The powers of the whole being are to be engaged in unselfish service. Every talent is to be employed. Improve the future better than you have the past. Put your talents out to the exchangers, for Christ is hungry for souls.—Manuscript 20, 1905. (Ev 646.1) MC VC

Energy and Thoroughness—The Lord is not pleased to have His work poorly and cheaply done, or to have it dragged along as though it were a wearisome task. We have no time to squander in dilatory, unwilling movements. The interest we should take in everything that we do will make our work interesting and educating.—Letter 147a, 1897. (Ev 646.2) MC VC

Persevering Energy and Close Application—Where there is a lack of persevering energy and close application in temporal matters and business transactions, the same deficiency will be apparent in spiritual things.—Testimonies For The Church 2:498 (1870). (Ev 646.3) MC VC

Outgeneraled by Satan—After what has been shown you in reference to your inclination to be slow and moderate and to allow opportunities to pass by unimproved, you lose time, lose interest, and take things so moderately that Satan outgenerals you again and again. It is no common indifferent work in which you are engaged amid a people estranged from God, and who need the most zealous efforts made in their behalf.... (Ev 646.4) MC VC

If there is scarcely nothing to show for your labors all this time you have been in the valleys, I think that you are not the man for that field.... (Ev 646.5) MC VC

Have you planned to make these meetings as interesting as possible? I hope that you will have the burden of the work upon your soul. Have you stayed by the tent, right on the ground, or have you made a necessity of going home every day, and gathering on you burdens that have no part in the work? This work in God’s service, to meet the moral darkness, requires self-denial, toil, and persevering effort, and earnest faith. Many flatter themselves that they could do great things if they only had the opportunity, but something has always prevented them; Providence has hedged their way in so that they could not do what they desired to do. We expect no great opportunity will meet us on the road, but by prompt and vigorous action we must seize the opportunities, make opportunities and master difficulties. (Ev 646.6) MC VC