Needs of the Southern Field
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than it would otherwise have been. Obstructions have been accumulat-
ing.
Great progress might have been made in medical missionary work.
Sanitariums might have been established. The principles of health
reform might have been proclaimed. This work is now to be taken up.
And into it not a vestige of selfishness is to be brought. It is to be done
with an earnestness, perseverance, and devotion that will open doors
through which the truth can enter, and that to stay.
In the South there is much that could be done by lay members of
the church, persons of limited education. There are men, women, and
children who need to be taught to read. These poor souls are starving
for a knowledge of God.
Our people in the South are not to wait for eloquent preachers,
talented men; they are to take up the work which the Lord places before
them, and do their best. He will accept and work through humble,
earnest men and women, even though they may not be eloquent or
highly educated. My brethren and sisters, devise wise plans for labor,
and go forward, trusting in the Lord. Do not indulge the feeling that
you are capable and keen-sighted. Begin and continue in humility.
Be a living exposition of the truth. Make the word of God the man
of your counsel. Then the truth will go with power, and souls will be
converted.
Let Sabbathkeeping families move to the South and live out the
truth before those who know it not. These families can be a help to
one another, but let them be careful to do nothing that will hedge up
their way. Let them do Christian help work, feeding the hungry and
clothing the naked. This will have a far stronger influence for good
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than the preaching of sermons. Deeds, as well as words, of sympathy
are needed. Christ prefaced the giving of His message by deeds of love
and benevolence. Let these workers go from house to house, helping
where help is needed, and, as opportunity offers, telling the story of
the cross. Christ is to be their text. They need not dwell upon doctrinal
subjects; let them speak of the work and sacrifice of Christ. Let them
hold up His righteousness, in their lives revealing His purity.
The true missionary must be armed with the mind of Christ. His
heart must be filled with Christlike love; and he must be true and
steadfast to principle.