Their divine calling, qualification, and preparation. Methods of labor, plans, etc.
Conducted by A. G. DANIELLS
Council of City Evangelists
A VERY helpful and encouraging council of our ministers who are working in the cities of the Eastern States was held in Washington, D. C., May 13-16. The following-named ministers were present:—
Atlantic Union Conference: W. B. White, J. E. Jayne. Maine: J. F. Piper. Northern New England: A. J. Clark. Massachusetts: H. C. Hartwell, G. B. Starr, L. S. Wheeler, John Jones. Southern New England: C. H. Edwards, J. C. Stevens, W. R. Andrews. Greater New York: R. D. Quinn, A. V. Cotton, L. T. Nicola, B. E. Miller, N. P. Neilsen, J. K. Humphrey, E. Rosenwold, D. N. Wall, R. J. Bryant. Western New York: H. W. Carr, T. B. Westbrook.
Columbia Union Conference: B. G. Wilkinson. Eastern Pennsylvania: W. H. Heckman, R. E. Harter, A. R. Bell, C. S. Wiest. Western Pennsylvania: B. F. Kneeland, W. F. Schwartz, J. P. Gaede, N. S. Ashton. Chesapeake: R. T. Baer, R. H. Martin, H. S. Prener. Ohio: E. K. Slade, J. F. Olmsted, W. M. Campbell. District of Columbia: J. L. McElhany, A. J. Breed, W. H. Green, M. D. Wood, G. A. Stevens. Virginia: W. J. Stone, S. Kime, J. H. Tindall, C. E. Garnsey.
Lake Union: K. C. Russell, M. Serns. This council was held for the purpose of giving careful study to the question of how best to carry on our work in the large cities. In opening the council, the chairman made this brief statement:—
"We are not here to study financial questions, nor administrative plans and policies. We are here to talk over our evangelical work—how to reach souls; how to get our message before the masses of the people in a way that will profoundly impress them with its character, bring conviction to their hearts, and lead them to obey God's truth. I know of no question more important for us as ministers to study than this, and I hope that this council will set on foot a new program in our evangelical work. The following are some of the topics that ought to receive very careful consideration by the ministers present:—
"1. Advertising. What is proper, consistent advertising for securing an audience?
"2. The Scriptures; their value and their use in preaching our gospel message.
"3. Visiting; its great importance and efficiency in connection with public meetings.
"4. Bible workers. How can they labor to the best advantage in connection with the public meetings?
"5. Magazine sellers. How can they be associated with, and used in, the city effort?
"6. Medical missionary work. How can it be combined most effectively with the evangelistic work?
"7. The press. How can its columns be secured for reporting lectures and sermons?
"8. Preaching. How can it be made most powerful and effectual in winning souls to Christ?
"9. The workers. What should be their personal association and relationship in their united efforts?
"We have not arranged for the reading of papers, nor the giving of set addresses on these subjects. During the past two years we have listened to many instructive and valuable papers and addresses along these lines. What we wish to do at this time is to have heart-to-heart talks in round-table study of these important questions, and to reach a unanimous decision concerning them."
Advertising
This subject was introduced by the chairman, as follows:—
"Advertising is an important feature in carrying on evangelistic meetings. In some way, we must let the people know of our presence in their midst, of the subjects we propose to present in our public meetings, and of our desire to have them attend the services. It is hoped that we can here give this question careful study, and reach a unanimous agreement regarding the best way of advertising.
"Our ministers adopt various methods of making their announcements. Some of these methods receive general approval, but some of them receive a great deal of criticism. It would seem that we ought to ascertain what it is in the methods of advertising that meets the general approval of our workers; and if we find it of real value, we ought to adopt it generally. On the other hand, we should give careful study to those features that are criticized, and if we find the criticism well-founded, we should decide to eliminate them from our advertising.
"I might mention some of the methods of advertising with which many of our workers and our people are not pleased:—
"First, the extent to which the evangelist advertises himself by the use of his photograph, and the use of statements regarding himself,—where he is from, his former success, and the manner in which he will present his subjects.
