THINK ONE OF ANOTHER by Guy Dail

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1901

THINK ONE OF ANOTHER.

By Guy Dail

GUY DAIL.

(Hamburg, Germany.)

We rejoice to see sinners converted to Christ. We go to great expense in time and money that the truth may be presented in the most varied and attractive manner. Printing presses are set in motion; self-denying colporteurs carry the silent messengers of God from one end of the country to the other; we scatter our periodicals and tracts everywhere; we support medical missions, and sanitariums, church schools and colleges; we hold cottage meetings, and conduct big tent efforts; we rent large halls, and carry on great camp-meetings; we foster home and foreign missions. We do all this that we may gather into the fold of Christ such as are willing to heed the gospel invitation. Surely, we give evidence that we have an interest in the salvation of men and in the advancement of the Third Angel’s Message.

But have we done all we can for others when we have led them to accept the glad tidings and start with us for the eternal city?—Nay, verily; our responsibility in their behalf is many fold increased; for they are now our brethren in Christ. We owe them every encouragement that we have power to give. But, alas, how often are we careless and forgetful of our fellow pilgrims to the heavenly Canaan! Of many incidents that have come under our notice we will cite one or two that are to the point:—

Not long ago, at the regular quarterly meeting, the roll was called in one of our Western churches. Among those of whose whereabouts the church had evidently taken little pains to keep informed, was a brother who had been dead for several years. The more remarkable was the ignorance of those present, since the brother in question had been a faithful missionary to Africa, and an account of his death had appeared in our papers. Again, it was recently stated in our hearing that in a church with an enrollment of forty, only three or four now attend Sabbath services, while the remaining thirty-six members are scattered, no one knows where.

Such a state of indifference is terrible; it is criminal; and we should not tolerate it in our hearts for one moment. Why be so zealous to raise up a church, and so willing to see it lapse into speedy decay and ruin?

One cause of this deplorable situation is our lack of sociability. We should take an interest in one another, not that disagreeable, busybody, uncalled-for interest of the talebearer and the mischief-maker, but that genuine, kindly interest inspired by a brotherly feeling toward every member of the body of Christ. That we may see kindled among us the real spark of an unaffected sociability and hospitality, in no wise necessitates our descent into the quagmires of a cheap, vulgar,

frivolous chit-chat and gossip. Never were such things suitable or convenient in the King’s children; and to-day, even more than at any time in the ages that are past, should Christians meditate upon God’s providences, and speak of His matchless beauty and love. The encouraging spots in our religious experience, the simple tale of His wonderful dealings with us, and the history of the men of the Bible, furnish abundant food for thought. By this intercourse one with another, we may develop that happy Christian courtesy that is so desirable, and that will be of great service in our efforts to bless those with whom we may be brought in contact.

The habit of remembering our brethren and sisters in prayer will do much to endear them to us. Especially should we think of those who are in any distress or suffering. Our earnest and sacrificing missionaries, and those who are carrying heavy responsibilities in the cause of God, should not be forgotten at the family altar. The command to “pray one for another,” is as divine as any of the words of Christ, and we cannot disregard that command any more than we can disregard any other commandment of God. A short season of prayer, even at the close of a Christian social gathering, may be accompanied with excellent results, and it is in perfect keeping with our profession as His watching disciples.

With reference to isolated Sabbath-keepers, and those who have moved away, it is possible to keep in touch with them through correspondence. To be sure, this may require a little time and expense, and there are some more gifted in letter-writing than others. A cheery, whole-hearted letter that has been indited by the spirit of love, will sometimes do a world of good to him who receives it. Many a soul has been saved by a single kind word spoken in time of need, and many another has gone down to the very lowest depths of despair and spiritual bankruptcy for the lack of it. A word fitly spoken—how blessed its mission, and how little its cost! Of our own time it is written: “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”