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Heralding the Message in Washington

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Heralding the Message in Washington

Ellen G. White

The Ellen G. White Publications · General Conference, Takoma Park, D.C. · 1941

OUR WORK AT THE NATION’S CAPITAL

My dear Brethren and Sisters in America: For some time I have been strongly impressed that decided efforts should be put forth to proclaim the testing truths of the third angel’s message in the city of Washington, the capital of the American nation. It is a sad thing that our record stands as it does, showing so little accomplished in this city. If there is any place in the world that should have the full rays of present truth, it is Washington, the city that is the very heart of this nation. Those who act a prominent part in framing laws for the nation should understand what is written in the law of God, which lies at the foundation of all right laws. . . .
Above all other places, the capital of our nation should now have an opportunity to hear the message for this time. Satan is working there against Jehovah with all his might. I present this to you as a matter that is stirring me mightily. One thing is certain, we shall not be clear unless we at once do something in Washington to represent our work. I shall not be able to rest until I see the truth going forth from this place as a lamp that burneth. We are many years behind in giving the message of warning in this city. Again and again the Lord has presented Washington to me as a place that has been strangely neglected. In looking through my diaries, I have found some things that I wrote more than twelve years ago in regard to the work in Washington, and the necessity of establishing there some memorial for God. The following was written March 12, 1891:--
“Nearly the entire day I have been entertaining visitors who desired counsel. Brother Robinson, superintendent of the New York and Washington district, came in company with Brother Wright to consult with me in regard to the advisability of building a church in Washington, D.C., combining a church, a mission home, and a reading-room in one building, to cost probably twenty-five thousand dollars. They proposed to invite our brethren all over the field to give one hundred dollars each toward this enterprise.
“When we were in Washington during the week of prayer, I had made a similar suggestion to Elder Washburn, saying that as the situation appeared to me, important interests should be established in this city. I could see no better way of letting the light shine forth from the very seat of government, the capital of the nation. It seems strange that some memorial of present truth has not been established there before. I advised that a meeting-house be built.
“The brethren of the Washington City church are poor, and while they will do all that they can, they are not able to carry the whole burden. The church must be located in a desirable part of the city. The purchase of a suitable lot and the erection of a plain but large, well-ventilated, and skillfully constructed building--something that will stand as an object lesson of neatness and thoroughness--will require a considerable sum.
“Other visitors came in, and I closed this interview in regard to the work in Washington.”—Mrs. E. G. White in Review and Herald, July 28, 1903.

TO BE CONDUCTED AS GOD WOULD HAVE IT

If ever there was a time when our brethren should blend in unity it is now. You are engaged in an important work in Washington. I am very anxious that the work in that place shall be carried forward exactly as the Lord would have it.—E. G. White Letter 269, 1903.

THE TRUTH TO SHINE FROM WASHINGTON

I have been writing much in regard to the need of making more decided efforts in Washington, D. C. Light has been given me that something should be done in this city at once. How strange it is that at the very heart of the nation so little has been done to represent the loyalty of the people of God. To us has been given the grandest truth ever committed to mortals. Washington, the capital of the United States, is the very place from which this truth should shine forth. But what has been done there to proclaim the truth? What excuse can we give to God for our unfaithful stewardship?--E. G. White Letter 132, 1903.

