(All Bible texts are in the NKJV Bible unless otherwise indicated)
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due,customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ’s second appearing and keeping all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. “But,” he said, “the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to His service, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. As they appoint meetings in different places, we are in danger. Be very vigilant then. Cause disturbance and confusion if possible. Destroy love for one another. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd every attraction around them, and they will be surely ours. And not only are we sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised to lead others to heaven. When any shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging disposition, that it may be sparingly.”
I saw that Satan carries out his plans well. As the servants of God appoint meetings, Satan with his angels is on the ground to hinder the work. He is constantly putting suggestions into the minds of God’s people. He leads some in one way and some in another, always taking advantage of evil traits in the brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up their natural besetments. If they are disposed to be selfish and covetous, Satan takes his stand by their side, and with all his power seeks to lead them to indulge their besetting sins. The grace of God and the light of truth may melt away their covetous, selfish feelings for a little, but if they do not obtain entire victory, Satan comes in when they are not under a saving influence and withers every noble, generous principle, and they think that too much is required of them. They become weary of well-doing and forget the great sacrifice which Jesus made to redeem them from the power of Satan and from hopeless misery.
Satan took advantage of the covetous, selfish disposition of Judas and led him to murmur when Mary poured the costly ointment upon Jesus. Judas looked upon this as a great waste, and declared that the ointment might have been sold and given to the poor. He cared not for the poor, but considered the liberal offering to Jesus extravagant. Judas prized his Lord just enough to sell Him for a few pieces of silver. And I saw that there were some like Judas among those who profess to be waiting for their Lord. Satan controls them, but they know it not. God cannot approve of the least degree of covetousness or selfishness, and He abhors the prayers and exhortations of those who indulge these evil traits. As Satan sees that his time is short, he leads men on to be more and more selfish and covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapped up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph, exulting over them and laughing at the folly of those who accept his suggestions and enter his snares.
Satan and his angels mark all the mean and covetous acts of these persons and present them to Jesus and His holy angels, saying reproachfully, “These are Christ’s followers! They are preparing to be translated!” Satan compares their course with passages of Scripture in which it is plainly rebuked and then taunts the heavenly angels, saying, “These are following Christ and His Word! These are the fruit of Christ’s sacrifice and redemption!” Angels turn in disgust from the scene. God requires a constant doing on the part of His people; and when they become weary of well-doing, He becomes weary of them. I saw that He is greatly displeased with the least manifestation of selfishness on the part of His professed people, for whom Jesus spared not His own precious life. Every selfish, covetous person will fall out by the way. Like Judas, who sold his Lord, they will sell good principles and a noble, generous disposition for a little of earth’s gain. All such will be sifted out from God’s people. Those who want heaven must, with all the energy which they possess, be encouraging the principles of heaven. Instead of withering up with selfishness, their souls should be expanding with benevolence. Every opportunity should be improved in doing good to one another and thus cherishing the principles of heaven. Jesus was presented to me as the perfect pattern. His life was without selfish interest, but ever marked with disinterested benevolence.
5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
7 For he does not know what will happen;
So who can tell him when it will occur?
21 The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.
45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.
45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.
34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.
3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lordyour God.’”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. 3 So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house.
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it waspleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory isin their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
20 There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?
12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes surety for his friend.
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge,
One of those who is surety for debts;
I have many things to say to you, Brother Herbert Lacey. The Lord has been my Counsellor, and He has given me words for you. You are not prepared to be placed at the head of the work in the school. You have need to be a constant learner. If you are [to be] a teacher, many things will have to be unlearned, and many things learned of a different order. If this is not so, you will encourage the very things the Lord has been seeking to correct in the school at Battle Creek. You will introduce methods and plans that are not inspired of God, and that will be misleading.
