels; they will make all who learn of Him meek and lowly, and wise unto salvation.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 4

The assurance of our Saviour that we may gain the future, immortal life should be sufficient to teach us the importance of following Him here. Our service for God is to decide our eternal destiny. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” [Is it] not, then, wholly appropriate that the same question should come to us, How shall we not—when so great love has been expressed for us in the gift of Christ as our ransom—how shall we not freely give Him all things? What wonderful love has been revealed in our behalf. And shall our love and gratitude be only as a ripple on the surface? Our service for God is to decide our eternal destiny; and there should be kindled in our hearts an earnest desire to put every faculty of mind and heart to diligent effort, proportionate to the reward presented.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 5

Of every Christian the Lord requires growth in efficiency and capability. We are stewards of His grace. We have been placed in charge of His goods; and the talents lent us are to be used, not for self, but in devoted, whole-hearted service. We should do nothing by halves. Entire consecration is required.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 6

Let the line of demarcation between the church and the world be plain and distinct, so that it can be discerned by both men and angels. The will of God, our Creator, is to be manifest in us as Christians, not only in the name we bear, but in our life of self-denial. The world, refusing to accept the man Christ Jesus to reign over them, are enslaved by a tyrant, even Satan; but let Christians show that they are free,—sons and daughters of the heavenly King. Let them give evidence that they are controlled by unselfish principles. Let all their purposes and pursuits stand in distinct contrast to the pride and selfishness of the world.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 7

The cross of Calvary is placed between heaven and earth as a perpetual memorial, calling our attention to the better world. It is the medium of open communication with the world of light. Constantly the mind is drawn away from the earthly to the heavenly, surveying the attractions of Him who “ever liveth to make intercession” for us. Those who keep the heavenly world in view are, in their affections and pursuits, separate from the world. While they are in the world, they are not of the world. They are pilgrims and strangers seeking a better country, even a heavenly; and by their influence and example they take others with them.PUR July 7, 1904, par. 8

Ellen G. White

June 9, 1904

July 14, 1904