Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 151, 1897

An Appeal to Our Churches in Behalf of Home Missionary Work

NP

1897

This manuscript are published in entirety in PH007 3-21.

It Is the Duty of the Church to Let its Light Shine

Christ, the True Witness, addresses the church at Ephesus, saying, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, add do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 1

O how few know the day of their visitation: How few, even among those who claim to believe in present truth, understand the signs of the times, or what they are to experience before the end. We are under divine forbearance today; but how long will the angels of God continue to hold the winds, that they shall not blow? Among the people of God there is blindness of mind and hardness of heart, although God has manifested inexpressible mercy toward us. How few there are who are truly humble, devoted, God-fearing servants in the cause of Christ, whose hearts are full of gratitude and thanksgiving because they are called to act a part in the work of God, being co-laborers with Jesus Christ, partakers with Christ of His suffering. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 2

Dead in Trespasses and Sins

Today there are few who are heartily serving God. The most of those who compose our congregations are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. They come and go like the door upon its hinges. For years they have complacently listened to the most solemn, soul-stirring truths, but they have not practiced them. They are less and less sensible of the preciousness and value of truth, because they neglect the practice of those things which are pleasing in the sight of God. The stirring testimonies of reproof and warning do not arouse them. The sweetest melodies that come from God through human lips—justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ—do not bring forth from them a response of love and gratitude. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 3

Though the heavenly merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though His voice invites them to buy of Him “gold tried in the fire,” and “white raiment” that they might be clothed,” and “eyesalve” that they may see [Revelation 3:18], they steel their hearts against Him, and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal; but fold their hands in complacency, make a profession, but deny the power of true godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them with abhorrence. To praise the world and God at the same time is in no way acceptable to God. Awake, awake, before it is everlastingly too late. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 4

No One Is to Be an Idler in the Vineyard

Brethren and sisters who have long claimed to believe the truth, I would ask you, Have your practices been in harmony with your light, with your privileges, with the opportunities granted of heaven? This is a serious question. Why is it there is so little faith, so little spiritual power? Why are there so few who bear the yoke and carry the burden of Christ? Why do persons have to be urged to take up their work for the Master? Why are there so few who can unveil the mysteries of redemption? Why is it that the imputed righteousness of Christ does not shine through His professed followers as a light to the world? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 5

The Sun of Righteousness has risen upon the church, and it is the duty of the church to shine. Those who are connected with Christ will grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, to the full stature of men and women. It is the privilege of every soul to make advancement. No one is to be an idler in the vineyard. If all who claim to believe the truth had made the most of their opportunities and ability to learn all that thy were privileged to learn, they would have become strong in Christ. No matter what may have been their occupation, if farmers, mechanics, teachers, or pastors, if they had wholly consecrated themselves to God, they would have been efficient agents to work for the heavenly Master. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 6

The Result of Inaction

Those who are united to the church should be living, working agents to impart light to those who are in darkness. They should declare the truth of God, revealing His love and faithfulness. When men use their powers as God directs them to, their talents will increase, their ability will enlarge, and they will have heavenly wisdom in seeking to save those who are lost. But while the church members are listless, and neglectful of their God-given responsibility, how can they expect to receive the treasure of heaven to impart to others? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 7

When professed Christians feel no burden to enlighten the minds of those who are in darkness; when they fail to make use of the rich grace of Christ, and cease to impart the knowledge they have received, they become less discerning, lose their appreciation of the richness of the heavenly endowment, and, failing to value it themselves, they fail to present it to others. It is only as God sees His professed people eager to be laborers together with Him, that He can impart to them light and grace; for then they will make every interest secondary to the interest of His work and cause. With such workers the heavenly intelligences will co-operate. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 8

Diligence in the Master’s Work

Are we endowed with the Holy Spirit so that, with heavenly wisdom, we may meet the emergencies of this age, and counteract, as far as possible, the movements of this world? It is no time now for the watchman to become sleepy and cease to be a sentinel upon the walls of Zion. Peculiar and rapid changes will soon take place; and if the church is not asleep, if the followers of Christ watch and pray, they may have light to comprehend and appreciate the movements of the enemy. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 9

