MISSIONARY WORK by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 26, 1876

MISSIONARY WORK.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

What is it to possess a missionary spirit? and what is it to perform missionary labor? These questions are of vital importance to the members of the Tract and Missionary Societies. To hear some talk of missionary work, one might infer that it was all comprehended in going to some far-off land and laboring among the heathen, or in sending a few periodicals to some remote region; while others think if they go from house to house and promiscuously leave tracts, they have done a great work. The devil would be pleased with any idea that would put far from us that daily, self-denying, wearing labor, which has an immediate effect upon the salvation of those with whom we daily associate.

The natural heart is inclined to evade anything that requires a crucifixion of itself, and reaches out for some high-sounding work. There are thousands of imaginary missionaries; they are found throughout all the country. There are some among Seventh-day Adventists, who are like some would-be ministers that have failed in every other calling, and that have the reputation of being shiftless among those who know them best, and, as a last resort, have a call to preach. I have seen some so burdened with missionary work that they thought they never could be free until their whole time was devoted to traveling as colporteurs, or something of that kind; but their past life was such that those who were best acquainted with them had but little or no confidence in them. They could have no influence for good over those in their immediate neighborhood. The church where they live, if there be any, would wither and die under their influence; and it would be a relief to it were they to leave it.

Such men are mistaken in their calling. The mother that can so bind her household to her own heart, and by a living connection with Heaven connect them to the Lamb of God with grace divine, possesses a true missionary spirit. It is this spirit alone which can benefit our fellow-men. That brother whose influence has encouraged his brethren, helped the desponding, reclaimed the back-slidden, visited and relieved the distressed and afflicted, can be safely encouraged to extend his influence in other communities and fields. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” The same spirit that actuated him at home at his own fireside, in his church, will actuate him abroad.

Christ exemplified the true missionary spirit. It was not a step to exaltation that brought him to this earth, but humility. “He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,” and “made himself of no reputation.” The great apostle to the Gentiles, in speaking of himself and his former position and advantages, says, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ, yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” He further states, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Paul did not feel that others were under obligation to him, but that he was a “debtor to the Greek, and to the Barbarian; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” His personal interest was lost in laboring for the salvation of those for whom Christ died.

The true missionary spirit does not seek for display, but to quietly labor for others. It will covet wearing labor, if by it others can be benefited. It burns upon the altar of the human heart, and those who are nearest related will feel most of its sacred flame.

The tract work should be carried out with this missionary spirit. Without this it becomes a form. It will show itself in a thousand ways, reaching out beyond its own limits, while the work in its own immediate vicinity is sadly neglected. Our tract workers should commence at home, and the influence should extend out as the ripple around a stone thrown into the smooth surface of water. If our home influence is not productive of good, it is safe to conclude that something is wrong in us.

A large field is open before us. Our cities should be canvassed, and reading matter judiciously distributed. Seaport cities present additional advantages. No vessel should leave our ports without a supply of our reading matter. It is surprising to see the eagerness with which seamen often take our publications. Individuals following the seas have been known to embrace the Sabbath. A short time since, two sea captains arrived in Providence observing the seventh day. Some one had furnished them with publications. Probably there is no Conference of its size, which presents greater advantages in this respect than New England. Such cities as Boston and Providence could thus use thousands of our old REVIEWS, REFORMERS, and SIGNS OF THE TIMES. This work in many instances is sadly neglected. There are homes and libraries for seamen that would gratefully accept our reading matter. In such places, if a proper interest was taken in the missionary work, there would be a market for all of our old denominational papers. The REVIEW Office has cart loads of such papers, which it is furnishing to new fields like Virginia; and with which it is ready to help in the missionary work wherever needed.

When out at sea, hundreds and perhaps thousands of miles from home, sailors are not very particular if the paper is not the latest issue. Many a wayward son has been reclaimed by reading under such circumstances.

I love the missionary cause, and am thankful that our influence is as extensively felt as it is by efforts with our reading matter. But we must possess a home missionary spirit if we would have the prospering hand of God with us. We should study the different avenues for the truth within our individual influence. Public effort without personal, practical experience, will always be defective, and in the end will cause more harm than good. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” S. N. HASKELL.