Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 51, 1886

Human Lips to Give the Message

1886

Previously unpublished.

The message of truth is to go forward like a lamp that burneth. David exclaims from the fulness of his soul, “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, ... and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. ... God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us; ... that Thy way may be known upon the earth, Thy saving health among all nations.” Psalm 66:16-67:2. 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 1

The Lord would have His people feel that they are His servants to do His work upon the earth and thus be co-workers with Jesus Christ. God can promote the gospel without our instrumentality. But it is for our present and future good to know our individual duty. Angels are not commissioned to come to our world and proclaim the messages with an audible voice, but they are sent to help human beings to proclaim the messages of truth to a perishing world. 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 2

Everything in nature declares that there is a living God, but it does not define to man that in order to have communication with the God of heaven man must be obedient to all His commandments. How shall the people believe and be obedient if they have not heard this message from human lips and traced the words written by human pens? Many people in America and Europe, in cities and villages, have never heard the message of mercy, and yet there are those who feel at ease, feasting upon the truth, and not making an effort to get it before those who are in darkness. 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 3

Look at Europe, and see so few laborers to preach there! I hear the word of Christ, “Go teach all nations. When the gospel has been preached as a witness to all nations, then shall the Lord come to our world with power and with great glory. The end shall come. Lo, I am with you even to the end of the world.” 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 4

We feel thankful to our heavenly Father that a light has been kindled in many places in these kingdoms. Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have churches standing in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints. But workers are needed in every city, and the little companies that have been raised up need encouragement and instruction. 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 5

We feel grateful to God to see those who embrace the truth willing to do what they can both with their means and with their influence to make known the truth to others. Those who see and feel the preciousness of the truth will not be satisfied unless they shall impart to others the light so precious to them. They will pray that the Lord will send laborers into the vineyard and that the Lord will send means to carry forward His work. 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 6

The Lord tests and tries our faith. If we have greater faith, we shall have greater facilities to work with. We shall not only have workers, but means to bear the solemn message of mercy to our world. We do not dare to lessen, in the slightest degree, the responsibilities of the workers in opening the Scriptures to others. We would not lower the standard, but elevate it. The missionary spirit must come upon those who believe the truth. 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 7

There should be two who labor together, and care should be exercised as to the qualifications of those who present themselves to engage in this solemn work. Are they sound in doctrine? Are they sound in experience? 4LtMs, Ms 51, 1886, par. 8