Who Will Give the Gospel to the Jews? by F. C. Gilbert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 2, 1907

Who Will Give the Gospel to the Jews?

By F. C. Gilbert

In the last article we called attention to the fact that the prejudice of the Jew was being broken, and it certainly seems that the good hand of God is in the work. The time has come when they should have the opportunity to receive the light, and who is there to-day that can give it to them but the true people of God?

There is scarcely a city or town in the United States but that contains Jews. In the Atlantic Union Conference there are nearly one million five hundred thousand Jews, and thousands in other cities and counties. There are nearly two millions of them in the country, and they are coming in at a rapid rate each year. These people must hear the gospel. How shall we give it to them? We can not open missions everywhere, and we can not hold tent-meetings for them, as we can not do work among them as we can among the Gentiles. There is a way, however, by which they can be reached, and that is by literature. The Jews are great readers, and they are willing to read. More than thirty years ago the message from the Lord came to us that the way to reach the Jew is by the printed page. See “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. III, page 206.

We have already published two tracts, and God has blessed them. One young man that we know of has been baptized as a result of this work, and the writer has received many letters from Jews calling for literature and Testaments and Bibles.

Now we have prepared some more literature, which we hope, with the blessing of God, will be used to his glory and the advancement of his cause.

We have started a series of Bible readings on the message, especially adapted to the Jews. There will be about twenty or twenty-five in the series, and we hope to get them out soon. The first one is ready for circulation, and is entitled, “God’s promises to Abraham.” The accompanying cut represents the outside page of the reading, and will be on the entire series. The second one will be ready soon, and a third will follow shortly after.

Now will you not, dearly beloved in the Lord, do all you can to scatter the printed pages of truth among the Jews? We know it will accomplish much good, for the seed sown will bring forth fruit.

Here is a letter I received a short time ago, and I am sure the readers will be interested in it:— “Rev. F. C. Gilbert, South Lancaster, Mass.

“MY DEAR BROTHER: I have had the pleasure of reading your book, ‘Practical Lessons.’ Though I do not understand very well the English, having been in this country only a few months, yet I am convinced that you are a true messenger from our Father to his ancient people Israel. I am a rabbi, and speak Hebrew as fluently as any American they speaks English, also other European languages, and my coming to this country was to study the English, and settle here in the land of the free. But God had his way with me. He made me also free indeed. “I have found him of whom Moses and the prophets spoke, namely, the Messiah. . . . My heart is so full of joy that I thought I would divide my joy with you, as I understand you are a disciple of the Blessed One. If you can, send me some more advice how to make progress on my new way of life. I am full of zeal for my Master, but I want to be more established in the truth so that when visitations come on me from my congregation and friends, I shall be

able to stand fast. Thanking you in advance, I remain, “Faithfully yours.”

We shall be pleased to send reading-matter to any who will distribute it, and we trust we shall hear from hundreds and thousands of the dear brethren and sisters who wish to give this literature to the Jews. Our address is 107 Staniford St., Boston, Mass. The fund for the literature is raised by free-will offerings. All offerings for this work may be sent to the Mission Board, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., or to H. B. Tucker, secretary Central New England Conference, South Lancaster, Mass. Pray for the work and the workers.

F. C. GILBERT.