Still Westward by W. N. Glenn

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 10, 1884

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 2

Still Westward.

By W. N. Glenn

BUT a few years ago California was a new field of operation in the missionary work. It was a long journey westward from the farthest pioneer station of the work in this direction. The venture has proved an important move, and the field a valuable one. From this Conference the “present truth” has gone to the “uttermost parts of the earth,” in printed form and by missionary letter.

But the time is at hand when California cannot longer be deemed a frontier station. The cause is a progressive one, and cannot be confined to metes and bounds as long as there is an unoccupied region or an unwarned people on the globe. Australia and the islands of the Pacific present a vast field for missionary work, and the experience of others has shown that it is a fruitful field. The denizens of these islands have shown a susceptibility to the gospel of salvation, which gives warrant that many will gladly hear the warning messages of the last days, and the proclamation of the coming King.

Will our Pacific Coast brethren arouse to a sense of the importance of our location? Instead of being the frontier of the work, this State will soon occupy a central place, from which the rays of the truth will radiate in every direction. Are we ready to assume the responsibility of so important a trust? Have we employed our talents in such a manner as to be ready for the grand campaign that is just opening before us? Are we who have been so graciously tendered, and have professedly received, the message of truth, with the attendant missionary privileges, alive to the great extent of our commission? The work before us is going to be done, and that shortly. Shall we do our part? or shall we neglect even the preparation until others shall have stepped into our opportunity—doing our work and taking our crown?

Over all the vast territory opening before us the enemy has for centuries held sway. But the Lord has a people in every nation, kindred, and tongue; and the message given to us to sound forth bids them to come out and be separate. Have we faith enough in the work to go forth to the conflict; bearing the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of the Lord. If a worldly army were to undertake to conquer such a domain, what a preparation would be made. Everything else, especially such as would retard the one grand move, would be laid aside. The geography of the country would be studied, the languages, the habits of the people, the climate, the most accessible routes of travel, etc. And especially would the army be drilled in the use of necessary weapons, offensive and defensive. Nor would it for a moment be thought expedient to go forward without means. The move having been decided by competent authority, no possible appropriation of means would be deemed too great.

California is the legitimate “base of supplies” for this westward move. Shall our people not come to the front with all the readiness and zeal of soldiers that fight but for a cold grave or a perishable crown? Brethren, think on these things. This light was not given to us to be hidden, or used for a selfish purpose. It is God’s message to his creatures; he entrusts it to us; all we have and are, are his by right of creation and purchase; our services are all due to him. Let us labor, then, as those who must give an account. W. N. GLENN.