REVIVE THE OLD-TIME MISSIONARY WORK.
By Mrs. H. J. Farnum
In the early days of the message, the work of sending out our papers and tracts, and writing letters to each one receiving them, was an important factor in bringing the light of truth before many people. This has also been the means of opening the way for many of our missionaries in foreign lands to enter and establish churches. This was also true in the home field. It has been God's plan since the introduction of sin into the world to enlist his people in the work of saving their fellow-creatures. He intended every member of the church to have a part in the work, for God gives to “every man according to his several ability,” and “to every man his work,” “commanding all to watch.” These words have been especially given to those looking for the coming of the Lord. See Matt. 25:15; Mark 13:34, 37. When I first received the message, one of the first things taught the believers was to organize tract and missionary societies, and to get everyone to work scattering literature and corresponding with their friends. In this way the churches were kept alive, and those who could not go out into the field to work, could work from their homes. Many times the interest they awakened was so great that a minister had to be called to their assistance. This often resulted in raising up new churches. Why should this plan of work be neglected? For the encouragement of those who are obliged to remain at home, but who may become a blessing to others by this kind of work, I will give a few extracts from letters received in missionary correspondence. I received your letter this morning, and I am very much obliged to you for your kind offer, and would like to have more papers any time you please to send them. My thoughts are very deep on the Sabbath question, because I know that we are not keeping the Lord's day. I have “Steps to Christ,” and have read it through; also the “Desire of Ages,” which I take great pleasure in because it is so plain. My education is not good, but I can understand the meaning of it. I received your letter, and was glad to know that I had found such a friend. I received the Signs, and a little tract about the Bible Sabbath, and was very thankful to you for sending them. You spoke about “Steps to Christ.” Yes, I have it, and it is a precious little book. I would be glad to get a letter or paper from you at any time. I hope God will spread your gospel around the whole world, because I believe you are keeping God's commandments, which is more than we are doing. I received your letter, and was glad to hear from you. I have the books “Desire of Ages” and “Christ Our Saviour.” They are something grand to read. I read them often to my husband, who can not read, and they are the only company we have. I have loaned the books to some people who give them a grand name. I would be glad to get more of the papers. From the above extracts it will be seen how much our reading is appreciated, and also the work of the home missionary. Why should this work ever be allowed to fall in the background, especially the work of sending out reading-matter, and correspondence? By this means the worker may gain much valuable experience and many souls may be garnered into the church of Christ. It has often been asked, How can the work of the canvasser be followed up? It seems to me that the question is answered in the home correspondence11and missionary work. This will give the readers of our books a chance to ask questions on any points about which they wish more information, and also make the home workers industrious students and intelligent teachers, which all should be. Why not revive this good work? MRS. H. J. FARNUM.