I AM glad to note by correspondence received, that a genuine interest has been aroused in the minds of many of our brethren as to the needs and possibilities of Gospel work here. If our duty is great toward all parts of the world, it certainly includes this island. Here, close to New York, is an American possession teeming with souls steeped in spiritual ignorance and superstitions, with but one or two representatives of the advent message on the island. Can you, dear reader, close your heart to this need, and be guiltless before God?
You may already be a worker in the Lord's vineyard, taking up daily the work nearest at hand, be that work in the Sabbath-school, medical or ministerial work, teaching, Bible-work, or any other branch to which the Lord has seen fit to call you. Your heart and soul are in the work. That is good. But do not become so bound up in your own labors as to forget that there are other needy fields that claim your interest and efforts. The Saviour told His disciples—us as well as the first twelve—"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Our look should search the whole horizon of the world's needs. No matter where one travels, as long as the day lasts there is always a horizon. And "the night cometh, when no man can work." There will be no horizon then. The work will be closed, and your opportunities passed. Do you wish to wait till then? Or are you one of those who have circumscribed their horizon of spiritual vision by getting into a canon of despair with precipices of difficulties either side of you? Get out on the peaks of Mount Pisgah, whence you can see the rich promised land. True it is that as Moses' glance, when looking prophetically at the land flowing with milk and honey, had to take in the cruel sight of the cross, so you will see many sacrifices that must be made ere reaching that land; but will you halt or turn back?
Forward, always forward! China, India, Africa—these and other lands demand the Gospel of God's name. Can you, dare you refuse to go forward? True, many have responded nobly in the past to demands for sacrifices in order to establish and maintain the Lord's standard. I know that greater sacrifices still must be made in the future, nay, in the present, right now. Our Captain is calling for the forlorn hope, the last gallant attempt made by picked, veteran troops, scarred and battle-worn, but always true, to storm the city of Mansoul held by the enemy. Who will respond, "Here am I, send me"? Forward, even to death, if need be! Forward, trusting in our invincible Captain!
Among the most needy fields in the world, our poor Porto Rico stands out prominent. She is calling for men and women for all branches of the work. Ministers, medical workers, teachers, colporteurs, Bible-readers, and canvassers are needed—yes, and even self-supporting Christians to come and settle here. The way is wide open. Can you not come, dear reader? If not, then make Porto Rico a prominent topic in your prayers, your meetings your offerings, and your thoughts. Pray, talk, write, and give for Porto Rico. If many will do this, for even a few months, we who are here believe that Porto Rico soon will furnish workers for other fields.
If we do our part, the Lord will do His. We have confidence in His promises. "All things work together for good to them that love God." There are no exceptions with Porto Rico. A cruel war, strange as it may seem, was the means of bringing the island into prominence in the history of our nation and of the world. To whom is this thing to work for good?—To those who love the appearing of their Lord, and through them to the thousands living here, and through these to the people of other Spanish-speaking countries.
How is this to be? I will explain. For years the work in South America has been crippled by the difficulties of language, distance, and climatic conditions. But now the Lord says, "the work shall be delayed no longer." He has opened up the way for us in such a manner that it is positively simplified. In Porto Rico we can do such a work that will enable us to send Spanish-speaking people from this island to their brothers and sisters, their blood-kin, in South America, Cuba, Mexico, Central America, and the Philippine Islands. Porto Rico is the key to these countries. It has the same language, the same customs, practically the same climate, the same products, and the same blood-kinship. Shall we not begin to pray, talk, and give for the solid establishment of the work here?
A West India Dray.
Everywhere, where two or three gather together in the Lord's name, we want this call to be known and prayed for. The Lord will respond to the moving of hearts, to the offering of lives and means. Be enthusiastic in your faith and in your works. The result is sure. Forward. D. M. TRAILL.
