Go Forth Into Many Places
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neglected. Had ministers gone out as Christ has commissioned them,
had they used the gifts entrusted them to carry the light to those in
darkness, they would have obtained far more knowledge of God and
of Christ than they have obtained by seeking additional education in
our schools.
A Failure to Appreciate God-Given Responsibilities
Has not God given us a work to do? Has He not bidden us go
among opposing influences and convert men from error to truth? Why
have not those who have so frequently gathered in the large assemblies
in Battle Creek put into practice the truth that they have heard? If they
had imparted the light that they have received, what a transformation
of character would have been seen. For every grace imparted, God
would have given grace. They have not prized as they should the work
that has been done for them, or they would have gone forth into the
dark places of the earth, to shed abroad the light. They would have
given to the world the message of righteousness by faith, and their
own light would have grown clearer and clearer; for God would have
worked with them. Many have gone down into the grave in error
because those who know the truth have failed to communicate the
precious knowledge they have received. If the light that has shone so
freely in Battle Creek had been diffused many would have been raised
up to become laborers together with God.
Oh, that our brethren and sisters might value aright the truth! Oh,
that they might become sanctified by it! Oh, that they might realize
that upon them rests the responsibility of communicating this truth to
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others! But they do not feel the importance of living the truth, of being
doers of the words of Christ. Many are self-sufficient. They are not
filled with the missionary spirit that should animate the disciples of
Christ. If they knew what it means to have travail of soul for others,
angels of God would work through them to communicate a knowledge
of the truth. They would know the truth, and the truth would make
them free. Money would no longer be expended in adding building
to building in one place, but would be used in opening new fields, in
planting the standard of truth in cities that have not yet been worked.
The elevating, purifying, ennobling principles of heaven would be
introduced into society and would work like leaven.