Missionary Work
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Young men should be qualifying themselves by becoming familiar
with other languages, that God may use them as mediums to commu-
nicate His saving truth to those of other nations. These young men
may obtain a knowledge of other languages even while engaged in
laboring for sinners. If they are economical of their time, they can be
improving their minds, and qualifying themselves for more extended
usefulness. If young women who have borne but little responsibility
would devote themselves to God, they could qualify themselves for
usefulness by studying and becoming familiar with other languages.
They could devote themselves to the work of translating.
Our publications should be printed in other languages, that foreign
nations may be reached. [
When these words were penned, in 1871,
only a beginning had been made in the preparation and publication
of denominational literature in the various languages of Europe and
of other lands.
] Much can be done through the medium of the press,
but still more can be accomplished if the influence of the labors of the
living preachers goes with our publications. Missionaries are needed
to go to other nations to preach the truth in a guarded, careful manner.
The cause of present truth can be greatly extended by personal effort.
When the churches see young men possessing zeal to qualify
themselves to extend their labors to cities, villages, and towns that
have never been aroused to the truth, and missionaries volunteering
to go to other nations to carry the truth to them, the churches will be
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encouraged and strengthened far more than to themselves receive the
labors of inexperienced young men. As they see their ministers’ hearts
all aglow with love and zeal for the truth and with a desire to save souls,
the churches will arouse themselves. These generally have the gifts
and power within themselves to bless and strengthen themselves, and
to gather the sheep and lambs into the fold. They need to be thrown
upon their own resources, that all the gifts that are lying dormant may
thus be called into active service.
The Lord has moved upon men of other tongues, and has brought
them under the influence of the truth, that they might be qualified to
labor in His cause. He has brought them within reach of the office of
publication, that its managers might avail themselves of their services,
if they were awake to the wants of the cause. Publications are needed
in other languages, to raise an interest and the spirit of inquiry among
other nations.