EARNEST MISSIONARIES NEEDED

The work at Washington will demand the best and most earnest missionaries. This place, the headquarters of the nation, is a most important field, and there must be those there who are able to state wisely the reasons of their faith. There will be needed young men and young women of capability, who can take up the work as pioneers, and carry it forward in the strength of the Lord.
God’s people are to keep their lamps trimmed and burning amidst the moral darkness and the unbelief of the world. Canvasser-evangelists are needed, to circulate the publications containing the messages of warning for this time.—E. G. White MS 94, 1903.
My Dear Brethren: Our people far and near need to ask themselves how the Lord regards their neglect of important centers in America. There are many places in this country in which the truth has never been proclaimed. Many years ago there should have been a sanitarium in Washington, D. C. But men have chosen their way in many things, and the places to which the truth should have found entrance, by the establishment of medical missionary work, have been neglected.
The Lord has opened this matter to me decidedly. The publishing work that has been carried on in Battle Creek should for the present be carried on near Washington. If after a time the Lord says, Move away from Washington, we are to move. We are pilgrims and strangers in this earth, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. When the Lord tells us to move, we are to obey, however inconvenient and inconsistent such a command may seem to us to be.
How shall we answer to God, I ask, for failing to proclaim the truth for this time in the capital of our nation? A representation should have been made there of our truth that would favorably have impressed those who have so much to do with framing the nation's laws.
Why have not those who have taken a leading part in medical missionary work been burdened to carry to Washington the message of temperance in eating, drinking, and dressing? There would have been less difficulty in giving the message in this place than in some other places.
There are many places that need gospel medical missionary work. Plans should be made in these places. God designs that our sanitariums shall be a means of reaching high and low, rich and poor. They are to be so conducted that by their work attention will be called to the message that God has sent to the world. Many will not heed the call of mercy; nevertheless it is to be given to all, that whosoever will may come to the water of life and drink. . . .
The question is asked, Why is it that hearts are not moved by the proclamation of the gospel of Christ?--It is because Satan is linked up with thereligionists of today. Good seed is sown in the hearts of the hearers, but the soil was not prepared, and the seed does not spring up to bear fruit. The enemy comes with his suggestions and insinuations, and the words of life that were spoken lose their force.
Many will hear the message, but will refuse to heed; nevertheless the warning is to be given to all in clear, plain tones. Not only is the truth to be presented in public assemblies; house to house work is to be done. Let this work go forward in the name of the Lord. Those who engage in it have the heavenly angels as their companions. They will resist the attacks made by the enemy on those who are cooperating with God.
Christ has a message to give to the world through his messengers, which, if received, would change the character of society entirely. The wilderness of thorns and thistles would be changed into a garden of beautiful flowers and fruit-bearing trees.—Mrs. E. G. White in Review and Herald, Aug. 11, 1903.

YEARS BEHIND IN THE WASHINGTON WORK

In regard to Washington, I will say that twenty years ago memorials for God should have been established in that city, or rather, in its suburbs. It was in the providence of God that our people were offered the church that they recently purchased there. I am glad that this church is so nearly paid for.
We are many years behind in giving the message of warning in the city that is the capital of our nation. Time and time again the Lord has presented Washington to me as a place that has been strangely neglected. There should be a sanitarium in Washington. The people in the nation’s capital should know what we are doing. Let the work stand high upon its eternal foundation as gospel medical missionary work. Why should not this work be carried forward in Washington? Why should not the leaders of the American people have the privilege of learning the Lord’s will?
If there is one place above another where a sanitarium should be established, and where gospel work should be done, it is Washington. We can not estimate how great an influence would have gone forth from Washington in favor of the truth had a sanitarium been established there twenty years ago. Above all places, this place should now be worked. Satan is working there against Jehovah with all his might.
I present this to you as a matter that is stirring me mightily. One thing is certain: we shall not be clear unless we at once do something in Washington to represent our work. I shall not be able to rest until I see the truth going forth as a lamp that burneth.—Mrs. E. G. White in Review and Herald, Aug. 20, 1903.

A DECIDED WORK TO BE DONE

I have been strongly impressed by the Lord that in this city a most decided work must be done to proclaim the truth regarding the seventh-day Sabbath. Several years ago instruction was given me in regard to this.—E. G. White Letter 115, 1903.

