An Appeal to Our Lay Members by A. G. DANIELLS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 6, 1910

An Appeal to Our Lay Members

By A. G. DANIELLS

(First reading)

The proclamation of the third angel’s message to all the world is indeed a great task. It is therefore fitting that we should take an inventory of our working forces.

Every consecrated Seventh-day Adventist is needed in the ranks. In the United States we have 517 ordained ministers and 246 licensed preachers, a total ministerial force of 763. If the responsibility of carrying the message to the 84,435,805 inhabitants of the United States were to be thrown upon these few workers, it would mean that each minister would be responsible for 110,663 souls. If, on the other hand, our 65,122 lay members in the United States undertake the work, each one will assume responsibility for only 1,296 individuals.

These statistics clearly indicate that the duty of every loyal lay member is to come to the assistance of the gospel ministry in giving publicity to the message. They also emphasize the following recent appeals from the spirit of prophecy:—

“My brethren and sisters, take an active part in the work of soul-saving. This work will give life and vigor to the mental and spiritual powers. . . . By personal labor reach those around you. Become acquainted with them.

“Preaching will not do the work that needs to be done. Angels of God attend you to the dwellings of those you visit. This work can not be done by proxy. Money lent or given will not accomplish it. 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. To do it you will need resolute, persevering faith, unwearying patience, and a deep love for souls.

“Find access to the people in whose neighborhood you live. As you tell them of the truth, use words of Christlike sympathy. Remember that the Lord Jesus is the Master worker. He waters the seed sown. He puts into your minds words that will reach hearts.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, page 41.

Warning the Cities

For years the spirit of prophecy has urged that we put forth extraordinary efforts to warn the many millions inhabiting the great cities of the world. Accompanying the call for immediate and decisive action in behalf of the cities, there also came the word that “if every church-member were a living missionary, the gospel would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues.” And also that “if Seventh-day Adventists will now arouse, and do the work assigned them, the truth will be presented to our neglected cities in clear, distinct lines, and in the power of the Spirit.”—Id., page 32.

God calls for many self-supporting missionaries to enter the cities and villages, and prepare the way for our ministers to present the truth. In many places the faithful colporteurs, tract workers, and magazine agents are sowing the seeds of truth by means of the printed page. But what has been accomplished is but a drop in the bucket, when compared to what must be done before the end of probation. Notice the following encouraging statement made to those who earnestly take up home missionary work:—

“A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. We lament the scanty resources at present available, while various and urgent demands are pressing us for means and men. Were we thoroughly in earnest, even now we could multiply the resources a hundredfold. Selfishness and self-indulgence bar the way.”—Id., page 38.

I appeal to all our lay members to assist in organizing the tract and missionary societies in their respective churches, by enlisting for life in the great army of home missionaries. How literally true it is that “a thousand doors of usefulness are open before us”! Those who can not preach from the pulpit, can become able ministers of the truth by distributing tracts to the homes of the people, visiting neighbors and friends, doing Christian Help work, holding cottage Bible readings, writing missionary letters, giving lessons on healthful cookery and dress, mailing tracts and papers, selling our magazines and “Ministry of Healing,” distributing the Harvest Ingathering number of the REVIEW, and in many other ways.

A Bountiful Harvest

The president of one of our largest conferences reports that as the direct result of the house-to-house distribution of tract packages, and the sale of magazines during the past few months, calls have been received for many more laborers,

Bible workers, and meetings, than can possibly be supplied. This is but one example showing the bountiful harvest that is sure to follow earnest efforts put forth in home tract and missionary work.

God’s chosen people will always be in the minority in this world. To effectually fight the battles of the Lord, they must be united, organized, and trained. But in these worthy efforts, let us ever remember that the victory will be obtained “not by an army, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6, margin.

A. G. DANIELLS.