The Message to Go. --While in New York in the winter of 1901, I received light in regard to the work in that great city. Night after night the course that our brethren should pursue passed before me. In Greater New York the message is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. God will raise up labourers for this work, and His angels will go before them. Though our large cities are fast reaching a condition similar to the condition of the world before the Flood, though they are as Sodom for wickedness, yet there are in them many honest souls, who, as they listen to the startling truths of the advent message, will feel the conviction of the Spirit. New York is ready to be worked. In that great city the message of truth will be given with the power of God. The Lord calls for workmen. He calls upon those who have gained an experience in the cause to take up and carry forward in His fear the work to be done in New York and in other large cities of America. He calls also for means to be used in this work.-- Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 54, 55. (1902)
New York--A Symbol of Work in the World. -- Those who bear the burden of the work in Greater New York should have the help of the best workers that can be secured. Here let a centre for God's work
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be made, and let all that is done be a symbol of the work the Lord desires to see done in the world. . . .
In Greater New York, the Lord has many precious souls who have not bowed the knee to Baal; and there are those who through ignorance have walked in the ways of error. On these the light of truth is to shine, that they may see Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
We are to present the truth in the love of Christ. No extravagance or display should attend the work. It is to be done after Christ's order. It is to be carried forward in humility, in the simplicity of the gospel. Let not the workers be intimidated by outward appearances, however forbidding. Teach the Word, and the Lord by His Holy Spirit will send conviction to the hearers.-- Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 38. (1902)
Working After God's Order. --Our manner of working must be after God's order. The work that is done for God in our large cities must not be according to man's devising. . . .
In our work we are to remember the way in which Christ worked. He made the world. He made man. Then He came in person to the world to show its inhabitants how to live sinless lives.
Brother _____, the Lord has given you an opening in New York City, and your mission work there is to be an example of what mission work in other cities should be. You are to show how the work should be carried forward, sowing the seed, and then gathering the harvest. There are those who can unite with you in your labour, engaging in the work understandingly, and in full sympathy with you. . . .
Your work in New York has been started in right lines. You are to make in New York a centre for missionary effort, from which work can be carried forward
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successfully. The Lord desires this centre to be a training school for workers, and nothing is to be allowed to interrupt the work. After the people have embraced the truth and taken their stand, then the Lord will prepare them to be educated for the full reception of Bible truth. You must select as helpers men who can carry the work forward solidly and thoroughly, labouring for the conversion of the whole being, body, soul, and spirit. A solid foundation, laid upon gospel plans, must be laid for the building up of the church.-- Letter 150, 1901.
Medical Missionary and School Needs of the Great Metropolis. --We need a sanitarium and a school in the vicinity of New York City, and the longer the delay in the securing of these, the more difficult it will become.
It would be well to secure a place as a home for our mission workers outside the city. It is of great importance that they have the advantages of pure water, free from all contamination. For this reason, it is often well to consider the advantages of locations among the hills. And there should be some land, where fruit and vegetables might be raised for the benefit of the workers. Let it be a mission in as healthful a place as possible, and let there be connected with it a small sanitarium. A place in the city should also be secured where simple treatments might be administered.
Such a home would be a welcome retreat for our workers, where they may be away from the bustle and confusion of the city. The exercise called for in climbing hills is often a great benefit to our ministers, physicians, or other workers who are in danger of failing to take sufficient exercise. Let such homes be secured in the neighbourhood of
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several cities, and earnest, determined efforts be put forth by capable men to give in these cities the warning message that is to go to all the world. We have only touched, as it were, a few of the cities.-- Medical Ministry, p. 308. (1909)
The Best Help. --To start medical missionary work in New York will be the best thing that you can do. I have been shown that if in this work there could be men and women of experience, who would give a correct representation of true medical missionary work, it would have great power in making a correct impression on the people.-- Letter 195, 1901.