COUNSEL REGARDING EVANGELISTIC WORK IN WASHINGTON

A strong evangelistic effort must be put forth in the capital of the nation. This was shown me before the Review & Herald office burned.
I rejoice that you have taken up this evangelistic work in Washington, and that so deep an interest has already been aroused. The accounts given regarding the work there correspond as nearly as possible to the representation given me of what would be. I am sure; for the matter has been presented to me, and this work must not be weakened by the necessary laborers being called to other places. . . .
Evangelistic work must be done in Washington, and it must not be broken into by calls from other places. God would have His work in the highways carried forward in straight lines.
Brother Daniells has mentioned several that he thought might be a help to the work in Washington. But be cautious as to whom you employ in the work there. Everything must be kept up to the Bible standard. Elder could be a help, if he would be worked by the Holy Spirit. But he has his whole family fastened to him in a way that is not for the best interest of the cause of God. The charts that he has prepared have a strong influence on the minds of the people, but his experience is not such as to fit him to take up the work to best advantage in Washington. . . .
His extravagance also cuts him off from helping in an effort such as you are now putting forth in Washington. Your success will depend on carrying forward the work in the simplicity in which Christ carried it forward, without any theatrical display.
If in the future Elder should be thoroughly converted, he could be a special help; for his charts have a telling influence. And his presentation of subjects by limelight views would also have a favorable influence, if hehimself were different. But the way in which he carries forward his work does not give the proper education to the workers connected with him. When we have so many interests at stake, we can not and must not do our work in the extravagant way in which Elder _____ labors. Should we uphold him in working in the cities as he has worked in the past, his manner of labor would be regarded as a model for our younger ministers to follow. All our preparations for presenting and illustrating the truth must correspond with the solemnity of the message we bear. The Lord never designed the advancement of His work to depend on outward display. Thus the means would quickly be spent, and little would be left with which to open new fields.
New Orleans is to be worked. At a proper time of the year, a public effort is to be made there. Camp meetings are to be held in many places, and evangelistic work is to be done after the camp meeting is over. Thus the sheaves are to be gathered in.
Every part of the work is to be carried forward solidly. When large, expensive preparations are made in connection with the public efforts made in cities, these preparations may at first attract a large number of people. But they can not be maintained for any length of time. It is found, however, that when an effort is made to dispense with them, that they have created an appetite for such things, and that they can not be dispensed with without a falling off in interest and in the number of the hearers.
The way in which Christ worked was to preach the word, and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we can not now work in this way; for Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. God’s servants today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought.
For this reason the Lord has marked out a way in which His people are to carry forward a work of physical healing, combined with the teaching of the word. Sanitariums are to be established, and with these institutions are to beconnected workers who will carry forward genuine medical missionary work. Thus a guarding influence is thrown around those who come to the sanitariums for treatment.
This is the provision the Lord has made whereby gospel medical missionary work is to be done for many souls. These institutions are to be established out of the cities, and in them educational work is to be intelligently carried forward.
In some places where sanitarium work is to be established, it will be necessary to begin the work in small quarters and with few facilities. But let not the work be delayed. Let every obstruction to the hindrance of this special line of work be removed.
In our work we are not to go into a hilltop to shine. We are not told that we must make a special, wonderful display. The truth must be proclaimed in the highways and the byways, and thus work is to be done by sensible, rational methods. The life of every worker, if he is under the training of the Lord Jesus Christ, will reveal the excellence of His life. The work that Christ did in our world is to be our example, as far as display is concerned. We are to keep as far from the theatrical and the extraordinary as Christ kept in His work. Sensation is not religion, although religion will exert its own pure, sacred, uplifting, sanctifying influence, bringing spiritual life and salvation. . . .
How shall we carry on evangelistic work in large cities?--As you are carrying it on in Washington, without the parade that some who are deceiving their own souls, are inclined to think necessary. The truth that we have to proclaim is the most solemn truth ever entrusted to mortals, and it is to be proclaimed in a way that corresponds to its solemnity and importance. There is to be attached to it no fantastic display. Such display meets the minds of some, but how few are really convicted and converted by a fanciful blending of display with the proclamation of the solemn gospel message for this time. Thedisplay counterworks the impression made by the gospel message.
Were all to connect with the preaching of the word the display that some deem so essential, how soon there would be a dearth of means. Extravagance would be seen on every side, and all through our ranks an appetite for display would be created and developed.
God expects us to follow the example of the Majesty of heaven, who clothed His divinity with humanity, that divinity might touch humanity, and humanity might partake of the divine nature. It is only as we are clothed with humility that God can accept us as Christ’s followers.
We are not to try to gather together strange, peculiar ideas, which are not revealed in the word of God. If the shepherds of the flock of God are partakers of the divine nature, they will be clothed with genuine humility. They will fill contentedly the place God gives them, shining brightly amidst the moral darkness. Realizing the sacredness of the truth, they will refuse to be drawn out of their place by the attractions of the world, or the praise of men. They will stand firmly at their post of duty as brave soldiers.—E. G. White Letter 53, 1904. (Written Jan. 26, 1904)

