_Our Missionary Attitude_
By H. H. Burkholder
THE readers of the Visitor have already been apprised of the fact that at our good camp-meeting such a wave of missionary enthusiasm swept over the camp that the conference voted (1) that one half of its workers, together with one half of its tithe, be held subject to the call of the General Conference for use in aggressive work in the destitute fields in the regions beyond; and (2) that this plan of sharing our workers and means with the more needy countries of earth be adopted as a permanent policy of the Ohio Conference till the gospel work is finished. It is not at all improbable that some of those who were not present may consider this action of the conference hasty, and think that we have overstepped the bounds of reason. Some may also imagine that we have jeopardized our home interests in proposing so liberally to the fields abroad. But I wish to say, in reply to these or any kindred questions that may arise in the minds of any concerning this matter, that there was no excitement, no fanaticism, connected with this movement. The Ohio Conference voluntarily and deliberately placed herself on record as willing and ready to act her part in the work God calls upon his people to do now. We profess to believe that Christ will come, according to his promise, in this generation. We also profess to believe that “this gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come:” that the time is due for the “everlasting gospel to be preached unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water.” The step we have taken to share our laborers and our means with the other more needy and destitute nations of earth is in perfect accord with the inspired word we have quoted. We have also assumed a friendly attitude toward the Mission Board, a willingness to co-operate with them in any consistent way to finish the work, and to bring an end to the reign of sin and suffering. Let no one entertain fears that the members of the Mission Board will make unreasonable requests of us, nor manifest indifference toward our home interests. They will gladly co-operate with us in all our efforts to strengthen and build up the recruiting field at home. I sincerely believe that we have taken a step forward; and that God’s blessing upon us in return will strengthen us, broaden our ideas, enlarge our hearts, increase our faith, and deepen our interest in his closing work. I thank the Lord for the encouragement I find in the REVIEW AND HERALD of Jan. 13, 1903: “Already many are receiving the Holy Spirit, and no longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference.” “Christian, rouse! fight in this warfare,
Cease not till the victory’s won;
Till your Captain loud proclaimeth,
‘Servant of the Lord, well done!’
He, alone, who thus is faithful.
Who abideth to the end,
Hath the promise, in the Kingdom
An eternity to spend.”
—H. H. Burkholder, in The Welcome Visitor.