Souls or Soil? by Albert Carey

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1908

Souls or Soil?

By Albert Carey

ALBERT CAREY

This heading has been suggested by the many inquiries which come to the writer from those seeking a location where they may do more active missionary work, and at the same time enjoy agreeable surroundings. It is also called to mind by not a few who come to this field, examine the soil, and test its virtues, and then decide to return to more productive regions.

The question arises in our minds, Is it souls or soil we are seeking? If the former, they are here in large, unentered territories. Seldom will one find more friendly neighbors than in this section, if he will first “show himself friendly.”

When entering such a field, there should be no insidious comparisons between it and more favored sections from which one may have come. Souls more priceless than the treasures of earth’s richest mines, or the products of the fairest soils, are waiting to be revived by the ministry of a Christ-loving hand which is extended from a heart that is warm and sympathetic.

As to the soil, a few points may be mentioned. This soil has supported a thriving population for over two centuries. They have been able to pass through, and survive, the most desolating influences of a terrible war. From it the country is emerging into a degree of prosperity that is most encouraging. Few are in abject poverty, while many are in comfortable circumstances, and evidences of wealth, even among farmers, are not rare.

Does it not seem then that failure, on the part of those desiring to do self-supporting missionary work among such a people, to support themselves, is an acknowledgment of skill and ability inferior to those for whom they desire to labor? To say the least, there is a lack of adaptability, which is one of the most essential characteristics for such a laborer for souls.

It was while considering such themes as these that the writer was led more than a year ago to compose the following lines in humble comparison with a blessed song too familiar to require naming:—

It may be up on the mountain’s height, Or over the stormy sea; It may be out at the battle’s front My Lord shall have need of me; But if, by a still and gentle voice, He bids at my post here to stand, I’ll answer, Dear Lord, by thy grace divine, I’ll stay where thou dost command.

There are loving words in the home to speak, And friends and neighbors, afar and near, Are needing my help to-day. And oft, as we gather in Sabbath-school, And service of song and prayer, My Saviour would have me to sing or pray Or speak, my part to bear.

There’s surely one place of need each day, One place by his grace to fill, And that’s right here, in this life of toil, To answer his blessed will. Though trials so bitter, and conflicts sore, Beset me along my way, I’ll answer, Dear Lord, by thy grace divine, I’ll stay where you want me to stay.

CHORUS

If called, I will go at thy voice, dear Lord, To lands that are far away; But let me say, too, by thy grace divine, I’ll stay where you want me to stay.

Let us not seek for that which is most conducive to our personal prosperity or pleasure, nor even for what may be called comfort; but rather for the men and women for whom Christ died, that if by any means we may, in humility of spirit, win them to him, trusting in his care and a faithful application of right principles, to bring us the required sustenance.

Hildebran, N. C.