UNITED EFFORT by Isaac D. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 19, 1880

UNITED EFFORT.

By Isaac D. Van Horn

Concerted action in any cause that has for its object the welfare of mankind, will be most sure to make that cause a success. The old adage, that, "In union there is strength," is as true to-day as when first uttered.

The cause of present truth demands of its adherents concentration of force and united action, that it may spread rapidly over the earth and warn the inhabitants thereof of the great consummation of all things so soon to take place. The warning must be given. God has decreed that it shall go to "many kindreds, tongues, and people." He employs men and women as agencies to do his work on earth. They must and will carry the message, and this too in the face of opposition from almost every source. It is to go with a "loud voice." In this we see evidence of united effort. All are not preachers, but all have a work to do. The man that puts his "tithes and offerings" into the treasury or store-house of the Lord, is as virtually preaching the message as the one who stands behind the pulpit.

Now what is true in carrying the message to all the world is equally true in any section thereof. Organization is a necessary feature to united action. S. D. Adventists can thank God that, through his blessing, this is the condition of every branch of our work. By this means a few people are doing a mighty work in the earth. We have our organized churches, conferences and General Conference. We have our organized T. and M. Society and Health and Temperance Society; both of which are mighty levers to push forward the car of truth. The Sabbath-school Association is a decided success, and is doing a great work for the children. Who among us cannot see the hand of God in all this? And who, in view of these facts, can be so careless as to fail to act their part in each and every branch of the work.

Come up, brethren and sisters, youth and children, whether connected with an organized church or numbered among the lonely ones, and take hold of every branch of the work and help move it along. We would say this especially to all in the N. P. Conference. We need your help in this great and good work. Souls for whom Christ died are perishing everywhere. Let us hasten to place before them the precious present truth. This can be done through the T. and M. Society. Send in your donations, and receive in return our periodicals and tracts and judiciously place them in the hands of all who will read. God will bless the effort to the salvation of some.

We need your help too in the support of conference work. Your servants are trying to bring people to the truth by holding tent-meetings. Means to do this are very scarce. The treasury is empty. "Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house." This tithing has been faithfully done by a few, but we want all to bear a part in the blessed work. Yes, let even the scattered ones do something. Some who have not been faithful in the matter of tithing would find the blessing in coming forward with their freewill offerings. Let each and every one bear their part in this and we shall soon see prosperity in every branch of the work in this conference. Come help us, dear friends, and God will bless you. I. D. VAN HORN.