The Home Missionary Motto and Aim for 1914 by E. M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jan 8, 1914

The Home Missionary Motto and Aim for 1914

By E. M. Graham

A DEFINITE aim always aids in the accomplishment of any work. Therefore we have adopted for the motto for the Home Missionary Department for 1914, “Every Sabbath keeper an active worker,” and for the aim, “Every Sabbath keeper to bring at least one soul to Christ during 1914.”

We may draw a lesson from the experience of the children of Israel during their travels in the wilderness. They were guided by the pillar of cloud. When it moved they were to move. They did not need to go back to be left behind; it was sufficient for them to stand still. The cloud would pass on, and they would be left behind. They did not even need to stand still. If they traveled slowly, not keeping pace with the cloud, they would soon be left farther and farther behind.

It is so in this message. We have come to the days when the third angel’s message is moving rapidly. We do not need to backslide to be left behind, out of touch with God and his work. If we move forward slowly and reluctantly, the message will soon be far beyond us, and we shall not have shared in the blessings that have been given to those who have traveled with it.

We are living in the time when this message is to be finished. Everything about us shows this. It is impossible to take up any daily paper without finding in it some fulfillment of the signs which tell that the coming of the Lord is at the door. We also see evidences that the end is near in the dealings of the Lord with his people.

The recent Atlantic Union Conference was truly a Pentecostal meeting. The experiences in putting away wrongs, in drawing together in brotherly love and unity, in healing, in seeking the Lord, were beyond description. Since this meeting closed, the good work is going on, and the Lord is pouring blessings on

his people. Similar reports are coming from other places. We are evidently in a time of great revival, of preparation for speedily finishing the work. But a time of revival also means a time of scattering, for it will leave every one either better or worse, according as he relates himself to it. The Lord’s call is a call to consecration and to work. Only as a hearty and loyal response is made to the Lord’s call may we receive the special blessings he is giving to prepare his people to stand through these last days.

In view of these things, is it too much to suggest that every Sabbath keeper work and pray for the salvation of at least one soul in one year? It is by no means an impossible thing, for if we pray with persevering faith, and work in the power of the Lord, we can accomplish great things. Think of the joy that would fill our hearts if, at the end of 1914, each of us could have at least one soul to present to the Master. If such a year’s work did not finish this message, it would be a very long step in that direction.

In order to reach our aim we shall have to work definitely and systematically. We should sow as much seed as we possibly can, as not all may bring forth fruit. We should pray for the seed we sow, that the Lord will cause it to take root in some honest heart. As soon as we see signs of interest in any one for whom we are working, we should begin to pray definitely for him by name, while continuing to work for him. In this work we may claim the Saviour’s promise, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14. It is the persevering prayer of faith, together with persistent effort, that will gain the victory.

As we see the possibility of finishing the work in a short time, should not joy fill our hearts? Should we not, one and all, do our utmost to reach this aim of at least one soul brought to the truth in 1914?

E. M. GRAHAM.