Talk-Its Worth by A. M. Driscall

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 5, 1875

Talk—Its Worth.

By A. M. Driscall

It is said that “talk is cheap,” which implies that words are of no particular value, and could they be made an article of merchandise, and be bought and sold, they would bring but little at the present time, as the market is full. It is true there is a certain kind of talk that the world is full of, the market is glutted, and it is indeed cheap. It is compared to chaff which the wind carries away.

Talk is composed of words. They may be words of vanity, boastful, full of conceit and bigotry. They may be proud words, which from the natural heart—one not imbued with the divine Spirit—flow like a stream of darkened water, embittered with envy and sarcasm, that blast and wither as they go. These are “devouring words,” that the deceitful tongue loveth. They are cruel and unmerciful words, wounding like a “sharp razor,” leaving hearts all lacerated and bleeding, without one healing touch. Of such talk, the world is full; it cries, Enough.

There is a kind of talk, however, that is never overabundant. It is a kind that the world is in perishing need of. The market will never be overflowing with this kind. Its price is high. It is invaluable—more precious than rubies. It is compared to “apples of gold in pictures of silver.” It is that kind of talk that emanates from a heart renewed by the Spirit of God. It is that kind of talk that has healing in its wings. It is full of charity. It loves mercy, and has compassion. It pities the unfortunate. It comforts the afflicted and sorrowing. It supports the weak and trembling, and gives courage to the desponding. Such is its mission, and its field is a world-wide one.

Sorrowing, afflicted, and disappointed hearts are all around us; and, while this is the case, shall we, members of the Tract and Missionary Society, sit idly down and mourn that nature has been so sparing in her gifts to us in not endowing us with greater ability to do good? As we look over the vast missionary field, extending from continent to continent, from ocean to ocean, and to the lone islands of the sea, and see the work that is being wrought, and hear the cry, “Come and help us,” we wish for greater ability to do, and forget, perhaps, the work that lies at our own door.

There is work to be done. We need not stand idly by, excusing ourselves from doing because we possess the one talent only. Shall we not rather bless the Father of all good that he has provided a way whereby all, both small and great, he who has one talent, as well as he who has ten, may work for him?

We may not be blessed with the gift of eloquent speech to persuade men to become reconciled to God; but, by the blessing of Heaven, we can have hearts to feel for others’ woe, can weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice, and more than this, we are provided liberally with tracts and papers that are written with the greatest care.

With a heart prepared for the work, by watching for opportunities for a careful and wise distribution of these precious documents, we will find work to do for the Master. And as these papers pass from our hands into others’, may a silent prayer ascend that God’s blessing may attend them. Let us not be weary in the work of the Lord, but ever bear in mind the injunction of the wise man, “Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.”

May the work of the Tract Society widen and deepen each succeeding week is the prayer of one who has an interest in the missionary work.

A. M. DRISCALL.