WORKING TOGETHER by William Covert

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 24, 1900

WORKING TOGETHER.

By William Covert

WM. COVERT.

The gospel cause is the greatest thing in all the earth, and its numerous interests have to do in some way with everything under the sun. Those upon whom God places its burdens need minds clear as the noonday beams, and wide as the universe. Narrow thinking and limited planning concerning its working will never meet the infinite mind, which presides over all.

The prophet Isaiah saw a coming time and condition, of which he said, “The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came. They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the soldering; and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.” Isa. 52: 5–7.

This view of the prophet falls in a field of light, where no dark jealousies mar the cause and cripple its strength. In that happy time there will be full co-operation. No voice of criticism in that day will be heard; nor will bickering cast a shadow over the way. Then the different departments made necessary for the advancement of the gospel work will be caused to move together with as much harmony as the parts in a perfectly regulated watch.

To bring this state of glory to pass, strong, liberal-minded persons are needed who can fill positions of trust in harmony with the golden rule. These officials in all their ministrations will be mindful of the work others are doing, and plan every operation with reference to the movement of the whole body. Nothing will at that time be pushed ahead of its proper relation, nor any part of the cause be regarded as of little consequence; neither will anything in the least degree be retarded, or held back. If some departments have in the past been neglected, they will then receive sufficient attention to bring them into line with the advance ranks. If others are a little to the front, those departments will not complain if one in the rear endeavors to catch up; for every one will help his neighbor, and speak kindly of that which he is doing, saying, “It is good.” Verse 7, R. V.

Then Conference will not criticise Conference, and committees expect that others are scheming for some advantage; but entire confidence will at all points prevail. Then all societies, all boards, all Conferences, all publishing houses, all schools, and all sanitariums, will be one in the Lord’s blessed work. That will be co-operation.

The gospel cause is like an army in action, meeting a desperate enemy. Every man is expected to do his duty, and every officer know his place, and fill it to the best advantage.

United action must be secured. Loyalty and capability must work together. For the Lord’s watchmen will see eye to eye when the Lord returns to Zion. This united condition must be brought about. The mighty work to be done in the earth before the Lord comes can not be accomplished through a divided church.

A strong people must be a united people. But only the Spirit of God can unite them. Self must die in every one, and the Lord by his Spirit live and reign in every heart, before this time of victory is realized. The prophet, in beholding the glorious working of the cause of truth under the power of this union, exclaimed, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that sayeth unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” And then, to crown the thought with the perfection of beauty, he adds, “Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.” Verses 7, 8.

It is the same blessed thought of unity that filled the soul of David with gladness as he wrote the one hundred and thirty-third psalm. And in its binding he clasped it with something far richer than gold, saying, “There the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.”

Jesus emptied himself; and in all that he did, self did not appear. He subordinated all things to the will of his Father. When his mission on earth was about to close, he could say, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” And he bids us, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself;” let self be dethroned, and no longer hold the supremacy of the soul.—“Mount of Blessing, page 27.”