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In the South

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 30, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 5.

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In the South

By M. JONES

“THE people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” The great threefold message of Rev. 14: 6-9 is shedding its beams all around. Voices are heard everywhere welcoming the light and rejoicing in its cheering rays.
Examining the existing form of worship as a result of the call in those messages, many are surprised to find themselves securely wrapped in a babel of error, and are therefore calling for deliverance at the hands of those to whom God has committed his timely messages. Some here in the South who have separated themselves from the communion of their church because of its pride, richness of attire, ornament, and error, have hailed with joy the light of the third angel’s message, and are calling others to follow their example and find the light.
The majority of the readers of the REVIEW may have no idea of what worship means largely in the South among the less favored class. A sermon is preached with the Bible closed, the minister acting his comedy as in theatrical performances, while the congregation keeps up a pitiful moan, and a marking of time with the heels of shoes; some, meanwhile, springing to their feet, heated with wild enthusiasm and rapturous delight, thumping themselves and pounding others with the fist or with anything that comes to hand. This shouting and excitable demonstration is called “having a good time,” and must invariably accompany the ones who claim to have a fulness of the Spirit.
Brethren, for our Lord’s sake help us in the work for the South. We may not be able to storm down the synagogues of Satan, but we can be a power in God’s hands to shed the light of his truth behind the prison-bars of error, so that God’s true people may catch a glimpse of him and be enabled to worship him who is the maker of heaven and earth.
Think of the few and inefficient workers among the thousands in the South; think of the shortness of time in which to work, and the rapid closing of the gateway of entrance to this unfortunate people. Then lend a hand in helping to gather out some, who, among the redeemed, shall praise our Saviour through the eternal ages.
M. JONES.