p. 122 | Untitled article by J. S. MILLER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 6, 1867

A SUGGESTION.

By J. S. MILLER

The twelve apostles whom Jesus chose for the establishing of his church, came to a point, as we read in the book of Acts, when it became necessary to enlarge their operations, and hence there arose a call for another class of laborers. “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts. vi, 1–3.

Now the question arises in my mind, whether the Seventh-day Advent body have not arrived at a point where a similar move is called for. The work is rapidly growing on the hands of those to whom it has been committed. The cry from every quarter is, “Send the messengers this way,” showing that “the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” Now, while it is all right and proper to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers to the harvest, may we not turn the labors of the messengers already in the field to greater account? The testimony of the apostles was that it was not reason that they should leave the word of God to serve tables; is it reason that our ministers should leave the word of God to peddle books? The testimony has been given that it is not. What shall be done? Would it not be well to follow apostolic example and choose out men to attend to this business?

Would it not be well for each church or company of S. D. Adventists to choose out the man who is the best qualified among them for the business, and appoint him agent for all the publications of the Publishing Association for that locality? The messengers might obtain the books in quantities and see that a supply was kept on hand at each of the depositories, and dismiss all further care about them from their minds. Then let every member of these little companies consider himself bound to spread the present truth to the utmost of his ability, and whenever it was discovered that a person was seeking light in any direction, let the right book be placed in his hands, and so prepare the minds of communities to understand truth when it is presented by the messengers. Thus, it seems to me, the light on the message might be spread with double the rapidity with which it is now going.

J. S. MILLER.

Ashaway, R. I.