- Preface
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- Ambassadors for Christ
- Consecration to the Work
- The Need of Preaching Christ
- Labor in New Fields
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- Pastoral Labor
- Faithfulness in Reproving Sin
- Compassion for the Erring
- Decision and Promptness in the Work of God
- Thoroughness in the Work
- Division of Labor
- A Personal Faith in Christ Our Greatest Need
- Meditation and Prayer
- Answers to Prayer
- The Cause of Doubts
- Danger in Cherishing Doubts
- The Importance of Bible Study
- How Shall We Search the Scriptures?
- Examination for the Ministry
- Young Ministers
- Manner of Speaking
- Danger in Overwork
- Order and Discipline
- Carefulness in Dress
- Physical Labor and Mental Activity
- Our Duty to Preserve Health
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- Discussions Not to be Sought
- Engaging in Secular Business
- Proper Remuneration for Ministers
- Danger in Self-Confidence
- Respect for the Sabbath
- The Minister's Wife
- Labor at Camp-Meetings
- Popular Holiness Meetings
- Business Meetings
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- Co-Operation Among the Churches
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- Education for the Missionary Work
- Young Men as Missionaries
- Methods of Labor
- Christ Our Source of Strength
- Love is Power
- No Respect of Persons With God
- Christ's Example a Rebuke to Bigotry and Exclusiveness
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- The Danger of Formalism
- Personal Effort
- Bible Readings with Families
- The Work of the Colporteur
- Importance of the Canvassing Work
- Cautions to Canvassers
- Economy in Mission Work
- Encouraging Words to the Workers
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- Christ Our Righteousness
- Christian Deportment and Influence
- Trust in God
- Effectual Prayer
- Are We in the Faith?
- Christ's Followers the Light of the World
- Courage in the Lord
- Love Among Brethren
- Humility and Faithfulness in Laborers
- Diligence and Consecration Needed
- Our Mighty Helper
- Consistency in the Christian Life
- Duties and Privileges of the Christian Laborer
The Prayer-Meeting
The prayer-meetings should be the most interesting gatherings that are held; but these are frequently poorly managed. Many attend preaching, but neglect the prayer-meeting. Here, again, thought is required. Wisdom should be sought of God, and plans should be laid to conduct the meetings so that they will be interesting and attractive. The people hunger for the bread of life. If they find it at prayer-meeting, they will go there to receive it.GW92 324.4
Long, prosy talks and prayers are out of place anywhere, and especially in the social meeting. Those who are forward and ever ready to speak, are allowed to crowd out the testimony of the timid and retiring. Those who are most superficial generally have the most to say. Their prayers are long and mechanical. They weary the angels and the people who listen to them. Our prayers should be short and right to the point. Let the long, tiresome petitions be left for the closet, if any have such to offer. Let the Spirit of God into your hearts, and it will sweep away all dry formality.GW92 325.1
Music can be a great power for good; yet we do not make the most of this branch of worship. The singing is generally done from impulse or to meet special cases, and at other times those who sing are left to blunder along, and the music loses its proper effect upon the minds of those present. Music should have beauty, pathos, and power. Let the voices be lifted in songs of praise and devotion. Call to your aid, if practicable, instrumental music, and let the glorious harmony ascend to God, an acceptable offering.GW92 325.2
But it is sometimes more difficult to discipline the singers and keep them in working order, than to improve the habits of praying and exhorting. Many want to do things after their own style; they object to consultation, and are impatient under leadership. Well-matured plans are needed in the service of God. Common sense is an excellent thing in the worship of the Lord. The thinking powers should be consecrated to Christ, and ways and means should be devised to serve him best. The church of God, who are trying to do good by living out the truth and seeking to save souls, can be a power in the world if they will be disciplined by the Spirit of the Lord. They must not feel that they can work carelessly for eternity.GW92 325.3