Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 19, 1910

Theatrical Methods of Work to be Discouraged

1910

This manuscript is published in entirety in 19MR 125-127. +^Note

I have a message for those in charge of our work. Do not encourage the men who are to engage in this work to think that they must proclaim the solemn, sacred message in a theatrical style. Not one jot or tittle of anything theatrical is to be brought into our work. God’s cause is to have a sacred, heavenly mold. Let everything connected with the giving of the message for this time bear the divine impress. Let nothing of a theatrical nature be permitted; for this would spoil the sacredness of the work. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 1

I am instructed that we shall meet with all kinds of experiences and that men will try to bring strange performances into the work of God. We have met such things in many places. In my very first labors, the message was given that all theatrical performances in connection with the preaching of present truth were to be discouraged and forbidden. Men who thought they had a wonderful work to do sought to adopt a strange deportment and manifested oddities in bodily exercise. The light given me was, “Give this no sanction.” These performances, which savored of the theatrical, were to have no place in the proclamation of the solemn messages entrusted to us. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 2

The enemy will watch closely and will take every advantage of circumstances to degrade the truth by the introduction of undignified demonstrations. None of these demonstrations are to be encouraged. The precious truths given us are to be spoken in all solemnity and with sacred awe. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 3

Health to be Preserved

Every worker is to heed the instruction that the health is not to be imperiled. The preservation of health is to be regarded as a sacred duty. We are to bear testimony to the benefits derived from an intelligent knowledge of health reform. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 4

When the vitality is needlessly expended in long sermons, weariness is the result. We are to be laborers together with God. We dishonor Him when we do that which unfits and disqualifies us for His service. The Lord desires us to work as intelligent human agencies. We are not our own; we have been bought with a price; and we are to glorify God by a life of intelligent effort, returning to Him His own in sensible, faithful service. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 5

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 6

The minister of God is not to speak words which will create levity. We have been bought with the price of a great sacrifice, even the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 7

Two and Two

No one man is to be permitted to have sole charge of an effort in any place. Christ sent out His disciples two and two, to go to places to which He would afterward follow. Read the Word, and follow the Lord’s plan. The man who insists that he will not labor with another is setting an example that Christ does not sanction. We are to follow the Lord’s plans. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 8

Experienced laborers should be given the work of entering new places. A course is to be pursued that will maintain the sacred dignity of the work. We are ever to remember that evil angels are watching for opportunities to defeat our efforts. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 9

The cities are to be worked. A season of great trial is before us. Then let none lift up the soul unto vanity. It becomes those who are striving for the crown of life to strive lawfully. All our capabilities and gifts are to be used in the work of saving perishing souls, thus winning others to become co-laborers with Christ. The knowledge and powers that the Lord has given men and women will be largely increased as they work to build up His kingdom. 25LtMs, Ms 19, 1910, par. 10