Lt 74, 1902

Brethren who are Working in the South

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

May 2, 1902

This letter is published in entirety in The Southern Watchman, May 29, 1902. +^{NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.}

To my brethren who are working in the South,—

I would say to you, Obey the voice of the Lord in all your ways. Do not, because difficulties and hindrances arise, lose heart and courage. Do not be among those who, when all seems prosperous, are willing to work for the Lord, but who, when service means inconvenience and sacrifice, give up in discouragement17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 1

The Lord’s work in the South is to go forward. The workers are to move steadily, cautiously, promptly. When advancement calls for sacrifices, they are to make sacrifices, and make them gladly and willingly. This the cause of God demands of every one. Let all move forward courageously, trusting in God to supply their needs according to the riches of His goodness. He has at His disposal all the resources of heaven. Before those who trust and obey Him, He will open ways of advance. In emergencies, He will give them special help.17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 2

There is a large work to be done in the South. Be not discouraged by the present feebleness of the work you have begun. Christ would not fail nor be discouraged. Again and again He was compelled to leave His field of labor because of the unbelief of those who should have received Him with unquestioning faith. He often wept, cut to the heart by the thought that those for whose salvation He left the heavenly courts would not yield their proud hearts to Him. But it filled Him with joy to see souls delivered from the thralldom of sin. This was the joy set before Him, the joy for the sake of which He endured the cross, despising the shame. He rejoiced in the thought that by the agony of the cross, He could bring life, eternal life to all who believe. The conversion of one soul fills all heaven with triumphant exultation. The angels sing for joy when a soul is snatched from Satan’s power, a trophy of the Redeemer’s sacrifice. “In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” [Zephaniah 3:16, 17.]17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 3

The workers in the South have had to struggle long against the obstacles that have hindered their progress. It is God’s help alone that has enabled them to move forward in the face of difficulties which at times have threatened to overcome them. If all in our ranks knew how difficult it has been to establish the work in places which have since become important centers, they would realize that it takes courage to face an unpromising situation, and to declare, with hands uplifted to heaven, We will not fail nor become discouraged. Those who have not broken the ground in fields that have never before been worked, cannot understand the difficulties of pioneer work. If they could understand God’s working, they would not only rejoice because of what has been done, but would see cause for rejoicing in the future of the work.17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 4

My brethren in the South, there is no reason for discouragement. The good seed is being sown. God will watch over it, causing it to spring up and bring forth an abundant harvest. Remember that many of the enterprises for soul-saving, which have proved so successful, have, at the beginning, been carried forward amidst great difficulty.17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 5

I am instructed to say to you, Move guardedly, doing always that which the Lord commands. Move forward courageously, assured that the Lord will be with those who love and serve Him. He will work in behalf of His afflicted people. He will not suffer them to become a reproach. He will purify all who yield themselves to Him and will make them a praise in the earth. Nothing in this world is so dear to God as His church. He will work with mighty power through humble, faithful men.17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 6

The message of Christ’s soon coming is to be given to all the nations of the earth. Vigilant, untiring effort is required to overcome the forces of the enemy. Our part is not to sit still and weep and wring our hands, but to arise and work for time and for eternity.17LtMs, Lt 74, 1902, par. 7