The Lowly Ones by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 1, 1909

The Lowly Ones

By F. M. W.

THE world recognizes its heroes and heroines. It sings the praises of the men and women of great achievement. In science, music, and art; in letters, statesmanship, and philosophy; in invention and discovery; and in the great religious and reform movements of the age, the world looks on and applauds the leaders, forgetting the while that back of these men, and perhaps associated with them in their efforts, were other earnest workers, who by their faithful, painstaking care of the details, made possible the great success achieved.

In sounding the praises of Nelson and Farragut and Paul Jones, we are prone to forget the sweat and toil of the men behind the guns, the firemen in the holds, the sailors at the masts, who by

their careful adherence to duty, their loyalty in standing at their posts, made possible some of the great naval victories of the world.

In the field of church work we think of Carey, and Moffat, and Paton, and scores of others who have done great things for God. It is well that we should gratefully acknowledge their noble work. But let us not forget the wives and mothers, the sons and daughters, the humble lay worker associates, who, though perhaps unknown to the world by name, had no small part in the accomplishment of the grand results attained.

But while we sometimes forget, God holds in remembrance all service done for him, whether great or small. To the humble ones the apostle Paul says: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” God remembers to-day as in the days of Paul. He remembers every child and every service.

He remembers you, faithful brother, as you have put your all into his work. He has noted all these years the offerings to his service. Many times when the load was heavy and the road rough and rugged, you have put your shoulder to the wheel, and helped this cause of truth through straitened places. God saw the sacrifice you made when you gave that sturdy son, just reaching the age where he could be of help on the farm or in the shop, to go out into the canvassing field or to some foreign land, to garner souls in heaven’s ripening harvest-field. God will reward you for your sacrifices.

God remembers you, weary mother. For long years you have been shut up within four walls, and day after day have labored and toiled and prayed for those you loved. You have felt at times that no one cared for you, or appreciated your efforts. But God has cared, and your loved ones have cared more than they have expressed. Sometime you will realize that your labor was not in vain; and as you have sought to send forth your children better fitted for the Lord’s work, you will see in the kingdom the fruits of your labor. Do not repine, but be patient and hopeful. God has seen all, heard all, felt all. He has marked down in the book of heaven your labor of faithfulness.

And you, loyal wife, God does not forget your self-sacrifice. Perhaps your husband is a missionary, and stands in the sacred desk to proclaim the gospel to perishing men, or goes from house to house to invite men to God. To you may be left the cares of home, and the training of the children. You weary of the toil, the loneliness, the tedious waiting. Sweeten your experience with the consciousness that God recognizes your labor. In the home and among your neighbors you have a great missionary field. Endure the toil, be brave to do and dare, be faithful to your charge, and God will not forget. He has engraved your name on the palms of his hands. Sometime the darkness will turn to day, and you will rejoice that God counted you faithful, and took account of all your labors. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

When God makes up his great roll of honor, it will not necessarily be the names of the great of earth which will be engraved thereon. It will contain, and that, too, in letters of light, the names of some of the humble toilers in God’s service. Loyalty and faithfulness will find in the day of final accounts just and proper acknowledgments.

F. M. W.