THE WORK IN WASHINGTON

In the city of Washington there is much to be done. I am thankful to God for the privilege of seeing the land that has been purchased for our institutional work in this place. The securing of this land was in the Lord’s providence, and I praise God that our brethren had the faith to take this forward step.
As I look over this city, I realize the magnitude of the work to be accomplished. Let every professed Christian feel the necessity of self-denial. Let every one guard against the tendency to expend, for the gratification of mere vanity, money that belongs to God,—especially in this time when our people are making every effort possible to build in the capital of the nation memorials that will stand in vindication of present truth. Let us study the use of every penny. Some may have formed habits of extravagance; let all such now choose another way—the way of obedience and self-denial.
God now calls upon every believer in this center to act his individual part in helping to build up the work that must be done. If you do your duty faithfully, you will find no time for dwelling upon the little trials and annoyances and perplexities that come to you. As the result of laboring earnestly to provide facilities for the salvation of unbelievers, and for the training of many of our own people for soul-saving service, you will find that your souls are refreshed with heaven’s richest blessings.
In some respects the situation in Washington reminds me of our pioneer experiences in Cooranbong, Australia. There we secured fifteen hundred acres in the heart of the woods, and began the work of establishing a school. With willing hands the workmen toiled early and late. One by one, at great personal sacrifice to many of our dear brethren and sisters in Australia, the school buildings were erected.
Before this work was finished, the problem of providing a meetinghouse at Cooranbong arose. This problem proved to be a perplexing one. It seemed that we had done about all we could, and that it would be impossible to raise means sufficient for erecting a suitable house of worship. Finally, during a council meeting in which the matter was receiving consideration, I offered to go through our settlement, and try to secure gifts of labor and material. Accompanied by my secretary, I visited the workmen living for miles around, and solicited help. Just at this time it happened that several of the carpenters who had been laboring on the school buildings, were temporarily out of employment; and these men generously responded, offering to work on the proposed meeting house at a very low wage,—less than one half the usual rate. Several worked for nothing a portion of the time.
The erection of the meeting-house was pushed forward rapidly. In the providence of God, two hundred pounds came to me from the Wessels family in Africa, just as we were ready to secure lumber; this money brought great relief, as it enabled us to proceed without delay. Many smaller gifts came in. Within a remarkably short time, the building was completed.
May not we hope to have here in Washington some experiences similar to those we had in Australia, and to receive the same blessings that we received there? May God help us to do what we can in this place. May he give us hearts willing to make sacrifices. O, I am thankful, so thankful, that the work which for nearly twenty years I have hoped would be done at the nation’s capital, has now been begun! As we plan and labor, let us do a great deal more praying than talking. If we lean heavily upon the Mighty One, and live on the plan of addition, the heavenly graces will be multiplied unto us, and we shall see of the salvation of God.
Sometimes I hardly know how to express my gratitude to God because the work in this place has actually begun. We are to remember that we can now see simply the alpha; we desire to see the omega. Having begun, let us not cease our efforts before completing the work. Christ declares, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” He has been with us at the beginning;and he will round out all the work we shall do, if by faith we continue to walk in the way in which he leads.
Let us talk faith, and not unbelief; let us praise God, and go forward. The Lord is good, and greatly to be praised. At every step let us praise him from whom all blessings flow.—Mrs. E. G. White in Review and Herald, May 26, 1904.

