The “Scattering” Ones by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 30, 1904

The “Scattering” Ones

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

In looking over a local conference paper recently, I noticed a report of certain work which was credited to the “scattering” Sabbath-keepers. The error in grammar suggested the thought as to whether or not this ought not really to be a fact. The Lord has committed to this people the most solemn truth ever committed to men. It is the world’s final warning. When it ends, probation ends; the seven last plagues will be poured out, and the Lord will come to take from the midst of the rubbish of the earth his jewels, burnished in the furnace of trial. For nearly a half century this warning voice, bidding men to flee from the coming storm of wrath, has been sounding in the earth, and throughout the length and breadth of the world are those who have accepted the kindred truths of the message, and expect in a little while to see the King coming in all his radiant beauty.

Should not those who have embraced

such a message be diligently engaged in “scattering” the books, pamphlets, tracts, and papers containing the good news of our Saviour’s return, to all parts of the world? We have been told repeatedly that our publications should be scattered like the leaves of autumn. And why should not this be so? Surely the scenes which cluster around the coming of the Lord will move us to action unless we are dead.

What the church of God needs is power. Let it once be endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit, and the earth will be quickly lightened with the glory of the Lord revealed in the message announcing his return. The apostolic church had power. Under the mighty outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost one sermon converted three thousand souls. Without this divine unction three thousand sermons are needed to convert one soul. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon his people, then indeed will be brought to pass the blessed time when “delay shall be no longer.” There will then be plenty of workers. From every church laborers will give themselves to God, and go forth into the different branches of his work to be used till the message is finished. Every call from the “regions beyond” will be responded to, and there will be plenty of funds to send workers everywhere, and to build and equip all the institutions necessary to proclaim the finishing of the “mystery of God” to all the world.

Persecution is coming upon the church again as it did upon the church in Jerusalem before the city was destroyed. Then the “scattered” people of the Lord, clothed with the power of the Spirit and filled with a zeal for souls, will go everywhere “scattering” our publications, and warning with tears and entreaty the people who are unwarned and unprepared, to seek the Lord while he may be found.