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Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
own borders, but to impart to other fields. Thus the burden resting on
the home churches will be shared.
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The home missionary work will be farther advanced in every way
when a more liberal, self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit is manifested
for the prosperity of foreign missions; for the prosperity of the home
work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the
evangelical work in countries afar off. It is in working actively to
supply the necessities of the cause of God that we bring our souls in
touch with the Source of all power.
Although the work in foreign fields has not advanced as it should
have advanced, yet that which has been accomplished affords reason
for gratitude and ground for encouragement. Much less means has
been spent in these fields than in the home fields, and the work has
been done under the hardest pressure and without proper facilities.
Yet, considering the help that has been sent to these fields, the result is
indeed surprising. Our missionary success has been fully proportionate
to our self-denying, self-sacrificing effort.
God alone can estimate the work accomplished as the gospel mes-
sage has been proclaimed in clear, straight lines. New fields have been
entered, and aggressive work has been done. The seeds of truth have
been sown, the light has flashed upon many minds, bringing enlarged
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views of God and a more correct estimate as to the character to be
formed. Thousands have been brought to a knowledge of the truth as
it is in Jesus. They have been imbued with the faith that works by love
and purifies the soul.
The value of these spiritual advantages is beyond our comprehen-
sion. What line can sound the depths of the word preached? What
balances can correctly weigh the influence of those who are converted
to the truth? In their turn they become missionaries, to work for others.
In many places houses of worship have been erected. The Bible, the
precious Bible, is studied. The tabernacle of God is with men, and He
dwells with them.
Let us rejoice that a work which God can approve has been done in
these fields. In the name of the Lord, let us lift up our voices in praise
and thanksgiving for the results of work abroad.
And still our General, who never makes a mistake, says to us:
“Advance. Enter new territory. Lift up the standard in every land.