SECOND TO NO OTHER WORK

The work in Washington should be made second to no other work. I am strongly impressed that we should put to active use in this city, the very best talent we can obtain. A good work has been begun by the meetings that have been held there. And at this point, to call away Brethren , , _____, and others, and to distribute this talent among the various states, leaving men of less ability to carry on the important work in Washington would seem to me to be poor economy. I can not see the interest that has been awakened in that city left unprovided for, without entering my protest. Furnish strong men for Washington, where a strong work is to be done.
I may not fully understand all the circumstances in this case, but I know that to call away ministers from a new field, leaving the work there improperly provided for, is not in harmony with the light I have received. This has been done too often.
Our ministers should devote much more time than they do to working in new fields, that plants may be established in many places. Let those who have access to God through Jesus Christ enlarge their labors, and plant the truth in new fields. Life eternal, the priceless gift of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, is for those who will go forth in the name of Jesus, teaching all nations whatsoever He has commanded. “Lo, I am with you alway,” is His promise to all who engage in this work. Christ calls for the exercise of every talent that can be utilized in reaching the outposts. All should be set at work.— E. G. White Letter 55, 1904.

AMONG HIGHWAY HEARERS

I see a work to be done in Washington and Takoma Park. I see there a class of people who have ears to hear, and who stand among the highway hearers.--E. G. White Letter 161, 1904.Dear Brother:

MOST EARNEST EFFORTS NOT TOO GREAT

Do not be worried or troubled because an extraordinary effort is being made in Washington. We must obey the directions given by the Lord. If we had not taken up the work as we have, others would have occupied the field. If you could know all, you would realize that we have not come to Washington any too soon, and that our most earnest efforts are none too great.
The Lord calls upon His workmen to open new fields. I find in Takoma Park, where our buildings are to be located, a large settlement, made up of people who live here and work in Washington. There is no saloon in the town. Not one of the members of the Town Council drinks liquor, smokes or chews tobacco, or uses profane language. This place must now be worked.
The situation here fills me with hope and courage. We know that the Lord desires us to go forward as speedily as possible with the work before us.-- E. G. White Letter 155, 1904.

SURROUNDING COUNTRY TO BE WORKED

It seems as if Takoma Park had been specially prepared for us, and that it has been waiting to be occupied by our institutions and their workers.
My hopes for this place are high. The country for miles and miles around Washington is to be worked from here. I am so thankful that our work is to be established in this place. Were Christ upon the ground, He would say: “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” We have a work to do in leading precious souls onward step by step. Many will have to be taught line upon line, precept upon precept. The truth of God will be applied, by the Spirit’s power, to the heart and conscience. We must present the truth in love and faith and hope and courage.— E. G. White Letter 153, 1904.

MEMORIALS FOR GOD

For many years there was nothing in the city of Washington to represent our faith but a small meeting house. During the past two years another meeting house has been bought and paid for. This building has been re-dedicated since we came to Washington. It stands in this important city as a representation of another world than this,—the kingdom of heaven; of other laws than the world honors and obeys; of enjoyment and power of a higher order than men possess; of a faith of which Christ is the Alpha and the Omega.
I thank God that we have this commodious meeting house in Washington. It is a memorial of God’s truth, a sign that He has a people who keep His law, acknowledging Him as the supreme Ruler.
How important it is that we should reveal in our lives and in our work the self-sacrificing spirit of Christ. Not one thread of selfishness is to be drawn into the web. We are to wear the yoke of Christ, ever showing a readiness to deny self, living a life which in its purity and holiness stands out in vivid contrast to the selfishness of the world.
God’s law is eternal, unchangeable, immutable. It is an expression of His high authority. Upon us rests the responsibility of obeying the word of the highest Potentate in heaven. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” He declares; “for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever.” Human beings are to bring themselves into entire conformity to God’s holy law. The cross of Calvary is to be to them a perpetual memorial of the nobler world. By faith they are to see Him who is invisible. They have enlisted in Christ’s army, and they are to come out from the world, and be separate, loving not the world, neither the things of the world. They are to set their affections on things above. They are to represent Christ in character. This is the special charge that has been given them. They are to live in this world as men and women waiting only for that perfection of character which will enable them fully to represent the Saviour. How important, then, that they

MEMORIALS FOR GOD—Continued

should stand out in bold relief from the world, beseeching men to be reconciled to God.—E. G. White Letter 247, 1904.

