Has not God given us a work to do? Has
He not bidden us go among opposing influences and convert men
from error to truth? Why have not those who have so frequently
gathered in the large assemblies in Battle Creek put into practice
the truth that they have heard? If they had imparted the light
that they have received, what a transformation of character would
have been seen. For every grace imparted, God would have given
grace. They have not prized as they should the work that has
been done for them, or they would have gone forth into the dark
places of the earth, to shed abroad the light. They would have
given to the world the message of righteousness by faith, and
their own light would have grown clearer and clearer; for God
would have worked with them. Many have gone down into the grave
in error because those who know the truth have failed to communicate
the precious knowledge they have received. If the light that
has shone so freely in Battle Creek had been diffused many would
have been raised up to become laborers together with God.
Oh, that our brethren and sisters might
value aright the truth! Oh, that they might become sanctified
by it! Oh, that they might realize that upon them rests the responsibility
of communicating this truth to others! But
they do not feel the importance of living the truth, of being
doers of the words of Christ. Many are self-sufficient. They
are not filled with the missionary spirit that should animate
the disciples of Christ. If they knew what it means to have travail
of soul for others, angels of God would work through them to
communicate a knowledge of the truth. They would know the truth,
and the truth would make them free. Money would no longer be
expended in adding building to building in one place, but would
be used in opening new fields, in planting the standard of truth
in cities that have not yet been worked. The elevating, purifying,
ennobling principles of heaven would be introduced into society
and would work like leaven.
Extract from a letter written in 1899, from
Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia--It is God's design that those
fields which have abundant facilities shall share their advantages
with more needy fields. The principle is ever to be followed
in all our institutions. God requires that there be less planning
for buildings in places where the work is already established,
and that means be sent to fields where, for lack of facilities,
the laborers work at a great disadvantage.