p. 12 | TO THE T. AND M. WORKERS IN VERMONT

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 1, 1880

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 1

TO THE T. AND M. WORKERS IN VERMONT.

By Charles P. Whitford

BY CHARLES P. WHITFORD.

As the time of our next series of quarterly meetings draws near, I am more and more anxious that they may be the most interesting and profitable ever yet held among us. And to secure this result, we must individually feel our responsibility in the matter. Let us all report. I believe that fully one-third of the actual labor performed fails to be reported on account of our negligence in this respect. The littles make the grand sum total, and the result will be seen in the kingdom of God.

That the storm of God’s wrath is soon to come, we cannot doubt. Many are the omens that the day of the Lord is near. Can we, then, remain inactive? Remember, “he that reapeth receiveth wages.” Think of all that this world can bestow,—its wealth, its pleasures, and its honors,—put these together, and one soul is of infinitely greater value in the sight of God. If we do not do our duty in warning our fellow-men, the blood of souls will be found upon our garments. To me this is a solemn thought. I greatly desire to be found doing all I can to save those for whom Christ died.

I wish there might be an advance movement made all along the line in our State this winter. We ought to have several colporters in the field, giving their whole time and attention to the work of God. We have tracts, pamphlets, and books of which the people

are in great need. Unless we awake to our duty and strive to get the truth before them, shall we not be “weighed in the balances and found wanting”? If we refuse to work earnestly for our own salvation and the salvation of others, can we expect the “crown of life,” which is promised as a reward for well-doing? Ah! brethren, do we really believe the things we profess? If our faith were in lively exercise, would not our affections, tempers, passions, and appetites all be consecrated to God and his service?

Does it not seem as though the last Testimonies should arouse us to action? Is it so, that none but those who agonize daily will be overcomers? Oh! when will the true spirit of agonizing, the spirit of wrestling Jacob-like, and prevailing with God, rest on the church? This time will come when we give up our idols, make a full surrender of self and the world, live out the Testimonies, and consecrate ourselves wholly to God. Then will the genuine spirit of labor rest upon us, and we shall be ready to inquire, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

Berkshire Center, Vt., Dec. 22.