TO THE BRETHREN IN DAKOTA.
By S. B. Whitney
Dear Brethren: Permit me once more to express my anxiety for the prosperity of the work in our territory. I have been pleased to see the readiness with which the suggestions that have been made to this end have been received; but I am desirous that in proportion to our numbers and ability Dakota should not be behind the foremost in our ranks in all the enterprises connected with our cause. Especially would I appeal to my brethren that come from the East. I have already learned that in this new country it needs much watchfulness and prayer not to be overcome by the spirit of the world; and in view of the testimonies that have been given on this point, we should remember that our object in coming here should not be merely to advantage ourselves temporally, but to spread the light of truth and be more useful in the cause. And I would also impress the minds of our American brethren with a sense of our responsibility in view of the fact that our work is eminently American, and in all its branches is under the supervision of our English-speaking people; and as the brethren in the territory are three-fourths or four-fifths of foreign extraction, if we wish them to cheerfully acquiesce in this order of things we must take a course to command their confidence and respect. Consider, too, that our standing will give color and character to the work, and therefore should be of the highest type. There are several enterprises to which I wish to call particular attention, and which should be immediately attended to. 1. The General Conference Committee advise us to procure a fifty-foot tent, which will cost, complete, about two hundred dollars. We expect all to be equally interested in this matter. 2. The Supplement from Bro. and Sr. White relative to a paper for Bro. Matteson is just at hand. Who can resist such appeals? Here we expect our Scandinavian brethren, as Bro. W. suggests, to be especially interested, and to nobly respond. 3. A reserve fund for our T. and M. society is needed, that we may have a supply of publications without getting into debt. Here, again, we expect all to be equally interested. We would be glad to receive responses to all these calls in the form of remittances, or pledges to be paid monthly or otherwise. Pledges for the tent should be sent in immediately, that we may know what to do, and the funds for this purpose will of course be needed soon. Communications relating to these matters may be addressed to me, care of D. T. Biggs, our State secretary, at Howard, Turner Co., Dak. Let us hear at once. S. B. WHITNEY.