A Great Opportunity and Privilege by A. J. HAYSMER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 3, 1907

A Great Opportunity and Privilege

By A. J. HAYSMER

It is indeed encouraging to us all to see how rapidly the “gospel of the kingdom” is being carried to the world. Surely the Lord is cutting his work short in righteousness. I wish to give one illustration.

Thirteen years ago last May we landed in the West Indies. At that time there was scarcely a score of our people in that field. How encouraging it is to read the latest reports from that field, and learn that there are at the present time about thirty-three hundred believers, with hundreds of intelligent young people who are anxious to receive the proper training to fit themselves for an active part in the finishing of this work. Surely here is a great opportunity, and I believe we shall regard it a great privilege to give liberally of our means, at this time, in order that a training-school may be built up and equipped in this needy field.

Again, we have this Testimony concerning the work in the Southern States: “A good beginning has been made in the Southern field. . . . I saw a great work to be done, which ought to have been done years ago.” “I saw where there are institutions for the advancement of the Lord’s work. One of these places was Graysville, and another Huntsville, where we have industrial schools. These schools are to receive encouragement and help, for the Lord led in their establishment. Each has advantages of its own.”

We are all acquainted with the great loss our Huntsville school has sustained by fire, and most of us know something of the improvements needed at our Graysville school, in order that the scores of our young people in the South, who earnestly long to enter that school, can be received, and made comfortable while being fitted for the work. Surely these needs appeal to us as a people, and they should be supplied in order that these important centers of education in the Southern field may meet the mind of God in their establishment.

Again I read: “The Lord is working impartially [should not we?] for every part of his vineyard. . . . Many plants are to be established in the cities of America, and especially in the Southern cities, where as yet little has been done. . . . As a people we should take a special interest in the work at Nashville. At the present time this city is a point of great importance in the Southern field.” “Nashville is within easy access to Graysville and Huntsville. By the work in Nashville the work at Graysville and Huntsville is to be confirmed and settled. Graysville and Huntsville are near enough to Nashville to strengthen the work there, and be strengthened by it. It was in accordance with God’s purpose that the publishing work was started at Nashville.”

“Sanitarium work also has been begun in Nashville. This must be wisely managed, and given support.”

Then are not all these great opportunities for us at this special time? And shall we not all esteem it a privilege to do all in our power to build up the work in these needy fields, and thus hasten the restitution of all things? “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.”

A. J. HAYSMER.

Elkwood, Ala.