“Cast Thy Bread upon the Waters.”
By H. A. St. John
Who is doing it? Where is the individual who dare trust the naked promise of God? Bread, the staff of life, cast upon the waters, implies a sacrifice for the good of others. Says Paul, “But to do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb. 13:16. Some seek to do good only when it is convenient, or when they can make it pay in a worldly point of view at the same time. Such should learn that it is sacrificing to do good that pleases God. The last call of mercy is being heard in solemn distinctness, and is rising in light and power. Who believes it with all the heart? Where are the watching, praying, and laboring ones? Alas, they are few! But God will have a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Believers in the third message, it is time we fling to the winds our doubts and misgivings, and begin to work out our salvation in earnest, and with fear and trembling. If we are not in a condition to work, we need to seek the heavenly anointing without further delay. To battle successfully, we must have on the armor of light. Oh! shall we so hunger and thirst after righteousness that we may daily have a new experience in the things of God? Are the members of our T. and M. Societies waking up? Do we feel a growing interest in the blessed cause? If not, we have cause for alarm. Some have been opposed to the T. and M. Society. Certainly the recommendations and unqualified support, given it by our leaders, and the remarkable prosperity attending the workings of the organization in the past, during its incipiency, are enough to fully convert all. Let those who have opposed or hindered the work by casting an influence against it, silently or otherwise, at once find their respective places in the army of true missionaries, while there is a call for volunteers. This they may do by making humble confessions to their brethren, and beginning with vigor to redeem the time. To labor in the cause of God, under the supervision of the T. and M. Society, ties up nobody’s hands, but gives the fullest liberty to work for the Master, in sweet union with his people. Is every director doing his duty? Much, very much depends upon them. Theirs is an important and responsible work. Like the captain of a company, is the director of a district. He should endeavor to enlist in his company all who love the present truth in his district—yes, all, men, women, and children. Nor should he be satisfied with the mere enrollment of names. No, no; but seek to furnish every soldier with books, tracts, &c., and teach them how to work for the glory of God. And to do this, he must move about among his company occasionally, be familiar with all, and strive to help all just where they need help. Every member will want to look upon the face of his director, at least once a quarter, and to hear from his lips words of instruction, encouragement, and good cheer. Do any say that they cannot afford it, that they cannot leave their daily toil without distressing their families? Then we think you are the wrong men for the place. But perhaps you lack faith. You do not trust God enough. Perhaps the kingdom of God and his righteousness are not first with you. Weigh the matter well, look to Jesus for light, and act wisely. Oh! what a field opens before the T. and M. Society. Now we may gather with Christ. Soon all will be over. Jesus is our example. He went about doing good, and this is the sum total of true missionary work. The Lord measures our work, not by the amount done, but by the love with which we work. Whatsoever is done in pure love, is wholly fruitful. Then let us seek for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is the baptism of love.