The Southern Watchman
January 15, 1903
A Letter
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, Cal.,
December 6, 1902.
Dear Brethren and Sisters,
The new year is just before us, and plans should be laid for earnest, persevering effort in the Master's service. There is much to be done to advance the work of God. I have been instructed that the canvassing work is to be revived, and that it is to be carried forward with increasing success. It is the Lord's work, and a blessing will attend those who engage in it with earnestness and diligence. SW January 15, 1903, par. 1
The larger books, “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Great Controversy,” and “Desire of Ages,” should be sold everywhere. These books contain truth for this time,—truth that is to be proclaimed in all parts of the world. Nothing is to hinder their sale. SW January 15, 1903, par. 2
Many more of our larger books might have been sold if church-members had been awake to the importance of the truths these books contain, and had realized their responsibility to circulate them. My brethren and sisters, will you not now make an effort to circulate these books? Work earnestly. Put your hearts into this work, and the blessing of God will be with you. Go forth in faith, as you go praying that God will prepare hearts to receive the light. Be pleasant and courteous. Show by a consistent course that you are true Christians. Walk and work in the light of heaven, and your path will be as the path of the just, shining more and more until the perfect day. SW January 15, 1903, par. 3
I ask you, dear Christian workers, to do what you can to circulate the books that the Lord has said should be sown broadcast throughout the world. Do your best to place them in the homes of as many as possible. Think how great a work can be done if a large number of believers will unite in an effort to place before the people, by the circulation of these books, the light that the Lord has said should be given them. Under divine guidance, go forward in the work, and look to the Lord for aid. The Holy Spirit will attend you. Angels of heaven will accompany you, preparing the way. SW January 15, 1903, par. 4
The Lord calls for many more to engage in the canvassing work in the year 1903. For Christ's sake, my brethren and sisters, make the most of the hours of the new year to place the precious light of present truth before the people. SW January 15, 1903, par. 5
Jesus is calling for many missionaries, for men and women who will consecrate themselves to God, willing to spend and to be spent in his service. O, can we not remember that there is a world to labor for? Shall we not move forward step by step, letting God use us as his helping hand? Shall we not place ourselves on the altar of service? Then the love of Christ will touch and transform us, making us willing for his sake to do and dare. SW January 15, 1903, par. 6
Ellen G. White.