May 28, 1901

An Appeal for the Southern Field

EGW

There is much that should be done in the Southern field. This long-neglected field must be given attention. Again and again the needs of this field have been pointed out, but very little has been done to redeem the neglect of the past. We hope that there will now be a decided awakening, and that our people will remove the reproach, by doing the work God has so decidedly laid upon them.RH May 28, 1901, par. 1

Schools and sanitariums must be established in the South. No time should be wasted before this work is taken up. There is need also of a well-equipped printing press, that books may be published for the use of the workers in the South. I have been instructed that the publication of books suitable for use in this field is essential. Something in this line must be done without delay.RH May 28, 1901, par. 2

I visited Vicksburg on my way to the General Conference, and I saw that in the buildings erected by the workers there, a good object lesson had been given to the people. Economy has been practiced in every line. The buildings are inexpensive, yet neat and tasty.RH May 28, 1901, par. 3

At Nashville I was surprised to find a printing office filled with busy workers. This office, with its furnishings, has been purchased at as little cost as possible. Everything about it is neat and orderly. The countenances of the workers express intelligence and ability, and the work they do is a valuable object lesson. But a larger building is needed; for many lines of business will open up as the work is carried forward. There is much work to be done in the South, and in order to do this work, the laborers must have suitable literature, books telling the truth in simple language, and abundantly illustrated. This kind of literature will be the most effective means of keeping the truth before the people. A sermon may be preached and soon forgotten, but a book remains.RH May 28, 1901, par. 4

The Lord has placed means in the hands of His people to be used in this work. I call upon my brethren and sisters to give of their means to provide a suitable publishing house for the Southern field.RH May 28, 1901, par. 5

God has placed us in a world which He himself has described as full of His goodness. The blessings which He has provided are without number, amply sufficient for the carrying forward of the work of letting the light of truth shine forth to the world. Sin has prevailed, and has marred and seared the world with its curse, but still the Lord in His mercy is working out His divine plan for filling the earth with His glory. His bounty is inexhaustible.RH May 28, 1901, par. 6

I appeal to those who know the truth, to help the work in the Southern field. This is my burden. I am instructed to call upon those who have means, to give of their money to the Southern field, that the Lord's work be not hindered.RH May 28, 1901, par. 7

Nashville is to be made a center for the work. From this place will go forth an influence which will establish the work as the Lord may prepare the way. Let those who labor in the interest of the cause of God lay the necessities of the work in the South before the wealthy men of the world. Do this judiciously. Tell them what you are trying to do. Solicit donations from them. It is God's means which they have, means which should be used in enlightening the world. There are stored up in the earth large treasures of gold and silver. Men's riches have accumulated. Go to these men, with a heart filled with love for Christ and suffering humanity, and ask them to help you in the work you are trying to do for the Master. As they see that you reveal the sentiments of God's benevolence, a chord will be touched in their hearts. They will realize that they can be Christ's helping hand by doing medical missionary work. They will be led to co-operate with God, to provide the facilities necessary to set in operation the work that needs to be done.RH May 28, 1901, par. 8

For God's people to be selfish with their means at this time, would be to give the victory to Satan. Covetousness is idolatry. It can not grow and strengthen without great loss of souls to Christ. God has done great things for us. Should not every heart expand with generous emotion, filled with a determination to return to the Lord His intrusted talents, that the work of restoring His moral image in man may be accomplished?RH May 28, 1901, par. 9

Will our brethren awaken to a sense of their responsibility? Will they give liberally, that the work in the South may be so established that it may be self-sustaining? This world was established and is supported by the charity of a benevolent Creator. We are supported by God's compassionate love. He is the giver of all we have. He calls upon us to return to Him a portion of the abundance He has bestowed upon us. Think of the care He gives the earth, sending the rain and sunshine in their season, to cause vegetation to flourish. It is the great Husbandman who gives life to the seeds planted in the earth. He bestows His favors on the just and on the unjust. Shall not the recipients of His blessings show their gratitude to Him by giving of their bounties to help suffering humanity.RH May 28, 1901, par. 10

Will you not strive to be like Jesus? Will you not be His helping hand? Will not you who claim to be sons and daughters of God, members of the royal family, show the world that truth expels selfishness from the heart?RH May 28, 1901, par. 11

We may well feel that it is a privilege to be laborers together with God, to trade upon His goods by setting in operation that which will carry out His purposes in our world. Should we, receiving day by day the tokens of God's love and goodness and compassion, use our time and strength in self-serving, while the cause of God is languishing, and provision is not made for carrying forward to completion His purpose for the sanctification of the beings He has created and redeemed?RH May 28, 1901, par. 12

The Lord Jesus calls upon me to set these things before believers and unbelievers. Be merciful, even as your Father in heaven is merciful. Think of the great gift God has made you, even the gift of His Son. Think of what he has done to secure your salvation. Your sinful condition demanded a sacrifice. In your spiritual destitution you had nothing to offer. Christ came to this world, and on the cross offered himself as a sacrifice for you. You are not your own; for you have been bought with a price; “therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”RH May 28, 1901, par. 13

Behold the substitute which heaven has provided for you! Herein is love! God has given you amazing proof of His love, a proof which defies all computation. We have no line with which to measure it, no standard with which to compare it. God gave His beloved Son as a propitiation for our sins.RH May 28, 1901, par. 14

What more can I say? Can we refuse the request of Him who has done so much for us? God invites us to let our gratitude flow forth in gifts and offerings. He calls upon us to be His merciful, helping hand, to bear His blessings to needy, perishing souls. He who, to save you from eternal death, gave up His only begotten Son, asks you to give to His work your worldly possessions. He asks for loving, compassionate service. This He does to test you; and in asking, He calls only for His own; for all you have is His. To test your allegiance to Him, He permits you to handle His goods. He wants you to make all you possibly can of yourself, because then you will have more capabilities to return to Him. You will impart, and receive to impart. Call to mind each day what God is to you. Talk of His perfection, of His glory, and with this in mind, ask yourself what you can do for Him. Remember that He has intrusted you with His goods. Repeat over and over, “This God is my God forever and ever.” Those who in this life give willingly and cheerfully to God are laying up treasure in heaven. They will at last come into possession of an eternal weight of glory.RH May 28, 1901, par. 15

Battle Creek,

April 2.

Ellen G. White.