THE MINISTERS AND THE PEOPLE.
By T. A. Kilgore
“And there shall be like people, like priest.” LIKE begets like. As the leader goes, so is he followed; and as he is, so are his followers. This natural, axiomatic principle applies quite generally, and our work in the message is no exception. In no other line is it more pronounced than in the canvassing field. In those conferences where the ministers take the most active interest in the work of circulating our literature, there we find the best spiritual interest among the laity, and the most and the best work done. A conference official, in a recent letter to this office, says:— When the ministers, in going among the churches, are interested in the Signs, and go out themselves with the brethren, and show them how to get the paper into the homes of their neighbors, more good is done for that church than two dozen sermons could accomplish. The brethren think and say, “Well, I declare! if Elder—isn’t interested in the Signs! He even thinks that paper of enough importance to go out right here among my neighbors and get them to take it; and here I have been living all these years supposing that they would not allow an Adventist paper in their homes. They seem glad to get it.” That minister goes on, but he has left a telling influence behind him which does not soon die. He has shown them how they can work, and actually demonstrated it before them. This is in harmony with the instruction:— The minister should not do all the work himself, but he should unite with him those who have taken hold of the truth. He will thus teach others to work after he shall leave. A working church will ever be a growing church. They will ever find a stimulus and a tonic in trying to help others, and in doing it they will be strengthened and encouraged.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 4, p. 319. No one need fear that canvassing for any of our publications is beneath his dignity or calling, for we are informed that— If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to search the Scriptures.—Idem, p. 390. And the Signs of the Times is a prominent factor in aiding the people in their search for light. Here is what is said of it:— This silent preacher, the Signs, enriched with precious matter, should go forth on the wings of prayer, mingled with faith, that it may do its appointed work in shedding the light of truth upon those who are in the darkness of error. The Signs of the Times, laden with rich food, is a feast to many who are not of our faith. Our brethren do not all see and realize the importance of this paper; if they did, they would feel greater personal interest to make it intensely interesting, and then to circulate it everywhere.—“Signs” Sup’t, Feb. 24, 1887. In view of these encouragements for the paper and its work, are there not many who will devote from one hour to one day, or more, each week in presenting it to the people? and will not our ministering brethren study the work, and labor with and for the churches along this line, and thus secure a blessing for themselves and the people?