Neglecting Duty by H. C. MILLER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 5, 1867

Neglecting Duty.

By H. C. MILLER

Hints for Improvement.

“I do not know but I am neglecting a duty in that direction,” was the remark of one while conversing with regard to writing articles for the Review. There is no doubt but this is the case with many. But it seems to me that, with the present arrangement of the paper, there need be no excuse for any one's not writing. There is the “Sermon” department. Probably the ministers will attend to that. There is the Editorial, at present well filled. There is the “Commentary” in which many may speak. There is the “News and Miscellany,” ready for anything pointed. And there is the “Conference” for those who daily bear the cross after Jesus, and have an experience or an exhortation. Surely all seventh-day Adventists ought to be able to write something for some one of these departments.

But lest there should be some slighted, some to whom no opportunity should be offered, there is the “Business Department.” Oh, what good subjects are there already given to write about! First, there is “For the Review.” Nearly all can write under that head, two fifty, or three dollars. And perhaps even now on your paper is the evidence that you ought to write under that title immediately, more or less, as the case requires. “Subscriptions at the rate of three dollars” is a worthy theme; also “Books sent by mail” (to lend to your neighbors you know). “General Conference Missionary fund,” “Review to Poor,” “Shares in Publishing Association,” “Donations to Association,” etc. And lest the variety might not meet all capacities, the Lord is adding to it. Lately there has been added the subject of the “Western Health Reform Institute,” about which there has been some good and acceptable writing. And now Dr. L. tells us there are one thousand chances more to write, at only $25 per chance.

Now those who feel that they are neglecting duty in not writing for the paper, can here get rid of those painful feelings, and that too, without burdening the editor with voluminous articles.

And then again, correspondence in this department, carries conviction to the minds of all who read, that the writer loves the cause; which the most finished essay on other subjects might fail to do.

Now brethren, you who have, three, twenty-five, one hundred, or one thousand-dollar items, for this department, the withholding of which troubles you, be advised, by this, to perform that neglected duty while God gives you the time and ability.

And to all I would say, Come let us see that this department of the Review be the best filled. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” Oh, in that bright kingdom how good to meet sainted ones saved by the blood of Jesus, who learned of the way and were led to the truth by a Review sent, or a tract loaned; and to clasp such in our arms and with them give glory and honor, and praise unto Him who hath loved us. Let us resolve not to be of those who say, “Be ye warmed and clothed, and fed,” but give not the means to do it. Let us not say that we love the cause and the truth while we give not. Jesus will prove our love by our deeds. Let us loosen the purse strings and give our means while time remains to make friends of it. Soon the covetous will be left where no salvation can be his, while the liberal soul will be rejoicing in the Father's house. When we walk the golden streets, when we sing the happy song in glory, our feeble gifts which now look large, will seem very, very, small. “Be not weary in well doing.”

H. C. MILLER.

Monroe, Wis.