Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia, March 1, 1899.

The Southern Field; Principles That Should Actuate God's Workers—There is a heavy burden resting upon my mind much of the time. We are not doing all that we should do for the Southern field. The work must be established in this neglected field. What shall be done? If missionary effort is not put forth in this field, God will hold His people in America accountable. 18MR 180.3

We cannot do God's will by investing means in large buildings that are unnecessary for the advancement of His work. No sure follower of Christ will waste his God-given talent of means in selfish gratification and display. The time will come when those who now spend money needlessly will deeply regret their mistake. 18MR 181.1

Souls are perishing, and the Lord calls for earnest effort. The Christian religion never makes a man self-centered. Jesus came from heaven to the earth to teach man how to live an unselfish life. He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, the Commander of the heavenly host; yet He laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe, and clothed His divinity with humanity, in order that He might stand at the head of humanity, suffering the afflictions of the fallen race. He understands the inconveniences to which mankind is subject. He became poor, that through His poverty we might become rich in the possession of the overcomer's reward. 18MR 181.2

Living in the world among an apostate race, Christ's obedience to God's law showed that man, though fallen, can keep this law by being a partaker of the divine nature, overcoming the corruption that is in the world through lust. 18MR 181.3

Jesus says, “Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” This is the condition of discipleship. As the Saviour went about doing good, He showed the power of a holy temper and unselfish deeds. 18MR 181.4

God calls for a consecrated ministry. In Zechariah we read: “Lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young ones, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall utterly darkened” [Zechariah 11:16, 17]. 18MR 181.5

Notice the spelling of the word idol. It is not idle, but idol. This refers to the minister who makes an idol of himself—to the minister who carries on his heart no burden for souls. Let the ministers consider this scripture. The Lord has no use for idol shepherds. 18MR 182.1

God has begun a work of reformation among His people in America. He requires that thorough work be done, for the great day of the Lord is almost upon us. He calls for men of steadfast integrity and wise judgment, men who will improve their talents by using them in His service. 18MR 182.2

The men who are standing in positions of responsibility are not to be lords. They are not to think that they can rule as kings. They are to be men of wisdom, able to give counsel that will protect and strengthen the people of God. They should carry out the instruction given in the eighteenth of Matthew. The men standing in positions of trust are to hate every vestige of selfishness. They are to show that they are not narrow-minded. They are to set an example that may be safely followed. 18MR 182.3

Those who are bearing responsibilities in our institutions are not to think that their position gives them liberty to speak impatiently or boastingly, or to act in an overbearing manner. Those who fail in these respects are imperiling the progress of the cause. They set a misleading example before all within the sphere of their influence. Let everyone honor the standard that Christ has uplifted. Allow it not to trail in the dust. Never dishonor our Leader by scolding, fretting, and acting like spoiled children. 18MR 182.4

In perfect harmony the laborers in every line of God's service are to do their appointed work, uniting in helping one another, each one performing faithfully his allotted task as if under the personal oversight of a heaven-sent Director. 18MR 183.1

When all, as men and women in Christ Jesus, unite in works of beneficence, the Lord will prosper them, enabling them to render the highest service. A wise division of labor will effectually advance the Lord's work. Let everyone be assigned his duties, according to his ability; and let him be honored as one of God's workmen. This will bind heart to heart. 18MR 183.2

Let no one regard it as his right to scold or condemn others, for this causes them to feel discouraged, and does not make them any more faithful or trustworthy. He who is an overseer should be in word and deed an example of humility, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and unselfishness. 18MR 183.3

My brethren in positions of responsibility, remember that you are not to keep in suspense the men and women who signify their desire to work for the Master. Express your pleasure that they are willing to enter the work; give them something to do. God is stirring the minds of men and women to do much more than they have done. In all our institutions—our sanitariums, publishing houses, and schools—we need fathers and mothers in Israel, men and women quick to discern the needs of those who for a time require help and encouragement, in order that they may develop into useful workers. 18MR 183.4

In the ninth chapter of Ezekiel is portrayed the fate of the men of responsibility who have not glorified God by faithfulness and integrity. Read this chapter. Notice especially verses four to six: [quoted]. At the appointed time, the Lord God of Israel will do His work most thoroughly. 18MR 183.5

The thirty-third chapter of Ezekiel is an outline of the work that God approves. Those in positions of sacred trust, those honored of God by being appointed to stand as watchmen on the walls of Zion, are in every respect to be all that is embraced in the meaning of the word watchmen. They are to be ever on guard against the dangers threatening the spiritual life and health and prosperity of God's heritage. 18MR 184.1

Upon us as ministers God has placed a burden of solemn responsibility. Realizing that we are His chosen watchmen, we should have constant concern and forethought in regard to the state of the church. We should give much time to earnest prayer for divine wisdom and guidance in order that we may know how best to promote God's honor and glory. He has commissioned us to honor Him, the Omnipotent One, in every word and act. From Him comes our maintenance. We are wholly dependent upon His sufficiency, His bounty, for our support. 18MR 184.2

God has declared to us, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” The preserving influence that we may exert in the world is bestowed upon us by the Lord. The bounties that we constantly receive from Him are to flow through hand and heart to those around us who have not yet become connected with the Fountainhead. 18MR 184.3

When we see God dishonored, we ought not to remain quiet, but should do and say all that we can to lead others to see that the God of heaven is not to be thought of as a common man, but as the Infinite One, the One worthy of man's highest reverence. Let us present God's Word in its purity, and lift up the voice in warning against everything that would dishonor our heavenly Father.—Manuscript 165, 1902. 18MR 184.4

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

December 17, 1987.

Entire Ms.