To the Elder or Missionary Leader
By A. J. S. B.
(Not to be read publicly) “WHAT IS MY DUTY?—A STUDY OF THE TALENTS.”—In this program special effort has been made to draw out the individuality of the church-members, who should be encouraged to do original work, such as the preparation of papers, portions of the program, research, etc. The writing out of outlines, selections from reference books, statistics, etc., will help their minds to retain much useful information. Let members be selected to answer the following questions on “The Talents,” numbering their replies to correspond with the questions. Papers may be prepared, or the replies may be given verbally in their order as called for by the leader. The basis for this study will be found in that remarkable chapter in “Christ’s Object Lessons” (pages 325-365), which has elicited the admiration of many pastors and scholars not of our belief who have purchased this work. These questions are merely suggestive:— 1. Relate the parable of the talents. Matt. 25:13-30; “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 325. 3. Name eight other talents given to man. Id., pages 328-352. 4. Upon what basis does God apportion our talents? Matt. 25:15; Id., pages 326-328. 5. For what purpose are talents given? Id., 329, 330. 6. By what means are talents retained and increased? Id., pages 330, 331. 7. Outline the characteristics of a Christian business man. Id., page 350. 8. Give the proper uses of money. Id., pages 351, 352. 9. Explain the law of growth in temporal as well as spiritual attainments. Id., pages 353-355. 10. Why did the man with one talent fail and lose all? Id., pages 355-365. Numerous other questions will suggest themselves from the study of this remarkable chapter. In small churches one member may answer several questions. There is perhaps no other subject so easy to illustrate from science, biography, and the common walks of life, as that of the growth or loss of talents through use or disuse. Explain the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, both fed by the same limpid stream. Point them out on the map, or draw them on the blackboard. Show the operation of this same law in music, teaching, etc. “OUR IMMEDIATE FIELD.”—Every church should intelligently study and work its territory. The missionary work to be done will22depend largely upon the location and immediate surroundings. In small churches located in large cities or populous districts, opportunities for personal and house-to-house work are practically unlimited. On the other hand, large companies located in rural or sparsely settled districts may be obliged to resort almost wholly to missionary correspondence and the mailing of tracts or periodicals. In carrying forward the great gospel enterprise of the third angel’s message, we should be at least as methodical and careful in our study of conditions, obstacles, resources, and best methods of work, as are the great business firms that carry on a successful business. From the many methods of work suggested on the individual missionary report blank, a few can be easily selected well adapted to the local conditions in each community. Proper organization is a prime factor in the success of church missionary work. Outlines of how to organize a church tract society will be found in this department of the REVIEW dated Oct. 6 and 13, 1910. A full outline also appears in Home Missionary Leaflet, No. 3, which may be obtained upon application to your conference tract society office. A statement of the duties of the church missionary secretary (librarian) appears in this department of the REVIEW dated October 13. “HOW WE ARE WORKING THIS FIELD.”—The small results of the past should never discourage us. With God on our side, we are always in the majority. The sheep of Christ’s fold can always, by divine grace, chase the wolves of the world. “One . . . of you shall chase a thousand.” Joshua 23:10. God’s promise is that “two” Christians shall “put ten thousand to flight.” Deut. 32:30. “William Carey, the great pioneer missionary, translated the Bible into twenty-seven dialects of India. When asked about his marvelous work, he said of himself simply: ‘I can plod; I can persevere.’” By patient effort covering several years, one of our invalid sisters succeeded in visiting once with our publications every house in a great city of four hundred thousand inhabitants. An invalid, mark you! “God, who prepares his work through ages, accomplishes it by the weakest instruments. . . . To effect great results by the smallest means, such is the law of God. . . . Everything was thus intended to manifest in the world that the work is not of man, but of God.”—D’Aubigné’s “History of the Reformation,” book 2, chapter 1. Jesus committed the proclamation of the gospel to a very small number of workers, and to his faithful followers he says, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Select other interesting examples from the Bible, Reformation times, and modern history. “THE TRACT LEAGUE: SOME INTERESTING EXPERIENCES.”—Choose suitable readers from among the members, the young people, and the children. To each assign one of the interesting experiences. Other similar incidents known to the members may also be written down and read with these. Give plenty of time for preparation and drill on the selections. “PLANS FOR WORK.”—The following books will be found helpful in the study of successful methods of missionary work, past and present: (1) The Bible; (2) Walker’s Comprehensive Concordance; (3) “Great Controversy,” by Mrs. E. G. White; (4) “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX (also volumes 1-8); (5) “Christ’s Object Lessons,” by Mrs. E. G. White; (6) “Ministry of Healing,” by Mrs. E. G. White; (7) “History of the Reformation,” by D’Aubigné (five volumes); (8) “The History of Protestantism,” by J. A. Wylie (three volumes); (9) “The Great Second Advent Movement,” by J. N. Loughborough; (10) “The Missionary Idea,” by Mrs. A. E. Ellis. Much information can also be found in the plans, programs, etc., published in the REVIEW, the Instructor, and our other papers. These books may be obtained by addressing your tract society office. Other lists will be given later. A. J. S. B.