Worth General Reading by G. W. Wells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 4, 1915

Worth General Reading

By G. W. Wells

[The following excellent letter was written by the president of the Minnesota Conference to his conference workers. It is well worth reading.—ED.]

It would be a great pleasure, and I believe an inspiration, if all our workers in Minnesota could come together to seek the Lord in earnest prayer; tell their joys and sorrows, and speak of their battles and victories. This seems quite impossible at this time, but letter writing is open to us, and I hope you will consider this letter, even though machine made, as personal to you.

I wish it were in my power to express to you my appreciation of the sympathy and cooperation which I feel I have had from the workers during the past year. It has been a great strength to me; and many times when perplexities have arisen and the burden seemed hard to carry, I have been encouraged by knowing that here and there over the State the workers were praying God to bless and lead us all in wisdom.

I am confident you rejoice with me in the blessings that have attended the work the past year, for the spirit of liberality and earnestness shown by our dear lay brethren in the conference, and for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of those who have yielded themselves to God and united with us by baptism.

According to reports, 180 or more have been baptized the past year, nearly $20,000 worth of books has been sold, and the sales of magazines have gone beyond $8,000. We reached our quota for missions, and went over the mark more than $1,500. I think perhaps I am safe in saying that as far as figures show, Minnesota has made the best record she has made for at least a number of years. But can we, in view of the thrilling times in which we live and the rapid fulfillment of prophecy, rest satisfied with what was accomplished last year, and take that as a goal for the present year?

In a communication recently sent out from Washington, I find that the workers in the North American Division Conference won on an average a trifle less than four souls to the truth the first three quarters of 1914. It is true that we did a little better than this in Minnesota; but when we take into consideration that some workers have, by God’s grace, more than trebled this average, it is clear to all that others must, of necessity, have fallen considerably below it.

This brings us to the practical, vital question: Are we as laborers in God’s cause doing all we can, all the Master expects of us, all that it is possible for us to do, to finish this work?

Am I stating it too strongly if I say we are conscious that we are not? Go where you will, speak with whom you may, and you find a clear conviction and general confession that we are not doing anything like what we could and should do, and what the times in which we live and the message we have to give, demand of us.

“Everything in the universe calls upon those who know the truth to consecrate themselves unreservedly to the proclamation of the truth as it has been made known to them in the third angel’s message.” This call from God comes to ministers, Bible workers, teachers, office helpers, and all who know the truth. The call is to proclaim the truth. Who of us as ministers called of God to proclaim this message, giving our entire time to the work, can be satisfied with winning one, two, or even a score of souls to Christ in twelve months? and should it not be the absorbing business of us all to come into personal touch with humanity, seek out the unsaved, and win them to Christ?

If we are not doing this, there must be some direct causes for this failure, and they must be on our part. Those causes should be found and removed. Is not this a practical, fundamental question for us to consider? Should not a power be obtained that will give greater efficiency in soul winning?

This problem should be pressing upon our hearts with greater weight than words can express. This question must be solved. A change must come, a new experience must be had. If all of us feel this, it is a hopeful sign—it is far better than to be at ease.

In view of all that is taking place about us, the unmistakable evidence that the Lord is closing up the work, shall not we as ministers of Christ and leaders of the people, as teachers for God, take hold of this work with great earnestness? If we are in charge of a church, shall we not set our hearts on a genuine revival at the beginning of this new year, and actually lead the church into a great soul-winning campaign and strong missionary efforts?

If we are out in the field, or going from door to door with our Bibles, let us cry mightily to God to give us souls for the kingdom. In whatever line of service we may be engaged, we must not lose sight of our personal responsibility in soul winning.

My dear fellow workers, let us heed the call of God, and reconsecrate our

lives for more earnest service. Shall we not make the most complete surrender of our lives and carry on our hearts the burden of lost men and women, and, under the guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit, learn to lead men to Christ?

To this end I solicit your most earnest prayers for me personally, and I will gladly continue to remember you in my daily devotions. I should be glad to know how you look at this question, which seems so important and vital at this time.

Yours in the bonds of Christian love,

G. W. WELLS.