The Harvest by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 19, 1860

The Harvest

By James White

Is plenteous. The calls are many and urgent. We feel the burden of your cases, but how can we comply? On my return from a short trip eastward, I received eight letters with calls for labors. Besides these, there are many pressing calls. And I presume every messenger is similarly situated.

The brethren and sisters will see the necessity of exercising patience, as it is impossible for us to comply with all their requests. Many must be disappointed; but in their disappointments we can sympathize with them much better than they can understand or realize our anxieties and feelings of responsibility to discern duty amid so many calls.

This state of things should not be suffered to perplex nor to bewilder us. Duty clearly presses upon the churches at such a time, and under such circumstances:—

First, to pray for the messengers, that the Lord will direct their steps and guide them in judgment; and,

Second, to pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers for the harvest. O that the churches would feel the necessity of this duty! Brethren, wake up! Unite your cries to God, and look away from us poor, feeble creatures to the Lord of the harvest. Plead with him. He can hear—he can answer. O Lord, roll the burden upon the churches.

I would add for the information of my friends, that my arrangements are already made to go to Ohio soon.

J. H. W.