THE EUROPEAN MISSION by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1882

THE EUROPEAN MISSION.

By George I. Butler

In another column the reader will find some encouraging news from Bro. Andrews and the work in his mission. Some weeks since, an appeal was made to our people in behalf of this mission fund, and the statement was made that this fund was entirely used up, and was in debt to this Office several hundred dollars. We are glad to say that the friends of the cause, with their usual liberality, have been remembering this mission since that article appeared, and about $500 has been paid in already. The fund has now a small balance in its favor. We feel thankful to our people for these contributions. We hope others who are able will continue to contribute to this mission, till several thousand dollars shall be placed at its disposal. Our people can do it as well as not, and never feel it. Money is plenty in this country.

Some of our people are becoming wealthy, and, I fear, covetous. The only way such can hope to have the blessing of God is to give liberally. If they will make the right use of their wealth, they may lay it up in “bags that wax not old;” it will then be an eternal treasure. If they do not, it will “burn their flesh as it were fire” in the great and trying day just before us. “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth.” “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil.” “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It would be well for the worldly minded to study such scriptures as these. Would it not be better to take some of our worldly treasure and transfer it to a safer place? We can do this in doing good. Do we not all wish to share with this servant of God, who is toiling to the very utmost of his strength in great feebleness to get the light before those dwelling in darkness? Would it not be as well for us as “to buy more land to raise more corn,” etc.? We may share his labors and privations, and also his reward, by making some sacrifices of our means to help him in the good work of saving precious souls. We may also gladden the hearts of the faithful workers, and bring the blessing of God to our own souls. Think of this, dear brethren, and act.

GEO. I. BUTLER.