Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

invigorated by the truth of God, being not hearers only, but also doers of the
Word. They should be nourished in Christ as the branches are nourished in
the vine. The dews of heavenly grace should fall upon them, that their hearts
may be like precious plants, whose buds open and expand and give forth a
grateful fragrance, as flowers in the garden of God. Teachers should be
diligent students of the word of God, and ever reveal the fact that they are
learning daily lessons in the school of Christ, and are able to communicate to
others the light they have received from Him who is the Great Teacher, the
Light of the world. In selecting officers from time to time, be sure that
personal preferences do not rule, but place in positions of trust those whom
you are convinced love and fear God, and who will make God their
counselor.
"It Is Lawful to Do Good on the Sabbath"
Both in the home and in the church a spirit of service is to be
manifested. He who gave us six days for our temporal work has blessed and
sanctified the seventh day and set it apart for Himself. On this day He will in
a special manner bless all who consecrate themselves to His service.
All heaven is keeping the Sabbath, but not in a listless, do-nothing way.
On this day every energy of the soul should be awake, for are we not to meet
with God and with Christ our Saviour? We may behold Him by faith. He is
longing to refresh and bless every soul.
Divine mercy has directed that the sick and suffering should be cared
for; the labor required to make them comfortable is a work of necessity, and
no violation of the Sabbath. But all unnecessary work should be avoided.
Many carelessly put off till the beginning of the Sabbath little things that
should have been done on the day of preparation. This should not be. Any
work that is neglected until the commencement of holy time should remain
undone until the Sabbath is past.
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