Cosmopolitan Medical Evangelism. --In New York there are many who are ripe for the harvest. In this great city there are thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. The angel said, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." New York contains a part of the "all people." We desire to see the new year open with teachers at work in all parts of New York. There is a work to be done in this city. . . . In our large cities the medical missionary work must go hand in hand with the gospel ministry. It will open doors for the entrance of truth.-- Manuscript 117, 1901.
Startling Notices Detrimental. --Some time ago Elder _____ got out some very startling notices regarding the destruction of New York. I wrote immediately to the ones in charge of the work there, saying that it was not wise to publish such notices, that thus an excitement might be aroused which would result in a fanatical movement, hurting the cause of God. It is enough to present the truth of the Word of God to the people. Startling notices are detrimental to the progress of His work. . . .
I have sent cautions to the brethren working in
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New York, saying that these flaming, terrifying notices should not be published. When my brethren go to extremes, it reacts on me, and I have to bear the reproach of being called a false prophet.
Think you that if I had said that New York would be destroyed by a tidal wave, I should have urged the purchase of property only sixty miles away from this city, as a sanitarium site, and a place from which New York could be worked?-- Letter 176, 1903.
Plans to Reach Businessmen. --You should feel a decided responsibility for the working of New York City. The men in the business houses of New York and other large cities, as verily as the heathen in foreign lands, must be reached with the message.-- Letter 168, 1909.
Halls and Church Building Problems. --Go to New York City. Look the ground over carefully, and see whether it is advisable to purchase the hall and the land on which it stands. Perhaps the land could be leased for a term of years. I have been instructed that some such methods will have to be followed in the work in the large cities. If, after careful consideration, you decide that it is best to purchase the hall, we shall do all in our power to raise the money. But it is best to move understandingly. Pray, pray, pray, for if possible Satan will close the doors which have opened for the entrance of truth. The Lord desires a centre for the truth to be established in the great, wicked city of New York. . . .
I ask you to investigate the work in New York, and lay plans for establishing a memorial for God in this city. It is to be a centre for missionary effort, and in it a sanitarium is to be established. . . . A determined effort must be made to unify our churches in New York and the surrounding cities. This can be done,
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and it must be done if aggressive warfare in New York is successfully carried forward.-- Letter 154, 1901.
Results to Follow Proper Effort. --God wants the work to go forward in New York. There ought to be thousands of Sabbathkeepers in that place, and there would be if the work were carried on as it should be. But prejudices spring up. Men want the work to go in their lines, and they refuse to accept broader plans from others. Thus opportunities are lost. In New York there should be several small companies established, and workers should be sent out. It does not follow that because a man is not ordained as a preacher he cannot work for God. Let such ones as these be taught how to work, then let them go out to labour. On returning, let them tell what they have done. Let them praise the Lord for His blessing, and then go out again. Encourage them. A few words of encouragement will be an inspiration to them.-- Life Sketches, p. 385. (1915)
Boston and New England
Unworked Cities of New England. --My mind has been burdened in behalf of the large cities of the East. Besides New York City, where you laboured last summer, there is the important city of Boston, near which is situated the Melrose Sanitarium. And I know of no place where there is a greater need for a rebuilding of the first works than in Boston and in Portland, Maine, where the first messages were given in power, but where now there is but a little handful of our people.-- Letter 4, 1910.
To Be Worked Without Delay. --If in the city of Boston and other cities of the East, you and your wife
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will unite in medical evangelistic work, your usefulness will increase, and there will open before you clear views of duty. In these cities the message of the first angel went with great power in 1842 and 1843, and now the time has come when the message of the third angel is to be proclaimed extensively in the East. There is a grand work before our Eastern sanitariums. The message is to go with power as the work closes up. Portland, Maine, a city that has been foremost in temperance reform, is to be worked without delay.-- Letter 20, 1910.
There are towns in Maine, like Brunswick and Bangor, that must be worked faithfully. All through the cities and towns of the East, the truth is to shine forth as a lamp that burneth.-- Letter 28, 1910.
