Object of Missionary Work.
By S. N. Haskell
THE object of missionary work should always be kept before the mind. It is to save souls for whom Christ died. It is not simply to see how many tracts can be distributed, but with the distribution to see how much good can be accomplished, how much prejudice can be removed, and how many become interested in the truth of God. Efforts may be put forth even in tract distribution that will do more harm than good. If the individual that hands out the reading matter is uncourteous, unguarded in his speech, untidy in his dress, this will tell against the truth. If the lives of those who visit from house to house are a disgrace to the cause, they cannot have a proper influence. Those most successful in tract distribution will be, 1. Those who get the heart so imbued with the Spirit of God and love for souls that their own ease and comfort are cheerfully sacrificed for the good of others. 2. Those who, when in conversation upon the subject of truth and religion, are prepared to hand out that tract which is best adapted to the minds of those with whom they have conversed. 3. Those who understand that the conversation should not be to debate some doctrinal point, but to call the attention of the individual to the subject of religion, and who then let the tract do the advocating of the doctrinal point. Be careful that all your deportment is unexceptionable. You should be of that class “in whose eyes a vile person is contemned,” and by kind acts with a tender heart you will obtain access to the hearts and consciences of men. Then upon the reputation thus obtained you can recommend the truth. The heart should first be softened by the love of Christ before it is fit to labor for others. We should first have an experience in the things of God. A stream will rise no higher than the fountain. And if the soul has never drawn draughts from salvation’s well, how can it impart that salvation to others. If the rays of light from Heaven do not shine into our own hearts, they cannot be reflected upon others. Therefore the scattering of reading matter is a means to bring about a certain end, and not the end itself. It is thus with sending the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to unknown individuals, and writing letters. We have really but commenced this work. Before us is an extensive field. The world is to be warned; and the reading matter is to fall like the leaves of autumn, so that he who runneth may read. It makes quite a difference whether the letters are written with a heart full of warmth of the love of God, or whether it be a formal slip or printed postal card. We are now in a disciplinary school, educating ourselves to act a part in the closing scenes of this world’s history. Those who feel a burden of this work, and make a specialty to so seek God and adapt themselves to the work that they may be successful, God will use to help spread the truth. But if all there is to it with the individual is a few lifeless prayers, a few formal efforts, then we shall find we have made a great mistake. There should be an interest taken, not only to send out the reading matter, but your communications should be characterized with love, order, and devotion. Depend upon it, the stamp you give your letter, so it will effect the receiver. If it is cold and distant it will make no favorable impression. Therefore, we say, do not forget the object of the missionary work. S. N. HASKELL.