A WORD TO OUR V. M. WORKERS.
By S. N. Haskell
There are some encouraging features in the work of our vigilant societies. 1. It is developing a class of workers in the cause who have hitherto done nothing, because they have felt that there was nothing they could do. 2. I find that in many of our societies, East and West, an earnestness is manifested to learn to write acceptably. In some societies the plan is adopted of writing missionary letters and subjecting them to criticism. They are read by the secretary (the names of the authors being usually omitted), and suggestions for improvement are made by different members of the society. I think the plan a good one, although it should never be made compulsory. 3. Successful societies are increasing. Some have yielded to discouragement at times, because they did not receive responses to their letters; but as they have besought the Lord to direct them in their efforts, their interest has increased. Although many letters are written which are never responded to, this should not be taken as conclusive evidence that the papers are doing no good. The increase of permanent subscribers for the Signs at the rate of 1000 per year, is principally the result of the work of the V. M. societies. Many who receive specimen copies of the paper at once subscribe for it, forwarding $2.00 to the office; they embrace the Sabbath, and become active workers themselves, without having any acquaintance with others of like faith. Others direct letters to the Signs office, which were intended for the individual who sent the paper; while others who become interested are poor writers, or for some other reason they put off writing until they lose the letter containing the address of the writer. We say, therefore, The work is of God. Seek to have the heart imbued with his Holy Spirit, so that what you write will be permeated with it. Love for souls and the work of God should prompt every action, whether speaking, writing letters, or sending papers.2 “Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. . . . The excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else but good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God measures more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which only lives and flourishes where Christ reigns. Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will prevail and gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit or reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation; yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful.”—Testimony No. 16. We would say to all who are engaged in the V. M. work, If you fail in aptness or in method, make up your deficiencies with love. In the closet seek to get your hearts filled with this principle of heavenly origin. The poorest and most illiterate may possess it. The Saviour has a full supply for every seeker; he turns none empty away. It would do no harm if the paper upon which you write should be wet with tears from a broken heart and a full soul. It will take some of your time and means to send the papers and write the letters; but how much better to live plain, denying yourselves of the luxuries of life, than to enjoy the good things of this world and fail of securing the next. “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Heb. 6: 10. “As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 2 Cor. 1: 14. In Heaven you will recognize the souls saved through your efforts prompted by love, and rejoice with them in the enjoyment of the great reward. Laborers in the missionary field, go forward, doubling your efforts; increase your stock of love; make greater sacrifices; and although you may fail to get returns here for the papers weekly mailed and the letters written, angels chronicle every act of love, and faithful returns will be made in the kingdom of glory. S. N. HASKELL.