NOT WITH OUTWARD DISPLAY

Washington and the other cities of the South are to hear the message of warning. I am also instructed to say that outward display is not to be allowed to absorb the means that should be used in bearing the message of salvation to a needy, sinful world. From town to town, from city to city, from country to country, the warning is to be proclaimed, not with outward display, but in the power of the Spirit, by men of faith.--E. G. White Letter 107,1905.

THE KIND OF WORK NEEDED

Washington and Baltimore are very close together, and in both of these places a decided interest is to be aroused. You should now be putting forth earnest efforts in Washington.
Regarding your classes, the very best education you can give those who have a desire to work is to teach them to practise what they have been taught. Those who will spend much time in prayer, and will humbly take counsel, will increase in a knowledge of how to work. Those who are willing to be learners will have opportunity to gain increased knowledge, while gaining success in active service. It is time for earnest work to be done throughout the field by those who desire to become missionaries.
While Elder_, Elder, and Elder_, with other of our ministers, are doing their part in Washington, our people east and west, north and south, should be preaching the word on the same lines.
Let the youth from our schools go forth into the harvest field to do service for the Lord, praying as they go, “Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands” and our hearts “establish thou it.”
Let those who have been trained for service now take their places quickly in the Lord’s work. House-to-house laborers are needed. The Lord calls for decided efforts to be put forth in places where the people know nothing of the truth. Singing and prayer and Bible-readings are needed in the homes of the people. Now, just now, is the time to obey the commission, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. “It is written” is to be their weapon of defence. God has given us light on His word that we maygive it to our fellow men. The truth spoken by Christ will reach hearts. A “Thus saith the Lord” will fall upon the ear with power, and fruit will appear wherever honest service is done.
The Lord calls for action. The Sabbath question is being agitated in Washington, and while minds are stirred, there is an opportunity for our people everywhere to sow the seeds of truth. Should we neglect to take advantage of this time, we should miss a great opportunity for letting light from God’s word shine forth. The trumpet is to give a certain sound.
Say to the people: Know yourselves of the doctrine. Let not your lips utter a sentence of doubt. Do not come before the people with an uncertain sound. Know what is truth, and proclaim truth. Christ’s teaching was always positive in its nature. Never, never utter sentiments of doubt. Bear with a certain voice an affirmative message. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. There is power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ.
Christ’s divinity is to be steadfastly maintained. When the Saviour asked His disciples the question, “Whom say ye that I am,” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Said Christ, “Upon this rock,” not on Peter, but on the Son of God, “will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Great is the mystery of godliness. There are mysteries in the life of Christ that are to be believed, even though they can not be explained. The finite mind can not fathom the mystery of godliness.
Christ is to be preached, not controversially, but affirmatively. Take your stand without controversy. Let not your words at any time be uncertain. The word of the living God is to be the foundation of our faith. Gather up the strongest affirmative statements regarding the atonement made by Christ for the sins of the world. Show the necessity for this atonement, and tell men and women that they may be saved if they will repent and return to their loyalty to God’s law. Gather all the affirmatives and proofs that make the gospel the glad tidings of salvation to all who receive and believe on Christ as a personal Saviour.—E. G. White Letter 65, 1905. (Written Feb. 13, 1905)

