To Dakota T. and M. Society.
By G. E. HENTON
Knowing how greatly our local societies lack the enthusiasm that should characterize them, and thinking perhaps a few words of encouragement would inspire to action, I address you on the subject. I have just been reading Bro. Butler's article in REVIEW of March 11, on “Missionary Meetings in Battle Creek,” and heartily rejoice to hear of the interest felt there. I wish that each of you would take the trouble to re-read the article, and at once go to work to cast in your mite. Brethren, we in Dakota are not doing what we should. To be sure, we are many of us young and inexperienced, but we should take more interest in T. and M. work and the proper scattering of the large stock of tracts and books on hand in our State depository.
The books in our depository have been practically idle for some time. In looking them over, I find there is an over-stock of many kinds, and none at all of many others that are the most needed. As the financial standing of the society is rather discouraging, I have written to the president of our society, and to the Office, to learn what can be done. The object of this appeal is to call your attention to the work. Very little has been done in the past year, and I wish to encourage each one to work,—to do something,—so that at our next quarterly meeting each one may have something to report. Then, brethren, don't fail to report it. Don't allow the meeting to pass without your presence as a means of encouragement, and without your report, be it ever so small. Remember that— “Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean,
And the beauteous land.”
Every little helps to swell the aggregate. Next, don't forget sales. Try to sell something, either tracts, pamphlets, or bound books, of which we have a great supply; and those of you who have not already done so, procure the books mentioned in the last few numbers of the REVIEW, and read them. We need their instruction, our neighbors need them; and the tract society needs the proceeds of the sales to pay the offices of publication. Now, don't say, “Oh! I cannot do this;” for we must. It is high time for us to awake out of sleep, or we shall not receive even the penny awarded to the eleventh-hour workers. Again, our State depository is very sadly in want of more tracts. But our indebtedness is quite large, and I do not feel as though we should ask the Office to advance us more stock on credit; for I do not see how we are to pay a much larger amount, unless we can pay the smaller. In view of these things, will you not adopt the system of paying an amount equal to one-third of your tithes (not forgetting the tithes); or if you do not pay tithes, a donation with your report; so that we can see our way clear to replenish our depository and pay our indebtedness. I am aware that all feel poor, but we can all do a little each quarter; and by this means we shall soon have the sweet satisfaction of being out of debt. Now, let each individual take courage in the work, and make an earnest effort. Go to the Lord in faith, asking his blessing on our tract society, and for ways and means for its advancement, and he will so aid and instruct us that we may be a power for good in the land.
G. E. HENTON, Sec.