Importance of the Near-by Sanitarium. --The buildings and grounds at Melrose are of a character to recommend our medical missionary work, which is to be carried forward not only in Boston, but in many other unworked cities in New England. The Melrose property is such that conveniences can be provided that will draw to that sanitarium persons not of our faith. The aristocratic as well as the common people will visit that institution to avail themselves of the advantages offered for restoration of health.
Boston has been pointed out to me repeatedly as a place that must be faithfully worked. The light must shine in the outskirts and in the inmost parts. The Melrose sanitarium is one of the greatest agencies that can be employed to reach Boston with the truth. The city and its suburbs must hear the last message of mercy to be given to our world. Tent meetings must be held in many places. The workers must put to the very best use the abilities God has given them. The gifts of grace will increase by wise use. But there
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must be no self-exaltation. No precise lines are to be laid down. Let the Holy Spirit direct the workers. They are to keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. The work for this great city will be signalized by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, if all will walk humbly with God. . . .
We hope that those in charge of the work in New England will co-operate with the Melrose sanitarium managers in taking aggressive steps to do the work that should be done in Boston. A hundred workers could be labouring to advantage in different portions of the city, in varied lines of service. . . .
The medical missionary work is a door through which the truth is to find entrance to many homes in the cities. In every city will be found those who will appreciate the truths of the third angel's message. . . .
The Lord will work with power, as we strive to do our part faithfully. He will cause Boston to hear the message of present truth. Co-operate with Him in bringing this about, my brother, my sister, and He will help you, strengthen you, and encourage your hearts through the salvation of many precious souls. -- Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 13, pp. 12-16. (1906)
Boston's Thousands Craving for Simple Truths. -- I feel a deep anxiety that Boston shall hear the Word of the Lord and the reasons of our faith. Ask the Lord to raise up labourers to enter the field. Ask Him to raise up labourers who can gain access to the people of Boston. The message must be sounding forth. There are thousands in Boston craving for the simple truth as it is in Jesus. Cannot you who minister in word and doctrine prepare the way for this truth to reach souls?-- Letter 25, 1905.
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If We Move Out by Faith. --It was in the plan of God that the Melrose sanitarium should come into the hands of our people, as a means of reaching the higher classes. The city of Boston and the surrounding country should be thoroughly worked. I am instructed to say to Elder _____ and Elder _____ that they should connect with them men and women who can help them sound the note of warning. With the sanitarium should be connected the best help possible to give a religious mould to the institution.
Let Elder _____ secure the best help he can, and pitch a tent in the vicinity of the city of Boston, and speak to the people as the Lord gives utterance. There should be no delay in taking up this work. Elder _____ might strengthen the effort by labouring for the Jewish people. Physicians might help much by giving health talks in connection with the meetings. . . .
The Lord is calling for a work to be done in the city of Boston. If you will move out by faith in this work, God will greatly bless you. There need be no great outward demonstration, but work quietly and earnestly. The Lord will help His humble, earnest workers. Make determined efforts. Say continually, "I will not fail nor be discouraged."-- Letter 202, 1906.
God Will Lead in Establishing Institutions. --Do not worry, my sister. The Lord is acquainted with your situation. Nothing escapes His notice. He will hear your prayers; for He is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. Put your trust in Him, and He will certainly bring relief, in His own way. I am very thankful for what I hear of the blessing that has attended the work in New Bedford. Let us trust in God, and let our faith take hold of Him most earnestly.
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If Brother _____ does not feel free to give his means to establish a sanitarium at this time, it is best not to urge him. The ideas that we think are good may not always be the best. Let the Lord's way be established.
Oh, how I long to see the work going with power in New Bedford and Fairhaven, and in many other places just as greatly in need of the truth as these places. We hope that sometime a sanitarium may be established in New Bedford. Medical missionary workers are needed in such cities. But, dear sister, it requires talent of no ordinary ability to manage a sanitarium. Men of experience, tried and tested, must take hold of the work. That part of the workers who undertake to establish such an institution are experienced and qualified, is not sufficient. For their own sake, for the sake of the institution, and for the sake of the cause at large, it is important that a complete corps of well-qualified men and women be found to enter upon the work. The Lord's eye is over the whole field, and when the time is ripe for an institution to be started in a certain field, He can turn toward that place the minds of the men and women best prepared to enter the institution.