PRESS TO THE FRONT IN WASHINGTON

“Now is our time to press to the front in Washington. A decided testimony must be borne to the people in the national capital, and this work must not rest upon a few.
“A most important work is to be done in Washington, and I inquire whether you do not need the help of those who in years past have stood prominently for religious liberty.”
“As we work with all our might, our trust must be in God. Sooner or later Sunday laws will be passed. But there is much for God’s servants to do to warn the people. This work has been greatly retarded by their having to wait and stand against the devisings of Satan, which have been striving to find a place in our work. We are years behind.
“God’s law is to be vindicated, by the obedience of heart and mind, and by strong arguments.
For a long time I have carried a heavy burden regarding the work to be done in Washington. Not one in a thousand of the people there knows what the Bible says about the Sabbath. The instruction given me is that the ten commandments should be printed in plain letters in a prominent place in the Review. Had these commandments been obeyed, the wickedness now seen in our world would never have existed.
“The time has come when the liberty of the church of Christ is endangered. Let it be a time also when true missionary work shall be done, in public ministry and in house-to-house labor. The oppression of Christ’s church would apparently be a great victory for the side of transgressors of the Sabbath, and would cause rejoicing among evil-doers. But nothing should discourage us. God has victory for his people. Let sanctified ability be brought into the work of proclaiming the truth for this time. If the forces of the enemy gain the victory now, it will be because the churches have neglected their God-given work.
“When all our ministers and physicians come into line, taking their standunder the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, we shall see an army of men and women going forth to work for Christ, speaking the word with holy boldness and power.
“Remind our people often of the work that may be done by the sale of our books and the distribution of tracts. Encourage them to sell the periodicals containing the message for this time. Our large books can be sold in Washington and other cities in the East, if the canvassers will take up the work courageously.
“Instruction has been given me that the important books containing the light that God has given regarding Satan’s apostasy in heaven should be given a wide circulation just now; for through them the truth will reach many minds. ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ ‘Daniel and the Revelation,’ and ‘Great Controversy’ are needed now as never before. They should be widely circulated because the truths they emphasize will open many blind eyes.”
When ‘Patriarchs and Prophets’ was first issued, it was neglected for a book easy to sell and more profitable to the publishers. Many of our people have been blind to the importance of the very books that were most needed. Had tact and skill then been shown in the sale of these books, the Sunday-law movement would not be where it is today.
“I am glad that the Lord has at Washington able men, who can treat this Sunday movement as it should be treated. Let every minister, every evangelist, now put on the whole armor of God and work and watch and pray. Our church-members also should humble their hearts before God, and cry aloud and spare not. O that the Lord would imbue the members of his church with a sense of the importance of the responsibility of being laborers together with him!”—Extracts from a communication from Sister White under date of Jan. 16, 1905, to some of our workers in Washington. Quoted in Review and Herald, Feb. 16, 1905.

OUR LITERATURE IN WASHINGTON

I have a message to bear to our people. For weeks I have not been able to sleep for more than a few hours each night. I am thinking, praying, and planning for the work in Washington. Shall the work at the capital of our nation be hindered for lack of funds? Shall the number of laborers be limited to a very few, when many should be improving the present opportunity to call the attention of the people to the truth for this time? I pray that those of our people who have means to spare will at this time place it in the Lord’s treasury, that his purpose for the advancement of his cause may be carried out. This is the Lord’s opportune time for the working of Washington and the surrounding suburbs.
Night after night I am standing before the people, bearing a very positive testimony, and pleading with them to be wide-awake, and to take up the work of circulating our literature. I have seen men and women agitated in regard to present truth, and in need of some one to lead them into clearer light. Night after night I am urging our people to awake from their spiritual slumber, and do their utmost to help in this great crisis in the work in Washington.
God is looking down from his throne, and is sending his angels to this earth to co-operate with those who are teaching the truth. Read the record of the experience of Philip and the eunuch. . . .
Today, as then, angels of heaven are waiting to lead men to their fellow men. An angel showed Philip where to find this man, who was so ready to receive the truth, and today angels of God will guide and direct the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts.
There is no place in America of greater importance than Washington. The recent developments in that place show that our brethren moved there none too soon. Angels of heaven directed their course in planting the standard of truthin Washington. Men of influence are being aroused to study the truth for this time. No opportunity should be left unimproved to establish the work firmly in this important place. And our efforts are not to stop there. In many cities the truth has not yet been proclaimed. Workers are to come to the front; men and women who are wise in reaching human minds are to be set at work in every place where there is an opening. Every one who is interested is to be judiciously labored for. The men in high places are to hear the message of truth. Angels of heaven will unite with the Lord’s appointed ministers and medical missionaries, aiding them to exert on the minds of the people an influence in favor of the truth.
Philadelphia and other important places should be worked. Evangelists should be finding their way into all the places where the minds of men are agitated over the question of Sunday legislation and of the teaching of religion in the public schools. It is the neglect of Seventh-day Adventists to improve these providential opportunities to present the truth that burdens my heart, and keeps me awake night after night.—Mrs. E. G. White in Review and Herald, April 20, 1905.
Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal., March 4, 1907
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