396
Gospel Workers 1915
followed who will win souls for their hire. Over and over again the
same truths must be repeated, and the worker must place his entire
dependence on God. And what rich experiences the teacher obtains
when instructing those in darkness! He too is a learner, and as he
explains the Scriptures to others, the Holy Spirit is working in his
mind and heart, giving him the bread of life for hungry souls.
The worker in foreign fields will come in contact with all classes
of people and all varieties of minds, and he will find that different
methods of labor are required to meet the needs of the people. A sense
of his own inefficiency will drive him to God and to the Bible for light
and strength and knowledge.
The methods and means by which we reach certain ends are not
always the same. The missionary must use reason and judgment.
Experience will indicate the wisest course to follow under existing
circumstances. It is often the case that the customs and climate of
a country make a condition of things that would not be tolerated in
another country. Changes for the better must be made, but it is best
not to be too abrupt.
Let not controversy arise over trifles. The spirit of love and the
grace of Christ will bind heart to heart, if men will open the windows
[469]
of the soul heavenward and close them earthward. By the power of
the truth many difficulties might be adjusted, and controversies hoary
with age find quietude in the admission of better ways. The great,
grand principle, “Peace on earth, good will toward men,” will be far
better practiced when those who believe in Christ are indeed laborers
together with God.
Help from Heaven
The worker in a foreign field must carry in his heart the peace
and love of heaven; for this is his only safety. Amid perplexity and
trial, discouragement and suffering, with the devotion of a martyr and
the courage of a hero, he is to hold fast to the hand that never lets
go, saying, “I will not fail nor be discouraged.” He must be a close
Bible student, and should be often in prayer. If, before talking with
others, he will seek help from above, he may be assured that angels of
heaven will be with him. At times he may yearn for human sympathy,
but in his loneliness he may find comfort and encouragement through