THERE IS A WORK FOR ALL.
By Editor
"The time is short—the earth is wide,
And much has to be done;
The wondrous world and all its pride
Will vanish with the sun!
The moments fly on lightning's wings,
And life's uncertain, too:
We're none to waste on foolish things—
'There's work enough to do.'" Who will subscribe to the beautiful sentiment of these lines? Who will resolve again that they have no time to waste on "foolish things," and that they will start anew in the service of their Master? The fact that we are reckoned as servants in the vineyard of the Lord, [Matt. xx.] should be enough to impress upon our minds that it is our leading business to be active in his service. Brethren, one and all, are you aware of the responsibility that rests upon you? Remember that to whom much is given, of them will much be required; and how much truth, how much light, how many warnings, how many exhortations, how many invitations, how many admonitions, are embraced in the catalogue of your privileges. These may all be used so as to add luster to your crowns of glory, or they may be neglected so as to sink you down beneath an insupportable weight of woe. To you God has given these, and of you he requires that they be fruitful in your hands. There is work for all. In Paul's beautiful illustration of the church, by the human body, there is no place assigned for idle members. All have a part to act, though not all the same. But there is an injunction which we all possess in common. It was given by the Savior; and is expressed in these words: "Let your light shine before men." We trust all are desirous of doing something to advance the cause; that it is the chief desire in the hearts of our brethren, to see the truth spreading. Then do not shut up the truth you possess, within your own hearts. Do not hide your light under a bushel. The influence of a harmonious system of truth, backed up by a godly example, is certainly contagious. If there is a spark of God's love in the hearts of your fellow-men around you, your holy example will excite it to a flame, and they may be won to the love of his precious but down-trodden cause. But there are other means which will go far towards accomplishing this object—we mean our books and papers. Those who cannot write a book, can perhaps purchase one; and those who hardly feel prepared to talk the truth to those around them, can perhaps place in their hands the publications in which the reasons of our faith are clearly presented. Thus may all share in this work, and make their individual influence felt in the spread of truth. The present is a favorable time also for extending the circulation of the REVIEW. We take it for granted that all who are themselves interested in this medium, are anxious that others should partake of its benefits also; and we hope to see its circulation much increased, ere the close of this volume. There are thousands of families where it should make its weekly visits, who know not as yet even of its existence. We think therefore that an urgent call exists for the circulation of books and papers. Let them be scattered broad-cast over the land. Be seeking, always and everywhere some new channels in which to circulate the truth. Resolve continually that by the help of the Lord, its borders shall be wider to-morrow than to-day; that something shall be done; that some blow shall be struck; that some messengers of truth shall be sent off on errands of mercy to benighted souls. Time flies and there are no moments to be lost. This work must not be left to preachers only. Every one may engage in it who feels an interest in his Master's cause, and the salvation of his friends. Many efforts have been made in times past, which are commendable, and through God's blessing have resulted in good. There is room for many more. They must not be relaxed. If put forth with an eye single to his glory, God will own them still. "Brothers! why rest ye in your toil sublime?
This is no time for idly holding back,
Resting content with that which ye have done,
With folded arms, saying, 'the strife is well,
Let us be impartial; let us note
How fast the combat thickens. We have sympathies
With Truth; but she must strive without our help,
For we would not be partial for the world.'
'Brothers! this is sloth and cowardice:
Though truth can never perish on our earth,
Yet trampled under foot she long may be.
We know the Dawn will soon give place to Day,
And that the Summer soon will follow Spring;
But if ye strive not with your mind and arm,
Less beautiful will be the Summer's reign,
Less glorious the unfolding of that morn.
Onward! be the foremost in the field;
Truth's best champions are hard beset,
And need the utmost aid that ye can give;
And if ye sacrifice your all on earth,
And fall upon the hard-fought battle field,
What then? the Martyr age is with us still,
And still the Victor's Crown is seen on high."