[Note.—While full recognition is given to the indispensable aid of laymen in all evangelistic activity (see pp. 110-115), it is clear that the inhabitants of the rural areas will hear the warning message only as regular workers and laymen unite in heralding the gospel. Thus in this volume devoted solely to counsel to the evangelistic worker, in presenting the picture of evangelism in the rural areas, statements appear calling the laymen to the work in the less densely populated areas.—Compilers.]
(Ev 48)
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Beginners enter unworked fields—We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. We have before us a great work,—the closing work of giving the last warning message to a sinful world. There are men who will be taken from the plow, from the vineyard, from various other branches of work, and sent forth by the lord to give this message to the world.
(Ev 48.1)
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The world is out of joint. As we look at the picture, the outlook seems discouraging. But Christ greets with hopeful assurance the very men and women who cause us discouragement. In them He sees qualifications that will enable them to take a place in His vineyard. If they will constantly be learners, through His providence He will make them men and women fitted to do a work that is not beyond their capabilities; through the impartation of the Holy Spirit, He will give them power of utterance.
(Ev 48.2)
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Many of the barren, unworked fields must be entered by beginners. The brightness of the Saviour’s view of the world will inspire confidence in many workers, who, if they begin in humility, and put their hearts into the work, will be found to be the right men for the time and place. Christ sees all the misery and despair of the world, the sight of which would bow down some of our workers of large capabilities with a weight of discouragement so great that they would not know how even to begin the work of leading men and women to the first round of the ladder. Their precise methods are of little value. They would stand above the lower rounds of the ladder, saying, “Come up where we are.” But the poor souls do not know where to put their feet.
(Ev 48.3)
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