There are many lines of work to be carried forward. There is an opening for well-trained nurses to go among families, and awaken in households an interest in the truth. There is urgent need of many evangelists and Bible workers in such cities as Boston and New Bedford. Such workers would find many opportunities to sow the good seed. There is work for every energetic, thorough, earnest worker. The teaching of Christ, the simple truths taught by His parables, are just as much needed today as they were when He was in the world in person.-- Letter 29, 1905.
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Repeat the Message in the Eastern Cities. --What is being done in the Eastern cities where the advent message was first proclaimed? The cities of the West have had advantages, but who in the East have been burdened to take up the work of going over the ground that in the early days of the message was baptized with the truth of the Lord's soon coming? The light has been given that the truth should go again to the Eastern States where we first began our work, and where we had our first experiences. We must make every effort to spread a knowledge of the truth to all who will hear, and there are many who will listen. All through our large cities God has honest souls who are interested in what is truth. There is earnest work to be done in the Eastern States. Repeat the message, repeat the message, were the words spoken to me over and over again. Tell My people to repeat the message in the places where it was first preached, and where church after church took its position for the truth, the power of God witnessing to the message in a remarkable manner.-- Manuscript 29, 1909.
Cities of the East and South
Message to Reach the Cities and Suburbs. --There is New York City, and the populous cities close by; there is Philadelphia and Baltimore and Washington. I need not enumerate all these places; you know where they are. The Lord desires us to proclaim the third angel's message with power in these cities.-- Manuscript 53, 1909.
Philadelphia: Agitation Provides Evangelistic Opportunities. --Philadelphia and other important places should be worked. Evangelists should be finding their way into all the places where the minds of men are
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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.-- Review and Herald, April 20, 1905.
At the National Capital. --I have been writing much in regard to the need of making more decided efforts in Washington, D.C. . . . Washington, the capital of the United States, is the very place from which this truth should shine forth.-- Letter 132, 1903.
Sensible, Rational Methods for Washington. --A strong evangelistic effort must be put forth in the capital of the nation.... 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 labourers 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.
You are where the Lord would have you, Elder _____, and you must not be loaded down with a great many burdens. Washington has been neglected long enough. A decided work must now be done there. The Lord will give strength and grace. The workers must not allow themselves to be diverted from the work by the many things that will be sure to press for attention. This is the reason that I have felt anxious that every talent of the workers in Washington shall be used in a way that will best advance His work.
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Brother _____ 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. . . .
In our work we are not to go onto 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.-- Letter 53, 1904.
Evangelistic Meetings for Washington Area. -- There are places all around Washington in which missionary effort is needed. Right in Washington itself is a small world of unconverted souls, both white and coloured. Who is feeling the burden for them? And there are many other important places yet unwarned. When I see this neglect, I feel sore at heart. I am praying night and day that the burden may be rolled onto the men who are acting as leaders in the work. Let those who are already at work, open the way for others who desire to labour, and who are qualified to take part in missionary effort. . . .
There are important cities needing labour, that are near by Washington--our next-door neighbours, as it were. If our brethren and sisters will do earnest missionary work for all with whom they come in contact,
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new fields of labour right around us will be opened up. The burden to labour for souls will come to many of those settled here, and they will desire to take an active part in the proclamation of the truth.
We plead that those settled in Takoma Park shall become labourers together with God in planting the standard of truth in unworked territories. Let a part of the large donations called for be used to furnish workers in our cities close by Washington. Let faithful house-to-house work be done. Souls are perishing out of the ark of safety. Let the standard of truth be lifted up by the church members in their neighbourhoods. Let ministers pitch their tent, and preach the truth to the people with power, and then move to another vicinity and preach the truth there.-- Letter 94a, 1909.
