OUR HIGH CALLING by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · April 1, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 14

OUR HIGH CALLING.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

When we consider the importance and sacredness of God’s work, and the imperfection of the human instrumentalities he has used, and is using, to carry it forward, the words of the poet seem peculiarly appropriate,—

“Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!”

The influence of this world, its wealth, customs, and popularity, are all arrayed in deadly conflict against the truth of God; still its victorious march is seen in the case of the humble, confiding child of God, whose life is devoted to the accomplishment of the work of God upon the earth. Those who so devotedly believe the truth that they can waive personal interests, and sacrifice their ease, comfort, and pleasure for its advancement, are partakers of the Divine nature, and are uniting their interests with a cause which will finally triumph and bear off an eternal victory. It is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.”

The tract and missionary societies have thus far been efficient in accomplishing the objects set before them; but their future success depends upon a close union with God on the part of the workers. Nothing short of a daily experience in divine things will avail for us in the perilous times upon which we have fallen. It will require constant thought and much meditation and prayer to enable us to partake of the Divine nature, and ripen for the kingdom of God. Putting forth efforts under difficulties gives an experience which can be attained in no other way.

The special call for colporters opens a new field of labor, and will test the hold which many have on God, and the amount of real love for souls which they possess. If missionary workers do no more than to call on families, have a social chat with them, and give away a few tracts, but little will be accomplished. To bring men and women to a saving knowledge of the truth is the object of our labor, and this object should constantly be kept before the mind. The mechanic goes to his work at a stated hour, and returns to his home at an appointed time daily; but not so with the colporter or minister who is actively engaged in the service of his Master. Time and talents are consecrated to Him who has called him to this field of labor; and he remembers that a faithful record is kept in Heaven of every misspent hour.

A thorough conversion of head, heart, person, and substance is needed. There should not only be a willingness, but a desire, to economize and sacrifice for the privilege of laboring for the Master. Christ, whose servants we are, had not where to lay his head. He came to earth to exemplify the missionary spirit; he suffered contumely and reproach that he might see souls saved in the kingdom of God. Are we better than he? A few short years of labor and toil, then an eternal weight of glory. Who would not strive for it?

The apostle Paul presents, as an evidence of our joint-heirship with Christ, the fact of our having suffered with him, in the following words: “Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so, be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”