When any idea has been cherished by you, it finds a ready utterance and will be caught up by other minds. Thus seed will be sown that is not true grain. But if you give yourself to God, He will lead you in safe paths. It is a very hard matter for you to part with the cherished idea that you have received from your teachers in Battle Creek. But there are things that you may and will have to learn in the future in the school experience. Make yourself thoroughly familiar with the Word of God. If you do not do this, projects and ideas will imprint themselves on your mind that should not be entertained, for it is not the way of the Lord. In all honesty you will come to conclusions that will need to be sifted.
It is essential for your clearness of eyesight to have a more elevated direction. The common customs and practices of school life, which may be called little things, cannot be brought into the school at Avondale. Your thoughts and ideas will change by experience if you earnestly and humbly inquire at each step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
The word was given me in regard to you, “You cannot trust the guidance and management of a vessel to boys who have not served in that line; neither can you trust the molding of minds and characters to youth who have not had years of experience to understand the workings of God. It will take older heads, those who have had larger experience, to devise and plan for the youth to obtain an all-sided character. Let not the work pass into the hands and be managed by those who have but little experience.” The word was given to you, Brother Herbert Lacey, that you and your wife have yet to obtain a different kind of experience. The word was spoken, Keep your hands off the machinery. You will make mistakes if you attempt to run a school. It is not left for you to plan and devise and manage things after your own ideas. You should seek to learn all you possibly can.
You are to be very cautious how you move. Do not start out on your independent judgment and follow your own supposedly wise plans; but consider, Here are those who have been working on this ground, who have carried heavy burdens. They have had much perplexity for over two years, and it will be best for me to consult with them, and know just how to cooperate with them, that I may be a help and not a hindrance.
Let your souls be transformed by the grace of Christ Jesus, and your mind absorbed in meditating and studying the glorious truths concerning the life of the Great Teacher. The Word of God is to be your food. Follow Christ to the very letter, and then you will find that the elevated standard of virtue and holiness is placed before you in the gospel. Unless this is the case, you cannot, as teachers, do the work that it is essential to do to prepare the students who shall come to the school to be transformed to the higher grade.
You both have ideas and plans which you think essential, but which must not be brought in with pen or voice. There are many imaginings and schemes and ambitions that you may suppose essential, but which should have no standing room, for we do not want that these ideas be brought in before the students, that they may be molded according to their likes and dislikes. A training must be given the students which you have not had and cannot give them. Let every teacher sow the precious seeds of truth in the minds of students. Your work should be more and more after the order of the teaching of Jesus Christ. He is the standard Teacher. Then let us not exalt as all-essential that which we have no record of Him teaching.
I have been directed to Brother and Sister Haskell as experienced servants of God, who will be efficient workers as helpers and counsellors. They have both had experience in managing the interests of the cause of God. Sister Haskell has been a school teacher for many years, and it will be a great blessing to the school to have the help and benefit of her all-round experience. I value their capabilities of entering into the work. They are a God-sent help in this time of necessity.
We are nearing the end of time, and it is most essential that we walk humbly with God. We cannot fit up the building with carpets, or enter into any preparation that requires an outlay of means, for we have none. I have been constantly handing out means, investing thousands of dollars to keep the work moving; but I know that we must heed the instruction given in regard to the school in Melbourne—to study economy in every line.
Christ said of the scribes and Pharisees: “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29. These both let us learn in the school of Christ. We must make the Scriptures our Counsellor, and be doers of the Word if we would have a knowledge of the power of God. Our desires will have to be bound about. We are of necessity obliged to plan and devise and economize. We cannot manage as if we had a bank on which to draw in case of emergency. Therefore we must not get into straitened places.
I am glad that Brother and Sister Haskell in their experience have learned that there is a limit to means. While we would be pleased to have many things that we have not in our school building, we must look at the old furniture, the bureaus, tables, washstands, and other articles, and say, We must make them do.
