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The Color Line
I have some things to say in regard to the colored people of the
Southern States of America and the relation that we should sustain
to them. So long were they under the curse of slavery that it is a
difficult problem to know how they should now be treated.
When God’s workers allow His Spirit to work upon their minds,
much will be accomplished in the saving of souls. The Lord is
our helper. He will guide us in all matters if we will trust in Him.
One thing is certain: We must have faith in God—faith that He will
arrange matters in a way that will enable us to work successfully.
No one ever trusted God in vain. He will never disappoint those who
put their trust in Him.
We are to avoid entering into contention over the problem of the
color line. If this question is much agitated, difficulties will arise that
will consume much precious time to adjust. We cannot lay down a
definite line to be followed in dealing with this subject. In different
places and under varying circumstances, the subject will need to be
handled differently. In the South, where race prejudice is so strong,
we could do nothing in presenting the truth were we to deal with
the color line question as we can deal with it in some places in the
North. The white workers in the South will have to move in a way
that will enable them to gain access to the white people.
It is Satan’s plan to call minds to the study of the color line. If
his suggestions are heeded, there will be diversity of opinion and
great confusion. No one is capable of clearly defining the proper
position of the colored people. Men may advance theories, but I
assure you that it will not do for us to follow human theories. So far
as possible the color line question should be allowed to rest.
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The cities of the South are to be worked, and for this work the
best talent is to be secured, and that without delay. Let white workers
labor for the white people, proclaiming the message of present truth
in its simplicity. They will find openings through which they may
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