Already our world-wide Salvation work engrosses the energies of every Officer whom we command.With its extension we have the greatest difficulty to keep pace;and,when this Scheme has to be practically grappled with,we shall be in greater straits than ever.True,it will find employment for a multitude of energies and talents which are now lying dormant,but,nevertheless,this extension will tax our resources to the very utmost.In view of this,reinforcements will be indispensable.We shall need the best brains,the largest experience,and the most undaunted energy of the community.
I want Recruits,but I cannot soften the conditions in order to attract men to the Colours.I want no comrades on these terms,but those who know our rules and are prepared to submit to our discipline:who are one with us on the great principles which determine our action,and whose hearts are in this great work for the amelioration of the hard lot of the lapsed and lost.These I will welcome to the service.
It may be that you cannot deliver an open-air address,or conduct an indoor meeting.Public labour for souls has hitherto been outside your practice.In the Lord's vineyard,however,are many labourers,and all are not needed to do the same thing.If you have a practical acquaintance with any of the varied operations of which I have spoken in this book;if you are familiar with agriculture,understand the building trade,or have a practical knowledge of almost any form of manufacture,there is a place for you.
We cannot offer you great pay,social position,or any glitter and tinsel of man's glory;in fact,we can promise little more than rations,plenty of hard work,and probably no little of worldly scorn;but if on the whole you believe you can in no other way help your Lord so well and bless humanity so much,you will brave the opposition of friends,abandon earthly prospects,trample pride under foot,and come out and follow Him in this New Crusade.
To you who believe in the remedy here proposed,and the soundness of these plans,and have the ability to assist me,I now confidently appeal for practical evidence of the faith that is in you.