H. R. SALISBURY
Paper Read in the Missionary Volunteer Meeting, and Voted to Be Published GCB May 25, 1909, page 153.15
When a society is started, such as the one we now have under consideration, it is necessary that there should be at its inception an enthusiasm begotten by its founders through a belief in its ultimate success, and an ardor commensurate with the task to be accomplished. An ideal must be conceived, and held before those whom we hope to benefit; a policy must be outlined; committees chosen; officers appointed, and their official duties prescribed. These preliminaries are perhaps sufficient to launch the society,—and with the zeal usual to all new enterprises, and an interesting program planned, it may continue for a time with apparent success, being kept alive by the individual resourcefulness of its most active members. Any one who has had to do with the beginnings of any society or organization knows that its formation is comparatively easy; but to continue the work of the society month after month and year after year, to see its membership increasing and not decreasing, its usefulness broaden rather than diminish, its plans realized and not neglected or abandoned, is indicative of a fountain-head of undiminished supply, assuring growth and continued success. GCB May 25, 1909, page 153.16
What, then, will give us this supply, this fund of knowledge necessary for growth and success? To the officers of the young people’s work, and all others who are interested in its progress, I answer, A systematic course of reading, and of research into the field to be explored. GCB May 25, 1909, page 153.17
This brings us to a definite statement regarding the educational features which form not only a necessary, but an indispensable part of the system of the organization of the Young People’s Society of Missionary Volunteers. It is not enough to say to the young people of this denomination, You must give to others if you would receive; we must tell them what to give, and, if they have it not, tell them how they may obtain it. Into what field must our study lead, in order that we may gain those blessings which, if passed on to others, will return with double measure upon our own heads? The officers of this society have given us a carefully prepared plan, clearly defining the purposes of the organization. In the motto, “For the love of Christ constraineth us,” we gain our inspiration, and find our divine dynamics for action; and in its aim, “The advent message to all the world in this generation,” we find our field of operation. Here, then, is the proper place to bring in the educational phase to the work of the society in prescribing the subjects, the knowledge of which is necessary to enable us to reach our aim, “The advent message to all the world in this generation.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 153.18
Three general lines appear to me as necessary for consideration: 1 Doctrinal, “The advent message;” 2 historical and biographical, “To all the world;” 3 prophetic, “In this generation.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.1
“The advent message”—do our young people know what it is; when it rose; what it is destined, by God’s grace, to accomplish? Can they trace the prophecies foretelling its rise, progress, and ultimate triumph? Do they know the story of the pioneers of this message, whose faith, fortitude, and fervency are examples of devotion and trust? Do they know of the days of sacrifice of its founders, when their courage was great while their numbers were few? If not, then what better can you do than to cooperate with the splendid plan already in operate, using the books prescribed, and giving the tests prepared by the officers at headquarters? GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.2
“To all the world.” The great allworld—of this, I am assured they know but little. But they must know of it; for never will they sense its needs until they learn something of its conditions; they will never be willing to leave home and friends to do their part in enlightening some spot distant and forgotten until they read something of those many millions who are perishing without hope or knowledge of an eternal home. Countries, peoples, customs, and religions must, in simple and interesting narrative, be studied. GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.3
In the second division, I mentioned a second part—biography. Aside from history, there comes the equally necessary, but immeasurably more interesting and inspiring study, the lives of God’s modern apostles of missionary service, who have pioneered the way, and in their devotion to God have labored untiringly in new and difficult fields, making easier our task when we in turn shall enter into their labors. It is not enough that our young people hear the story of these men of God. We must be satisfied only when we see them entered on a regular course of reading, that with their own eyes they may read of the battles and victories of the Moravian apostle, whose motto while yet a youth was, “I have but one passion; it is He and he alone.” Let them read of the last prayer in the grass hut in Ilalla, and of Scotia’s son who, though twice shipwrecked, rejoiced in the divine care which preserved his life and saved his Bible. Let the timid, backward son of the toiler gain courage from Dr. Pearson’s biography of the Paulersbury cobbler as he advanced, by certain steps: “First the kindling of the fires in his own soul and the feeding of them by the fuel of facts; then the carrying of the live coals to other fireless altars, fanning the embers until they burned and glowed, and guarding the feeble flame lest it be smothered by the atmosphere of selfishness, scattered by the breath of ridicule, or quenched by the wet earth of open hostility.... O ye humble working men, who, like those primitive disciples who forsook ship and tax-bench to be Christ’s heralds, have left shoe-shop and shepherd’s fold, forge and anvil, plow and shuttle, for the sake of the kingdom, what crowns of glory await you when the final day of awards rights the wrongs of the ages!” GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.4
But, in urging this line of reading, I am only seconding the efforts already begun by our department officers in making a beginning on a course of readings in missionary biography and history. There is no lack of valuable books covering this phase. I am only solicitous that great care be taken to select the most suitable from the mass of material now offered by the various publishers of missionary history and biography. GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.5
“In this generation.” Here is an open door to bring in, in the most interesting manner possible, the outlines of prophecy concerning this generation, that our young people may grasp in an intelligent manner the reason for our belief in this solemn and essential part of our message. You may answer that this is taught from time to time in the Sabbath-school, and that it is a part of their regular Bible work in our schools. I reply, If there can be found yet one more opportunity to bring these truths before our young people, perhaps from another and unexpected quarter, let us thank God and hasten to improve it. GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.6
I hope I have made it sufficiently plain that there is nothing to take the place in our scheme of organization of the thoroughly and systematically prepared reading course accompanied by its test questions. And to union, conference, and local secretaries present, I say, if you eliminate or neglect this educational phase, confining your efforts to social gatherings, occasional and disconnected Bible studies, isolated biographical sketches, and the usual essay or discussion, you might as well write Ichabod over the portal of the place of your assembly as far as growth, progress, and permanent results are concerned; for from this source alone will come real strength and healthy and lasting enthusiasm. GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.7
H. H. Wilcox, one of our faithful brethren, now in his ninetieth year, writing from his home in New York State to Elder M. C. Wilcox, in attendance at the Conference, says: “I am so glad you are at the meeting. As I read the BULLETIN it almost seems that I am there too. I certainly am in spirit. I well remember one of the first general meetings held by Brother and Sister White. It was at West Camden. There was only a small number of Seventh-day Adventists then. And now to know that there is a general meeting of delegates from all the nations of the world! The first meeting was held in a barn; this one, at the capital of one of the mightiest nations in the world. I thank the Lord for what he has done and is doing. I thank him for the printing-press; for the BULLETIN; for the railroad trains that carry it, and for the mail service that brings it to our door every day. As I read the reports of those engaged in the various lines of work all over the earth, I am filled with praise and gratitude to God. And to him be all the glory.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 154.8