God does not generally work miracles to advance his truth. If the husbandman neglects to cultivate the soil after sowing his seed, God works no miracle to counteract the sure result of neglect. In the harvest he will find his field barren. God works according to great principles which he has presented to the human family, and it is our part to mature wise plans, and set in operation the means whereby God shall bring about certain results. Those who make no decided effort, but simply wait for the Holy Spirit to compel them to action, will perish in darkness. We would ask those who are waiting for a miracle, What means have been tried which God has placed within your reach? We would ask those who are hoping for some supernatural work to be done, who simply say, "Believe, believe," Have you submitted yourself to the revealed command of God? The Lord has said, "Thou shalt," and, "Thou shalt not." Let all study the parable of the talents, and realize that to every man God has given his work,--to every man he has entrusted his talents, that by exercising his ability, he may increase his efficiency. You are not to sit still, and do nothing in the work of God. There is work, earnest work, to be done for the Master in overcoming evil habits that are condemned in the word of God, and in doing those good things that are there commanded. Individually, you must battle against evil, wrench yourself from all hurtful associations, study God's word, and pray for divine aid to war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. You need daily light from God to fight the good fight of faith.

Gud udfører normalt ikke mirakler for at fremme hans sandhed. Hvis forvalteren forsømmer at kultivere jordbunden efter at have sået sæden, udvirker Gud ikke et mirakel for at modvirke denne forsømmelse. Når høsten kommer, vil han finde sin mark gold. Gud virker i henhold til de principper, som han har vist sine børn, og det er op til os at lægge kloge planer. Vi skal tage de midler i brug, som Gud peger på vil give resultater. De, der ikke gør en bevidst indsats, men bare venter på at Helligånden skal drive dem til handling, vil gå til grunde i mørke. Vi kunne spørge dem, der venter på et mirakel, hvad de har gjort med det Gud har placeret inden for rækkevidde! Vi kunne spørge dem, der håber på et eller andet overnaturligt og hele tiden siger: "Tro, bare tro", har I fulgt Guds vilje? Herren har sagt: "Du må" og "Du må ikke". Lad alle studere lignelsen om talenterne og gøre sig klart, at Gud har givet hvert eneste menneske en gerning. Han har givet alle mennesker et talent, som når det bliver brugt efter evne, vil øge deres effektivitet. Man kan ikke sidde stille og intet gøre i Guds værk. Der er en indsats, der skal ydes for Mesteren, når det gælder at besejre onde vaner, som Guds ord fordømmer, - og også når det gælder det gode, som anbefales. Vi må kæmpe mod det onde som enkeltpersoner, vriste os løs af alle uheldige forhold, studere Guds ord og bede om guddommelig hjælp for at kæmpe mod verden, kødet og - den onde. Vi har brug for dagligt lys fra Gud for at kæmpe troens gode strid.