Winning Souls to Christ Our Chief Aim

God has given to every man a work to do in connection with His kingdom. Each one professing the name of Christ is to be an interested worker, ready to defend the principles of righteousness. The work of the gospel is not to depend solely upon the minister; every soul should take an active part in advancing the cause of God. But, instead of this, how many of our large churches come and go like a door on its hinges, feeling no responsibility for the progress of the work, no interest in the salvation of souls for whom Christ died? They do not dream of weaving their religion into their business. They say religion is religion, and business is business; they believe each has a proper sphere, but let them be separated. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 10

But in whatever calling a Christian is found, he has his work to do for the Lord in representing Christ to the world. Whatever may be our occupation, we are to be missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of souls to Christ. If this is not our interest, we rob God of influence, of time, of money, and [of] effort. In withholding our heart’s service from the Lord, we fail to benefit our fellow men, and thus rob God of the glory that would flow to Him through the conversion of others. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 11

Training the Children

What excuse can the professed followers of Christ offer for neglecting to train their children in such a way that they will, for the sake of advancing the work of Christ, bind about their wants in dress, and avoid all extravagance and display? The children should be educated in such a way that they will have sympathy for the aged and afflicted, and lend all the help in their power to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and distressed. They should be taught to be diligent in the missionary work; and from their earliest years principles of self-denial and sacrifice for the good of others should be inculcated, that they may be laborers together with God. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 12

O that parents would look carefully and prayerfully after their children’s eternal welfare! Let them ask themselves, Have we been careless? Have we neglected this solemn work? Have we allowed our children to become the sport of Satan’s temptations? Have we a solemn account to settle with God because we have permitted our children to use their talents, their time, and influence, in working against the truth, against Jesus Christ? Have we neglected our duty as parents, and increased the subjects of Satan’s kingdom? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 13

A Transformation Needed

This home missionary work, this home field, has been shamefully neglected, and it is time that divine resources and remedies were presented, that this state of evil may be healed. If parents would see a different state of things in their family, let them consecrate themselves wholly to God, and the Lord will devise ways and means whereby a transformation may take place in their households. Let the church awake, let every member take up his individual work, and vindicate the name of the Lord by which he is called. Let sound faith and earnest piety take the place of slothfulness and unbelief. When faith lays hold upon Christ, the truth will bring delight to your soul, and religion will not be a dull, uninteresting enterprise. Your social meetings, now tame and spiritless, will be vitalized by the Holy Spirit, and your daily experiences will become rich as you practice the Christianity you profess. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 14

In the face of what might be done, will the church sleep on, or will they feel the responsibility and the honor that is conferred upon them through the merciful providence of God, and gather up their hereditary trusts, and the advantage of the present light, and feel the necessity of rising to the urgent emergency that now presents itself before us? O that all may arouse and manifest to the world that this is a living faith, that a vital issue is before the world, that Jesus will soon come. Let men see that we believe we are on the borders of the eternal world. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 15

It Is the Duty of the Ministers to Instruct the Churches in Practical Missionary Work 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 16

“Watchman, what of the night?” [Isaiah 21:11.] Are the watchmen to whom comes this cry able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world, and what efforts are we putting forth that it may be accomplished? The people have listened to too much sermonizing; but have they been instructed as to how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has there been a line of work devised and laid out before our people in such a way that each one saw the necessity of taking part in the work? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 17

It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not brought up this kind of labor. And the churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing the light of truth to others. Careful instruction should be given that will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light to practical use in benefiting others. Those who have the oversight of the churches should select members who have ability, and place them under responsibilities, at the same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and bless others. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 18

Years Behind

Every means should be used to get the knowledge of the truth before the thousands who will discern the evidence, who will appreciate the likeness of Christ in His people if they can have an opportunity to see it. There are those among us who, if they should take time to consider, would regard their do-nothing position as a sinful neglect to use the talents which God has given them. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 19