Proclaiming a Decided Message. --I call upon the believers in Washington to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. Personal labour will be needed in this city and its suburbs. Clear the King's highway. Lift up the standard higher and still higher. There is evangelistic work to be done in Washington and Baltimore and in the many other large cities of the South and the East. Let the work of teaching and healing be combined. Let ministers and medical missionaries put on the whole armour of God and go forth to proclaim the gospel message. A decided message is to be proclaimed in Washington. The trumpet is to be given a certain sound.-- Letter 304, 1908.
Nashville, St. Louis, New Orleans. --Every effort possible should now be made to advance the work of God. Soon circumstances will arise which will make it more difficult than it is now to present the truth to many who are at present within our reach. Most earnest
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efforts should be put forth in Washington, in Boston, in Nashville, St. Louis, New Orleans, and in many other large cities. A comprehensive work will be accomplished when men and women stand in their places, faithfully doing their part. There is a call for hundreds of young men and women to be educated and trained for service.-- Manuscript 21, 1908.
Nashville a Centre. --Nashville has been presented to me as the most favourable centre from which to do a general work for all classes in the Southern States. In and near Nashville there are established institutions of learning which should be respected by our people. Their influence has helped to make it possible for us to carry forward successfully many lines of work from that centre.-- Letter 262, 1903
Memphis and the Southern Cities. --The Lord gave me a message for Brother _____, instructing him to take up the work in Memphis.... He obeyed the word of the Lord, and he has reported excellent success in his work in Memphis.
I am instructed to say to our people throughout the cities of the South, Let everything be done under the direction of the Lord. The work is nearing its close. We are nearer the end than when we first believed.-- Letter 6, 1909.
New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis. --There is a great work to be done, and we have only a little while in which to do it. There are cities in the South--New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis--in which but little has been done, and there are others that have not been entered. In these places the standard of truth is to be uplifted. With might and power we are to carry the truth to the people.-- Manuscript 56, 1904.
Evangelism for New Orleans and Southern Cities. --There is a great work to be done, and we have only
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a little while in which to do it. There are cities in the South--New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis--in which but little has been done; and there are others that have not been entered. In these places the standard of truth must be uplifted. With might and with power we are to carry the truth to the people. . . .
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.
Now that the work in New Orleans is to be more fully entered upon, I am bidden to say, Let men and women who have a knowledge of the truth, and understand the way of the Lord, enter this city to work with wisdom and in the fear of the Lord. The labourers who are chosen for the work in New Orleans should be those who have the good of the cause at heart, men who will keep the glory of God always in view, and who will make the strength of the God of Israel their front guard and their rearward. The Lord will certainly hear and answer the prayers of His workers if they will seek Him for counsel and instruction.
To the workers who enter that field I would say, Exercise faith in God; and in your association with those not of our faith, let the practice of the truth appear in your lives. In presenting the doctrines of your faith, use the persuasive arguments of the Word of God, and let your hearers see that it is your desire not to have controversy with them over their beliefs, but to present to them a "Thus saith the Lord." "It is written," was Christ's forcible appeal on every occasion.
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Preach in your lives the practical godliness of the faith that you believe. Let it be seen that the truth never degrades the receiver, making him rough and coarse, or fretful and impatient. Make apparent to all your patience, your kindness, your long-suffering, gentleness, compassion, and true goodness; for these graces are the expression of the character of the God whom you serve.-- Manuscript 49, 1907.
Workers for the Southland. -Let missionaries work quietly for both white and coloured people in the South. Let them work in a way to help those who most need help, who are surrounded with influences that are misleading. Many of them are under the control of those who will stir up the worst passions of the human heart. The priests and rulers in Christ's day worked most successfully in stirring up the passions of the mob, because they were ignorant, and had placed their trust in man. Thus they were led to denounce and reject Christ and to choose a robber and murderer in His place. The work in the South should be done without noise or parade. Let missionaries who are truly converted, and who feel the burden of the work, seek wisdom from God, and with all the tact they can command, let them go into this field. Medical missionaries can find a field in which to relieve the distress of those who are falling under bodily ailments. They should have means so that they may clothe the naked and feed the hungry. Christian help work will do more than the preaching of sermons. . . . Let the workers be Christlike, that they may by precept and example exert an elevating influence. Let them furnish themselves with the most appropriate, simple lessons from the life of Christ to present to the people. Let them not dwell too much upon doctrinal points, or upon features of our faith that will seem strange
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and new; but let them present the sufferings and the sacrifice of Christ; let them hold up His righteousness and reveal His grace; let them manifest His purity and holiness of character. Workers in the Southern field will need to teach the people line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. -- Review and Herald, Dec. 24, 1895.
