Not in Our Line by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Feb 18, 1886

Not in Our Line.

By Editor

WE feel well assured that we were right in our judgment that there are many places where good Christian families can exert a good influence, and do a good work, without any detriment to their worldly interests. But now comes a letter from a distant State making inquiry as to where we think the writer could go to fill such a place. We said they must seek counsel of those who have authority to advise in the matter,—which we have not. As others may do as this writer has done, we will supplement our previous remarks by these suggestions:—

1. Consult the officers of your own Conference, or some minister in your Conference, on the subject.

2. If they are clear that you have a duty, and feel assured that you (and your family, if you have one) would exert a good influence in some new field, they may be able to mark out some place of usefulness to you; or—

3. If you or they think you might better go to some other field, perhaps to some other State, then let them give a statement of the case to the officers of the General Conference, or to the officers of the International Missionary Society.

4. In any case, do not seek counsel of those who have no knowledge of missionary fields, or of those who are entire strangers to you. They cannot afford you any help or information.