Missionary Department by S. N. Haskell

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 8, 1875

Missionary Department.

By S. N. Haskell

"Philip saith unto him, Come and see." John 1:46.

The Lord's Converts.

It is said that upon a certain occasion an individual under the influence of intoxicating drink came reeling from the gutter, and thus accosted Whitefield: "I am one of your converts." "I should think so," was the reformer's reply. "If the Lord had ever converted you, you would not have been in that condition." When the Lord converts men it is done right. He makes no mistakes. The truth of God, accompanied by his Spirit is the divine agency in this work. The Saviour prays "Sanctify them through thy truth." The apostle's words are very much to the point. "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." 1 Pet. 1:2. And Paul says, "Hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth." 2 Thess. 2:13.

Our anxiety should be to co-operate with the Spirit of God. To successfully do this, we need to have a living connection with the Lord; in short, to walk with God, talk with him, and be in such a state of mind that we can hold communion with him. It is while we are in this condition that the light of God can be reflected through us upon others. It is not wise to urge truth upon others faster than the mind can receive and digest it. It will prevent the accomplishment of that which we have in view. It is remarked that of a given number there is not as great a discount on those who have embraced the truth by reading as on those who have received it by hearing lectures without taking pains to read for themselves. Here is the strength of the missionary who visits and prays with families, and furnishes them that reading matter which their interest in the truth will prompt them to read. Truth backed up by the Spirit of God will convert men and women. The battle is more than one-half fought when men are anxious to investigate the truth of God for themselves.

Let the life and general deportment of the one acting as a colporteur be blameless, and when individuals become interested to investigate for the truth's sake, we have no fears as to the result. The Spirit of God will give a tender conscience and will guide into all truth. We cannot recommend this course too highly. There are hundreds of young men and women among us who could canvass the neighborhoods, villages, and cities, and leave in their pathway light which would shine until the coming of the Just One. There are living witnesses of the fruit of this kind of labor from Maine to California. And these individuals have come from the ranks of the world and from infidelity, as well as from other denominations.

An interesting case has recently come to light which clearly illustrates the utility of scattering our publications. About one year ago, reading matter was placed in the hands of a family residing in Herkimer Co., N. Y. The family consisted of a man and his wife and seven children. The oldest of the children was about twenty-one years of age. They were native Welsh. In a short time, some of the children commenced to observe the Sabbath. Finally, the entire family, together with a man who was in the employ of this family, and his wife, eleven in all, embraced the Sabbath, and are now rejoicing in the truth. None of this number professed to enjoy religion at the time they commenced to read. Neither was this work a mere theory with them, but they sought that heart work which led them to erect the family altar and openly acknowledge God in their earthly bounty which they were daily receiving.

Learning of the publishing house at Battle Creek by the advertisement on the last page of the tracts, they supplied themselves liberally with other reading matter, and also subscribed for our periodicals.

They soon became interested in the subject of health reform, and came to a conclusion different from that of Spurgeon, who thought that he could "smoke to the glory of God." This habit had been a great source of satisfaction to them, but they renounced their tobacco both in smoking and chewing. Tea and coffee were also discarded. The swine, which had been an article of food with them, and had been raised as a source of profit, was banished from the table and farm. The hired man, who also embraced the Sabbath, was a native Frenchman. Thus a door was opened for the truth to spread in two other tongues. This was accomplished simply by reading the truth, accompanied by the Spirit of God. They already partake largely of the missionary spirit. They have become active members of the Tract Society, and have donated quite freely for its support.

The fruit of their efforts is already becoming apparent. With additional labor, two others in their vicinity have taken their stand with them, while others are interested. This is the Lord's work; and it is only one of the many instances where the fruit of the missionary efforts in distributing our publications is being seen. "The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul."

We look over our country, and in those States where the truth has been most extensively preached there are many cities and villages where they have not heard of it. There are States where as yet but a few have had their attention called to these truths. Then there is the world to be warned. Where are our young men and women who will enter this work, if not as ministers of the word in the common acceptance of the term, at least as colporteurs? Let them become active missionaries, visit families, pray with them, point them to the Lamb of God, and leave with them that reading matter which will, with the blessing of God, lead them to see the beauty and harmony of the truth. When we compare what we are doing with what we might do, it is comparatively nothing. If there were not persons everywhere who are anxious to read; if the reading matter was not already made to our hand, or if there was a law to prevent this work, we might have some excuse; but as it is, there is no excuse, only a want of consecration. The time has come when we should enter this work in earnest.

—S. N. HASKELL, in Review and Herald.