Southern City Workers to Receive Encouragement. --The Lord God has been at work. My brethren, instead of criticizing what has been done, save your speech for the great cities that have not yet been worked, such as New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Louis. Go to these places and labour for the people, but do not speak a word of censure regarding those who have tried so hard to do everything in their power for the advancement of the work. Sometimes these workers would be almost discouraged, but we kept praying for them. Wherever I was, I would ask the prayers of God's people in their behalf.-- Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.
Philadelphia, New Orleans, and St. Louis. --You speak of the work which should be done in America, but which is undone. I wish to speak of these neglected fields as they are presented to me. I wish to speak, not merely in behalf of the Southern field, but in behalf of the large cities, whose neglected, unwarned condition is a condemnation to our people, who claim to be missionaries for the Master. . . .
We stand rebuked by God because the large cities right within our sight are unworked and unwarned. A terrible charge of neglect is brought against those who have been long in the work, in this very America, and yet have not entered the large cities. What has been done in Philadelphia, in New Orleans, in St. Louis, and in other cities that I might name? We
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have done none too much for foreign fields, but we have done comparatively nothing for the great cities right beside our own doors.-- Letter 187, 1905.
Cities of the Central States
Needs of Large Cities, Including Detroit. --In New York, Detroit, and many other large cities, little has been done. The cities of the South, though kept before our people in the testimonies of God's Spirit, have been neglected. While I would not stay the hand that is stretched out to labour in far-off countries, I would have our people understand that there is a work to be done in the home field.-- Letter 43, 1903.
Cleveland and Cincinnati. --The Lord has many precious souls in Cleveland, in Cincinnati, and other cities, who should be reached by the special truths for this time.-- Manuscript 19a, 1890.
Warning Chicago From Rural Working Centre. -- For the present, some will be obliged to labour in Chicago; but these should be preparing working centres in rural districts, from which to work the city. The Lord would have His people looking about them, and securing humble, inexpensive places as centres for their work. And from time to time, larger places will come to their notice, which they will be able to secure at a surprisingly low price.-- Medical Ministry, pp. 305, 306. (1906)
A Substantial Work in Denver. --As the matter is laid open before me, I see that there is need of substantial work being done in Denver. In the past many things have worked against the prosperity of the work there, and this unfavourable influence is not yet entirely removed.
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There is a large class of coloured people in Denver. Let special efforts be made for them, both by the white and the coloured members of the church. Let the missionary spirit be awakened. Let earnest work be done for those who know not the truth.-- Letter 84, 1901.
The Western Cities
The Cities of California. --There is work to be done in California,--a work that has been strangely neglected. Let this work be delayed no longer. As doors open for the presentation of truth, let us be ready to enter. Some work has been done in the large city of San Francisco, but as we study the field we see plainly that only a beginning has been made. As soon as possible, well-organized efforts should be put forth in different sections of this city, and also in Oakland. The wickedness of San Francisco is not realized. Our work in this city must broaden and deepen. God sees in it many souls to be saved.-- Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 110. (1902)
Shall we not do all in our power to establish the work in the great cities of San Francisco and Oakland, and in all the other cities of California? Thousands upon thousands who live in the cities close by us need help in various ways. Let the ministers of the gospel realise that the Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples, "Ye are the light of the world."-- Manuscript 79, 1900.
