The great and wonderful work of the last
gospel message is to be carried on now as it has never been before.
The world is to receive the light of truth through an evangelizing
ministry of the word in our books and periodicals. Our publications
are to show that the end of all things is at hand. I am bidden
to say to our publishing houses: "Lift up the standard;
lift it up higher. Proclaim the third angel's message, that it
may be heard by all the world. Let it be seen that 'here are
they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'
Revelation 14:12. Let our literature give the message as a witness
to all the world."
Our workers should now be encouraged to
give their first attention to books that deal with the evidences
of our faith--books that teach the doctrines of the Bible and
that will prepare a people to stand in the trying times before
us. Having brought a people to the enlightenment of the truth
by prayerful labor in Bible instruction, and through a wise use
of our publications, we are to teach them to become laborers
in word and doctrine. We are to encourage them to scatter the
books that deal with Bible subjects--books the teachings of which
will prepare a people to stand, having their loins girded with
truth and their lamps burning.
We have been asleep, as it were, regarding
the work that may be accomplished
by the circulation of well-prepared literature. Let us now, by
the wise use of periodicals and books, preach the word with determined
energy, that the world may understand the message that Christ
gave to John on the Isle of Patmos. Let every human intelligence
who professes the name of Christ testify: "The end of all
things is at hand; prepare to meet thy God."
Our publications should go everywhere.
Let them be issued in many languages. The third angel's message
is to be given through this medium and through the living teacher.
You who believe the truth for this time, wake up. It is your
duty now to bring in all the means possible to help those who
understand the truth to proclaim it. Part of the money that comes
in from the sale of our publications should be used to increase
our facilities for the production of more literature that will
open blind eyes and break up the fallow ground of the heart.
There is danger of entering into commercialism
and becoming so engrossed in worldly business that the truths
of the word of God in their purity and power will not be brought
into the life. The love of trade and gain is becoming more and
more prevalent. My brethren, let your souls be truly converted.
If ever there was a time when we needed to understand our responsibilities,
it is now, when truth is fallen in the streets and equity cannot
enter. Satan has come down with great power to work with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; and everything
that can be shaken will be shaken, and those things that cannot
be shaken will remain. The Lord is coming very soon, and we are
entering into scenes of calamity. Satanic agencies, though unseen,
are working to destroy human life. But if our life is hid with
Christ in God, we shall see of His grace and salvation. Christ is coming to establish His kingdom
on the earth. Let our tongues be sanctified and used to glorify
Him. Let us work now as we have never worked before. We are exhorted
to "be instant in season, out of season." 2 Timothy
4:2. We are to make openings for the presentation of the truth.
We are to improve every opportunity of drawing souls to Christ.
As a people we are to be reconverted, our
lives sanctified to declare the truth as it is in Jesus. In the
work of scattering our publications, we can speak of a Saviour's
love from a warm and throbbing heart. God alone has the power
to forgive sins; if we do not speak this message to the unconverted,
our neglect may prove their ruin. Blessed, soul-saving Bible
truths are published in our papers. There are many who can help
in the work of selling our periodicals. The Lord calls upon all
of us to seek to save perishing souls. Satan is at work to deceive
the very elect, and now is our time to work with vigilance. Our
books and papers are to be brought before the notice of the people;
the gospel of present truth is to be given to our cities without
delay. Shall we not arouse to our duties?
If we are making the life and teachings
of Christ our study, every passing event will furnish a text
for an impressive discourse. It was thus the Saviour preached
the gospel in the highways and byways; and as He spoke, the little
group that listened to Him swelled to a great company. Present-day
evangelists are to be workers together with Christ. These, just
as verily as the first disciples, have the assurance: "All
power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world." Matthew 28:18-20.
The work to be carried on by the people
of God is declared in the words of Inspiration: "Behold,
I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy
way before Thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare
ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight." Mark 1:2,
3. "Behold My servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom
My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him. He shall bring
forth judgment to the Gentiles. . . . He shall not fail nor be
discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the
isles shall wait for His law." Isaiah 42:1-4.
God invites all men to the fullest investigation
of the claims of His law. His word is sacred and infinite. The
cause of truth is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Earnest
study of the word of God will reveal the truth. Sin and wrong
will not be sustained, but the law of God will be vindicated.
"Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens, and
stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that
which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people
upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have
called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will
keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a
light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the
prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out
of the prison house." Verse 5-7. Christians are to seek
their light from the word of God and then in faith go forth to
give that light to those who sit in darkness.