To the Churches of the Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
By H. F. Phelps
LET us bless the Lord for his wonderful works to the children of men. Let us thank his name for the glorious light of present truth that shines upon our pathway. Let us thank him that this light has reached the great State of Minnesota. We look back ten or twelve years in the past, and we see but a few faint lights sending out their rays across the broad prairies. We follow down the stream of time to the present, and then we look into the future. We see the work that has been accomplished, and we see what is yet to be done. Something has been gained, but still our light burns feebly. Greater work is before us. We need more order, more unity, more concert of action. Who will lift in this work? We can all lift, if we will. Then the question is, Who will? I think I hear all saying, I will try. But many may fail because they look over their work; that is, they are looking too high; they are looking for some great work. Let us get down lower. Let us seek more humility, more of the softening spirit of Christ. Let the rough corners be broken off. Let us look into our own hearts. Let the work begin at home, and then it will spread to others around. But all have not the same work to do. Some have the oversight of the work at large. Let us help them. They need it. Others again have the oversight of the little churches through the land. Oh! how they need our prayers and assistance! Let us all do our work, and do it well. And right here I would speak a word in regard to Systematic Benevolence. Brethren and sisters throughout the Conference of Minnesota, have you all done your duty in regard to this? How is it? Have you dealt as good stewards, and pledged according to the full value of the means God has given you? And then when you have pledged, have you been prompt to pay your vows to the Lord? These are plain questions; and all Seventh-day Adventists should see to it that they are able to answer them in the affirmative. And all who cannot, we hope will set about the work, that they may soon be able to do so.