Plans of Usefulness by M. G. McMahan

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 6, 1870

Plans of Usefulness.

By M. G. McMahan

Putting books in circulation is an important means of usefulness.

Placing religious books in rooms occupied by visitors, or where they will be found, especially on the Sabbath, will often result in much good. Rev. Richard Cecil was heard to say that “his mother used to put things in his way, which he could not get rid of.”

The distribution of religious tracts in various ways, has often been attended with astonishing results. The following is related by Rev. J. Cross, in his “Gospel Workers”: “A gentleman who was ticket agent at an important railroad station for five years, spent fifty dollars annually in the purchase of tracts for distribution. He made it a rule to give a tract with each ticket sold. He afterward received letters from twenty-two persons who had received tracts from him, stating that they had been the means of their conversion.”

A servant was once anxiously reading a tract, when her mistress entered the kitchen unperceived, and wishing to ascertain what could so engross her attention, read the word “ETERNITY” in large letters at the commencement of the tract. Reflection was aroused, and she was saved—saved by one word.

A boy who had early embraced the Saviour, was once employed as clerk in a bookstore. Wishing to be useful, he procured a supply of tracts, which he distributed in various ways; chiefly by inclosing them in books which he sold.

It is sometimes well to write on a book or tract a request that it be read, and then circulated among others.

Distributing tracts among passengers on steamboats and railroads would seldom be in vain, as they would often be carried into remote localities, which could not be reached by ordinary means.

Inclosing tracts in letters has often been attended by beneficial results. Thousands of tracts might be sent through the land in this way.

Books and papers which will be likely to do good should often be recommended to others. A recommendation of this character, received several years ago from a devoted Christian laborer of St. Louis, will ever be remembered with gratitude by the writer.

Teachers have it in their power to wield a mighty influence for good. A young lady once took charge of a public school in a neighborhood of extreme depravity, hoping by example and precept to be instrumental in their reformation. The spirit of persecution was soon aroused because she read the Bible and prayed in her school. With the meekness of a martyr she patiently endured the “fiery trials” through which she was called to pass, and the result was an extensive and powerful revival of religion.

An excellent teacher, during a course of several years, was in the habit of lending suitable religious books to the pupils of his school, which were returned and exchanged at specified times. Subsequent results were highly satisfactory.

A young lady received and read the Memoir of Martha T. Sharp. The perusal was blessed to her conversion, and she is now a very active and useful Christian.

Teachers, will you try this method of usefulness?

Books suitable for this purpose are numerous and easily obtained.

The power exerted by a consistent Christian example is immense. A skeptical young man, who afterward became a Christian, was often heard to remark that there was one argument which he could never gainsay or resist: the godly, consistent example of his own father.

Christians are watched; every word and action is scrutinized; and it is impossible for them to live, even for a single day, without exerting much silent influence for good or evil.

Vigorous effort in behalf of the young is the manifest duty of every Christian. Who can estimate, until it is revealed in eternity, the amount of good accomplished by faithful spiritual labors among children? The sympathies of children should be early enlisted in simple methods of doing good. When sufficiently interested, they are noble workers.

Some years ago a little girl, apparently not over six

years of age, was noticed every Sabbath morning for several months, passing from house to house, distributing religious tracts. Such unusual labors, in one so young, elicited attention and sympathy, and her efforts were much blessed.

Gathering neglected children into mission Sabbath-schools is beginning to receive that appreciation which its importance demands. Are there no unhappy outcasts in your own vicinity, whom you might reclaim by means of a little labor and self-denial? In view of the amazing worth of souls, will you make an effort? Numerous instances, illustrating the usefulness of such labors, have been widely published.

Sow beside all waters. The most unlikely efforts often result in much good.

A young lady was once induced, after much persuasion, to attend church. Arriving early, she took up an American Messenger which she found in the pew, intending to pass the interval previous to the commencement of the services in reading. The first words read resulted in overwhelming conviction, and she found no peace until she found it at the “foot of the cross.” Numerous instances of conversion, resulting from the distribution of the Messenger, have been published.

A word in season will seldom prove ineffectual. Lady Huntington was once urging upon a workman the importance of preparation for death and eternity. The words designed for the laborer took effect upon another man who happened to be on the outside of the garden wall. The few words overheard resulted eventually in his conversion.

An invitation to church has been the means of salvation to many. An encouraging instance of this character is recorded in the American Messenger for August, 1863.

Lending a book, giving a tract, an earnest entreaty, a silent tear, an affectionate letter, singing a song, visiting the sick, a consistent example, or a convincing argument, may appear of little consequence; but feeble as such instrumentalities seem, they have resulted in the salvation of thousands.

Christian reader, have you ever done anything to promote the cause of God? Have you done all that you could do?

Look upon that vast throng of perishing souls by whom you are surrounded, and, in view of a coming eternity, ask yourself if there is not something more that you can do. Watch for opportunities. Be instant in season, out of season; and by the blessing of God, you may be instrumental in saving many souls from death.—M. G. McMahan.