God has given His messengers the truth to proclaim. Then the churches are to voice the truth from the lips of the messengers, and use their talents in every way possible to make the ministry a power to communicate truth by their catching the first rays of light, and diffusing the same. Here is our great sin. We are years behind. The ministers have been seeking the hidden treasures, and have been opening up the casket, and letting the jewels of truth shine forth, but not one hundredth part has been done or is being done, by members of the church, that God requires of them. They will in that great day be self-convicted and self-condemned for their slothfulness. May the Lord lead them to self-penitence, and to now see themselves and exclaim, “Lord, I am that fruitless fig tree.” May the Lord forgive His people who are not doing the work in His vineyard that He has given them to do. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 20

Evils of Inaction

What can we expect but deterioration in religious life when the people listen to sermon after sermon, and do not put into practice the instruction given? The ability God has given, if not exercised, will degenerate, and men and women unemployed will become as tools that rust from inaction. Let the missionary meeting be turned to account in teaching the people how to do missionary work. Put work into their hands; and let not the youth be ignored, but let them come in to share in the labor and responsibility. Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even the children should be taught to do some little errand of love and mercy to those less fortunate than themselves. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 21

The very simplest modes of work should be devised and set in operation among the churches. If members will co-operate with such a plan, and perseveringly carry it out, they will reap a rich reward, for their experience will grow brighter, their ability will increase through exercise, and souls will be saved through their efforts. But if, on the other hand, the churches are left to their inactivity, Satan will see that they are employed. He will preoccupy the field and give the members lines of work to do that will engage their energies, kill spirituality, and make them fall as dead weights upon the church. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 22

Set the Members to Work

There are scores who have real ability who are rusting from inaction; and yet many of these do not know how to set themselves at work for the Master. But let some one who has ability to devise ways whereby his talent may be utilized, lay out before these inactive ones the line of work that they could do. Let them understand that this is expected from them, and many who are now unemployed will become true laborers. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 23

The parable of the talents should be explained to all. The members of the churches should be made to understand that they are the light of the world, and according to their several ability, the Lord expects that His professed followers will enlighten and bless those around them. Those who have heard so much preaching ought certainly to know if they undertake to work for the Lord they will have divine aid. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 24

Do not pass by the little things and look for a large work. You might do successfully the small work, but fail utterly in attempting a larger work, and fall into discouragement. Take hold wherever you see that there is work to be done; whether you are rich or poor, great or humble, God calls you into active service for Him. It will be by doing with your might what your hands find to do that you will develop talents and aptitude for the work. And it is by neglecting your daily opportunities that you become fruitless and withered. This is why there are so many fruitless trees in the garden of the Lord. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 25

Angels Waiting to Co-operate with Us

All heaven is in activity, and the angels of God are waiting to co-operate with the human agent who will devise plans whereby souls for whom Christ died may hear the glad tidings of salvation. Every soul has an influence for good or evil. If the soul is sanctified to the service of God, and devoted to the work of Christ, the influence will be to gather with Christ. God depends upon the church for the forwarding of His work, and He expects that His professed followers will do their duty as intelligent beings. There is great need that every trained mind, every disciplined intellect, every jot of ability, shall be brought to the work of saving souls. There will be no idler, no slothful one who neglects the work of the Lord, found inside of the kingdom of heaven. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 26

God expects His church to discipline and fit its members for the work of enlightening the world. But let no one feel that because he is not educated, he cannot be expected to take part in the work. God has a work for you to do. He has given to every man his work. You can search the Scriptures for yourself. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] The prayer of the sincere heart, offered in faith, will be heard in heaven. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 27

Ministering to Others

Souls are perishing out of Christ, and those who profess to be the disciples of Christ are letting them die. Our brethren have talents entrusted for this very work, but they have bound them up in a napkin and buried them in the earth. What manner of entreaty can be brought to bear upon the idlers in the market place that will arouse them to go and work in the Master’s vineyard? What can we say to the slothful church member to make him realize the necessity of unearthing his talent and putting it out to the exchangers? O that God would set this matter in all its importance before the sleeping churches! O that Zion would arouse and put on her beautiful garments! O that she would shine! 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 28

