TRUE MISSION WORK

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 1, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 22.

TRUE MISSION WORK.

I read one day, in thoughtful mood, Of mission work abroad— Of multitudes of precious ones, Now worshiping the Lord, Who once in heathen darkness bowed; And to myself I said, “How noble is the work of those By whom these souls were led— A noble and unselfish work To leave their friends behind, And go to tell in heathen lands Christ’s love for human kind.”

But then, I thought, alas, how few Can thus go far away, And for these poor benighted ones Turn darkness into day! Is there no other work, O Christ, Which I may do for thee And one day hear thy welcome words, “Ye did it unto me?” Then to my mind swift came the thought That other hearts had done, Perhaps, as great and noble work In mission fields at home. But then, thought I, this, too, requires Means, talent, time, and tact, Which, we, poor, weak and timid ones, Alas! most sadly lack.

My heart grew heavy, and I said, “To me no talent’s given; I’m quite a useless worm on earth; Shall I be thus in Heaven?” Then suddenly around me shone A radiance wondrous bright, And by my side an angel stood, All clothed with heavenly light; With reverence meek I bowed my head; I heard a sweet voice say, “Dear heart, you seek to do God’s will, But do not know the way; The words you spoke a moment since Most surely were not true; Perhaps the gifts that men call great Have not been given you, But God looks ever at the heart; He weighs the motives too, And oftentimes takes the weakest ones His noblest work to do. All work for Christ is mission-work, Whatever it may be; Our Father’s ways are not like man’s, There’s work, dear one, for thee; A word, a prayer, a tear or smile Some stony heart may break; For sometimes these are wondrous powers, When used for Jesus’ sake; Perchance thy task may be at home, To sweeten toil and care, To cheer the hearts of wearied ones, Their joys and sorrows share. Control thy thoughts, thy words, thy deeds, And let thy heart each hour Be ‘locked up with the key of prayer,’ Safe from the tempter’s power; For hast thou never seen, my child, A heart that’s filled with grace Bear often Christ’s most precious love, Reflected in the face? Be ever ready when he calls; Seek not great things to do; But watch and pray, and let your God Mark out the way for you.”

I woke, and lo! ’twas but a dream No angel guest was near; But still the words that I had heard Were ringing in my ear; And unto me that vision seemed A message from the Lord; To teach me that each Christian act Is mission-work for God.

—Religious Intelligencer.