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MISSIONARY WORK

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 13, 1879

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 53, No. 7.

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MISSIONARY WORK.

By Eliza H. Morton

The life of Christ well illustrates missionary labor. The poor, the lame, the blind, the sick, and the suffering ones of earth were the objects of his special care. He was kind, gentle, and merciful, ever seeking to alleviate woe and to cheer the desponding. His example illuminates with dazzling brightness the path which his disciples must tread. Those who have the spirit of Christ will have the missionary spirit. Their hearts will be filled with tender solicitude for others, and, forgetful of self, they will seek to help bear the burdens of humanity.
Missionary work includes visiting the sick, caring for the destitute, and speaking words of hope to discouraged souls. The true missionary is ever on the alert seeking ways to reach the hearts of men.
God is gradually giving his people light in regard to the prophecies and other portions of the Bible; and as that light is revealed to the church, it becomes the duty of individual members to spread its rays, and thus enlighten the world. As we near the close of time, light will increase, and opportunities for this kind of labor will multiply. A single tract, accompanied with prayer, may touch the hearts of many individuals and lead them to rejoice in the truth.
Missionary work develops character, and blessings which we design for others will react upon ourselves and give spiritual strength. We may toil early and late, and heap up piles of earthly treasure, but it will “perish with the using.” Work for the Master transfers our treasures “where moth and rust cannot corrupt.” It is true that no laurel wreath may deck our brows, but in the future we shall receive “a crown that fadeth not away, and “they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever.” If we wisely improve our talents and time, and walk in the footsteps of the Great Missionary, rich will be our reward, and many our sheaves, when the harvest is gathered.
ELIZA H. MORTON.