Look on the Fields by W. H. ANDERSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 12, 1905

Look on the Fields

By W. H. ANDERSON

W. H. ANDERSON

It must be evident to all that we have reached a crisis in our work. Will it advance by leaps and bounds? or must it drag along? Shall we make a grand charge all along the line? or shall most of our energies be spent at the base of supplies? Must the men in the field be crushed by the burdens that are pressing upon them? or shall we all uphold their hands?

Is it in harmony with the message, “There shall be delay no longer,” to inform our workers all over the world that they must make no advances? How can we rest until the work is finished? “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” “How shall they hear without a preacher?” “And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”

Let us look at one of the missionaries in the field. He sees many openings to be filled. He hears many calls. Can he pass all by unheeded?

A native chief asks for a school at his village. It is an important center. It is a highway of travel. Many people would be taught the gospel if a school were opened. The missionary can not afford it. He is told that he must incur no additional expense.

A young man comes to him to be trained for the Lord’s work. He wants to be associated with the missionary that he may learn how to labor. He has nothing to invest in the most inexpensive food and clothing, and must also be clothed. The missionary must say, I can not educate you. The treasury is empty.

Young converts are cut off from employment because of the Sabbath. How can they live? In America, we would say, “Go to canvassing.” Alas! we have no literature in the vernacular to sell. That most potent factor for the spread of the gospel, the printed page, does not exist.

He sees his brother hungry for the truth, but he can not feed him; he is naked, but can not be clothed. Like the priest and the Levite, the missionary is compelled to pass by on the other side. He turns a deaf ear to their entreaties. He already has more than he can do. He must be blind to their need; for he is neither omnipotent nor omnipresent. There is no one to assist him.

He sees his wife and child contracting fever in a malarious climate. His own strength is failing. They need a change to a more congenial atmosphere. It will require the salaries of three native teachers for one year for them to have a rest. Can he afford it? Can he deny the light of life to the heathen, that he may prolong his own? He decides that he can not. He will struggle on until death claims him a victim.

When his strength is almost gone, when his wife is prostrate with grief because the little light of home has gone out forever, he opens the “Dear Old REVIEW,” and sees that the annual offerings for missions are doubled this year. What joy! What renewed strength! What encouragement! His brethren have not forgotten him. God has answered his earnest prayers? Shall it be so?