General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE WORK IS VARIED

H. E. OSBORNE

Think not, brother, that you are not enlisted in this warfare because you are not engaged in some conventionally recognized form of Christian work. Remember that “He gave to every man his work.” Your service is special. Whether it be to take the pulpit or follow the plow, it is your specific work. It may widely differ from the service of your brother, but do not for this reason lose sight of your work or neglect its performance. If you account yourself happily a member of Christ’s house, be assured your special work is assigned, and make its performance the business of your life. GCB April 1, 1902, page 648.4

When William Carey first began to plead so earnestly for the establishment of Christian missions in heathen lands, he earned his living by repairing shoes. Thus his time was divided between preaching the world-wide gospel, and cobbling shoes. A friend remonstrated with Carey one day, assuring him that his business was suffering from neglect occasioned by his preaching. To this charge of neglect, the great-hearted man of faith replied, “My business is to extend the kingdom of God. I only cobble shoes to pay expenses.” Who would venture to assert that he was not then as truly a missionary of the cross as when he gave his life to service in distant India, regarded by the Christian world as the “Father of modern missions”? GCB April 1, 1902, page 648.5

Oh brother, what do you account your real business in this world? Do you live for the one purpose of extending the kingdom of God? Do you till the soil because farming is your business, or do you give it its proper place as a means providentially provided for enabling you to pay expenses while following your high and holy calling. GCB April 1, 1902, page 648.6