"Second, the use of too many and too strong adjectives in describing his tent, outfit, subjects, music, etc.
"Third, the number and the character of the illustrations used.
"I am aware that we hold different views, and that all may be alike sincere and earnest in their views; but it does seem that we ought to reach common ground on so important a question as making public announcements. In many instances our public announcements are the first information people receive of us. First impressions, as we all know, are lasting, and will have much to do in leading to a decision to attend our meetings or to remain away. Surely all will admit that the announcements of religious meetings should be appropriate to the character of the subjects to be presented. A religious service is altogether different from an opera or a circus, and should be advertised in harmony with its character."
A. J. Clark: "I believe that in dealing with the question of advertising, we16should deal with it from the standpoint of the message that we bear. It is the message that we are endeavoring to get before the people; and while every individual should use individuality in the matter of advertising, there are certain methods that, for the sake of the message and the individual, we ought to discourage; and we are here to decide what those methods are. I believe that such words as 'great' and 'prominent,' when used of the speaker, savor of self-praise and boasting, and that we ought to put ourselves on record as opposing that kind of advertising. As we look back over the history of this cause, we see some who have held themselves up before the people. Some of them are not in the message to-day; and when they went out of the message, many of their admirers went out with them. They followed the man instead of the message. In all our work it is the message that we must place before the people as being great, and not ourselves nor our sermons."
A. V. Cotton: "I believe in plenty of advertising. We must remember that we are living in a time of popular advertising, and the people of the world expect it. While we should strive to magnify the truth and the subject to be presented, yet we can not divorce a man's personality from the advertising matter. It is sure to come out. To my mind, you will have to change the personality of a man if you expect to change the character of his advertising. The use of photographs is a form of education. The newspapers make free use of photographs of individuals in connection with special news items. It is so in advertising a series of meetings; the people expect to see the photograph of the man connected with the effort, unless it is in a small town where the people become acquainted with the man by seeing him on the streets. But in the city it is natural for the people to look for the photograph of the man advertising his meetings. In that case, I favor having the photographs on the advertisement."
R. E. Harter: "No doubt those who adopt methods of advertising which approach the sensational do so because they feel that this is the only way to secure a large audience. Some of our evangelists secure an audience of from four hundred to five hundred every Sunday night during a series of meetings, without using sensational methods of advertising, or expending large sums of money. They advertise in a simple way, and carry on systematic work. They secure good attendances, and many people accept the truth. It has been demonstrated over and over again that we can secure large congregations and bring people into the truth without sensational advertising."
K. C. Russell: "The use of the speaker's photograph and other striking illustrations seem to be becoming more general among us. I think that in my work in the future, I shall omit the photographs. Speakers of other organizations attract good audiences without the use of photographs. One of the great secrets in advertising is to keep in touch with the public pulse, especially in the cities where we are laboring, and then form our subjects in a way that will appeal to the people."
J. L. McElhany: "I would like to mention one effort that came under my notice. A man had a great banner printed—'Hear the noted Evangelist from London at the Tent.' He stretched this across the principal street in the town. The first night he had a full tent, the second night a fairly good audience, and then the work fell flat, because the ability of the 'noted evangelist' was not up to what was suggested by his banner. If he had used a little more modesty in his advertising, the people might have been more tolerant when they heard him."
G. B. Thompson: "I think that in advertising we should always keep well within the limits of truth. If a man is able to deliver a series of great sermons, it might be proper to say so. If he is not able to do this, he should not say so. There is a difference between a great series of sermons, a series of great sermons, and a series of sermons on great subjects. We should use care in our advertising, which will commend our work to sensible people."
C. H. Edwards: "I think that in advertising we must be governed by the conditions we find in different localities. New York City is different from a small town. In New York City a man encounters great difficulties in securing an audience. He must, therefore, adopt methods that will meet the special conditions. In my opinion much of the criticism that comes from the methods of advertising in the large cities is from those who are not acquainted with the conditions that have to be met."
