A WORD TO ALL by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 4

A WORD TO ALL.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

Having spoken of canvassing and the work of colporters, we wish now to speak a word to our V. M. societies.

No part of the missionary work is of greater importance than visiting families and praying with them, and in many instances the sisters can accomplish more in this direction than the brethren. When V. M. societies were first organized, this was an important branch of the work performed. At each meeting of the society, it was decided who should be visited by the members before the next meeting, when a report was given, and further steps taken if necessary. Frequently different members would visit the same families, and thus this work was continued some time.

This kind of labor will add very much to the interest of any missionary society, and there are hundreds of villages which might in this manner be canvassed by our sisters this winter. In fact, no individual or church can engage in a work like this without its giving them a burden for souls, and interesting them in the work of God.

HOW SHALL FAMILIES BE APPROACHED?

This question is frequently asked by those who are urged to engage in this work. Not having been accustomed to present the subject of religion to their neighbors, and feeling sure that any advance of this kind will be repulsed, they are anxious to know how to approach them. Upon this point we wish to offer a few thoughts.

1. Great care should be taken not to have it appear that you call on any one for the purpose of introducing to them some doctrine which would be repulsive to them.

2. Make the call appropriate to the occasion and circumstances. In some cases it would be well to take some kind of work, as sewing or knitting.

3. As soon as convenient, give the conversation a religious turn, and introduce such particular points as will be most agreeable. It may be Christ, his character, his death or resurrection. If so, his sufferings, dying with the Father's smiles hid from him, his appearance to Mary before he had ascended to his Father, his subsequent appearance to the disciples, and many other incidents in his life, can be mentioned; and in connection with them, interesting and instructive ideas can be presented, which, though rich in thought, are but little considered by the mass of professed Christians at the present time.

4. To obtain these ideas, carefully read the Bible record of the sufferings and death of Christ, in connection with the Spirit of Prophecy; and take the same course with reference to other points of interest.

5. Take with you the REVIEW, Signs of the Times, Good Health, and where there are children, the Youth's Instructor, with those articles marked which you especially wish them to read.

6. After conversing upon religious subjects, have a season of prayer. Do not be afraid to recommend Christ and the consolations of his grace without presenting doctrinal subjects which would be objectionable to those whom you are visiting.

As you leave, call attention to some article in the paper or the tract which you have with you, one that you think they would like to read, but not the one you have marked, especially if that one treats on some doctrinal subject on which you have not conversed. Marking an article will secure the reading of it, even if nothing is said about it.

The more familiar you become with the life of Christ, and the more carefully you imitate the example he has set, the more easily you can converse upon these subjects, and interest others in them. In a short time you will be surprised to find that some are sufficiently interested to subscribe for one or more of our periodicals, and that others wish to read the Spirit of Prophecy and our other publications. Such labor as this, when properly conducted, will yield nothing but good fruit; but first of all, seek divine aid in the closet.