p. 17 | Opportunity for All by R. W. PARMELE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 16, 1907

Opportunity for All

By R. W. PARMELE

OPPORTUNITIES for service for God come to all. These opportunities are not always observed, and the opportunities that are observed are not always improved. All around us are souls perishing for the light of present truth. There are many lines of work in which we might engage acceptably to save souls from sure destruction.

A missionary aboard a large ocean steamer had just disrobed to spend the night in his berth, when the cry was raised, “Man overboard.” The crew and nearly all the passengers rushed to the side of the vessel to render assistance to the man, who was battling with the angry waves. The missionary’s condition forbade his appearing on deck, but he longed to do something to help save the drowning man. He seized his candle and held it close to the small window in his room. By the aid of that light the drowning man was located, and was soon safe on deck. The earnest desire to help rescue the perishing led to the missionary’s finding an opportunity.

Hezekiah had been sick. The Lord healed him, “and he gave him a sign.” 2 Chron. 32:24. The shadow went backward ten degrees on the dial to prove to him that God would fulfil his promise. The Babylonians noticed the strange phenomenon, and sent ambassadors “to inquire of the wonder.” Verse 31. That was Hezekiah’s opportunity to impart to them a knowledge of the true God.

“But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.” The knowledge of the true God must be carried to Babylon, and failing to improve this opportunity, it became necessary for Israel to be carried into Babylon. The Lord’s work must be done, and he is not limited in resources for doing it; but he offers to human beings the first opportunity.

In this article, I wish to call especial attention to that work which might be termed “resident canvassing.” In every church there is at least one who can not spend the entire time in the canvassing work, or could not leave home. These could engage in the work in their immediate neighborhoods. The territory could be worked over and over again. We have such a variety of books that once covering the territory would not interfere with subsequent efforts in the same territory with other books. In this way many could have constant and profitable employment, and the cause of truth would be furthered.

Many of our churches see the need in their neighborhoods, and are calling for ministerial help. Our books contain as good sermons as can be preached. The truth they contain is in a form that can not so easily be lost sight of as can a sermon. There is more of it than would usually be given in a course of lectures. After the minister’s voice is stilled, the books will still testify. To present the truth in this way, is not an expense to the cause of God, but is an actual financial help. And the work is more thoroughly done, for every family in the neighborhood is personally invited to investigate.

The ministry is a noble calling. God has chosen “by the foolishness of preaching to save them who believe,” but the spirit of prophecy has said that if there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the people. If we really sensed the peril of souls and loved this truth as much as we profess to love it, we would, at least, find port-holes through which our lights would shine to help rescue the perishing.

Write to your tract society or to one of the publishing houses for information as to how to begin, kind of book to sell, etc.

Should any who read these words wish to consider the Southern States as a place to work for the Master, we would be glad to hear from them.

R. W. PARMELE. 24th Ave., North, Nashville, Tenn.