A. R. Bell: "In a great measure I agree with Brother Edwards. I believe that sensationalism in advertising is the praise that boosts the man, and the foolishness that illustrates the subject. There is a certain personality that enters into every man's work; so we can not form many concrete resolutions here. Let us pass resolutions of a general advisory character, but not with the understanding that all men must advertise in the same way."
L. T. Nicola: "I believe the people of New York City can distinguish between that which is sensational and that which is substantial and solid. Last summer we advertised our tent on 124th Street, in New York, as 'the big tent.' There was another tent near there much larger than ours, and one Sunday night one of the speakers of that tent referred to the advertising of our tent. He said that our tent would go twice inside of theirs, and yet we advertised it as 'the big tent.' I believe that we made a mistake in doing that way under the circumstances."
G. B. Starr: "I would like to make a suggestion in regard to modesty and the subject of individuality as involved in this matter of sensationalism. It seems to me we have come to the time when we can not allow young, untried men to go out to represent this work and all its issues without very careful investigation of their ideas of the plan. While it is proper to recognize individuality, yet every man who goes out represents the denomination, and should not work in a manner that is contrary to the wishes of the denomination or that will bring criticism upon himself. The workers in some of our cities have asked to be excused from distributing advertising matter, because of its sensational character. I believe that if one half of the money expended on sensational advertising during the past year or two had been used in circulating information on present truth, we should have received much better results. I do not believe it is right, because some man has a certain individuality, that he should go out and misrepresent us all. We must study the people we are to reach. Are we going to reach people who are interested only in sensational advertising?"
A. G. Daniells: "Should not a minister be as careful and conscientious about putting his personality into his advertising as he should in exalting himself in preaching his sermons? I believe that we should spend more time in studying how to work our subject-matter into announcements. The subjects should be so clearly and wisely stated as to appeal to people. Let us encourage Christian modesty, and adopt methods by which the truth will be placed in the forefront, and made to appeal to those who read our announcements."
L. A. Hansen: "We can draw lessons from Christ's public ministry in this matter. If he were here to-day, and made use of our publicity methods, would it be to advertise himself, or would it be to call attention to his message? John the Baptist did not herald himself, but he drew large crowds. Even the Holy Spirit does not speak of himself. Men of power, such as Moody, do not need to tell of themselves in order to secure an audience. Their message speaks for itself and for them. If we lay emphasis on the message we have, people can pass judgment on that, and not on the men who give it. People should come to hear the truth that is given, not merely to hear the man. The man may not warrant strong advertising, but the subjects will; and if properly presented, they will not disappoint, while he may."
At the close of the discussion of this subject, a committee was appointed to prepare resolutions to be presented at a subsequent meeting. This committee reported the following resolutions, which were adopted:—
"Whereas, We are exhorted by the Lord to give 'no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed; but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,' walking 'worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness,' be it therefore,—
"1. Resolved, That in giving publicity to our evangelistic efforts, we should avoid all that borders on sensationalism, and shun every expression that savors of self-exaltation, always endeavoring to magnify and exalt the message instead of the man.
"2. Resolved, That we discourage the general use of our photographs in advertising our meetings; that we would especially caution our young and inexperienced workers in this particular.
"3. Resolved, That we recommend that only such cartoons or illustrations be used as are of a dignified and modest character, which will teach the truth in a clear and elevating manner, avoiding all illustrations which caricature and burlesque.
"4. Resolved, That in advertising we maintain a high and dignified standard, in subject-matter, workmanship, and quality of material, ever seeking to exalt the message we are hearing."
A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman:
THADDEUS LEGG, Secretary.
The Precious Promises
By George O. States
SINCE our daughter left home to engage in her school work, my wife and I have been alone, and both of us in poor health. At times a loneliness has come over us which has been hard to endure.
One Sabbath morning I had a longing to meet with our people. As I opened the Bible for worship, I read: "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Never in all my experience had God's promises seemed so real to me as they did that morning. I called to mind how, nearly thirty years ago, we left our farm in Michigan in response to the Master's call, and started tent-meetings to give the message. I thought of some dear souls that we encouraged to accept the truth. I thought of my labors since then, in Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Utah, and of how the Lord had given me some dear souls for my hire.
