THAT BROTHER H by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1876

THAT BROTHER H.

By H. A. St. John

He is an eastern man. New England, I conclude, is his field of labor. It appears that there is a Tract and Missionary Society there, of about two hundred members who are well drilled, and have become very efficient. It is gratifying indeed to hear of their progress in the good work. And they are not selfish, either, but by their love and good works are trying to provoke other Tract Societies to the same. Their gentle hints of what others might do, compared with what they do do, and their kind admonitions and words of good cheer, are not lost but are gradually having their effect. We know that we have been not a little provoked in this way.

But we have sometimes thought that our brother overestimated our ability to do—not our real ability; for we are assured that we are not doing one-twentieth part of what we might do; but as a Society we have not learned how, and have not been consecrated to God and the work. If our strength and efficiency were according to our numbers, they would be great indeed; but it must be remembered that most of our Tract Society members are just beginning to drill in the awkward squad, while many others belong to the home guards. We long for the time to come that whenever a call is made there may be a response along the whole line, and that all, or nearly all, may report, “Ready for duty.” We long for a well-drilled, enthusiastic Tract and Missionary Society. We have very strong faith that we shall have it. Let our dear brother and any one else whose soul is in the message, still point out duty, and encourage with words of good cheer. Progress is being made, and we hope sometime to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Courage in the Lord, brethren.

H. A. St. John.