Sister Lacey, you will have a new experience here. In America there is an altogether different style of things. There they have facilities; and they have been reproved because they have made such an extravagant outlay of means in their school interests. Now, my sister, we will necessarily have to cut away everything like a desire to make a display or show. Everything will have to be brought within the narrow compass of that which we can be assured we can sustain. This point cannot be overlooked. It will be far better for the students coming to the school, as far as they themselves are concerned, to see and understand our poverty in regard to means, for if they are made to understand our strait for want of means, it will help them to help the workers in the school in the line of economy.
In the school in Melbourne, I carried through a large number of students; but I cannot do this now. But I know that the Lord will help us if we are willing to follow His example, and not perpetuate a desire to make an appearance. This principle should be discerned by the Word of God and cut away from the life practice by the Holy Spirit’s power. My brother and sister whom I love in the Lord, you have many things to learn. A new experience must be gained by a close and careful, earnest education in the school of Christ. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;” says the great Teacher, “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29, 30. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” Matthew 7:13. “Every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:26, 27.
May 20
There are many things to write of; but I have such an intensity of feeling that it is consuming me. May God help me, is my prayer. Let all seek the Lord most earnestly. You have perceptive faculties, Brother and Sister Lacey. God has given you talents, and you must use them to a purpose. May the Lord help you.
I was shown the necessity of connecting with the school some one of experience, some one who understood the principles of an all-round education, who has taken in the subject that has been before our people, who has realized the necessity of physical and mental taxation being combined, and who has brought the same into practical use in his life. Proper education means much. O, that all could understand these matters in their true bearing. Physical, mental, and moral industry must be combined in proper education. Teachers who have not practiced this in their school life need to learn their lessons over again. Everything that would be detrimental to the spiritual interests of the school must be cut away from the process of education.
I have prayed most earnestly to the Lord to move upon some one of His chosen men or women who have a practical knowledge of educating in right lines, and who could unite with the students, and say, not “Go,” but “Come, and let us engage in manual labor, and learn how to employ the muscles given us by God.”
I have felt a great burden for Brother Haskell to come to Australia and connect with and give Bible lessons in the school. His experience in the searching of the Scriptures, and in religious exercises in the work from his youth till the present time, has qualified him to stand first in the school, and to be the counsellor and instructor in Bible lines. Let his age and experience as the chosen servant of God bring him respect. There is ever to be connected with the school the talent of experience, how to manage and mold and teach the youth. This is an experience that you have not at the present time; and as this is an important matter, I shall present it before you, from time to time, and I hope that you will understand the whole matter.
I have written much on education, and will, when able, present it to the whole school. When your active, fruitful mind shall be educated in the different lines, be sure that you do not bring in the very things that were objectionable at Battle Creek and Healdsburg, which have been an offense to God in the past history of the management of those schools. Have you brought with you the impressions of education you received at Battle Creek from infidel authors, to be an influence here? If you had known all in regard to the testimonies given them, I am sure that some of the ideas that you and your wife have brought with you would not seem so essential to you. The Lord was grieved at the attitude taken by the teachers at Battle Creek.
It is exceedingly hard for you to give up an idea when once you have cherished it. Thus it would be a dangerous experiment to put Sister Lacey in as matron of the school, and yourself as principal, to take the place as director or manager. You have both to learn many things. You need to obtain a different kind of education from that you have received. You are to understand that some of the studies that have been carried at the schools in Healdsburg or Battle Creek, or in any other college, are not to be brought into the Avondale School. I have not spoken very plainly to you in regard to these things, for I have written so largely upon these matters to Battle Creek that I supposed that you understood them and were prepared to carry them out.
Economy should be exercised in everything connected with the school. Those who come to the school generally leave homes that are unadorned, where they have been accustomed to eat simple food without a number of courses. They are accustomed to plain, hearty food at noon. It would be better for all to have only a simple evening meal. There must be a strict regard to economy, or a heavy debt will be incurred. Keep within bounds. Shun the incurring of debt as you would shun leprosy. But if you work on the other plan, it will hurt you more than you suppose.
