As a people we should take a special interest
in the work at Nashville. At the present time this city is a
point of great importance in the Southern field. Our brethren
selected Nashville as a center for work in the South because
the Lord in His wisdom directed them there. It is a favorable
place in which to make a beginning. Our workers will find it
easier to labor in this city for the colored race than in many
other cities of the South. In this city much interest is taken
in the colored people by those not of our faith. In and near
the city are large educational institutions for the colored people.
The influence of these institutions has prepared the way for
us to make this city a center for our work.
Into the institutions of learning at Nashville
the truth is to find entrance. There are those in these institutions
who are to be reached by the third angel's message. Everything
that can be done to interest these teachers and students in the
message of present truth should now be done, and it should be
done in a wise and understanding manner. From the experienced
teachers may be learned precious lessons regarding the best ways
of helping the colored people.
The truth is also to be brought before
those who have given of their means and influence for the benefit
of the colored race. They have taken a noble stand for the uplifting
of this people. They are to see a representation of our work
that will be to them an object lesson. We are to do all we can
to remove the prejudice that exists in their minds against our
work. If the efforts we put forth are in accordance with God's
will, many among them will be convicted and converted. The Lord
causes light to shine on the pathway of those who are seeking
for light.
Nashville is within easy access of Graysville
and Huntsville. By the work in Nashville, the work at Graysville
and Huntsville is to be confirmed and settled. Graysville and
Huntsville are near enough to Nashville to strengthen the work
there and to be strengthened by it.
It was in accordance with God's purpose that
the publishing work was started at Nashville. In the Southern
field there is need of a printing office for the publication
of the truth for this time, and especially for printing reading
matter suitable for the different classes of people in this field.
And there is no city in the South better suited than Nashville
for the carrying forward of publishing work. The establishing
of such an institution is an advance movement. If rightly managed,
this institution will give character
to the work in the South and to many souls will be the means
of imparting a knowledge of the truth. The Nashville publishing
house will still need to be assisted for a time by gifts and
offerings.
Sanitarium work also has been begun in
Nashville. This must be wisely managed and given support. Medical
missionary work is indeed the helping hand of the gospel ministry.
It opens the way for the entrance of truth.
I am instructed to caution my brethren
in the Southern field not to move hastily in establishing large
enterprises and new centers just now, in a way that will divide
their workers and their means, thus weakening their forces at
this critical time in their work. Let them wait until some of
the interests that have been started approach more nearly to
perfection. Let them not rush into new enterprises before the
institutions at Graysville and Huntsville are more firmly established
and the interests centering in Nashville are strengthened.
As yet there are comparatively few places
in the South that have been worked. There are many, many cities
in which nothing has been done. Centers of influence may be established
in many places by the opening up of health food stores, hygienic
restaurants, and treatment rooms. Not all that needs to be done
can be specified before a beginning is made. Let those in charge
of the Southern work pray over the matter, and remember that
God is guiding. Let no narrowness or selfishness be manifested.
Plan to carry forward the work simply, sensibly, economically.