Lessons From the War by E. M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1914

Lessons From the War

By E. M. Graham

As I have followed the progress of the European war, I have been impressed that there are many lessons we may learn from it in regard to our work, which is really a warfare against the powers of evil.

One lesson is the advantage of united action. The military leaders study the situation and then outline a plan of operation. This is faithfully followed by the entire army, under the direction of these leaders. There may be men among them who do not consider these plans the best, but that makes no difference; they carry them out to the utmost of their ability; and in this lies much, perhaps most, of the strength of the armies.

In the work of the Lord also there is strength in united action. The leaders in the North American Division Conference studied the situation, and laid plans for a general aggressive home missionary campaign, to begin Oct. 1, 1914, and continue in full force until March 31, 1915. These plans call upon every member of the Lord's great army to unite with this campaign. Its success depends upon the response the members make to this call for united action.

In the armies of the world, force is used to compel obedience to the calls of the leaders, but in the Lord's work love is the only compelling motive. Shall it be said that the force used by the world is more effective than the love that is manifested by the Lord? Is it to be demonstrated that men of the world are more loyal to their rulers and countries than the people of God are to the Lord of lords and King of kings?--Surely not. We believe the people of the Lord will respond to this call, and make such a united, vigorous attack on the forces of the enemy that it will lead to victory all along the line. This campaign has started out with three lines of work:--

1. The systematic lending of tracts throughout the districts which our churches and isolated members can reach. For use in this, three packages of tracts have been put up: the first contains one complete set of the series of tracts, ten envelope packets in all, for 25 cents; the second contains four complete sets, with envelopes, for $1; and the third contains twenty-five complete sets, with envelopes, for $5. This last package is a bargain, for it contains tracts and envelopes which at ordinary prices would cost $7.75. This heavy discount is a contribution from the publishing houses to the home missionary campaign.

2. The distribution of the Signs of the Times weekly, by each church, and also by the isolated members, taking a club of the Signs, averaging two copies a week for each member. These papers may be sold or given away, as thought best.

The entire profits made by the Pacific Press on this issue of the Signs weekly will be turned over to the foreign mission funds, and each conference will receive credit for that part of this donation that comes through the sales in its territory. Therefore every copy sold not only spreads a knowledge of the message, but it also assists the foreign missions.

3. The wide circulation of the Berean Library. In this library are a number of books which contain a thorough exposition of the leading points of our faith, and others are on practical religion and present-day issues. There is enough present truth in a set of these books to give any one who will read them an intelligent understanding of this message. They may be sold, given away, or lent, and although inexpensive, are in neat and attractive form.

Other features may be added as the campaign progresses and the needs develop. If you have not already done so, now is the time for you to secure the necessary supplies of tracts, Signs weekly, and the Berean Library.

In this campaign it will be necessary for the strong to stand by the weak. Some members are not in a position to provide themselves with the necessary supplies, while others are able to pay for much more literature than they can use. If every one will do his utmost, these inequalities will be made even, and every one may have the privilege of sharing in this great home missionary campaign.

There may be some to whom these plans do not appeal, but even so, they will do well to unite with their brethren in carrying them out; for just as in the war in Europe it is the united action of the armies that gains victories, so in this cause it is the united action that gives the greatest success. Plans for campaigns like this are not presented until the situation has been given thorough study by representative men of long experience, and the best methods agreed upon. Is it not reasonable to expect that every member of the Lord's army will take his place in this campaign, and thus show his loyalty to the great Commander? E. M. GRAHAM.