To Members of District No. 10, Iowa Tract Society
By M. M. Kenny
TO MEMBERS OF DIST. NO. 10, IOWA TRACT SOCIETY.
As it is nearly time for our next quarterly meeting, I would ask, Have you a good report to send in at the close of the quarter? If you have not, then improve what time there is left. Do you say, I don’t know how to approach people on the subject of religion? Then follow the instructions of the apostle James: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Did you ever try this? If not, you have lost a great blessing. The more we work in the cause of the Master, the more we will want to work. But let us be careful that we do not go about this sacred work in our own strength; for if we do, we shall be sure to fail. Let us remember that “he that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him.” Take courage, then, my brother, and go to work. Do you want to hear the sweet voice of the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” If so, go to work and do well. We have everything to encourage us to work, for the cause is onward. Many are embracing the truth we love so well from reading. I have just received a letter from Bro. Farnsworth in which he says he finds our ministers are most successful where the T. and M. workers have done the most. Some of our churches are calling for some one to come and preach the truth near them. If you want your neighbors and friends to hear the truth, scatter tracts and papers, and thus prepare the way for the preacher; then when you come to the quarterly meeting, bring a report of what success you have had, and whether the people are anxious to hear or not. We want a report from every member at our next meeting; there are some members who have never yet reported. “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Paul says, “Provoke one another to good works.” Try it once. We have over one hundred members in this district. Now let us have over one hundred reports. The Nevada church has twelve members, and sent in nine reports last quarter. Marshalltown came next with seventeen members and thirteen reports; State Center has sixty-five members, and sent in thirty-two reports. Now let us make a better showing this quarter. If you have nothing to report, go to work in what time is left, and you will have. Remember time is short, and what is done must be done quickly. Some are complaining that they do not have as much of the Spirit of God as they would like to enjoy. Dear brother, the reason is you do not work enough to get it. To illustrate: I have a well, and six families use water from it. I have watched some of them when they came to get water. One will come and put his pail under the pump, and work away leisurely, and it takes twelve strokes to fill the pail. Another will go to work with a will, and fill the pail with six strokes. What makes the difference? It is not in the pump or the water, but in the person. Now, let us one and all go to work with a will and a determination to do something, and then none will complain of not enjoying themselves. M. M. KENNY.