Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

Each to Work, and Encourage Others

The most prosperous church will backslide under the most powerful preaching unless the people awake to the necessity of individual effort. The followers of Christ cannot advance and grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus unless they are, individually, workers. If they do nothing themselves, and expect to retain life and vitality, they will be disappointed and then fall into temptation and great spiritual weakness.... 15MR 129.1

Second, I know that one of the greatest sins that the [Battle Creek] church is guilty of is that of being cold and indifferent in regard to the spiritual interest of the brethren and sisters. Each should feel a responsibility resting upon him to see that his brethren and sisters prosper in their religious life.—Letter 10, 1872, p. 1. (Written July 4, 1872, from Ottawa, Kansas, to Edson and Emma.) 15MR 129.2