Chapter 33—Missionary Work
[
Note.—At times during the early days of the message, Seventh-
day Adventists caught glimpses of a broadening work that would
eventually embrace many nationalities. Not until the early 70’s, how-
ever, did the leaders in the Advent movement begin to comprehend
that theirs was a mission to the whole world. Even as late as in 1872,
the scripture, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the
world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come,” was
regarded simply as a “prominent sign of the last day,” meeting fulfill-
ment in the extension of Protestant missions. Its complete fulfillment
was in no way associated with the spread of the Advent movement
throughout the world. (See
The Review and Herald, April 16 and July
16, 1872
.) But in 1873 a marked change of sentiment began to appear
in the utterances of leaders among Seventh-day Adventists regarding
their duty to warn the world. (See editorial
The Review and Herald,
August 26, 1873
; and many other articles of similar import in the is-
sues that followed.) By the close of the year 1874, this transformation
of sentiment seems to have been effected almost completely.]
December 10, 1871, I was shown that God would accomplish a
great work through the truth, if devoted, self-sacrificing men would
give themselves unreservedly to the work of presenting it to those in
darkness. Those who have a knowledge of the precious truth, and who
are consecrated to God, should avail themselves of every opportunity
where there is an opening to press in the truth. Angels of God are
moving on the hearts and consciences of the people of other nations,
and honest souls are troubled as they witness the signs of the times
in the unsettled state of the nations. The inquiry arises in their hearts,
What will be the end of all these things? While God and angels are at
work to impress hearts, the servants of Christ seem to be asleep. But
few are working in unison with the heavenly messengers.
If ministers and people were sufficiently aroused, they would not
rest thus indifferently, while God has honored them by making them
the depositaries of His law, by printing it in their minds and writing
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