WHAT CAN AROUSE US? by James Harvey

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1876

WHAT CAN AROUSE US?

By James Harvey

An Appeal to the Brethren in Indiana.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: When I read such articles as the one from “A Private” in the tract and missionary army of Kansas, and then think of the solemn message to the Laodiceans, knowing that it is addressed to us, that we in the Indiana division are in “winter quarters,” and that, like the sleepy disciples on the night of the betrayal of our divine Redeemer, we are soon to have our faith in this message tested, even to facing death from the civil and religious power of this government, I feel that I must make one more appeal to you to take hold of this arm of our strength, the tract and missionary work, and send the warning to your neighbors and fellow-men everywhere.

If all would make this cause the chief and all-absorbing theme, God would accompany our work by his Holy Spirit, and this message would soon go with a loud cry. Then we should be honorably discharged, and receive an eternal pension in the kingdom of God. Is not the reward sufficient to induce both officers and privates in this State to take the armor of truth (our publications), and go out to do battle for the Lord against the powers of darkness and error? It seems to me if you could have witnessed what I have seen at Ligonier, Wolf Lake, and near Fort Wayne, you would be glad to pave the way before Brn. Lane, Sharp, and Covert.

The Lord has given us the field. The hearts of thousands of the people are turned to us. They see that Babylon is fallen, and nearly all, except the ministers and a few others, are reaching out their hands to us, asking for light. Who, in the State of Indiana, will, as did the prophet Isaiah, confess before God that his lips are unclean and ask that an angel may be sent to touch them with a coal from off the altar, cleansing them, and then cry, “Here am I, Lord, send me”? God has spoken to us. He will accept of any suitable person who will consecrate himself to the work and go out to teach the people this grand and awful message.

And then, brethren and sisters, individually take hold with us and send the SIGNS to some of your acquaintances, and write to them or visit them and know how they receive it. Let us spread the light everywhere—sow beside all waters. Jesus is soon coming. The hour of Judgment is nearly closed. Its session did commence on the tenth day of the seventh month, 1844, and soon the work in the most holy apartment will be finished. Shall we not do our work on earth? Oh! take hold with us, and do it.

JAMES HARVEY.

North Liberty, St. Joseph Co., Ind.