Economy in Mission Work
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single individual to strike out as if he had some great talent, as if he
were a Moody or a Sankey, and make a lavish outlay of means.
In sending missionaries to foreign countries, we should select those
who know how to economize, who have not large families, and who,
realizing the shortness of time and the great work to be accomplished,
will keep themselves as free as possible from everything that would
divert their minds from the one great work. The wife, if devoted and left
free to do so, can, by standing by the side of her husband, accomplish
as much as he. We want missionaries who are missionaries in the
fullest sense of the word, who will put aside selfish considerations,
and let the cause of God come first; and who, working with an eye
single to His glory, will keep themselves as minutemen, ready to go
where He bids, and to work in any capacity to spread the knowledge of
the truth. Men who have wives who love and fear God, and who can
help their husbands in the work, are needed in the work, are needed in
the missionary field.
Our laborers must learn to exercise economy, not only in their
efforts to advance the cause of truth, but in their home expenses. They
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should place their families where they can be cared for at as little
expense as possible. Donations and bequests do not come to our work
as they do to other denominations; and those who have not educated
themselves to live within their means, will surely have to do this, or
else engage in some other employment. Habits of self-indulgence, or
a want of tact and skill on the part of the wife and mother, may be a
constant drain upon the treasury; and yet that mother may think she is
doing her best, because she has never been taught to restrict her wants
or the wants of her children, and has never acquired skill and tact in
household matters. Hence one family may require for its support twice
the amount that would suffice for another family of the same size.
All should learn how to keep accounts. Some neglect this work
as non-essential; but this is wrong. All expenses should be accurately
stated. This is something that many of our laborers will have to learn.
The Lord is not pleased with the present lack of order and accuracy
among those who do business in connection with His work. Even in
the business meetings of the conference, much time could be saved
and many mistakes avoided, by a little more study and punctuality.
Everything that bears any relation to the work of God should be as
nearly perfect as human brains and hands can make it.