O brethren and sisters, there is no satisfaction to be compared with that which comes from laboring in God's cause, and feeling that you have had some part in hastening that glad day. While I am not able now to meet with our people, or to have an active part in giving the message, I thank the dear Lord that I can speak a few words to encourage those who are out in the front of the battle. To those who have left the comforts of the home land and are enduring the hardships of the foreign fields I want to say, Courage, brethren and sisters, the city is almost in sight; be faithful, and soon we shall see Christ coming. Never in all my experience has this truth seemed so precious to me.
As I examine the fundamental principles of this message, I am more and more convinced that this is God's truth, and that it is gathering out a people for the kingdom that Christ promised to those who shall endure unto the end.
GEO. O. STATES.
Patience and Trust in God
By George B. Vosburgh
BE patient. Keep sweet. Do not fret nor worry. Do your best, and leave results with God. Believe firmly in God, in the fulfilment of his purposes, and in the march of his providences. God's laws are immutable, and work with undeviating regularity. Walk in fellowship with God, and every year you will be stronger, better, happier, and sweeter. Do not mar your peace or power by needless worry. Live by faith in the Son of God, who loves you, and gave himself for you. On some bright tomorrow you will come to anchor under a haven of sapphire and a harbor of calm, with chimes ringing their welcome from the spires that sentinel the city of God, while from the battlements millions will shout, "Well done!" and God himself will say, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."—George B. Vosburgh.
Christian Liberty
By S. B. Horton
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
W. W. PRESCOTT . . . . . Secretary
S. B. HORTON . . . . . Corresponding Secretary
Religious Liberty Convention
TOPIC No. 3, "The Efforts of Various Protestant Organizations to Unite Religion and the State," was presented by C. M. Snow in a carefully prepared paper. Lack of space precludes giving the paper in full, but we will refer to some of the points contained in it. After showing the great progress made by our country in the cause of freedom, the speaker mentioned the different organizations that are now endeavoring to have the nation declare its acceptance of the Christian religion, and place upon a legal basis certain Christian customs and usages now practised in our government. He referred to the National Reform Association, which was organized in 1863 at Xenia, Ohio, as being the parent of this retrogressive movement. Dr. J. S. Martin, the general superintendent of the association, was quoted as saying at a meeting of the National Reform Association held at Winona Lake, Ind., in August, 1909, that "the no-religious-test guaranty of the national Constitution ought to be modified."
This purpose was also indicated at the World's Christian Citizenship Conference in Philadelphia, November, 1910. The paper says, among other things:—
"The association proposes that there shall be a recognition made in our nation's fundamental law that the law of God, as revealed through Jesus Christ, and not the will of the majority of the people, is the supreme law of the land.' That would at once put the nation under ecclesiastical control; for 'the preachers are the successors of the prophets,' the expounders of the divine will, the authorized 'spokesmen' of God. Under such a régime no law could be formulated without their authorization, or enacted without their approval. That would mean the overthrow of representative government, and the establishment of an ecclesiastical hierarchy to rule over the people. They had that during the dark ages, and during the colonial days of America, and it created for them not a paradise, but a purgatory.
"That the organization's officials understand what is involved in the movement seems to us most apparent; for the president of the organization declared at Winona Lake, Ind., in 1910:—
"Uniformity [in religion] is essential to both peace and progress. The opinion of the majority must be decisive. Even in the matter of mere consciences a degree of uniformity is necessary. We would allow the greatest amount of individual rights of conscience consistent with the necessary uniformity."
"In 1864 there was one obscure organization advocating those un-American principles. In 1888 there were three more,—the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Third Party Prohibition Party, and the American Sabbath Union,—and each of these three was capable of wielding a greater influence than the parent organization.
"In 1884 the National Reform Association made a bid for an ally stronger in numbers and political influence than all four of these organizations, that is, the Roman Catholic Church, and received promise of cooperation; but of that organization and its purposes I am not now to speak, nor of the American Federation of Catholic Societies, which is also committed to the same ideas in government; nor yet of that great organization the American Federation of Labor, largely Catholic, which has promised its help to the National Reform Association in securing religious legislation.
