A Test of Faithfulness by D. W. Reavis

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 9, 1916

A Test of Faithfulness

By D. W. Reavis

In studying the history of religious organizations, it is interesting and profitable to note the different tests imposed upon the members in the early days of most of the large denominations grew in numbers and popularity.

In the early days of the Methodist Church, Wesley measured the faithfulness of preachers and of lay members by the part they took in the circulation of Methodist literature. Wesley knew that religious fervor and aspiration, even in his day, was strengthened by religious reading, and that the Wesleyan's faith was fed and nurtured by that which the printed page furnished. He knew the Methodist faith could be grounded, and attain sufficient strength to withstand the bitter attacks of those early days, only through the influence and power of the Methodist press.

If the printed page was the strong arm of Methodism in Wesley's day, what a tower of strength our literature should be in this advanced age of printing! If the circulating of Methodist literature was a test of faithfulness in the early days of that denomination, ought we to have a lower standard than they, when we have a greater message, with its perfected facilities for printing and circulating, and a public educated to reading?

If the Methodist Church has lost some of its old-time zeal in the circulation of its literature, is there not danger of our following their course as we increase in numbers and public prejudice diminishes? If it was necessary in the beginning of the Methodist Church for the ministers and lay members to be faithful circulators of their printed message, can our privilege and duty be less? Should we not follow their worthy example, by making the circulation of our literature by our ministers and lay members a test of faithfulness? D. W. REAVIS.