The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

MS.-65-'08

June 9,’08-6-

MS.-65-'08

Labor to be Given to Lakeport and the Surrounding Settlements

...The Lord is calling His people to go forth into the highways and byways, and call men and women to come to the gospel feast. If His servants will put their hearts into the work of proclaiming the truth to those who know it not, they may be assured that angels who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, will give them grace and power and efficiency for their labors, and that the Spirit of God will go before them to impress hearts to respond to their efforts. The Lord will work through those who will open the Scriptures to the people who have made their homes in these retired places of the country. I appeal to my brethren and sisters to unite in doing this good work, and carry it to completion... PC 8.4

The people who live in the country places are often more easily reached than are those who dwell in the thickly populated cities. Here among the scenes of nature, Christian character is more easily formed than amid the wickedness of city life. When the truth takes hold of the hearts of the simple-hearted, and the Spirit of God works upon their minds, leading them to respond to the proclamation of the Word, there will be some raised up to help support the cause of God both by their means and their labors... PC 8.5

From the camp-meeting we may take with us a better understanding of our home duties. There are lessons to be learned here regarding the work the Lord would have our sisters do in their homes. They are to learn to cultivate politeness of speech when speaking to husband and children. They are to study how they may help to bring every member of the family under discipline to God. Let fathers and mothers realize that they are under obligation to make home pleasant and attractive, and that obedience is not to be obtained by scolding and threats. Many parents have yet to learn that no good is accomplished by outbursts of scolding. Many do not consider the need of speaking kindly to the children. They do not remember that these little ones are bought with a price, and are the purchased possession of the Lord Jesus... PC 9.1

In our labors at the camp-meetings more attention should be given to the work of teaching the principles of health and temperance reform; these questions are to take an important place in our efforts at this time. My message is, Educate, educate on the question of temperance. In our schools let only those teachers be employed who will exert a reformatory influence in matters of eating and drinking and dressing. Encourage the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. In all our sanitarium and school work, let matters pertaining to health reform take a leading part. The Lord desires to make our sanitariums an educating force in every place. Whether they are large or small institutions, their responsibility remains the same. The Saviour's commission to us is, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”... PC 9.2

There are many of our people who, if they would go out of the cities, and begin to labor in these byways, and also highways, would recover physical health. I urge our brethren to go out as missionaries, two and two, to these country places. Go in humility. Christ has given an example, and the Lord will certainly bless the efforts of those who will move out in the fear of God, bearing the message the Saviour gave to the first disciples, “The Kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” PC 9.3

(signed)

Ellen G. White. -