"But there has recently been organized in this country a branch of the great organization now operating in England and Canada, known as the Lord's Day Alliance, whose secretary, Dr. Grannis, is an ardent advocate of many of the principles for which the National Reform Association stands, and who is encouraging the American branch of that organization to do all in its power to bring about legislation in all the States in behalf of a compulsory sabbath. Through this organization identical legislation is to be introduced into all the State legislatures. That work has actually begun.
"In addition to this, we have the International Federation of Sunday Rest Day Associations, whose purpose is to oversee them all, and assist in carrying out the purpose of them all; also the International Reform Bureau, which makes the securing of Sunday legislation one of the cardinal features of its operation.
"The great organizations of the Christian young people of the United States have also adopted the shibboleth of Sunday enforcement, and in their annual conventions are committing themselves by resolution to that principle. Said the Christian Endeavorers at their last convention in Atlantic City: 'We urge also upon civic authorities the enforcement of Sunday laws without discrimination.'
"But greater than all these, more inclusive in its scope, and if possible more energetic and determined in its policy, is the great federation of the so-called Protestant churches of this country. It proposes, by means of the very instruments which Congress warned the country against in 1829, 'combination and influence,' to create a force which 'lawmakers and lawbreakers will respect and heed.' This organization, claiming to represent eighteen million communicants, not only advocates and urges a compulsory rest day, but refuses to recognize the right of a portion of its own constituency to observe the day of its choice. Thus the weight and force of all its power and influence are thrown into the scales against liberty of conscience and in favor of religious oppression. . . .
"These are some of the forces that have set themselves against the fundamental principles of our government, against the religious liberty of the individual. In doing so, they have set themselves against the process by which the mighty progress of our nation was achieved, and against the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ; but in the promised power of that gospel our preachers and teachers and colporteurs go forth to proclaim the last message of Jesus Christ in the face of, and against the prohibition of, these confederations, knowing that to him belongeth the victory, and that in him their triumph is sure."
TOPIC No. 4, "The Proper Setting for Protests Against Romanism and the Infringement of Religious Liberty," was assigned to F. M. Wilcox, editor of the REVIEW AND HERALD. This paper will appear later in the editorial columns of the REVIEW.
Both papers mentioned above were discussed by the members of the convention. This report will be continued next week.
Medical Evangelical Work
By George Thomason, M. D.
It is for us always to remember that as Christ was, and as he is, so are we in this world. If we would know the secret of his successful life, we must study his method of labor, and endeavor to walk in his steps. "We shall find the footsteps of Jesus by the sick-bed, by the side of suffering humanity, in the hovels of the poverty-stricken and distressed. We may walk in these footsteps, comforting the suffering, speaking words of hope to the despondent. Doing as Jesus did when he was upon earth, we shall walk in his blessed steps."
If in the work that Jesus did when he was upon earth it was important and essential for him to spend much of his time in dealing with the sick and the suffering and the dying, it is, if possible, even more important and essential that we do, likewise in the work of God in the world to-day. Sickness and suffering are much more prevalent in our day than when Christ was upon the earth. In spite of the great advances in hygiene and sanitation, in medical and surgical knowledge and proficiency, disease and physical and mental degeneracy are constantly increasing. Although it is rare to see the devastating epidemics sweep over cities and countries as they did a few years ago, yet diseases of a more subtle nature, involving tissue changes in the vital organs of the body (such as the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, and blood-vessels), are rapidly and alarmingly increasing. It is almost possible now to see a thousand falling at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand. Nearly five hundred persons die every day in this country from tuberculosis alone, and the deaths from cancer are rapidly increasing. Brain degeneration, as indicated in the various forms of insanity, is constantly increasing. In England and Wales there are 135,000 insane persons confined in the18asylums; and facilities for caring for the constantly increasing numbers can scarcely be provided rapidly enough. In these same countries there are 125,000 feeble-minded children, 85,000 of whom are also physical cripples. Bright's disease has increased fifteen hundred per cent within the last fifty years. So statistics might be multiplied to emphasize that we are living in an age of physical, mental, and moral degeneracy, and that darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people.