The management must not be left to yourself or your wife, for you would make grave mistakes if you followed your own inclinations in many things. Your own appetites must not control the food of the students. While we have so many ways in which to use our means, while thousands are starving, dying from famine, bloodshed, fire, and plague, it becomes every one of us to carefully consider, and not get any needless articles in order to gratify appetite, or to make an appearance.
When these matters were opened before me in Melbourne, I bore my testimony decidedly against any outlay of means that would plunge the school into debt. What to do here I did not know; but light came. Here it is: “Brother Haskell will connect with your school, and he will take heed to carry out the instruction that God has graciously given. His age and experience must be respected. Hold up his hands, and in no case demerit his counsel.”
We all need to be baptized into a higher faith, and be prepared to work in Christ’s lines. The importance of physical taxation combined with mental should be understood. If the instruction that has been given for years had been received, searched into, and studied from cause to effect, many less students would leave the school, where they have been acquiring an education, heavily in debt. They would have that education that is essential for practical life. They would have used their God-given abilities in physical as well as intellectual labor. This important phase of education, if they will devise and think to a purpose, would have kept them free from the bondage of debt. If all the edges had been bound about, according to the Word of God, which all must learn to do who engage in any line of the work, their education would have been much more solid and all-round. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. Self-indulgence is not to take the place of simplicity and reasonable thoughtfulness.
There is a great need of teachers who have an all-round education. The appetites must be held in control; they must not be misdirected. By students and teachers the physical powers must be carefully considered, or they will fail to tax the physical sufficiently to correspond with the taxation placed upon the mental. The physical powers must not be unemployed or misemployed, as they have been in instituting amusements to exercise the muscles. There is need of candid, earnest thought. These are lessons that no students need attend school to learn. We have naught of this in the lesson of Christ. Let the physical powers be employed in useful labor that will be doing good. Let no one think that he is departing from his dignity as a teacher if he uses his arms and hands that the Lord has made, and gives his muscles solidity by useful exercise. This is God’s plan.
Mind and heart will suffer with the indulgence of sedentary habits. Educate the inactive to put into exercise the limbs and muscles that God has given to be used, and it will bring its sure reward. If one part of the human body is exercised to the neglect of other portions, some of those members not used will become strengthless. If one member suffers through inaction, the whole body—brain, nerve, bone, and muscle—will become enfeebled. O, how much every student and teacher needs the higher, more thorough education, and a correct understanding of what we are, and what we may be through self-discipline, that all our powers may be used to glorify God.
Christ has purchased us, and we cannot for one moment claim ourselves, to do with ourselves as we please, as if we were our own property. We have a right to existence only because Christ has died to give us life and immortality through His infinite love. By creation and by redemption we belong to God. Our mind, heart, soul, and strength is the Lord’s, lent to us to see if we will use these talents to the glory of God by doing His will on the earth. “Occupy till I come,” God says to each human agent; and of our stewardship we must each give account.
Individually, we must do the work given us by God. We must give ourselves to the Lord, placing ourselves in readiness to do just what He shall appoint us. If we do not do this, the shadow of self will darken everything. But when self is surrendered to God, everything is brightened by His presence.
7 The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
My mind is drawn out for you. I have the most earnest desire that Edson should consecrate himself fully to God. And I hope Emma will help him.
Dear children, last night I thought I was attending a meeting, and there seemed to be some trial on minds. Some said that they would not trust you to manage the finances of the office because you did not plan closely and look to the very bottom of things. Some said, He does not put his heart in his work as Willie has done. We are afraid of his scheming and planning which will distract his mind from the work, and there is the greatest necessity if Willie leaves that Edson should make the utmost efforts to supply the lack by his faithfulness. But he will never do this, said one. Another said, We fear for the Pacific Publishing House if Edson White has any responsible position and controls matters.
