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Bearing Precious Seed

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 1.

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“Bearing Precious Seed”

By F. D. Starr

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:6. The tender feeling and emotion with which the early workers in the tract and missionary work, more than forty years ago, would cite this scripture, as with moistened eyes they talked about advancing the cause of the third angel’s message by means of the printed page, is vividly impressed on my memory. And their efforts were not in vain; for if, in the spirit of the Master, the precious seed is scattered, he will see that it bears the fruit. While there has been great remissness in carrying out the suggestions of this-precious verse, and in improving the numerous opportunities afforded us for this kind of work, yet it is gratifying to know that work of this character is still being done. There are those who have a mind to work.
It has recently been my privilege to baptize quite a number in various places who have been convicted of sin and who have come to the obedience of the faith largely through the influence of friends and the reading of our literature. Though only one or two are baptized at a time, yet such cases, like that of the lone eunuch, recorded in Acts 8:26-40, are encouraging. On the last occasion, a hole was cut through three or four inches of December ice, and two in the prime of life chose not to postpone the important step till a more convenient season, though the temperature of the water might be but a suggestion of what might be expected from the attitude of former associates. I think that in more than thirty years’ experience this is the first time I have gone down into the ice, as well as the water, to baptize.
Why should there not be more personal, individual work? The indispensable work of the minister is not to be ignored, but the earnest missionary endeavor of every member is also necessary.
F. D. STARR.