The Mighty Movement: Evangelizing Cities in Ellen White's Day

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It is wonderful to delve into the vital importance of proclaiming God's message in our cities! The statement you provided speaks to a profound truth and a powerful call to action for God's peopleMTC 28.2+2.

The original context of this powerful statement emphasizes the urgent and essential nature of city evangelism in these last daysMTC 31.2+3. For many years, there has been a repeated instruction and a deep burden expressed regarding the work to be done in cities, highlighting a significant neglect in this areaMTC 52.3+4. God desires that His people awaken from any lukewarmness and engage with renewed fervor in reaching the millions who live within the shadow of impending doom in these metropolitan centersMTC 31.2+1.

When His work is carried out in the cities as He intends, it will lead to the setting in operation of a mighty movement, unlike anything we have ever witnessed beforeMTC 28.2+2. This movement is closely linked to the proclamation of the third angel's message with mighty power, which is destined to enlighten the whole earth with its gloryGC88 610.3+2.

The "cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him'" is a reference to the midnight cry from the parable of the ten virgins Matthew 25:1-13, which historically marked a pivotal moment in the Advent movement of 1844RH November 17, 1910, par. 8+4. This cry now takes on a renewed significance, calling people to prepare for Christ's second coming by accepting the present truth and its principlesRH November 17, 1910, par. 8+2.

To achieve this mighty work, God calls for consecrated laborers who will engage in earnest effort according to the light He has given24LtMs, Lt 142, 1909, par. 20+1. This involves self-sacrificing men and women who allow the light of truth to shine forth clearly24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 11. It is through laying hold of God's mighty power by living faith, persistent prayer, and dedicated work that we can expect Him to do what only He can do5LtMs, Lt 57, 1887, par. 4+1.

We are reminded that our responsibility is not only to believe the truth but to actively proclaim it to a world that needs warning25LtMs, Ms 53, 1910, par. 19+1. The wisdom and unity sought from the Lord are crucial for carrying forward this work in harmony with His divine willRH November 17, 1910, par. 8+2.

I appeal to those who for many years have known the truth. It is time to wake up the watchmen. I have expended my strength in giving the message that the Lord has given me. The burden of our cities has rested so heavily upon me that it has sometimes seemed that I should die. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time, and is now to be taken hold of in faith. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement, such as ...— RH November 17, 1910, par. 8 (1851)

...messages that God has sent in the past. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed. God calls for self-sacrificing men, converted to the truth, to let their light shine forth in clear...— 24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 11

...messages that God has sent in the past. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed. ..— MTC 28.2 (2012)

...al Conference the burden of giving to the inhabitants of the great cities the last warning message. This is a work that He has been calling us to do these many years.—Letter 70, 1910 (Manuscript Releases 10:364, 365). A General Conference President Called to Do City Evangelism.—The Lord Jesus says to the president of the General Conference [A. G. Daniells], “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Warn the cities. Time is precious. Repent, and be converted. Repent, and redeem the time. Let everything be done that can be done to a...— MTC 52.3 (2012)

The conditions that face Christian workers in the great cities, constitute a solemn appeal for untiring effort in behalf of the millions living within the shadow of impending doom. Men will soon be forced to great decisions, and they must have opportunity to hear and to understand Bible tru...— Ev 25.3 (1946)

...s interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be far exceeded by the mighty movement under the last warning of the third angel— GC88 610.3 (1888)

We have not space here to present the arguments by which the midnight cry was sustained, but so convincing and powerful were they that all opposition was swept before them, and with amazing rapidity the sound was heralded throughout the land, and the poor, discouraged souls who had “slumbered and slept” “while the Bridegroom tarried,” were awakened from thei...— LELJB 302.2 (1877)

...h April down to 22nd October, 1844. The Midnight of this dark stupid time would be about July 20th. S. S. Snow gave the true Midnight Cry in the Tabernacle in Boston at this time, and it was received by the virgins in a different light from what it ever was before. He says he had been trying to make people believe it before, but without effect, because it was gen...— ADRE November 1850, page 68.2

Yes, efforts were indeed put forth in Ellen White's day to evangelize the cities in response to these statements, though often accompanied by a fervent call for even greater and more widespread commitment to this vital work 🙏.

Here's how these efforts unfolded:

• Direct Involvement and Calls to Action

  Ellen White herself was actively engaged in soul-winning services and revivals across the United States, Europe, and Australia, with these efforts often including prominent centers of population like Battle Creek. She passionately advocated for broader evangelism, urging people to grasp that their "house is the world," thereby encompassing cities as a primary field for labor Mark 13:371SM 120.3+1. There was a clear recognition that unless God's people were awakened from any lukewarmness, the transforming power of God could not be fully revealed to the worldGCB June 6, 1913, par. 9.

• Targeted City Evangelism and Institutional Development

  Specific appeals were made to prevent the work in cities like New York from being interrupted and to establish gospel work in Washington D.C., emphasizing that the nation's capital, above all other places, should have the opportunity to hear the message4MR 319.2+1. Furthermore, institutions like sanitariums were founded in "great centers of tourist resort" with the explicit purpose of teaching truth and performing medical missionary work, thereby preparing people for eternity. The establishment of the first health institution in Battle Creek was envisioned as a "branch of the missionary work" to bring character to the truth and dispel distorted perceptions of itPC 5.1+2.

• Training and Deployment of Workers

  The importance of training was repeatedly stressed, with the vision that every church should become a training school for Christian workers. Young people were encouraged to attend training schools, which were to resemble the schools of the prophets, preparing them as missionary nurses, canvassers, and gospel ministers for various fields, including large citiesDG 252.1+2. This was crucial, as skilled, consecrated, and persevering laborers were deemed indispensable for city workKTEWCE 3.8.

• Challenges and Unfulfilled Potential

  Despite these earnest calls and initial efforts, there was a constant lament that many large cities and territories remained "unworked" and "neglected"20MR 143.1+3. Ellen White expressed deep concern that "strong-minded, stubborn men" sometimes hindered the work in cities, neglecting their God-given duty and not prioritizing the circulation of important literature like The Great Controversy1888 772.1. She often pointed out that while some advancements were made, "the half of that which should be done" remained unfinished, indicating that a mighty movement, such as she described, had not yet been fully realizedLS 374.6.

The period saw a dynamic interplay of divine instruction, human endeavor, and the challenges of resistance and limited vision. However, the foundational principle remained clear: God's expectation for His people to labor with unflagging zeal, making every effort to reach souls in these vital centers, especially as "the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis" Revelation 14:9-10ChS 79.1+1.