Western Tent Meetings. --Well-equipped tent meetings should be held in the large cities, such as San Francisco; for not long hence these cities will suffer under the judgments of God.[* NOTE: WRITTEN IN 1902.] San Francisco and
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Oakland are becoming as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Lord will visit them in wrath.-- Manuscript 114, 1902.
The Work Will Be Cut Short. --San Francisco has been visited with heavy judgments, but Oakland has been thus far mercifully spared. The time will come when our labour in these places will be cut short, therefore it is important that earnest efforts be put forth now to proclaim to their inhabitants the message of the Lord for them.-- Manuscript 25, 1908.
A Warning to San Francisco Workers. --The work going forward in San Francisco is a good work. But at every step there must be watchfulness and prayer; for many things will come in to confuse and entangle the workers. My brethren, the word has been given me for you, "Watch and pray," Watch lest you stand in the way of the work of God, making an impression that hurts the truth. Adorn your profession by an honest conversation. Cherish the grace of the Holy Spirit, else you will stand as hindrances in the way of the work of God. Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.-- Manuscript 105, 1902.
Bay City Suburbs; Oakland. --My soul is filled with remorse--I cannot word it in any other way--that such places as this [Petaluma] should be passed by. Once in a great while a minister has come to speak to the believers, but no effort has been made to place the truth before the people. Why Petaluma should have been neglected is beyond my comprehension. It is so near San Francisco, and yet it might be as far off as Africa as far as any effort to proclaim the truth in it is concerned.
A work is to be done in and around San Francisco
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and Oakland. The adjacent towns are to be worked. Oh, I see so much the need of our ministers getting the spirit of the loud cry before it is too late to work for the conversion of souls.-- Letter 113, 1902.
Experience With Open-Air Meetings in Resort Towns. --For some months we have been planning to hold grove meetings near St. Helena, Calistoga, and other places in the Napa Valley. The first one was held on Sunday, June 7, in the Hot Springs Park, at Calistoga. The conference lent us some folding chairs. The members of the Calistoga church are anxious to carry the truth to those who have not heard it, and they made thoughtful preparation for the meeting. We were confident that open-air meetings would be the means of reaching some who would not attend a service held in a church. And thus they have proved.
Although the day was oppressively warm, a goodly number were present at the meeting. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking. The people seemed to enjoy the meeting very much, and an appointment was given out that meetings would be held in the same place the following Sabbath and Sunday. Our people gathered early Sunday morning, and spent the day together in the grove. A larger number were present on the second Sunday than on the first.
We expect to continue these open-air meetings. I believe that by them much good will be accomplished. The next one is to be held near St. Helena, if a suitable place can be found.
We desire to do all we can to warn those around us of the soon coming of the Saviour. My heart is drawn out to those who know not the truth for this time.-- Review and Herald, July 14, 1903.
In Southern California. --There is a work to be done in Los Angeles. In Southern California and in
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many other places there are promising opportunities for labour in connection with the health resorts. Our ministers and canvassers should be on the ground, watching their chance to present the message, and holding meetings as they have opportunity. . . .Let them speak the Word of God with clearness and power, that those who have ears to hear, may hear the truth. Speakers should find their places in different localities in southern California to place the gospel of present truth in the way of those who know it not.-- Manuscript 105, 1902.
Los Angeles. --Special light has been given me regarding the character and magnitude of the work to be done in Los Angeles. Several times messages have been given regarding the duty that rests upon us of proclaiming the third angel's message with power in that city.-- Review and Herald, March 2, 1905.
Redlands and Riverside. --There is important work to do in Redlands and in Riverside. The churches in these places are to be added to. Let the work advance. -- Letter 193, 1905.
The Message in Large Western Cities. --It would be a mistake to build or purchase large buildings in the cities of southern California. Those who seem to see such great advantages in so doing are without understanding.
There is a great work to be done in sounding the gospel message for this time in these large cities, but the fitting up of large buildings for some apparently wonderful work has been a mistake. The Lord would have men walk humbly with Him. The message of warning should be sounded in the large, wicked cities. -- Manuscript 30, 1903.