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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
them just where they need to be helped. Workmen are needed now,
just now, to labor for God. The fields are already white for the harvest,
and yet laborers are few.
Opening Providences
I have been shown that, as a people, we have been asleep as to
our duty in regard to getting the light before those of other nations. Is
it because God has excused us, as a people, from having any burden
or special work to do for those of other tongues, that we have no
missionaries today in foreign countries? Why is this negligence and
delay? There are those of superior minds in many other nations whom
God is impressing with the lack of spirituality and genuine godliness
in the Christian denominations of the land. They cannot harmonize
the life and character of professed Christians generally with the Bible
standard. Many are praying for light and knowledge. They are not
satisfied. God will answer their prayers through us, as a people, if we
are not at such a distance from Him that we cannot hear His voice, and
so selfish that we do not wish to be disturbed in our ease and agreeable
associations.
We are not keeping pace with the opening providence of God.
Jesus and angels are at work. This cause is onward, while we are
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standing still and being left in the rear. If we would follow the opening
providence of God, we should be quick to discern every opening, and
make the most of every advantage within our reach, to let the light
extend and spread to other nations. God, in His providence, has sent
men to our very doors, and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that
they might learn the truth more perfectly, and be qualified to do a work
we could not do in getting the light before men of other tongues. We
have too often failed to discern God’s hand, and we have not received
the very ones God had provided for us to work in union with, and act
a part in sending the light to other nations.
Sowing Beside All Waters
There has been a slothful neglect and a criminal unbelief among
us as a people, which has kept us back from doing the work God has
left us to do in letting our light shine forth to those of other nations.