ALWAYS BE ON TIME by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 21, 1881

ALWAYS BE ON TIME.

By Editor

THE “Song Anchor” is in general use in our Sabbath-schools. One good piece therein has this important lesson in its title and for its subject, “Always be on Time.” Promptness is a Christian duty. It is a duty for all; and therefore eminently a duty for Christians, who should be an example for ready obedience in all things. Children should be prompt in attendance, and in their duties; and so should teachers, officers, and Superintendent. And the last should be first in this duty, as the higher should always set an example to the lower.

But many, we fear, do not realize that there is a duty in regard to stopping as well as to beginning. It is an evidence of ability, skill, and preparation to be able to do an hour's work in an hour. He who requires an hour and a half, or two hours, in which to do an hour's work, lacks as an organizer or leader, and fails in his duty to the young, especially as an example. Pupils trained under such an example will become dilatory, slow, if not careless, in the execution of their tasks.

We have seen leaders of meetings, and even ministers, who will wait half an hour beyond the time to commence meeting, for the congregation to come together. In the same easy manner the meeting is lengthened beyond its allotted space, and a slow-going church is the inevitable result. But we wish to speak now in behalf of ministers whose duty it is to visit and labor in and for churches. Say the appointment is given out for Sabbath morning—“Sabbath-school at ten; preaching at eleven.” The minister, as he ought to do, attends the school. At eleven he has his hymns selected, and is ready for his work. Hearers, perhaps unbelievers, are present, having been invited to come to hear the preaching. But the school continues,—twenty, thirty, and sometimes forty minutes over time. Five to ten minutes recess; and the opening exercises carry them to nearly twelve o'clock. If the minister has made preparation for the occasion, as he should have done, his plans are all broken up. He wants a social meeting after the sermon. He knows the patience of his hearers is being taxed. He is obliged to condense his subject, or drop important points, to bring his discourse within the time allowed him. If a spirited social meeting follows, it will be truly remarkable under such circumstances. His work has been unsatisfactory to himself—perhaps to his hearers. And then, in most cases, the failure in effect of the day's proceedings will be laid to the preacher.

“A word to the wise is sufficient.” We hope so; yet we are not sanguine on this point. People who have a habit of giving a long, tedious “testimony” in a social meeting cannot be wise, for we never knew “a word” to be sufficient to correct their habit. And so in all things; a lack of promptness is a difficulty not easily overcome. But we are all expected to “grow in grace.” Let us all learn and heed the important lesson, “Always be on Time.”