To the T. and M. Members of Indiana.
By Wm. Covert
I WISH to say to the members of the tract and missionary Societies in Indiana that you are now organized, so that you can work successfully by using the means at your command. But it is useless to think of accomplishing anything in this cause without labor. There has been but little done in the missionary cause within this Conference, simply because the efforts have been wanting. I am satisfied that we have as good a field to labor in as can be found anywhere, and that the Lord is as willing to help the cause in Indiana as he is in New England, Michigan, or California. But you will find that missionaries should be well acquainted with the doctrines that they wish to promulgate if they would be successful in their work. I do not mean that they should become debaters, but all should be able clearly to teach the leading ideas of the message, and to give the reasons of our hope with meekness and fear. Without these essential qualifications, we have but little room to hope for success. If we possess them, properly seasoned with faith and energy, the Lord will certainly bless the enterprise. We are just now entering upon the best season of the year to accomplish something by getting our best works for the times before the people. Let every member take hold, realizing that the Lord is now in the field, encouraging and instructing the laborers, saying to those of a fearful heart, “Be Strong,” “Fear not;” to him that thinketh he standeth, “Take heed,” “Be not high minded, but fear.” To the rich, he is saying, “Trust not in uncertain riches,” “Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor.” To the poor, he has these cheering words: “Rich in faith,” “heirs of the kingdom.” You see none are slighted. All can labor in his vineyard. He expects something to be done by every one. Accordingly, when we hold our T. and M. meetings, we shall expect reports of labor from every member; and we do not wish any blank spaces in the reports. I believe each member can judiciously circulate two thousand pages of reading matter each quarter; that one hundred members can circulate eight hundred thousand pages annually. But we will have to lay broader plans of operation if we accomplish all the good that we might. I would be pleased to put “Life Incidents,” “U. S. in Prophecy,” and “The Discussion on the Constitutional Amendment,” in every library and reading room in the State, and keep a missionary stand in the Union Depot in Indianapolis. By taking hold of the work in this way, we could warn all of Indiana, and many more. If there is as much to this message as we think there is, it requires as much of an effort as is indicated by this article. If there is not as much, then there is just nothing at all, and we had better make the most out of this life that we can—“eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.” But, dear brethren, it is useless to talk of the possibility of our being deceived about the truthfulness of our positions. The deception is all on the other side of the question. We have the mighty truth of God for this last generation of mankind committed to our trust, and we will be held to an account for the way we use it. We are bidden to GO into the “highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,” that the Lord’s house may be filled. Luke 14:23. This message must go into the “highways” of the nations, and into the hedges (back woods) also. There is a little more room at the wedding table yet; a few more stars to sparkle in the crowns of some of God’s servants. Who are the wise servants that will win them? Sharpsville, Ind., Nov. 13, 1873.