BE TEMPERATE IN ALL THINGS.
By Mrs. H. E. S. Hopkins
Our Saviour, in his admonitions to the seventy, who were sent out by twos, said: “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” The following words tell us our duty: “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” Many are the earnest, importunate petitions that have ascended to the Lord of the harvest for help. Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Is there not danger of being overanxious, of thinking that there is not another person whom the Lord can trust with this vast amount of work that is to be done in his vineyard? “Be careful for nothing.” “By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” “that giveth to all men liberally,” “abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Is he not waiting for his people to ask, that he may do great things for them? Considering these facts, should we for a moment entertain the thought that our divine Lord desires that any of his laborers should work beyond their strength, hoping to accomplish a desired end, but thereby entirely cutting off their own usefulness? “He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” We read, in Mark 6:31: “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” The disciples had just returned from their first missionary tour, wearied with labor for their Master. And these are the words of compassion breathed from the lips of the Redeemer, assuring his disciples that it was not necessary to work to the utmost of their strength. “Let no one labor to the point of exhaustion.” “Do not crowd two days’ work into one. God’s work is world wide. It calls for every jot and tittle of the ability and power that we have, but there is danger that God’s workers will abuse their powers as they see the field is ripe for the harvest. But God does not require this.” In the ministry; among Bible workers, canvassers, office laborers, students, teachers, physicians; and even among those engaged in household duties, “Sabbath-keepers as a people labor too hard without allowing themselves a change, or periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those engaged in physical labor, and is still more essential for those whose labor is principally mental. It is a religious duty to take care of the health which God has given them. The Lord does not require them just now to become martyrs to his cause. They can serve the cause of present truth far better by their lives than by their death.” But these admonitions are not intended for the idlers, the do-nothings. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” Where is the talent I intrusted to you? These are the questions the Master asks you. “I was afraid and went and hid thy talent in the earth.” Why not dig it up, and put it out to the exchangers, as the Lord requires? “Oh,” says one, “if I had the ability that this one, that one, or the other has, I might do something to extend this message, but I do not see how I can do anything.” Have you truly decided to stand still, fold your hands, and let others take the crown that you might win? Can you afford it, my brother, my sister? “We should be grateful that God condescends to use any of us as his instruments.” “As stewards of the Lord’s gifts we are to trade upon these talents, however small they may be. Many neglect the work because they563think their talent too small to honor God. But you should not thus estimate the talent God has given you. Because you do not seem to be so highly favored as some others, you should not underrate your intrusted gifts, hiding them in the earth.” “Laborers are few.” The Lord needs your service. “Will you let him have it?” “What shall I do anyway? I can’t go to China, India, or any of the dark quarters of the globe.” Are you sure? Did you ever talk with the Lord about it? It is true that we can not all go to these places. Some of us must stay at home. Some of us have a work to do in our own kitchens. This is one of the best places to learn how to prepare good, healthful food, that we may have clear minds to be fitted for the work in foreign fields. Then there is the “little flock;” what a work for this is intrusted to some of you! Take the little folks out with you to visit the sick, the poor, the aged, and the lonely, thus letting them see a little of the other side of life, and instilling into their minds a missionary spirit. There are letters to write to isolated members, who are scattered here and there. And there are relatives, whom we must not neglect. Our first effort should be with them. Surely there is plenty of work for all. If you are ready and willing, you will not have any difficulty to find out where your field of labor is. Take courage, go forward in the name and strength of the great I AM, and he will verify his promise: “Unto every one that hath, shall be given.”