Missionary Department by Stephen Nelson Haskell

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Mar 4, 1875

Missionary Department.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

"Philip saith unto him, Come and see." John 1:46.

Equality and Co-operation.

UNION and love, founded upon the principles of justice, holiness, and truth, constitute Bible religion. It was sin that marred the harmony that originally existed between the heavenly beings and those upon the earth. Christ, who did no sin, became sin for us, that this union might be restored, and man again be enabled to hold communion with his Creator. But this work is not accomplished without the co-operation of the sinner, and even angels take part in the same work. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:14. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," yea, there is more joy in Heaven "than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Yet man must come to Christ, and yield his heart to those heavenly principles which are designed to elevate him, that he may become an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ. He that receives these principles, and connects himself with the family of Heaven, places himself under obligation to reach forth his hand and seek to save others. "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise," are the words of Paul when he had embraced Christianity.

In carrying forward the work of God upon the earth, a hearty co-operation will exist among the friends of our Lord Jesus Christ; not in one point or principle only, but in every principle of the religion of the Bible, and in every effort that is put forth for the building up of the cause upon the earth. The sympathy, prayers, and personal efforts, of all should be blended together in perfect harmony. Nationalities do not draw a dividing line in this cause. Sectarianism finds no place here.

Christ, the leader, set the example of self-denial and sacrifice. And if any man would be his disciple, he must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow him. He must be a partaker of the same spirit, have fellowship with his sufferings, and become conformable to his death. "If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?" Those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution; and if we suffer with him we shall reign with him; but if we deny him he will deny us.

Justice, mercy, and humility, are among the first requirements of Heaven. These principles are enforced by certain duties enjoined; such as manner of worship, outward acts of kindness, and the sacrificing of worldly goods, to carry forward this work upon the earth. Man is a steward of all that which the providence of God has committed to him, including the things of the world. The object is that he may use his possessions for the building up of the cause of God. A faithful steward will regard the interest of Christ's work upon the earth. It will be dearer to him than his personal interests. The human heart is tested by its willingness to contribute for the support of the cause of Christ. Upon one occasion, when there was a general interest taken in the building of the temple, and the precious stones were gathered by the families of Israel, and willingly donated to the treasury of the Lord with a perfect heart, God blessed them in a wonderful manner. Then David beautifully expressed the following true sentiment: "O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and it is all thine own. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart, I have willingly offered all these things; and now I have seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee." 1 Chron. 29:17, 18.

The giving of a tithe of a man's increase was ordained of God, that there might be uniformity and equality in supporting the cause of God. By this system, the rich and the poor would give in the same proportion, and none would be distressed. While the man with his thousands and tens of thousands would make large donations, it would really cost him no more than did the small pittance of the widow whose bread was earned by her daily toil. Then, as the heart would swell with gratitude for the light of truth and the rich blessings received, they would offer their thank-offerings. Some would have such a realizing sense of the moral corruption into which sin had plunged them, and the preciousness of the blood of Christ in redeeming them, that they would make donations as a sin-offering; while others, under different circumstances, would bring their peace-offerings to the precious cause of their divine Lord. Thus, by a cheerful co-operation, would the tithes and offerings be brought in, and the treasury of the Lord's house be filled. See Malachi 3:10.

In the early history of this cause, when the friends were few, some made large donations and great sacrifices that the work might move forward. And since that time, when the state of the cause has been presented and appeals have been made, some have taken more stock in these institutions than they were actually able, or, at least, more than was consistent with the principle of equality. Friends to this cause are being raised up everywhere, who will want a share in these various enterprises. All should have an opportunity to help in the cause of Christ; but equality should be established in every branch of this work.

Now is the time to make a transfer of a portion, at least, of that which we here have to that immortal shore. The time will come when to the rich it will be said: "Go to now, ye rich men; weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." James 5:1-3.

Often adverse circumstances beyond the control of men make men poor. The present situation of Kansas, Nebraska and some parts of Minnesota, where the grasshoppers have destroyed every green thing that the inhabitants were to subsist upon, furnishes a striking example. When distress and suffering come upon people in one section of the country, as well as in cases of want of individuals directly in our midst, opportunities present themselves to help forward the cause of God by relieving the afflicted as well as by directly supporting the institutions among us. It is such cases that give an opportunity to empty the wardrobe of extra clothing, and to donate the surplus means on hand. Those who are ready to distribute at such times, and in such cases as we have here alluded to, will find in the day of Judgment that "he hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever." The apostle adds, "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness." 2 Cor. 9:9, 10. Yet the apostle would have none distressed by doing beyond their ability. He says, "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance also may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality; as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." 2 Cor. 8:12-15.

This is gospel equality. But the best of it all is the commendation of the Saviour in the day of reckoning to those who have thus operated with him! "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matt. 25:23.

These principles should be perfected among the remnant of God's people. The Christian religion is not that ill-proportioned, one-sided, selfish affair that some would have us believe; but it consists in "warning every man, in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Jesus Christ." Col. 1:28. The union commenced in this life is perfected in the kingdom of God. The co-operation in the labor is here, the suffering is here, the sacrificing is here; but the common eternal joy is on the other shore.

New enterprises are also being entered upon, which demand the united interest of God's people. The cause is one common cause. Its interest is one common interest. Each individual is made responsible for the talent God has committed to him. The day of Judgment reveals the use that has been made of the talent, whether it has been put out to usury, or hid in a napkin and buried in the earth. If put out to usury, with joy the possessor will say, Here, Lord, is the talent which thou gavest me, and I have gained others beside. It is this class only who are called faithful. Those who took no interest in this work, felt no burden for the salvation of others, those whose hearts were so benumbed with the spirit of the world that they were unmoved when the Macedonian call came from every part of this land, and also from other portions of the world, "Give us the light and truth you so richly enjoy;" and those who, when called upon to aid in filling these calls—and bearing burdens in this work, would excuse themselves, feeling it was hard to be disturbed in their selfish quietness, are described in the following words: "Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him who hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away, even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 25:26-30.

Shall not these principles of hearty co-operation stir the hearts of all those who believe present truth, more than it has in the past? Plans are laid, and by the time they are matured they have to be enlarged. Scores of souls on the right hand and on the left are embracing the truth. Willing, cheerful hearts take the place of those murmuring ones that fall out by the way. The Lord of hosts is at the head of his army, and our watchword is, Onward to victory. Love and Union is the motto inscribed on the banner. It is a battle and a march while in the enemy's land, but rest and joy when the victory is gained.

Children should be so educated that they also can have a part to act in the cause of Christ. They should be taught to feel an interest in Zion, pray for its prosperity, and feel for the salvation of others. Thus, old and young, middle-aged and children, should become active members of the family of Christ, and unite their interest to advance the cause of God upon the earth.

S. N. HASKELL.