Laborers Wanted by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 19, 1873

Laborers Wanted.

By George I. Butler

NEVER have we felt the want of laborers more than we have this season. The fact that the work is extending over so large a surface of territory, and that some of our old hands are laid up temporarily by sickness, and that there are so many calls in all directions, makes this statement plain. Our greatest want is laborers. Why are they not forthcoming? It is not because there are not a sufficient number of men who might do good in this direction. There are scores of them who might make strong men, successful laborers, as ministers if they would but take hold of God’s work as they do of their own. In Iowa, where my acquaintance is most extended, there are several who should have taken hold of the work of God ere this. They have talent enough. They are strong men in anything they undertake—men who can favorably impress their fellows, when they have worldly schemes to forward—men of influence, men of character and respectability. And while those who have gone out to labor, and try to supply the lack caused by others being called away to work in other fields, to keep the cause from sinking down, have to work at great disadvantage, one man taking the whole burden of tent-labor, these even might be with them, or laboring in other localities, bringing souls to Christ. So it is in all the States. Calls have been coming in to the General Conference Committee this whole season: “Can’t you send us some one? Do send us a laborer.” Tents lying by unused, and souls perishing for lack of light, and men claiming to be Christ’s servants capable of enlightening them, but will not! Can it be said to such, “Well done, good and faithful servants”? These things are most painful to those who love the cause, and have responsibilities to carry in connection with it.

Our ministers who have the cause of God at heart, are in danger of breaking down in health, simply because they see so much to do. How can they keep still without criminality? Will not those who might come to their assistance, but do not, have to answer for their having to bear these extra burdens?

It is not those merely who are willing to preach a little, who are wanted. It is intelligent, devoted, earnest workers; men who make up their minds to save themselves and all they can around them; who devote themselves to saving souls with the same resolution that men do to become lawyers, doctors, or members of any profession. These do not expect to accomplish their objects merely by a little sympathetic feeling. They go to work to become intelligent in their profession. They study and practice. They gain knowledge by observing others who have succeeded. They do it for a temporal object, to make money, or gain a reputation.

Why cannot men who believe the Lord is coming to destroy the world, and all who are unprepared, go to work to save souls? be Bible students? study to be workmen, and set before their fellow-men the mighty issues upon which eternal destinies hang? They can set about this just as intelligently as they ever did about any business they ever accomplished in their lives, seeking God with all their hearts the meantime, that he will bless their efforts. If they are not sufficiently educated to do this satisfactorily, our land is full of schools. We have one of our own, specially designed for the purpose of imparting the necessary instruction. Oh! what a noble object for men of sense to seek for, would this be. Infinitely higher is this than the amassing of wealth, a good name among men, or a life of pleasure-seeking. And especially with our views of the closing of time, should we expect men to volunteer for this noble work. It must be a lack of faith that keeps men from it.

The Master calls, “Go work in my vineyard.” He promises good pay, even a life of joy that never ends. We may see others saved to all eternity by our efforts. We may enter into the joy of our Lord. This world will soon pass away. The Saviour will come. Shall we do nothing to save our fellow-men! Shall we stand by and see others faint, and not come to their assistance? May God forbid.

What keeps men back? With some, it is the love of the world. Says John, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The world passeth away and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

With some, it is the fear they shall not be as successful as some others. They are not willing to do little duties. Unless they can be as able ministers as some they have in their mind, they will do nothing. Such motives will never stand in the Judgment.

Some know they are not consecrated to God enough to do the duties of the minister successfully. Why do they not then become so? Why not humble their hearts before him with weeping and contrition? They cannot be saved unless consecrated to God; unless willing to be anything he wants them to be.

Some are unwilling to leave home and families, and meet opposition. “Seek first the kingdom of God,” the word says. The Lord’s service must be uppermost in our hearts or he will not accept us. We must follow Christ. He left Heaven to come here and save us. We must love our fellow-men enough to be willing to forego the comforts of this life or we are unworthy the name of Christians. The martyrs set us an example. We cannot enter Heaven and selfishly do what we like best. We must seek the salvation of those around us, if it costs us something. This is not our home. Here we must toil for the good of the cause, for it is sacred.

Oh! how much there is to do; and how few are willing to work. May the Lord of the harvest raise up laborers for it. The fields are white. The days of reaping are just upon us. Let us bestir ourselves earnestly.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Battle Creek, Mich., July 31, 1873.