MISSIONARY EFFORT by Maria L. Huntley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 13, 1880

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 20

MISSIONARY EFFORT.

By Maria L. Huntley

BY MARIA L. HUNTLEY.

The magnitude and importance of any enterprise or work is in proportion to that of the object which it has in view. From this standpoint the missionary work takes a very prominent position. The Son of God came to this earth a missionary in the fullest and noblest sense. The object which led him to take upon himself the humiliation and suffering which this involved was the redemption of the human family. He came to give life and joy to the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, to make them members of the royal family; and this is the primary object of all missionary effort. Whatever, therefore, helps to secure this object, even if it be but the silent prayers and tears of those unable to do or give more, is a part of this great work. The field is broad and extensive; for everywhere, in many ways, by many means, much remains to be done; and while commendable efforts are made in some directions, it is well to consider lest other parts of the work be neglected.

As it presents itself to us, the missionary enterprise seems to open in three directions: 1. Placing the truth

before those not acquainted with it, by means of our publications; 2. The encouragement and help of persons with whom we are more intimately connected, and who may be less fortunate in some respects than ourselves; and, 3. To aid in the support of our various institutions.

The objects of the tract and missionary society, as given in the Constitution, are as follows: 1. “The proper distribution of our tracts, pamphlets, and periodicals, and the placing of them and our bound books on board ships and in public libraries. 2. To obtain subscribers for our periodicals; to collect dues and renew subscriptions; and to pay subscriptions for the worthy poor. 3. To visit and labor (by correspondence or otherwise) for the encouragement and help of the scattered ones of like precious faith, for those who are falling back because of discouragements; and to interest all within our reach in the great truths connected with the last message of mercy to the world. 4. To find homes for those who may be destitute and needy for the truth’s sake. 5. To bring about among our people uniform liberality in the payment of systematic benevolence as indicated in the Bible plan; to secure a liberal support for the tract and missionary work; also to encourage equality in the taking of stock in our several denominational institutions, and in donations to other benevolent enterprises which may arise for the advancement of the work.”

The work of sending out the Signs of the Times and other periodicals cannot be too highly recommended; but it would be a great mistake and misfortune to the society should its members entertain the idea that this is the alpha and omega of missionary labor. While it is proper and right that great interest should be felt and manifested for all, those with whom we associate, of whose circumstances we have some knowledge, and who have to a greater or less extent manifested sincerity and purity of purpose, have a far greater claim upon us than others. And is there not danger that some of Christ’s “little ones,” who need sympathy and help, may be neglected in our efforts to interest strangers? “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me,” would be heart-rending words should they be addressed to us by our Lord in the day of final reckoning.

It is not wise in us to let the weeds choke the tender plants springing up around our homes, while we sow seeds upon foreign soil; or to let enemies lurk in our strongholds, while we extend our conquests abroad. The commission was, “Go ye and teach all nations;” but we hear a voice from the Apocalypse which says, “Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” It is to cheer the sad, comfort the afflicted, impart hope to the desponding, instruct the ignorant, guide the wayward, correct the erring, that laborers are wanted everywhere. Happy is the person who can adapt himself to the this work, and who has the disposition to do so.

All have a part to act; and when at last we meet the record of our lives, it will be only the acts of disinterested benevolence, of self-denial for the good of others, that will shine with untold luster. All else will fade from view, or rise up in condemnation against us. Those who have been down, as it were, to death’s door, and there taken a retrospect of their past lives, may have some faint idea of the reality of these things, and the vanity of worldly objects; but they cannot be portrayed by human language.