Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

East and the West 143self-sacrificing help enough to fill half the places where the people areall ready to hear the truth, and many to receive it.New fields of labor, entirely new, must be visited; many will have togo a warfare at their own charges, enter such fields with the expectationof bearing their own expenses. Here, I saw, is a good opportunityfor the stewards of the Lord to act their part and support those whocarry the truth to these places. It should be a great privilege for these [148]stewards to render to God that which belongs to Him. By so doingthey will discharge a Scriptural duty and free themselves of a portionof their earthly treasure, which is now a burden to many who have anabundance. It will also add to their treasure in heaven.I saw that the Eastern tent should not be carried over and over thesame ground. If need be, those who accompany the tent should go awarfare at their own charges; they should pitch the tent where the truthhas not been presented, and the tent when thus pitched should be wellsupplied with laborers.I saw that there had been a failure in going over the same oldground, year after year, with almost exactly the same gifts. If possible,the most acceptable gifts should be obtained. It would be better,and accomplish more good, if there were fewer tent meetings, and astronger force, or company, with different gifts to labor. Then thereshould be a longer tarry in a place where an interest is awakened.There has been too much haste in taking down the tent. Some begin tobe favorably impressed, and there is need that persevering efforts beput forth till their minds become settled and they commit themselveson the truth. In many places where the tent has been pitched, theministers stay till the prejudice begins to wear away, and some wouldthen listen with minds free from prejudice; but just then the tent istaken down and sent on its way to another place. The rounds are goneover, time and means spent, and the servants of God can see but verylittle accomplished through the tent season. But few are brought toacknowledge the truth, and God’s servants, having seen but very littleto cheer and encourage them, and call out the gift within them, loseinstead of gaining in strength, spirituality, and power.I saw that special efforts should be made in the West with tents; forthe angels of God are preparing minds there to receive the truth. This [149]is why God has moved on some in the East to move to the West. Theirgifts can accomplish more in the West than in the East. The burden