Responsibilities of the Work.
FROM Review No. 4, we quote some important remarks of Bro. Haskell relative to T. & M. work. Probably among those who will read these lines there will be individuals who have friends in every part of the world wherever the English language is spoken. We have in our midst channels through which the rays of light might find their way to thousands who now sit in darkness in different parts of the earth. Why has God thus arranged this matter if it be not for this very purpose? To every one of God's servants there has been at least one talent committed which the Judge of all the earth will require with usury in the day of final reckoning. If our lives have been such that we have no influence for good over those with whom we have been and are acquainted, we alone are held responsible for it. If we excuse ourselves by saying we can do nothing in this cause by our means or our influence or by sending the publications which have been so carefully prepared by those whom the Lord has called for this purpose, and then made ready to our hand by the Tract Societies, we shall find in the day of Judgment that we have digged in the earth and have hid our Lord's money. Truly it is said that we are not doing one-twentieth of what we might do, did we feel the responsibility that rests upon us. Shall we not as a people wake up to the importance of this matter, and like a well-disciplined army put forth more of a united effort to prepare the way of the angel which shall come down from Heaven and the earth be lightened with his glory? Rev. 18:1. Especial attention should be paid to correspondence by the proper persons with those who may become interested even if we may not be acquainted with them. Every opening should be sought whereby the attention of individuals may be favorably called to the subject of present truth. We do not say, scatter tracts promiscuously without any reference to whether persons may be interested to read or not. But we should individually feel that God has laid upon us a responsibility of not only doing something, but doing that something in such a manner that God can bless the effort to the salvation of others. Our responsibility does not cease in simply giving away a few tracts or in obtaining subscribers for our periodicals. Yet these are very important in the discharge of the duties that rest upon us. Obtaining subscribers for our periodicals and a judicious distribution of our publications are essential means of accomplishing the object we have in view; namely, to bring men and women to a saving knowledge of the truth. We must have the Spirit of God to accompany our efforts if we would be successful. There should be a living connection between Heaven and our own souls. We should be men and women that walk and talk with God and that can recognize and understand the voice of God and tell when good cometh. We are placed here as sentinels, not only to guard the sacredness of the truth by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation, but to seek every avenue by which the truth may reach the hearts of others. Every lawful means should be seized upon with courage to carry the glorious light of God's truth into regions beyond, and make favorable impressions upon honest minds. In view of the work as it opens before us, we might well say, Who is sufficient for these things? Where are the young men and women who fear God who will devote their lives to a cause which has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The providence of God and his Holy Spirit call loudly for laborers to enter the great harvest field. The harvest truly is plenteous and the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. The work in which we are engaged is of the utmost importance. A great work must be done, and the time is short in which to do it. But it is the most sure and certain enterprise that men ever engaged in. Banks may suspend payment, railroad and mining stock may fall in the market, currency may depreciate in value, be counterfeited, &c., but there is no failure in the cause of truth. "He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." John 4:36. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126:5, 6. The promise is not to them who go forth in a careless and indifferent manner, and recklessly engage in this work, but to them who feel the burden of souls and the sacredness of the cause of Christ. All such are invited to come to the great source of light and strength, and draw from the never-failing fountain that grace which is needed to discharge the responsibilities resting upon us.