Untitled article by G. W. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS WARNED?

By G. W. A.

DEAR brother, sister, friend, whoever you are, and wherever you dwell, let me ask you one question. Have you done all you can to bring your neighbors and friends to a knowledge of the present truth, so that in the event of their being lost your skirts would be clear of the blood of their souls? We are all capable of doing more or less good in the world, and if we do not make a right use of the talent lent us, great will be our condemnation when we give an account for the deeds done in the body. But very few are called to the office of public teachers, to preach and print, but there is some position in the world in which all can obey that command of the Saviour to “let our light shine.” May an All-wise Providence so direct each one that good may be done through the “name of the holy child, Jesus.”

At present the Macedonian cry comes to this Office from various parts of the field, while at the same time every preacher and lecturer is as active as health and strength will permit. Truly it is distressing to see men and women perishing, when we know the truth of God would make them free and prepare them for the kingdom. But what shall be done to save precious, honest souls? Let us each ask ourselves the question, What can I do? Evidently something must be done while there is such a great destitution of ministerial help. What shall it be? Let me suggest:

1. In every community where there is an ear to hear, and the living teacher cannot be obtained, let the books and papers be freely, judiciously circulated! Generously supply yourselves with our publications, and then scatter them all through the neighborhood, as a good, enlightened judgment would dictate. The great day alone will reveal the amount of good that will be accomplished by such an effort. Almost daily we are learning of the blessed results of circulating the tracts. Let an instance suffice: Some one was visiting friends in Canada, and, doubtless being prompted by the missionary spirit, left several present-truth tracts in the neighborhood. They were read, some denounced them as heretical, but none said they were true. Finally, a tract on the Sabbath question fell into the hands of one old gentleman who read, and also believed, and, like an honest man, made up his mind to be “a doer of the word.” And thus, all alone, others making a jest of his faith, he has persevered for some time in observing the Lord’s Sabbath. A short time since he visited Battle Creek to learn the way of truth more perfectly, to receive the ordinance of baptism, partake of the emblems of our Saviour’s broken body, and to make such disposition of a surplus of worldly goods as every steward of the Lord in advanced age should feel it his duty to do. How our hearts were made glad to see what the divine Spirit can do for those who are isolated in distant places, having no opportunities with the church. And how profoundly were we impressed with the power of present truth, as we saw this dear brother laying his silver dollars on the counter, in a land of strangers, of another nationality, for books and papers, to aid in the proclamation of the commandment of God and the coming of Jesus! Could we well restrain our tears, as late in the evening two full-sized grain-bags were nearly filled with packages of books and tracts, to be taken by our aged brother to the Provinces, whom, perhaps, we should never have the privilege of meeting again till the great gathering of the family of God? Ah! verily the Christian has some sweet moments in this world! But enough. Here is a field in which all can do something. And should not each one emulate that spirit which prompted our great Exemplar to say, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

2. It would be well for able brethren, or churches, to procure our “Circulating Library,” embracing all the leading works on the main points of present truth, and place them in school districts and neighborhoods where there is an inquiry to learn “whether these things are so.” Verily He that said, “Go teach all nations,” i. e., “make disciples of them,” would bless such an act.

Again we ask the question, “Have your neighbors been warned?” Brethren, here is a work which should be done, and soon “the night cometh when no man can work.” Let us all gather with Christ, and remember “that he that winneth souls is wise.” Will the publications be scattered? Will your neighbors and friends have the privilege of learning our belief? Who says, Yes? G. W. A.