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and those who claim to have a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ
whom He hath sent, huddle together, colonize, and attend the meetings,
and feel dissatisfied if there is not much preaching to benefit their souls
and strengthen the church, while they are doing literally nothing.... If
their temporal, financial prospects are not as prosperous by moving to
localities where the truth has not been proclaimed, or where there has
been but a glimmering of light, will they not be doing just the work
that Jesus has done to save them?—
The General Conference Bulletin,
1893, 131
.
We see the great need of missionary work to carry the truth not
only to foreign countries, but to those who are near us. Close around
us are cities and towns in which no efforts are made to save souls.
Why should not families who know the present truth settle in these
cities and villages, to set up there the standard of Christ, working in
humility, not in their own way, but in God’s way, to bring the light
before those who have no knowledge of it?
When the church shall truly have the spirit of the message, they
will throw all their energies into the work of saving the souls for whom
Christ has died. They will enter new fields. Some who are not ordained
ministers will be laborers together with God in visiting the churches,
and trying to strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die.
There will be laymen who will move into towns and cities, and into
apparently out-of-the-way places, that they may let the light which
God has given them, shine forth to others. Some whom they meet will
not appear to be the most promising subjects, but the only question
should be, Will they come into harmony with Christ? Will they become
partakers of His spirit, so that their influence, in precept and example,
will present the attractions of the Author of truth and righteousness?
[181]
In places where the truth is not known, brethren who are adapted to
the work, might hire a hall, or some other suitable place to assemble,
and gather together all who will come. Then let them instruct the
people in the truth. They need not sermonize, but take the Bible, and
let God speak directly out of His Word. If there is only a small number
present, they can read a “Thus saith the Lord,” without a great parade
or excitement; just read and explain the simple gospel truth, and sing
and pray with them.—
The Review and Herald, September 29, 1891
.