p. 21 | A Word of Council to the Churches

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

A Word of Council to the Churches

By Arthur G. Daniells

As the days go by we are confirmed in our belief that we have surely come to the last days of this world's history. The appalling disasters occurring on land and sea, the bitter strife between labor and capital, the colossal preparations for war, the steady restoration of the papal church to a dominating position among the nations, all show that the conditions which the Scriptures declare would exist in the last days have come. Everything seems ready for the finishing of the great controversy between the forces of good and evil.

The call of the hour is for the people of God to arise and finish his work in the earth. The winds of strife and war and destruction are being held in check until God has placed his seal on every one who will now accept his call. When that is done, the end will come. O, what a solemn and terrible responsibility rests upon God's people today!

“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church-membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 117.

This statement shows that one thing that is now delaying the work of God is the failure of his people to do their part. In view of this, plans are now being made for a great-forward movement. In all our churches we are organizing for definite, continuous work, and the members are responding well.

The time for the election of church officers is drawing near. The office of church missionary secretary is a very important one, and the success of the church work will, in a large degree, depend upon the selection made for this office. The person chosen should be an active missionary worker, one truly consecrated to the Lord, having some business ability, and tact in dealing with people.

We would urge all church nominating committees to give special attention to the selection of capable persons to act as church missionary secretaries during the coming year. By doing this they will help in the finishing of the work, for with efficient church missionary secretaries we may look for a large increase in the number of members engaging in active missionary work. Then we shall see the fulfilment of the following statement: “If every church-member were a living missionary, the gospel would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues.”—Id., page 32. A. G. DANIELLS.