Untitled article by R. A. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 23, 1882

Appeal—District No. 1.

By R. A. Morton

EVERY duty, however small, left undone by any one, is a discouragement to the people of God. It is a fact, too little regarded, that the little duties of life are those that form character. The Christian cannot gather strength without exercise, and this must be in the line of little duties.

Our heavenly Father takes notice of little things. He knows when a sparrow falls. He numbers the hairs of our heads. "His eye is upon his children, and his ear is open unto their cry." He knows every pulsation of the heart and is well acquainted with its structure. He knows every intention of man, and is he not, therefore, pleased with the performance of every little duty that tends to develope the character of his children and encourage his cause?

It is the duty of every one to make a quarterly report. It is a duty because God's servants have so ordered. "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief." Heb. 13 : 17.

It is a duty because it tends to awaken a missionary interest. It is a duty because it tends to encourage our brother, and make the work move on in order. "Every one [not a few], said to his brother, Be of good courage." Then let every one who would encourage this work, and move in harmony with it, not omit this duty. Brethren and sisters of District No. 1, let us each report at the next meeting if nothing more than to sign the blank and return it. This would show respect to the cause of truth, and might awaken some thought, or desire that would lead to a life of greater usefulness. It is written, "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion."

R. A. Morton, Sec. Dist. No. 1.