August 1, 1900

Selections From a Recent Letter

EGW

How pleased I am that the work in the Southern field is advancing! My prayer is, Let it advance, deepen, widen, enlarge, until this shall be a part of the vineyard no longer neglected, but under cultivation. May it be a fruitful garden of the Lord. This can only be done by educating the colored people to read. Then the Word of God, the Bible, placed in their hands, even tho without explanation, will be made plain and applied by the Holy Spirit.ST August 1, 1900, par. 1

The apostle Paul considered that the Jew had a great advantage above the Gentile, “because unto them had been committed the oracles of God.” This is the highest commendation or testimony of the value of the Bible. Every effort should be made to have the sacred Book containing the whole of the revelation of God, placed in the hands of all nations, tongues, and people.ST August 1, 1900, par. 2

If the mere possession of the Bible is an advantage, how much greater is the privilege of knowing how to read and study its pages! All who wish to understand the Word are stewards of God as verily as those who have been entrusted with riches. Earthly possessions are talents to be imparted to others to advance the work of righteousness in the world.ST August 1, 1900, par. 3

The Bible is becoming more and more an educating lesson-book for children and youth, giving to the young, to those of mature age, and to the aged of every nation, the instruction of truth in heavenly things which is the higher education.ST August 1, 1900, par. 4

Teach the colored people to read the Word of God, and it will have a transforming power upon life and character, and give vigor to the intellect. As its principles are sent home by the power of the Holy Spirit, they will work a positive reformation in the minds of all who receive the Word.ST August 1, 1900, par. 5