This work of enlightening others is not the work of the minister alone, but it is the work of all who profess the truth of God. God has given to every man his work in making Christ known to the world. We must teach the members of the church how they may effectually minister to others. There are many who are ordained ministers, who have never yet exercised a shepherd’s care over the flock of God, who have never yet watched for souls as they that must give an account. Were the kind of labor of which it stands in need bestowed upon the church, many who are doing nothing would be educated to become diligent laborers in the harvest field. An education should be given to the people of God that would result in furnishing hundreds who would put out to the exchangers valuable talents, whose use would develop men for positions of trust and influence, and great good would be accomplished for the Master. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 29

Scores of Slothful Servants

But instead of thus developing, the church is left to be a weak, dependent, inefficient body. The members of the church are trained to rely upon preaching, and they do little for Christ. They bear no fruit, but rather increase in selfishness and unfaithfulness. They put their hope in the preaching, and depend upon his efforts to keep alive their weak faith. Because of the lack of proper instruction among the church members by those whom God has placed as overseers, there is not one merely, but scores, who are slothful, and who are hiding their talents in the earth, and still complaining of the Lord’s dealings toward them. They need to be tended as do sick children. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 30

This condition of weakness must not continue. Well-organized work must be done in the church, that its members may understand the manner in which they bare to impart the light to others, and thus strengthen their own faith and increase their knowledge. As they impart the light which God graciously bestows upon them to those in darkness, they will be confirmed in the faith. A working church is a living church. We are built up as living stones, and every stone is to emit light; for every one is compared to a precious stone that catches the glory of God and reflects it to others. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 31

The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens, and do all the work, is a great mistake. Overworked and broken down, he may go into the grave, when, had the burden been shared as the Lord designed, he might have lived. That the burden may be distributed, an education must be given to the church by those who can instruct the workers to follow Christ and to work as He worked. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 32

Let the Overseers Devise Plans

Why do not the overseers of the church have councils to devise ways whereby young men and women may be trained to put to use their entrusted talents? Why do not the older members of the church seek to do good, earnest, compassionate work for the children and youth? Many have embraced the truth, and yet they have not been educated as to how they may serve the cause of God and thereby grow in spiritual muscle and sinew. Let the ministers put to use all their ingenuity, that plans may be devised whereby the youthful members of the church may be enlisted in the cause of God. Why should they not be interested in the great work to be done? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 33

But do not imagine that this interest can be aroused by going to the missionary meeting and presenting a long sermon; plan ways whereby a live interest may be kindled, and train up the young to do what is appointed them. Let them have a part to act, and from week to week let them bring in their reports, telling what they have experienced, and, through the grace of Christ, what success has been theirs. If the missionary meetings were a meeting where such reports were brought in by consecrated workers, it would not be dull, tedious, and uninteresting. It would be full of interest, and there would be no lack in attendance. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 34

In every church the members should be trained so that they will devote time to the work and win souls to Christ. How can it be said of the church, “Ye are the light of the world” [Matthew 5:14], unless the members of the church actually impart the light to others? In seeking to point sinners to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, their own love will be kindled, and by beholding Him they, too, will become changed into His likeness. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 35

Will those who have charge of the flock of God awaken to their duty? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 36

The Need of Home Missionaries

Some who have long professed to be Christians, and yet have felt no responsibility for the souls of those who are perishing right around them, within the shadow of their own homes, may feel a burden to go to foreign lands to take hold of a work far off; but where is the evidence of their fitness for such a work? Wherein have they manifested a burden for souls? Let such begin to work at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 37

An Example

In the case of Philip and Nathanael we have an example of true home missionary work. Philip had seen Jesus, and was convinced that He was the Messiah. The knowledge he had received was so blessed to him that he wished his friends also to know the good news. He was desirous that the light and truth which had brought him such comfort and joy should be shared by Nathanael. True grace in the heart will always reveal its presence by using itself. Philip went in search of Nathanael and, as he called, Nathanael answered from his place of prayer under the fig tree. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 38

