TO MEMBERS OF THE MINN. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By A. H. VANKIRK
Although we do not report so great an amount of work done as some other societies, yet we have no cause to be ashamed of our efforts. When we look back to the time when we began to labor (that is, after we had, to some extent, learned how), and see how much has been done to awaken an interest in regard to present truth, when we consider the fact that many souls have been led to rejoice in the truth, although some wrong moves have been made, we can but take courage and go forward in the good work. I find on comparing this year's report with that of last year that, in most points improvement has been made; and when it is considered that the most of this year's labor has been done on last year's ground, the improvement appears in a very decided degree. There is one other item to be considered in regard to this year's report; that is, the loss of the report of Dist. No. 4. This makes our footing much less than it would have been had the report been complete, and this will account, too, for the seeming error in the report in regard to money received. All things considered, I do not hesitate to say that, in my opinion, we of Minnesota need not have a despondent feeling in regard to the success of the T. & M. enterprise in this State. There is yet quite a drawback to completeness on our part in the matter of reporting. I believe that fully one-third of the actual labor performed fails to come to light, just on this account. I take some of this to myself. Let us all improve in this respect, and then when next year's work is reported we may expect a far better aspect of things than ever heretofore. Let all report, and let each report all that he or she has done, be it ever so little. Remember that the littles make the grand sum total; and that, if we are so unspeakably happy as to get into the kingdom of God, we shall then see what has been effected by our little efforts. The more I observe the workings of this branch of the cause, the more I am convinced of its efficiency and importance. Openings for the living messenger, gained through the influence of the Tract Society, are constantly coming to light, many of these, too, where he could not, in a personal effort, have obtained a hearing at all. Men and women, while reading these items of truth, find no one with whom to dispute. The advantage is all on the side of the truth, which, when written out in so kind and earnest a manner as we have it, cannot help winning in almost all instances where a candid perusal is given. We should always make it a point to urge those to whom we present our little offerings to candidly read, and compare them with Scripture, that they may know whether they accord therewith. This will naturally excite an interest in the mind of the receiver to investigate the matter, especially if he is a religious person. And here let me say that, although I have not done all that I might in this direction, yet the more I do the more I am pleased with this plan of working. Let us, then, with renewed courage, buckle on the armor and go forward, remembering the work will soon be finished; soon, if we are faithful in a few things, we shall be made ruler over many things.