Problems Peculiar to Metropolitan Evangelism
37
great expense. They reasoned that our ministers, being few in number,
could not be spared to instruct and care for those who might accept
the truth in the cities, and who, because of the greater opposition they
would there meet, would need more help than would the churches in
small country places. Thus the fruit of giving a course of lectures in
the city would, in a great measure, be lost. Again, it was urged that,
because of our limited means, and because of the many changes from
moving that might be expected from a church in a large city, it would
be difficult to build up a church that would be a strength to the cause.
My husband was urging the brethren to make broader plans without
delay, and put forth, in our large cities, extended and thorough effort,
that would better correspond to the character of our message. One
worker related incidents of his experience in the cities, showing that
the work was nearly a failure, but he testified to better success in the
small places.
One of dignity and authority—One who is present in all our council
meetings—was listening with deepest interest to every word. He spoke
with deliberation and perfect assurance. “The whole world,” He said,
“is God’s great vineyard. The cities and villages constitute a part of
that vineyard. These must be worked.”—
Testimonies For The Church
7:34, 35
(1902).
[42]
An Expensive Work—It almost seems as if scarcely anyone dares
ask a worker to go into the cities, because of the means that would be
required to carry on a strong, solid work. It is true that much means
will be required in order to do our duty toward the unwarned in these
places; and God desires us to lift our voices and our influence in favor
of using means wisely in this special line of effort.—
Manuscript 45,
1910
.
Hearty Co-operation Imperative—In our large cities a decided
effort should be made to work in unity. In the spirit and fear of God
the laborers should unite as one man, working with strength and with
earnest zeal. There should be no sensational efforts, no strife. Let
there be seen practical repentance, true sympathy, hearty co-operation,
and decided emulation of one another in the grand, earnest effort to
learn lessons of self-denial and self-sacrifice by saving perishing souls
from death.—
Manuscript 128, 1901
.
Let us thank the Lord that there are a few laborers doing everything
possible to raise up some memorials for God in our neglected cities.