Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]

MR No. 211—Personal Labor for Souls

The Lord desires that the truth shall come close to the people, and this work can only be accomplished by personal labor.... Let God's workers...teach the truth in families, drawing close to those for whom they labor. If they thus cooperate with God, He will clothe them with spiritual power. Christ will guide them in their work, entering the houses of the people with them, and giving them words to speak that will sink deep into the hearts of the listeners. The Holy Spirit will open hearts and minds to receive the rays coming from the Source of all light.... 4MR 36.1

Many times minds are impressed with tenfold more force by personal appeals than by any other kind of labor. The family that is visited in this way is spoken to personally.... They themselves are spoken to, earnestly, and with a kindhearted solicitude. They are allowed to express their objections freely, and these objections can each be met with a “Thus saith the Lord”.... 4MR 36.2

If the teachers of His Word are willing, the Lord will lead them into close relation with the people. He will guide them into the homes of these who need and desire the truth, bringing them into the situations best suited to their talents. And as the servants of God engage in the work of seeking the lost sheep, their spiritual faculties are awakened and energized. Knowing that they are in harmony with God, they feel joyous and happy. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they obtain an experience that is invaluable to them. Their intellectual and moral powers attain their highest development; for grace is given in answer to the demand.—Letter 95, 1896, pp. 2-5. (To G. B. Starr, August 11, 1896.) 4MR 36.3

Released July 29, 1968.