Letter Writing by M. L. Huntley

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 19, 1875

Letter Writing.

By M. L. Huntley

LETTER writing is a very important part of the missionary work, and is becoming more and more prominent. There are lonely individuals who are receiving light on present truth in every direction, and there are many among us who, if they were consecrated to the work of God, might speak words of encouragement and instruction to such, and thus exert an influence for good over many minds. From the various reports of labor, it is evident that writing letters is quite a large part of missionary work. It is a field of labor in which much has already been accomplished. Perhaps a few thoughts with regard to writing will not be out of place. In all branches of this work it is of the utmost importance that the true object should be kept constantly before the mind, and especially is this the case with writing letters. It is not sufficient to write that which will merely please or gratify the receiver, and thus merely form pleasant associations, if we would be the means of doing good in this direction. But the object of the writer should be to communicate that which will be most beneficial to the person addressed.

The circumstances of different individuals vary widely, so much so that no definite rule or directions can be made to apply in every case; but under all circumstances, whether it is desired to comfort the afflicted, encourage the desponding, strengthen the wavering, or warn the erring, or to impress the one to whom we write with the importance of some truth, a definite object should be kept in view. Write for a purpose. A careful and prayerful selection of words and ideas is also indispensable. It is impossible to address individuals without making some impression upon their minds, and therefore every effort thus put forth results either favorably or unfavorably. Impressions are made which are not easily effaced. In worldly enterprises all the faculties of the mind are called into use, and men study to know the most successful way of accomplishing their object. Should not the same ambitious determination to excel and succeed be shown in what we attempt to do in the work of God? If there is any cause that is worthy of the highest and noblest powers it is that of saving souls. Is it not showing disrespect to God, his work, and the great sacrifice that has been made for man, to employ to the utmost for our personal interest the powers he has given us, and to bestow but little care or thought on what we do in his service? We should not be novices in anything connected with the cause of God. "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (negligently, margin). Letters may be faultless in sentiment, in construction, &c., all of which is desirable and important, and still be powerless for good. Love to God and to our fellow-men, such as was manifested in the life of the Son of God, and without which far greater efforts are fruitless, must be the actuating principle. If this is in the heart, a winning influence can be exerted through the medium of the pen on those we love who have no interest in present truth.

There is perhaps no one who has not near and dear friends, who, unless they turn from their course, will be lost in a little from this. We see their danger, and their blood will surely be required at our hands unless we do all in our power to save them. Parents, children, brothers, and sisters are in the road to death, and are we unconcerned in the matter? When too late they will rise up, and in words burning with anguish and reproach, condemn us for not having warned them of their danger. Will they have occasion to say that we seemed to care but little for these things? and that we valued earthly interests more than their salvation? Now is the time for us to do all in our power to save those around us, that our garments may be freed from their blood. Our life is a failure unless we are instrumental in the hands of God to lead some precious soul to the Lamb of God, and thus be able at last to enter into the joy of our Lord, in seeing the results of our labor in the kingdom of God. All have an interest in these things inasmuch as all must give an account for the use of the talents committed to their care. The greatest of results depends upon our being good and faithful servants, which all may be by the grace of God.—M. L. HUNTLEY, in True Missionary.