ORDER! by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 28, 1878

ORDER!

By G. W. Colcord

To the Churches in Illinois.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Cor 14:40. Illinois friends, what think you the above text means? Why, it means we should be a decent people, and an orderly people. Who dare say, “Nay”?

Then why are you not more orderly? In all the walks and talks of life we should be orderly. Other things being equal, the farmer who has “a place for everything, and everything in its place,” will, by far, outstrip the careless husbandman, as they run a race in husbandry. Aye, my sisters, I should much prefer to see things indoors “set in order,” than to behold them as I do in some homes. Have even a nail or hook for the dish-towel; and, when not in use, let said towel ever be found there.

If, then, it be so inviting, so convenient, so necessary, to manifest order in the avenues of worldly life; its importance is transcendent whenever related to our labor in the cause of God. Not unfrequently do I hear of a breach of order in this brother or that sister who is engaged in the tract work. Now this should not be. It causes anxiety and waste of time and money, to say nothing of the additional labor it imposes on our officers. Friends, this is all wrong. You know, or may know, just how to work in the tract society; and I beseech you to labor by rule—“in order.”

I hereby request both our officers in the State, and the workers in the Offices of publication, not to consummate any matter of business that may come before them in a lawless manner.

I am very desirous that Illinois should take her proper place. May the Lord help us to “keep rank.” And to specify, let me say: Conference officers, awake! Work as unto Christ. Church officers, work for your respective churches. Members, do not backslide; but labor to save others. Tract workers, every one of you (will you hear me and comply?), work, record all work done, and report. Be minute men—“instant in season.” May we all prepare for the “sweet by-and-by;” and hear it said, “Thou hast been faithful.”

G. W. COLCORD.