LABORERS WANTED | AdventAI

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 26, 1881

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 7, No. 20

LABORERS WANTED.

As we passed down the street, on a bulletin board in large letters was the announcement that laborers were wanted. A large enterprise was under way, and additional men were needed to push the work at this season of the year. We thought of the vast achievements of peace in the last half century—of canals, railroads, steamships, and telegraphs belting the world, and that all was the result of labor; of the grand educational agencies which were polishing the intellects of millions; of the missionary enterprises by which the Sun of Righteousness was rising on the dark lands of the earth; of the millions in America who have not the gospel of salvation, and longed for a bulletin board at the doors of all the churches, on which to advertise for laborers for the Lord’s cause.

Laborers wanted! The enterprise of winning souls from sin to righteousness, is great in magnitude, great in importance. It has engrossed the attention and efforts of the ablest, and best of earth, the angels of Heaven, and God himself. It is worthy of the best talent and culture of the age, and he who gives himself to the work will not be debased by having his name among the worthies who subdue kingdoms and work righteousness. The work itself is honorable. While the president of the railway may look down upon the poor man, who, with shovel and pick, builds the track, or upon the brakeman of the train, yet not so is it in the highway of holiness. The Master is the personal friend and companion of all who toil in the way. Labor there ennobles, toil cultures, and heavy burdens bring increased strength.

The employment is inviting. No other work so fully satisfies. The work is not in vain. Happy results are at times quickly attained, while the causes, far-reaching in character, bring glorious fruits in after days, and years. How truly this is seen in the case of Bible worthies and in others. Their influence is widening and deepening, like the waters in the prophet’s vision. The consciousness that glorious work is being done, gives courage and joy to the laborers.

The compensation is sure. “He that reapeth receiveth wages.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Not gold, and earthly palaces, and sumptuous feasts are promised, but “bread shall be given, and the water shall be sure.” If homes and friends are forsaken for the kingdom and toil, an hundred fold of homes, and dear, true souls, will be given in return, with life everlasting. The daily reward is abundant, while the glory, with occasional foretastes thereof, is thrown in as bounty. So satisfactory is all this, that no one who does well ever complains of the fare or the pay.

Laborers wanted! It is the Lord’s economy to bring souls to glory through human agencies. As in nature, so in grace, we are mutually dependent. Nathaniel was called to the Master by Philip. In every highway and byway, souls are in sin and sorrow, and in need of some one to say, “Come, thou with us, and we will do thee good.” Vast throngs of lost sinners are wandering in the dark, to the brink of a fearful precipice. Men and women, with lamps trimmed and burning, are wanted to go after them. Some are stumbling now. It will soon be too late. “The King’s business requireth haste.” O ye idlers, go after the lost. You can save them if you will. Do not let them perish.

Laborers wanted. Men and women who have been born of God, and sanctified by the Holy Ghost, in whose souls is a power impelling them to rescue the perishing. How sad the reflection, that thousands who might be useful and noble, are idling away their time, sinking their manhood, dwarfing their intellectual powers, and smothering their soul-life, because of their unwillingness to enter the service of the Saviour, for the reward given to the righteous. Still laborers are wanted. Let it be rung across the continent, and around the world; wanted everywhere, laborers in Christ’s cause. The work is great, and glorious, and the wages sure.—Methodist.