Where Does Missionary Work Cease?

WHERE DOES MISSIONARY WORK CEASE? BY ELDER FRANCIS M. SHAFER.

As a missionary in the field, I well remember some special instructions given at a priesthood meeting held at the headquarters in the Northern States Mission, a copy of which was sent to each elder laboring in the field. In these instructions an especial effort was made to impress the home-going elders with the great importance of keeping the missionary spirit burning within their hearts, after reaching their mountain home. Each one was cautioned that this was the dangerous period of his life, a time when temporal cares would rise around them, diverting their attention and interest from the spiritual and the gospel of Christ, causing them to be led into careless, and indifferent ways. The instructions referred to were taken from a discourse delivered by one of the twelve apostles, who seemed filled with the idea of the great importance attached to this period in the life of our returned elders. He admonished them to exercise all the faith and strength they possessed, thus guarding against pitfalls and obstacles that beset the feet of an active servant of the Master.

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The writer did not sense the full importance of these instructions, while laboring in the mission field, but since returning to my mountain home, I have had time to feel, and— to some extent— to see the value of such instructions. I know now, that one of the most trying periods of my life has been experienced during the past two years, or since my release from actual mission service in the Lord's vineyard; that trials, vexations, and some reverses, will be the lot of most returned elders, and that we indeed need to exercise implicit faith and confidence in the gospel, and also in his servants, and that we must continue our labors, if we would retain the true spirit of the gospel. There are opportunities to do gooi in Zion, and work can be found for every willing soul. There are openings in every organization connected with the Church where our returned elders may continue in the glorious gospel work. Men should not wait for place or position. There are room and opportunities in the ranks. Get in and work, and wait for no invitation. Be a pusher, not a iagger. Show that you can be led and taught, as well as you can teach and lead; that you can be a good follower as well as a good leader; a student as well as a teacher. Do not wait for place; get into the Sunday School, Mutual, and Priesthood ranks. Thus, our mission labors will continue as long as life lasts. , All are, expected to give their aid, to help along this great work. The gospel of Jesus Christ will grow and increase in the earth, even if some of the servants of the Lord slumber. The marriage feast will be prepared, and they who keep their lamps filled and trimmed, will be re- fail to

fused entrance when the cry comes, ''Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh, go ye out to meet him." Will it be you or me who must remain on the outside? That question certainly concerns each one of us.

Moab, Utah.