Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 100, 1900

Working for Our Neighbors

Crystal Springs, St. Helena, California

October 11, 1900

Previously unpublished.

October 11, 1900

Crystal Springs, St. Helena

I have been passing through an experience during the night season that has caused much sadness to my soul, and I have felt deeply the need of more thorough work being done in our churches. Not that ministers must remain with their churches all the time; this has been done altogether too much. There is an outside interest to be created in every place. We are to labor for souls as they that must give an account. 15LtMs, Ms 100, 1900, par. 1

Every soul coming within the sphere of your influence, who has received light from God, should feel that he has in thus receiving, a duty to do to impart to those who know not the truth. Become acquainted with your neighbors. Your casual acquaintance is not enough. They are not to be left in their sins to confront you in the judgment with condemnation, saying, “You knew the way of life eternal. You never asked me to accompany you in the way which was for the saving of my soul.” 15LtMs, Ms 100, 1900, par. 2

There is necessity of clear, straight testimony, that while the churches are to feel it their duty to have life in themselves, and order should be carefully preserved, there should be spiritually-minded leading men who shall be looking after the spiritual good of the church. Let there be a company who will pray with and help the lame and the sick and dependent; and another number to be set to work in the various lines of work that are needed. This would be a great blessing to the church, because they have duties they individually must do to show themselves a living, breathing, spiritual body; each member has something to do. 15LtMs, Ms 100, 1900, par. 3