Our Work by S. N. Haskell

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Jan 28, 1875

Our Work.

By S. N. Haskell

It is evident that many have not viewed this work in its proper magnitude and in its true light. We have not been able to comprehend the full scope of the third angel's message. Many of us have theoretically believed that God had committed to this people a message to warn the world; but we have not realized what must be done to accomplish this work. If the world is to be warned, and the truth is to find its way to every State and Territory in this Union, and into every part of such State or Territory, if it is to go to every civilized nation on the globe, wherever there are honest hearts, a question of the utmost importance arises, How is this to be accomplished? Will God send an angel from Heaven to preach the truth, and to carry this work forward without the co-operation of man? Can we fold our hands, or quietly work on our farms and attend to our worldly interests so that we may meet with no pecuniary loss, and then rejoice in the prosperity of the work without lifting a finger for its advancement? Has God changed in his plan of accomplishing his work here upon the earth?

This none of us believe. But the fact is self-evident that men are God's agents to carry out his design in the promulgation of his truth among mankind. He has committed to men and women talents of usefulness. These talents embrace temporal means, position in society, ability to present the truth in an acceptable manner, or whatever gives influence in society. These talents God will require with usury. The usury is our influence upon others in gathering with Christ. For all our works in the day of Judgment will be tried with fire; for the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is; and if any man's work abide, he shall receive a reward; and every man shall receive a reward according to the fruits of his labor.

If God has selected a people on this earth, and given them light and truth, and that truth is to reach many nations, kindred, tongues, and people, it is that that people may be instrumental in imparting that light and truth to others. Man is only a steward of his talents. These are lent him of God to be used for his glory; and God will hold him to a strict account for the use of those talents which he has committed to him. If he neglects to use the talents in his possession, when the cause of Christ is languishing, and appropriates to himself that which is needed to further the truth of God, he robs God of that which belongs to him, and when he fails in this life he will sink into eternal ruin. The records kept in Heaven of every one that is saved, will show that the talents are not only returned, but that the usury accompanies them. Here are the talents Thou gavest me, and I have gained others besides them, says the faithful servant. This usury is the influence of the life of the child of God.

A fearful responsibility rests upon those who have received the light of present truth.

In the providence of God there have been committed to them talents of usefulness. Organization has been effected for the purpose of more successfully carrying forward the work of God. Individuals hold positions of responsibility in these organizations, and if they fulfill their responsibilities it will take them from their worldly interests. It will require sacrifice and burden-bearing on their part. And if they refuse to bear these burdens and make these sacrifices, the record of their lives made by the angels of God will show that they have thought God a hard master, reaping where he had not sown, and gathering where he had not strewed.

And to all such it will be said, "Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath ten talents; for unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have an abundance; but from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."—S. N. HASKELL, in True Missionary.