But God has provided a way of escape. He has given to the world a special message of health and healing. Anticipating just such a condition of physical decay, the Lord in his love and mercy has given special light in wonderful principles of reform which, incorporated into the life, will enable men to escape the corruption that is in the world. To this people, above all others, these great principles have been committed. In view of the increasing darkness that is covering the earth, and the awful blackness and gloom of this night of ignorance, never in the history of the world could it have been more appropriately said to a people than to this people, "Rise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee."
First of all, in reference to these great principles in our own lives, the prayer of Christ must be answered for us,—we must be sanctified by this truth. Just as the best evidence we can bring that God forgives sin is that we know that he has forgiven our sins, so the best possible evidence that God has committed life-giving principles to us is the demonstration in our own lives that they are giving us life more abundantly.
The warning of the world and the closing of the work of God upon the earth can never be fully done unless we or others do neighborhood work. When a certain lawyer desired to know the way to obtain eternal life, he was told to be a good neighbor. He that showed mercy was the good neighbor, and Jesus said with emphasis, "Go, and do thou likewise."
This, then, is the work for the hour. Here is introduced a work for everybody. The call now is especially for the lay members to work for those in their immediate vicinity.
"Church-members, let the light shine forth. Let your voices be heard in humble prayer, in witness against intemperance. . . . Find access to the people in whose neighborhood you live." "By personal labor reach those around you. Become acquainted with them. Preaching will not do the work that needs to be done. . . . Sermons will not do it. By visiting the people, talking, praying, sympathizing with them, you will win hearts. This is the highest missionary work that you can do." "It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christlike men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in his strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation." "Visit the sick and suffering, and show a kindly interest in them. If possible, do something to make them more comfortable. Through this means you can reach their hearts, and speak a word for Christ." "Work disinterestedly, lovingly, patiently, for all with whom you are brought in contact." "The angels look upon the distressed of God's family upon the earth, and they are prepared to cooperate with the human agent in relieving oppression and suffering. They will cooperate with those who 'break every yoke,' who 'bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.'"—"Testimonies for the Church."
The work God would have us do for our neighbors is very clearly outlined in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah,—"to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke."
In every neighborhood there are men and women who are bending under the yoke of bondage to habits of eating and drinking, or who are suffering and oppressed because of the god of appetite, whom they ignorantly worship. They need to be told what to eat, how to eat, and when to eat, and how to prepare simple foods. They need instruction as to the disease-producing effects of tea, coffee, alcohol, mustard, pepper, spices, and condiments of various sorts. They need to know that autointoxication is quite as harmful to the body as a moderate amount of intoxication from alcohol, and that by overeating, particularly of proteid foods, which readily undergo decomposition in the digestive tract, this condition of autointoxication, or self-poisoning, results, with direct effect upon the liver, kidneys, blood-vessels, brain, and other delicate structures, laying the foundation for disease, premature old age, and physical decay.
Every Seventh-day Adventist should be a veritable storehouse of information on rational living and as to what is embodied in true temperance, and should know what will in the highest degree contribute to a sound mind in a sound body. His soul can then be drawn out to the hungry, to teach them to eat that which is good, and he can satisfy the afflicted souls by his ministration of rational treatment. A knowledge of the great principles of health reform which were given to this people a half-century ago was never intended to be confined to a comparatively few doctors and nurses. They are for all the people for all time until Jesus comes. They are for the preservation of our own health, for, "Then . . . thine health shall spring forth speedily." Giving these principles to our neighbors will brighten our Christian experience and will save us from the darkness and discouragement of inactivity, for, "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, . . . and thy darkness be as the noonday." This work will insure the answering of our prayers, for, "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am."
To those who, endeavoring to walk in his steps, have performed these ministrations, comes the glorious invitation, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
Church Missionary Work
By George Thomason
[The following program was prepared by George Thomason, Secretary of the Medical Department of the General Conference.]
Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service (June 22, 1912)
SONG: "Christ in Song," No. 380.
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 10: 1-20.
PRAYER.
SONG: "Old Hundred."
