THE V. M. SOCIETIES by Stephen N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 19, 1879

THE V. M. SOCIETIES.

By Stephen N. Haskell

The work of our vigilant missionary societies, in mailing the Signs of the Times to different parts of the world, is accomplishing much good. The Judgment alone will reveal the results thus accomplished. Many become interested, and finally embrace the truth, who never respond to letters they receive. Not a few instances have come to our knowledge, where papers which have been sent to individuals having no interest to read them, have fallen into the hands of others who have become interested, and in a few instances these efforts have led to churches being raised up. This work also gives an experience to the individuals thus engaged, which is invaluable to them. But there is another feature of missionary labor, lying nearer home, which should not be overlooked. Although relating especially to those having the oversight of churches (See Eld. Canright’s article “To Church Elders,” in REVIEW of April 24), much of this kind of labor can be performed by our sisters. They should visit and pray with those who may be losing their interest in the cause of present truth. They should see that each family has the REVIEW, Good Health, and Instructor. Do not neglect this work. Not unfrequently we hear of individuals getting into “doubting castle,” and falling a prey to Satan. The first the church knows about the case, they are lost. Is no one responsible for this? Perhaps there was a V. M. society in the same church, actively engaged in remailing papers every week. This distribution is all right, but we should remember that we owe a duty one to another in our church relation. It was Cain who said, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” implying that he had no responsibility in the matter.

You may plead that the work is disagreeable, and you have not the time to devote to it; but are we not living on this earth to do good and exemplify the spirit of Christ? Is there any work in which we can engage, that will develop this spirit more than this? We are fast approaching more troublous times than any we have as yet witnessed. We are not prepared for it. The testimonies to the church should be read by every family. Are there those in each church who feel the responsibility of looking after these things? Do not say this work belongs to some one else. The language of the apostle in Phil. 2 is addressed to us individually: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” As those who profess to follow in the footsteps of our divine Lord and Master, are we prepared to meet the record of our lives in the Judgment?

The reading of our periodicals and the testimonies together with a daily study of the Bible will be a strong fort against the attacks of Satan. God in his providence has given the testimonies as a spiritual help to his people. In them, we are warned concerning particular dangers which lie in our pathway, the journey through. A responsibility with reference to reading them ourselves, and inducing others to do the same, rests upon us who believe these things. We feel deeply over this matter. There is a great lack in our churches in respect to feeling for each other’s spiritual welfare. “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”

There should be more sociability in our churches; but the object should not be to talk about our farms, our shops, our merchandise, but of the truth, of victories gained, and of each other’s spiritual welfare. This will be health and strength to us spiritually. Try it, brethren and sisters. Do it immediately. Do not put it off, but reform at once, and see how it works.

S. N. HASKELL.