Nathanael had not had the privilege of listening to the words of Jesus, but he was being drawn toward Him in spirit. He longed for light and truth, and was at that moment sincerely praying for them. Philip with joy exclaimed, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth.” [John 1:45.] This is the way light is to be communicated—by private, personal effort. In the home circle, at your neighbor’s fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you may read the Scriptures, and speak a word for Jesus and the truth. Precious seed may thus be sown that will spring up and bring forth fruit after many days. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 39

Loving Labor for the Master

Our Redeemer is to see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied; how is it with those who profess to be His followers? Will they be satisfied when they see the fruit of their labors? What are the members of the church doing, to be designated “laborers together with God?” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Where do we see travail of soul? Where do we see the members of the church absorbed in religious themes, [with] self surrendered to the work and will of God? Where do we see Christians feeling their responsibility to make the church prosperous, a wide-awake, light-giving people? Where are those who do not stint or measure their loving labor for the Master? Jesus, your Redeemer, and all the holy angels are grieved at your hardness of heart. Jesus came to our world and gave His own life to save their souls, and yet you who know the truth make so little effort to impart the blessings of His grace to those for whom He died. Such indifference and neglect of duty is an amazement to the angels. In the judgment you must meet the souls you have neglected. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 40

Neglected Opportunities

We see large churches gathered in different localities. Their members have a knowledge of the truth, [but] they are content to hear and partake of the Word of life themselves, and do not seek to impart light to those who are without. Because of these neglected opportunities, this abuse of privileges, they themselves are not growing “in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 3:18.] Thus the members of our churches are weak in faith, deficient in knowledge, and children in experience. They are not rooted and grounded in the truth. If they remain thus, the many delusions of the last days will surely deceive them, for they will have no spiritual eyesight to discern truth from error. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 41

The end is near! God calls upon the church to set in order the things that remain. Workers together with God, you are empowered by the Lord to take others with you into the kingdom. You are to be God’s living agents, channels of light to the world, and round about you are angels of heaven with their commission from Christ to sustain, strengthen, and uphold you in working for the salvation of souls. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 42

I appeal to the churches in every conference: Stand out, separate and distinct from the world—in the world, but not of it—reflecting the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, being pure, holy, and undefiled, and in faith carrying light into all the highways and byways of the earth. To His church God has committed the work of diffusing light and bearing the message of His love. Our work is not to condemn, not to denounce, but to beseech men to be reconciled to God. We are to encourage souls, to attract them, and thus win them to Jesus. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 43

Co-operation with God

The upbuilding of the kingdom of God is retarded or urged forward, according to the unfaithfulness or fidelity of human agencies. Unfaithfulness to the cause of Christ makes manifest that love is lacking in the human agent. The love of Christ does not seek to constrain those who profess His name; but a death-like slumber is upon the human agents, and the work is hindered by failure of the human to co-operate with the divine. Men may pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” [Matthew 6:10], but they fail in acting upon this prayer in their lives. 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 44

The living Christian is one who has not left his first love, and his candlestick is not removed out of its place. But those who would not maintain their consecration to God are blind and cannot see afar off, and have forgotten that they were purged from their own sins. But though you may be weak, erring, frail, sinful, and imperfect, the Lord holds out to you the offer of partnership with Himself, inviting you to come under divine instruction. Uniting with Christ, you may work the works of God. “Without me” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 45

Isaiah says, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Isaiah 58:8.] This is the righteousness of Christ which goes before us, and the glory of the Lord is to be our rearward. Ye churches of the living God, study this promise, and consider how your lack of faith, of spirituality, of the divine power, is hindering the coming of the kingdom of God. Were every one of you living missionaries, the gospel would be speedily proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly, that you may understand your responsibilities. Are you individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your God-appointed work? 12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 46