To the Brethren and Sisters of the N. E. Conference.
By S. N. Haskell
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have for some time felt that I would like to visit every family in this Conference, and impress upon you the importance of especial personal effort in drawing nearer to God, and of spreading present truth. There is no time to lose. Much, very much, is to be done; and there is but little time in which to do it. There are thousands of families whose attention must be called to the subject of present truth. Our preachers are very few; but we have tracts wherein the truth is clearly set forth, and a God who will bless every effort put forth in the spirit of meekness, however humble may be the instrument. Now, what is wanted is zeal, consecration, and a devotedness to this work. Who, among all the friends of the cause, will consecrate themselves to God in order to become missionaries in this work? Who will obtain one or more subscribers for the REVIEW and Reformer? Who among the youth and children will become agents for the Youth’s Instructor, and obtain one or more subscribers before the next quarterly meeting? Afflicted families should be visited and prayed with, and such works introduced to them as will interest them. No person of any profession of piety can object to the “Sufferings of Christ.” Almost any reading individuals who are religiously inclined will become interested in the “Atonement.” If faith in the soon coming of the Just One has ever taken hold of the heart, “Life Incidents” will touch a chord that will vibrate. The “Eleven Sermons” are always good. And from the variety of publications we have, something may be found that will interest all who will read. The Tract Society recently formed, is designed to give an opportunity for every individual who has the cause of present truth at heart, to do something. In every church, tracts can be had. Brethren of experience can be counseled concerning their distribution. We invite all to heartily co-operate with us. We call for consecrated hearts. We appeal to you, dear brethren and sisters, to seek that nearness to God that will enable you to feel the burden of this work. There are also families among us who are inquiring for the truth, where the help of sisters is needed. Are there not young sisters among us who can fill such openings, not so much for pay, as to do good? But they must be those who possess such a degree of consecration that their influence will gather, and not scatter. The idea that we must engage in some light, fashionable employment, with pleasant surroundings, is calculated to wither up all that noble generous-heartedness which is so prominent in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The curse which fell upon Meroz was because he came not up to the help of the Lord. It was because he neglected to do what he ought to have done. I fear there is too much ease-seeking among us. May God give us, individually, so much of his Spirit that one united effort may be put forth for the spread of present truth.