Proselyting by W.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 20, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 32.

Proselyting

By W.

MINISTER of Christ, by whatever name you may be called, do not be alarmed at the charge of proselyting, or proselytizing. Preach the message that God gives you, and that He bids you preach, whether among Roman Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Disciples, or pagans. Have you truth that they have not? Minister it to them as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If they are desirous of knowing the right way, they will gladly receive it. No true minister of Christ labors for souls simply to get numbers. It is to convert the sinner. For that purpose the disciples of Jesus Christ preached to the Jews in the synagogs, Roman Catholics preached to pagans, Protestants preached to Roman Catholics, Methodists preached to Baptists, and Baptists to Methodists, and Disciples to both. They preached, each and all of these we presume, believing that they had something needed by those to whom they preached. Preach the Word to all, believers or unbelievers.

It was to professed children of God that Jesus Christ preached almost wholly for over three years, and His commission to His disciples was, to begin at Jerusalem. God’s messages always begin with His professed children. Messages of new or downtrodden truth begin there. He would have His own people receive and absorb the message first, and then use them in giving it to others. If they refuse, He passes on and accepts those who will give it. This has been true through all the ages. It is equally true to-day. Let men say what they will, but let the minister preach the Word.