READING: "Medical Evangelical Work."
SONG: "Christ in Song," No. 622.
READING: "Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give."
REPORTS and offerings.
SONG: "Christ in Song," No. 316.
"Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give"
By Ellen G. White
DURING the years of Christ's public ministry, the first disciples were associated closely with him, that they might be trained for the work that as his representatives they must carry forward when he should be no longer with them. For three years they labored with him, hearing his words of comfort and hope to the weary and desponding, beholding his miracles in behalf of the suffering. When Christ returned to the Father, he bade the disciples continue the work he had begun. They were given power to heal "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." By healing in his name the diseases of the body, they would testify to his power for the healing of the soul. Through ministry such as Christ had performed, they were to carry to all nations the gospel of his grace.
In the same way his disciples to-day are to labor. In sympathy and compassion they are to minister to those in need of help, seeking with unselfishness and earnestness to lighten the woe of suffering humanity; and through this means win men and women to the great truth for this time.
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen," the Lord through his prophet declares, "to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Wherever the people of God are placed, in the crowded cities, in the villages, or among the country byways, there is a mission field, for which a responsibility is laid upon them by their Lord's commission.
The denominational churches in our land are doing something in the line of Christian Help work. Some are working actively, walking in all the light they have. They would do much more if they understood the truths that we hold. Yet many of those who know the truth, who claim to believe that the last message of mercy is being given to the world, are fast asleep. Many, like the sluggard, are folding their hands in inactivity.
The Lord is calling upon his people to take up different lines of missionary work, to sow beside all waters. We do but a small part of the work that he desires us to do among our neighbors and friends. By kindness to the poor, the sick, or the bereaved we may obtain an influence over them, so that divine truth will find access to their hearts. No such opportunity for service should be allowed to pass unimproved. It is the highest missionary work that we can do. The presentation of the truth in love and sympathy from house to house is in harmony with the instruction of Christ to his disciples when he sent them out on their first missionary tour.
Those who have the gift of song are needed. Song is one of the most effective means of impressing spiritual truth upon the heart. Often by the words of sacred song, the springs of penitence and faith have been unsealed. Church-members, young and old, should be educated to go forth to proclaim this last message to the world. If they go in humility, angels of God will go with them, teaching them how to lift up the voice in prayer, how to raise the voice in song, and how to proclaim the gospel message for this time.
Young men and women, take up the work to which God calls you. Christ will teach you to use your abilities to good purpose. As you receive the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, and seek to teach others, your minds will be refreshed, and you will be able to present words that are new and strangely beautiful19to your hearers. Pray and sing, and speak the word.
The medical missionary work presents many opportunities for service. Intemperance in eating and ignorance of nature's laws are causing much of the sickness that exists, and are robbing God of the glory due him. Because of a failure to deny self, many of God's people are unable to reach the high standard of spirituality he sets before them. Teach the people that it is better to know how to keep well than to know how to cure disease. We should be wise educators, warning all against self-indulgence. As we see the wretchedness, deformity, and disease that have come into the world as a result of ignorance, how can we refrain from doing our part to enlighten the ignorant and relieve the suffering?
Because the avenues to the soul have been closed by the tyrant Prejudice, many are ignorant of the principles of healthful living. Good service can be done by teaching the people how to prepare healthful food. This line of work is as essential as any that can be taken up. More cooking schools should be established, and some should labor from house to house, giving instruction in the art of cooking wholesome foods. Many, many will be rescued from physical, mental, and moral degeneracy through the influence of health reform. These principles will commend themselves to those who are seeking for light; and such will advance from this to receive the full truth for this time.
God wants his people to receive to impart. As impartial, unselfish witnesses, they are to give to others what the Lord has given them. And as you enter into this work, and by whatever means in your power seek to reach hearts, be sure to work in a way that will remove prejudice instead of creating it. Make the life of Christ your constant study, and labor as he did, following his example.
Precious are God's promises to those who minister in his name. He says: "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. . . . Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. . . . And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
Then go, teach and preach Christ. Instruct and educate all whom you can reach who know not of his grace, his goodness, his mercy.