LONELY SABBATH-KEEPERS AND THOSE CARDS.
By Mrs. E. Rollins
How often we read the words, “lonely ones,” “isolated Sabbath-keepers,” with a feeling of pity. But are they really to be pitied? If we are in the truth, and truly living up to our privileges, let us be thankful that we are scattered as salt must be when put to use. In fact, in order to obey the injunction of Matt. 5:16, is it not necessary that we be scattered? But perhaps many feel as one sister writes, “I see no work to do here, and I wish I were at —, where I could meet with the church.” Be assured that God knows just where you are, just what work there is for you to do, and just how to help you in doing it, if you will consecrate yourself to Him. When the Lord has work for us to do, and we are willing to do that work, He will in some manner bring us and the work together. So let none of the lonely ones say or feel that there is nothing for them to do. Earnestly seek the Lord for guidance; honestly give yourself to Him; and then look around you for work. It may be that you will find work in the family circle. Again: there are times when a sense of loneliness, a longing for companionship and help in the Christian life, seems almost unendurable. At such times it does one good to recall the story of Elijah, as told in 1 Kings 18:19. After his wonderful work recorded in chapter 18, he fled, frightened, discouraged, and lonely. But the Lord assured him that he was not alone in his allegiance to Him. 1 Kings 19:18. Remember the loneliness of our Saviour when, in Gethsemane, He bore the anguish and sorrow of our sins—loneliness that no human heart can ever know. It may be there are lonely, sorrowing hearts around us that we can in a quiet way comfort and cheer. By engaging in the Woman’s Gospel work we can do service for Christ, whose life was an example of true Christian Help work. Some are afraid of this work, seeming to think they are signing a pledge; or, as some have expressed it, “I can live a Christian life without signing that.” Certainly; but can you be a Christian without being a follower of Christ? To those who have received the cards let me say, Please read them carefully. You will find nothing there but what we surely must do if we are really followers of Christ. Do not misunderstand. This work is to begin in our own hearts and homes. It means a great deal to follow Christ,—more than most of us realize,—and we should be ready to accept everything that will aid us in realizing what following the Saviour means. For myself I have been helped by the cards. Let us look at them. First, “Realizing my need,” set me to thinking of my great need. “I desire to become a follower of Christ.” Is not that just what we all desire? “And to this end I will study to know the principles which constitute His character” (how are we to know these principles unless we study them?) “as they are set forth in His word, and to practically live them out in the common affairs of everyday life, as He shall help me by His Holy Spirit.” That would be an everyday, practical, Christian life, would it not? On the worker’s card I read, “I surrender myself”—to whom?—To the “power of the Holy Spirit.” It is both strange and sad that those who claim that we now are to receive the Holy Ghost will turn from such a call. Let us be careful not to grieve the Spirit by refusing “to be taught a woman’s true ministry in our own home, among our neighbors, and in our immediate social circle,” and the loneliness will vanish in a blessed sense of the loving companionship of Christ.