— THE — MISSIONARY CAMPAIGN
By D. W. REAVIS
The Church the Training Place for Workers “As churches are established, it should be set before them that it is even from among them that men must be taken to carry the truth to others, and raise up new churches; therefore, they must all work, and cultivate to the utmost the talents that God has given them, and be training their minds to engage in the service of their Master. If these messengers are pure in heart and life, if their example is what it should be, their labors will be highly successful; for they have a most powerful truth, one that is clear and connected, and that has convincing arguments in its favor. They have God on their side, and the angels of God to work with their efforts.”—Gospel Workers, page 50. The following experience illustrates that of many of our ministers who became successful workers by beginning at home with tract distribution:— “About thirty years ago, while on the farm, I thought I ought to do something to advance this blessed cause. Having been in the first angel’s message of 1843 and 1844, I felt that the third angel’s message was going too slowly; so I secured some tracts, and began my work, leaving some of them at every house, and with the explanation that they were free, and that they would be called for in a few days, and other reading-matter left. “I had good success in this missionary work. After I had made the third delivery, the people requested me to speak to them in their schoolhouse. I reluctantly accepted the invitation, and began to explain, the best I could, the Scriptures upon the subjects treated in the tracts. These meetings continued, and church after church was raised up. In this way I began my ministry. The Lord greatly blessed my efforts in responding to the impression that he gave me that I ought to do something to forward the message; and this he will do for every one who will attempt something for God and for the advancement of his truth. J. G. SAUNDERS.” “The great work now to be accomplished is to bring up the people of God to engage in the work and exert a holy influence. They should act the part of laborers. With wisdom, caution, and love, they should labor for the salvation of neighbors and friends. There is too distant a feeling manifested. The cross is not laid right hold of, and borne as it should be. All should feel that they are their brother’s keeper, that they are in a great degree responsible for the souls of those around them. The brethren err when they leave this work all to the ministers.”—Gospel Workers, page 54. D. W. REAVIS.