"Where Are the Men and Means?"
By Mrs. D. A. Fitch
As I read appeals for Africa and other fields, I think how the above question may be favorably answered if all will cooperate to give the Lord his way. Had all who profess a love for this last-day message so much love for it that the claims of the world were lighter upon them, the men and means God has in reserve would be forthcoming very soon. Perhaps he is waiting for us to come into line with the light he has given, before he sees best to call into our ranks those who might be lost by following our example. Were we to expend less money on self and on our families, we should have more with which to send the precious message to those who know it not, but who are hungering for it. The example of plainness thus set would testify to our neighbors that a genuineness of purpose is actuating the life, and many would embrace the truth who now see no difference between us and the nominal professor of religion except that we attend church on Saturday instead of Sunday. Is it not true that a real change of heart will cause expensive but useless6adornments to fall as do the leaves of the tree whose root is dead? Time and money saved to God's cause by self-denial are very precious in his sight, and he will use them in securing bright stars to adorn the crown of his faithful children. A recent experience in the home of the writer shows the transforming power of the Spirit in the heart of a child fully surrendered to Jesus. Gladys, a girl of eleven years, who had been reared in theatrical environments, was this year placed in our good church-school. As she received Christian instruction, she thought seriously about her own salvation. The coming of the Saviour seemed very precious to her. She said: "Auntie, how soon will Jesus come? I hope not right away, for I am not a perfect girl all through yet.". At another time when we were speaking of the inheritance of the saints, she said: "I do not want to go to school to-day. I prefer to stay at home and talk about Jesus." She heard something said about tithing, and asked what it meant. A brief study of Malachi 3 caused her to prepare a box for her tithe. She was wearing several rings. She asked me at family worship to read what the Bible says about wearing gold. I did so; and when we rose from prayer, her rings were on the table, and have not since been worn. Later she said, "I do not care for the fashions any more." Could such a spirit pervade our ranks, soon, very soon, men and means would be furnished to carry the message everywhere.