Exchange of Laborers by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 3, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 14.

Exchange of Laborers.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

THERE is no calling more honorable than that of being co-workers with Christ in the salvation of men. It was arranged in the divine economy of grace, that men as well as angels should act a part in the work of God upon the earth. Each has a work to do, and no one can do the work of another. Christ revealed himself to Saul while he was on his way to Damascus, and showed him that he was a sinner, and was persecuting the Son of God in the person of his saints. He might have told him what he must do to be saved, but here was a work for his church to do; and Saul, afterwards called Paul, was sent to one of the very class that he intended to take to Jerusalem, to learn what he must do to be saved. Ministering angels also co-operated with

Christ, and were sent to inform one Ananias that he should arise and go and inquire for one Saul, "for, behold, he prayeth." And in the case of Cornelius, the angel of the Lord, instead of instructing him, told him to "send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side. He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do."

Every person who yields himself to God becomes his servant, and has some part to act in the great plan of salvation. God has not left any branch of his work to any one man, or any one class of workers, or even to angels, who are ministering spirits; but he says to each one of his people, "Go work in my vineyard." When the Lord sent out his disciples, he selected men of different temperaments, and placed them together, thus showing that he would not have his work bear the stamp of any one man's mind.

The preaching of Philip led Simon to believe and be baptized; but "when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John." These disciples proved a great help to the young converts. They filled a place in the cause that would not have been filled had it been left to Philip alone. It was Peter who saw that Simon was not converted, although he had been baptized. "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God," were his words.

The work left to any one individual would soon bear more of the stamp of the human mind than of the divine; for none are perfect in judgment. It was the beloved disciple who said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" The same disciple at one time came to the Saviour and said, "We saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us." But Christ reproved him in both instances.

If the early work of the church had been left to any one or any two of the disciples, it would have suffered loss. Christ knew this, and chose twelve, and there were many others who united with them in counsels from time to time to decide important questions. It was so in the days of Luther, and of other reformers. In France, England, Scotland, and every nation of Europe, God raised up men, who, acting in harmony, contributed to the Reformation of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In all of the most permanent reforms the different judgments of the people have been blended, and the different gifts of the Holy Spirit have had their proper influence. "For the body is not one member, but many." The different gifts are as necessary to the perfect development of the church, as the different members are to the body. This has been verified over and over again in the experiences of churches and Conferences.

Nothing should be dreaded more than to have the work of God fall into ruts of which it would be impossible to get out. No two minds are constituted alike, and different men, reasoning from different stand-points, will suggest different thoughts, and present new ideas. "In the multitude of counselors there is safety." It is for these reasons that an exchange of laborers is good. No one person should remain for any great length of time in one place, without visiting other fields, thus giving him a different experience, and the churches a chance to expand beyond just his own ideas.

In the town of Princeton, Massachusetts, on the west side of a hill, stands a row of stately maple trees, but their limbs have all grown toward the east. This was caused by their position, which was such as to shelter them from all but the west wind. And thus it will be in the cause of God, where the influence of one mind and one chain of circumstances control the work. The prophet says of Ephraim, "Ephraim is a cake not turned,"—a cake burnt on one side, and unbaked on the other, and so uneatable. This describes the worthlessness of those who are so stereotyped in certain ways that they cannot advance in God's providence, neither can they see when good comes, and take new responsibilities as the way opens before them in the work of God.

Why is it that California is so much stronger than many other Conferences of the same size? They have had a diversity of laborers, who have urged upon them the necessity of taking new responsibilities and additional burdens. This varied experience has given them strength, until there is no Conference in the country which will assume greater responsibilities and burdens, uncomplainingly, than they. Could they see that any more would advance the cause of God, there are men of means who would give their last cent, and then do as Barnabas did,—who, when he had given all, gave himself.

There were no two Conferences, a few years ago, that needed a change of laborers, for their growth, more than did the two North Pacific Conferences. The presidents of these Conferences needed new fields of labor, and it was thought best that the president of the Nebraska Conference take the place of Eld. Van Horn, whose wife's health needed a change of climate. This developed talent in Nebraska, and last year a zeal was manifested in that State worthy of being imitated by all of our Conferences. This change has greatly improved the health of Sister Van Horn, and an acceptable laborer has been found in Eld. Van Horn, to attend the various camp-meetings, and travel from State to State. Also a commendable step has been taken in the North Pacific missions, especially in Portland, Oregon. During the past year, a meeting-house has been erected, a reading-room opened, and a city mission established. From the "Year Book" it is seen that the average tithe, in proportion to the membership of the Conference, is more than any Conference in America, except one. Thus these changes have worked for the growth of the Conference, as well as for the good of the cause.

During the coming season these two northern Conferences should have further help. The work should be extended into Idaho Territory. We see no reason why Portland, Oregon, should not have the experience of Bro. Ings to help establish the missionary work there, before he starts East to help in the city missions of Chicago and New York. Eld. Corliss is now in Oregon. He may assist the work greatly in those Conferences, and after the spring camp-meetings, go over to Boise City, Idaho, and labor there for a season.

Nevada should not be forgotten in the distribution of laborers on the Pacific Coast. There are men and women in Nevada who should be at the school in Healdsburg, Cal., fitting themselves to labor in the cause as the providence of God opens the way. The cause is one, and the message we have is to reach the people everywhere. Every portion of the field should have the benefit of different gifts, so that the friends of the cause will receive the benefit of the various ideas of the different laborers.

May God speed the truth, and give it success in all of its branches.

S. N. HASKELL.