Edson, I had been thinking of you through the day. I had prayed for you, and I have the greatest anxiety that you make no failure here. If you redeem your failures in California, you must work diligently, unselfishly, and interestedly, feeling that you are handling sacred things. I beg of you now that you have a fair chance to show what you can do to make the most of it. Succeed in this case if you die in trying. Your only hope of gaining the confidence of the people is to have the Spirit of God abounding in your heart, sanctifying your life. For once be determined to never incur another debt. Deny yourself a thousand things rather than run in debt. This has been the curse of your life, getting into debt. Avoid it as you would the smallpox.
Make a solemn covenant with God that by His blessing you will pay your debts and then owe no man anything if you live on porridge and bread. It is so easy in preparing your table to throw out of your pocket twenty-five cents for extras. Take care of the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves. It is the mites here and the mites there that are spent for this, that, and the other that soon runs up into dollars. Deny self at least while you are walled in with debts. Make your hearts right with God; and in order to do this, you must fight the fight of faith. This will be a continual conflict, but Jesus will be your helper. Cherish a humble spirit, willing to be led. Put pride of heart, every suspicion, and jealousy away with all malice. May the dear Lord help you both to dig deep and lay your foundation sure.
Be faithful to duty. You may, now, although nearly thirty years old, obtain that grace and power from God which will transform your character. Do not live for yourselves alone, but live for God. Make God your friend, your shield, and bask in the light of His presence. Do not go a step or two off the path of denial and duty and then hesitate and turn back. You want firm principles and not deviate from principle on any account. Will you, children, make the most now of your God-given opportunities? Will you try in the strength of God to attain to the perfection of Christian character? May God help you to make a success where you are. If you fail this time, it will give our enemies great advantage and will dishonor God. We urge upon you diligence, close application to your business, in order for you to succeed. Put your mind into your work and do not falter, be discouraged, or turn back. Deny your taste, deny the indulgence of appetite, save your pence, and pay your debts. Work them off as fast as possible. When you can stand forth a free man, owing no man anything, you will have achieved a great victory.
Mother.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by labor will increase.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.
2 Give a serving to seven, and also to eight,
For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.
27 Prepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house.
22 Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
10 If the ax is dull,
And one does not sharpen the edge,
Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success.
31 and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship,
34 “And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
Paul loved Timothy, his "own son in the faith." 1 Timothy 1:2. The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture history, and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do successful work. Both Paul and Silas, in all their association with Timothy, sought to deepen the impression that had already been made upon his mind, of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister.
In his work, Timothy constantly sought Paul's advice and instruction. He did not move from impulse, but exercised consideration and calm thought, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? The Holy Spirit found in him one who could be molded and fashioned as a temple for the indwelling of the divine Presence.
As the lessons of the Bible are wrought into the daily life, they have a deep and lasting influence upon the character. These lessons Timothy learned and practiced. He had no specially brilliant talents, but his work was valuable because he used his God-given abilities in the Master's service. His knowledge of experimental piety distinguished him from other believers and gave him influence.
Those who labor for souls must attain to a deeper, fuller, clearer knowledge of God than can be gained by ordinary effort. They must throw all their energies into the work of the Master. They are engaged in a high and holy calling, and if they gain souls for their hire they must lay firm hold upon God, daily receiving grace and power from the Source of all blessing. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:11-14.
Before pressing forward into new territory, Paul and his companions visited the churches that had been established in Pisidia and the regions round about. "As they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."
The apostle Paul felt a deep responsibility for those converted under his labors. Above all things, he longed that they should be faithful, "that I may rejoice in the day of Christ," he said, "that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." Philippians 2:16. He trembled for the result of his ministry. He felt that even his own salvation might be imperiled if he should fail of fulfilling his duty and the church should fail of co-operating with him in the work of saving souls. He knew that preaching alone would not suffice to educate the believers to hold forth the word of life. He knew that line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, they must be taught to advance in the work of Christ.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due,customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.