p. 19 | Publishing Department by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 24, 1913

Publishing Department

By Editor

N. Z. TOWN . . . . . General Secretary W. W. EASTMAN . . . . . N. Am. Div. Secretary

Home Missionary Work

WE are glad to see our general agents taking a special interest in the home missionary work. We are indebted to Brother J. B. Blosser for the following excellent arrangement of selections from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White on this phase of our work:—

Need of Plans

"The leaders in God's cause, as wise generals, are to lay plans for advance moves all along the line. In their planning they are to give special study to the work that can be done by the laity for their friends and neighbors."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, pages 116, 117. "Many who possess real ability are rusting from inaction because they do not know how to set themselves at work in missionary lines."—Id., Vol. VI, page 432.

Who Should Do the Planning

"In every church there is talent, which, with the right kind of labor, might be developed to become a great help in this work. That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches, is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church, —talent that can be educated for the Master's use. There should be a well-organized plan for the employment of workers to go into all our churches, large and small, to instruct the members how to labor for the upbuilding of the church, and also for unbelievers. It is training, education, that is needed. Those who labor in visiting the churches should give the brethren and sisters instruction in practical methods of doing missionary work."—Id., Vol. IX, page 117.

Must Be Taught How

"Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received."—Id., Vol. VII, page 20.

Plan and Appoint Work for All; Report the Work Done

"Plan ways whereby a living interest may be kindled, and train up the young to do what is appointed them. Let them have a part to act, and from week to week let them bring in their reports telling what they have experienced, and, through the grace of Christ, what success has been theirs. If the missionary meeting were a meeting where such reports were brought in by consecrated workers, it would not be dull, tedious, and uninteresting, it would be full of intense interest, and there would be no lack of attendance." "Let church-members, during the week, act their part faithfully, and on the Sabbath relate their experience. The meeting will then be as meat in due season, bringing to all present new life and fresh vigor. When God's people see the great need of working as Christ worked for the conversion of sinners, the testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath service will be filled with power. With joy they will tell of the precious experience they have gained in working for others."—Id., page 19.

Reports Should Be Published

"Let those who have gained such an experience write an account of it for our papers, that others may be encouraged. Let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his ministry as an evangelist. These reports should find a place in our papers; for they are far-reaching in their influence. They will be as sweet fragrance in the church, a savor of life unto life. Thus it is seen that God works with those that cooperate with him. 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.'"—"Manual for Canvassers," page 41.

Well-Organized Effort Needed

"Well-organized work must be done in the church, that its members may understand the manner in which they may impart light to others, and thus strengthen their own faith and increase their knowledge. . . . A working church is a living church."—"Home Missionary Work."

Two or Three to Be United in Bands

"Why do not believers feel a deeper, more earnest concern for those who are out of Christ? Why do not two or three meet together and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and then for still another? In our churches let companies be formed for service. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. . . . The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies to work not only for the church-members, but for unbelievers."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VII, pages 21, 22.

Results of This Kind of Work

"The power of the gospel is to come upon the companies raised up, fitting them for service. Some of the new converts will be so filled with the power of God that they will at once enter the work. They will labor so diligently that they will have neither time nor disposition to weaken the hands of their brethren by unkind criticism. Their one desire will be to carry the truth to the regions beyond."—Id., page 20.

A Reformatory Movement

"In visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lighted with the heavenly influence, great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844."—Id., Vol. IX, page 126.