p. 16 | Work in the Cities by Daniel H. Kress

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 1, 1916

Work in the Cities

By Daniel H. Kress

In a most remarkable manner the Spirit of God is preparing hearts for the reception of truth. There are many in our large cities who are as honest and sincere as was Cornelius, and who are as diligently reading the Bible as was the eunuch. God has his eye on all such, and just as truly as he brought Cornelius and Peter together, and the eunuch and Philip, so truly will he bring together those who are today seeking truth and those who have truth to impart.

There are many standing on the threshold of the kingdom, waiting for an outstretched hand and a welcome. To the question, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” the eunuch replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like as a lamb dumb before his shearers, so opened he not his mouth.” The eunuch said, “I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” As a result of this interview, the eunuch was converted and baptized, and “went on his way rejoicing.” It is a remarkable record; and yet today just as remarkable things are taking place. God has prepared the soil, and he that engages in this personal work, going forth with weeping, “bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Results will follow when this work is performed in the fear of God and in the spirit of Christ.

One thing will surprise us as we take up this long-neglected work, and that is that there are so many honest men and women still left in this world. The world is bad enough, but it is not all bad. God still has in it many precious jewels. Everywhere we shall find men and women whose hearts God has touched.

One man in Pittsburgh whom we visited said, “I never went to church, but since I have been going to your meetings, something has taken place in my life. I cannot explain it. I want to relate something which very much impressed me. A few nights ago I had a dream. In this dream Jesus appeared and looked upon me, and said, ‘I have marked out the path before you; won’t you walk in it and be good?’” The man said, “I know I am a sinner.” We assured him there is hope for sinners, that Jesus came for the purpose of saving sinners from their sins. We then unfolded to him as best we could the plan of salvation in its simplicity, how God casts our sins behind his back and remembers them no more against us, that we stand before him as if we never had sinned, that he takes sin from us and in its place imparts his own righteousness, so that we now become servants of righteousness, and a new life begins.

As we talked, his friend, who was standing by chewing tobacco, became interested. He said he too wanted to lead a better life, but did not know how to get anything out of the Bible. Elder Ulrich talked to him about topical Bible study, and to show what he meant, we gave the two men a short Bible study on the second coming of Christ. “Can I get a book that will help me?” he inquired. Elder Ulrich called his attention to “Bible Readings.” He asked the price, and at once made out a check for the amount, with the request that the book be delivered at his shop. Both these men were under deep conviction, and I believe gave their hearts to God. Before leaving them, with uncovered and bowed heads we asked God’s special blessing on them and their families. Somehow it would not surprise us to see results from this interview in the kingdom of God. We did what we could. We planted the seed of truth, believing that God will watch over it.

This is only one case, but it is not an exceptional one. In every visit we are surprised that business men are so intensely interested in the prophetic page. One said, “I do not wish to find fault with my church or with the other churches, but really I get very little in going to these churches. Since coming to these meetings the Bible has become a new book.” As his wife sings in church, she has to go, but he attends our meetings, and his wife comes as soon as she can after she is through singing. He said he is getting the other men in the offices interested, and is bringing them one by one to the meetings. He was very grateful for reading matter.

I can see why God is now calling the members of the church to engage in personal work. He has gone before them and prepared the way. Give this work a trial, and see if this is not so, and “men shall call you the Ministers of our God.” The greatest joy and satisfaction is found, not in speaking to the multitudes, but in personal ministry. The various gifts have been placed in the church to fit its members to do this personal work. They exist “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

D. H. KRESS.