ANOTHER VIEW by M. E. H.

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 22

ANOTHER VIEW.

By M. E. H.

I HAVE just read the interesting article entitled “Our Messengers,” in the Family Circle Department of the REVIEW of April 8, and while I heartily indorse every word of it, my spirit is strongly moved to say a few words on the other side. I believe that the relations between our little churches and the ministers who come among them should be very close; and my short experience has been, that, as a rule, our ministers find homes and hearts open and anxious to receive them. For months, and in some cases for years, the scattered members of a church have been working alone, and perhaps working hard; and only those who have felt deeply their incompetency and loneliness can understand the feelings with which they welcome the visits of the minister. They have come in from the world and other churches, thankfully receiving the light of the third angel’s message, and strong and happy in the blessing God has sent them. They would gladly throw off all cares of the world, that they might drink more deeply at the fountain of divine wisdom; but the stern duties of life are ever before them, and while brain and muscle are taxed to provide for the wants of those about them, the enemy, ever watchful, sometimes finds them off their guard. They continue, under difficulties, to scatter the seed of truth, each one cherishing in his heart an anticipation of the coming of the minister, who shall take an interest in all, and instruct them kindly and lovingly in the duties of every-day life. It is true that they must not expect perfection in the minister, neither must he expect it among those so lately brought together, whose aims and ways in life have hitherto been so different.

The mother, whose heart and hands are full, may have very limited opportunities for becoming informed upon the truth she loves; and an hour spent in conversation with a well-informed minister on topics pertaining to present truth might cheer and brighten many a day’s hard labor; while a pointed rebuke, though perhaps merited, might seem to be the straw too much added to her burden, and dampen the efforts she was putting forth in her weakness.

There is no true Christian but enjoys heart communion with God; and while it is the minister’s privilege and duty to spend much time in study and prayer, he should not forget to in some measure come into the daily life of those whose hospitality he enjoys. A few timely words concerning the home-life and actions, with a bright example before them, might lead many a family to take their first step in true home-culture. For example, a family may contain several young converts, whose hearts are open and willing to receive the truth, which is all new to them; a loved and respected minister comes to their home, perhaps young like themselves. How they watch for words of encouragement; how they love to hear the truths opening before them explained and made practical; how they try to check the bright, gay talk, and how gladly would they follow if the way opened to speak of better things. But the minister, feeling his own frailty and taking note of theirs, spends the hours in wrestling with self and in study, growing better and wiser himself, but leaving them, with their lesser opportunities, far behind. Young persons may have new responsibilities resting upon them, some office in church or Sabbath-school whose duties they find themselves poorly fitted to discharge. An hour spent in cheerfully and patiently directing them might do as much good for eternity as an earnest sermon preached to a crowd of unbelievers. Perhaps the minister’s place of study may not be far from where the daily round of domestic duties is performed, and how it would quicken the steps and brighten the eyes of the housewife to listen occasionally to some of the beautiful thoughts to be found within the book she would gladly find time to read.

While earnestly laboring together in the great harvest field, we should not forget to bear one another’s burdens. To us who are doing the humble duties of life come the words of the poet,—

“She who sweeps a room as for God’s laws, Makes that and the action fine.”

M. E. H.