A Present-Day Work by W. H. Sebastian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1914

A Present-Day Work

By W. H. Sebastian

Under the heading "A Present-Day Work," in "Testimonies for the Church," the servant of the Lord calls our attention to the judgments that are to be visited upon this world in "fire and flood and earthquake," and seeks to arouse us to immediate action:—

"The mercy of God is shown in his long forbearance. He is holding back his judgments, waiting for the message of warning to be sounded to all. O, if our people would feel as they should the responsibility resting upon them to give the last message of mercy to the world, what a wonderful work would be done!" — Vol. IX, page 97.

Christ's methods must be employed for a more far-reaching work. There must be a getting into line by every individual member of our churches. Dissension must cease. Love must be the ruling element. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Isa. 58:6, 7.

The spirit of the 1844 movement must be revived. Then we shall see greater results than we see now. Such a work is to be carried on among the colored people generally as was carried on some years ago throughout the State of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. This work told. It had effect. Results were seen. Souls united with the church as the mission schools were opened. Children of other denominations came to our borders. Taught by our teachers, they entered our school at Oakwood. And where do we see them now? — In the fields laboring for souls. Some are canvassers, some Bible workers, some teachers, and some ministers.

Let every branch of the work be encouraged by all. May the Lord impress our brethren and sisters with the needs of this field. W. H. Sebastian.