Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 52, 1911

Laird, Brother and Sister; Hurlbutt, Brother and Sister; Black, Mr.

Oakland, California

July 9, 1911

Previously unpublished.

To Elder and Mrs. Laird, Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbutt, and Mr. Black

Dear Friends:

The letter from Sister Hurlbutt I have read, and also the letter from Brother and Sister Laird and Brother Black. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 1

To build up and maintain in Lake County such a school as you have in mind to establish for the training of Chinamen to be laborers in the cause of present truth will require much means to supply all the needed facilities and will call for the employment of much precious talent to conduct the work properly. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 2

Recently much light has been given to our people regarding the urgent work to be carried forward in our large cities. There must be great wisdom used as to where and how we establish our work for the Chinese and those of other nationalities. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 3

All questions regarding such a work as you have in mind should be carefully weighed by our brethren having the responsibility of leadership. Should a school be established for the Chinese, it ought to be where much can be accomplished with a moderate outlay, and not too far from our working centers. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 4

This matter was clearly presented to me, and I was instructed that to establish a school in such an isolated place as the Hurlbutt farm would draw our workers away from the places where they are needed and would lead to an expenditure in an out-of-the-way place of much means which is needed for the work waiting to be done for the multitude in the cities. Therefore I must say that I see no light in the proposal to establish a missionary training school in the place you have in mind, the place we visited with Professor Sutherland about three years ago. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 5

An important part of the education of Chinamen who are under training for evangelistic work will be for them to see the successful efforts of those who are winning souls to belief in Jesus Christ. When a missionary and educational work is undertaken for this people, it should be begun where there are missionaries at work and where the Chinese can see an example of right methods of carrying on gospel work for their countrymen. Much will be gained as a result of their observations of successful methods and plans for the handling of missionary enterprises. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 6

At the present time it is a problem with the Chinese how far they shall advance in reform. And as soon as they come in contact with our people of various nationalities who are assembled in the cities, and see how their affairs are conducted and their relations are adjusted without conflict, they take knowledge and are being prepared in mind and heart for the acceptation of the truth when it is presented, accompanied by the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 7

We are to study how to meet the people where they are. An impression is to be made upon the people of all nationalities by their association together in Christian assemblies, where consecrated believers with the greatest earnestness express their faith in God and reveal the light of the gospel truth as it is in Jesus. Such assemblies as this camp meeting that we are now holding in Oakland, where able workmen are making special persevering efforts for the unconverted, will have a powerful influence upon the people of all nationalities. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 8

The Lord will be pleased to see all our brethren and sisters who are in the cities moving forward under the deep influence of the Holy Spirit and laboring earnestly for the unconverted. With the Bible in their hands, and its truths in their hearts, they should with all simplicity and tenderness express their love for those whom Jesus Christ died to save. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 9

In all our actions, in all our dealings, we are as Christians to demonstrate the converting, purifying power of the gospel. Today, wherever we may be, is our opportunity to let our light shine. We are to seek on the right hand and on the left for such as may be saved. We are not merely to receive with thankfulness the blessings of the gospel. With vigilance and power, we are to be wide-awake, efficient workers for souls, casting the net where the fish are to be found, hunting where there are souls to be won, humbly working in harmony with Christ. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 10

I see no light in drawing away ministers and teachers from the multitudes needing gospel truth to isolated places where they would labor to serious disadvantage with a few. Let workers go forth among the multitudes, laboring two and two, doing a vigilant work. Personal labor for individuals is greatly needed now. The servants of Christ should arouse and trim their gospel lamps and go forth with zeal and courage to find those who are lost. With simple, fervent prayer, they are to lay hold of the power of heaven and labor as those realizing their responsibility. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 11

Let not means be diverted into enterprises of men’s choosing, where a large investment would be required to make a beginning, and where a continuous work will call for the use of large sums of money for the accomplishment of small results. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 12

Let our workers go forth in meekness and humility, receiving from Christ the strength and wisdom they need to carry the message of salvation into the highways and into the byways, where there are wanderers to be found, and win them to obedience to the requirements of the Lord Jesus. May the Lord bless and strengthen the workers. Let us ever remember that our time is short. 25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, par. 13