Florida by W. H. Smith

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 10, 1914

Florida

By W. H. Smith

JACKSONVILLE. — While evidences upon every hand are speaking to the world in thundering tones that this old earth is rapidly ripening for the harvest of destruction, it is rejoicing to know that the Spirit of God is working upon the hearts of men and women as never before to prepare them for the reception of God's great message of truth for this time. This is being demonstrated in connection with our work here in a wonderful manner. Our attention from week to week is being called to precious souls here and there in various parts of the city, who are hungering for the truth of God. The great need of the hour is men and women who will consecrate their lives to God and become faithful hunters in searching out the honest hearted.

Last Sabbath was a day of special blessing to the little church here. Eleven precious souls were buried with their Lord in the beautiful St. John's River. There will be another baptismal service in the near future, when at least six or seven others will follow their Lord in the same ordinance.

With few exceptions, our people here are awakening to a realization of the importance of the times in which we are living, and the great responsibility that is resting upon those who know the truth, to be up and doing while the door of mercy is yet open, knowing that soon the night will come, when no man can work. We have divided the city into sections, and our church into missionary bands, and assigned to each a territory in which to work. Every Sunday morning a large company go out with papers and periodicals in their arms, to carry to the doors of the multitudes who sit in darkness. Many minds have been exercised over the things that they see, but they have no realization of the purpose of God in the events taking place. One brother who is past the sixty-year mark, and is a retired minister, having spent over thirty years of his life in proclaiming this message, helps to form one of these companies, which can be seen on the street every Sunday morning, going from door to door with the truth-laden literature. May God hasten the day when every church in every conference will be following the example of the Jacksonville church. What a mighty army God will have when all will fall into line and be faithful workers for him! We earnestly ask all readers of the REVIEW to remember the work here in their prayers. W. H. SMITH.