p. 7 | THE CAUSE IN KANSAS by Smith Sharp

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 26, 1879

THE CAUSE IN KANSAS.

By Smith Sharp

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The cause in our State has been steadily advancing for the past few years, and I have no doubt we are all anxious to see a still greater advancement in time to come. I believe the reason why it has prospered is because it has had some zealous, self-sacrificing friends who have held its interests first in their hearts. Now we ask, What can be done to keep the cause moving? I deeply regret that we have so few laborers that we cannot have all the tents in the field, or answer all the calls for help. The committee that was appointed at the camp-meeting to district the State, and assign fields of labor to the ministers, found it a difficult matter to accomplish, in a State 200 miles broad and 400 miles long, with some forty churches to look after, and but four or five ministers to depend upon.

One of the tents that was on the camp-ground has been assigned to Bro. Lamont, to be used in Marion and adjoining counties, and it is expected that his labors will be confined to that section for the year to come. Bro. Santee's field is in Wilson and adjoining counties, where it is expected that he will spend the year in new fields and in taking care of the companies that he has lately raised up. Bro. G. H. Rogers will use one of the tents in Osage county, laboring entirely in new fields, and with or near his own church.

I had hoped that one of our most experienced laborers could go to the north-western part of the State, and take charge of the tent now in Osborn county; but at present it does not seem that it can be done. I have written the director of that T. and M. district to locate the tent in a new field, and make use of the best talent available in that part of the Conference until other help can be furnished. Bro. Cook is busy visiting those whom he has lately brought into the truth, and cannot now leave to go with a tent.

I had sincerely hoped that the new tent could be used in north-eastern Kansas; but unless some one can be found outside of the Conference to take charge of it, it will probably have to lie still at present. I have written thus because I know that in some places there will be disappointment on account of not having all the labor that has been expected; but when all is done that can be, and the brethren are apprised of the efforts that are being made, we hope that none will be dissatisfied. The Conference is crippled for the want of efficient help; but sickness and death have done the work, and we should not murmur. There are many ways in which our brethren scattered over the State can assist in the good work. I expect to labor all that my health will admit, wherever it is thought best.

The condition of our finances has improved since the tithing system has been advocated, because some have adopted it. If all would adopt it, there would be an abundance of means in the treasury. Now, my brother or sister, whoever you may be, if you have not already signed the pledge to pay a tithe of your income to the Lord, I ask you to seriously consider whether you are not helping to cripple the work, in failing to do what God's word plainly requires? I will not take space to argue the question, for enough has already been said through the REVIEW. An effort will be made to induce each one to subscribe to this pledge.

There are hundreds of S. D. Adventists in Kansas who are not members of the T. and M. society. If these would join the society and pay the initiation fee, it would help greatly in this branch of the work. About $1,000.00 in pledges will be due the society this fall. The money is very much needed, and it is hoped that every one who has pledged will now set about the work in earnest to make arrangements to pay as soon as possible.

A subscription was started near the close of the camp-meeting, to raise a permanent camp-meeting fund, and the sum of $120.00 was pledged. Many who did not attend the meeting, and others who had gone home before the pledge was circulated, will want to donate toward this enterprise. Let the officers of the churches and T. and M. societies take this in hand, obtain pledges and send them in to the directors; then let the money be collected the same as T. and M. money, and sent to the T. and M. treasurer. We need a permanent fund of this sort. We shall need some of the money soon, as it is probable we shall hold three camp-meetings this fall. Let an effort be made to collect enough of it to defray the expenses of these meetings. They will not be so expensive as the spring camp-meeting was, and every effort will be made to curtail expenses as much as possible.

A State Health and Temperance Association was organized at the Emporia meeting; and as no minutes of the meeting have appeared, I mention it here. Eld. J. Lamont, of Mound City, was elected secretary and treasurer, and is the one to whom you should write for instruction in regard to laboring in the interests of the association. I am heartily in favor of the temperance move. I believe it is needed in connection with the third angel's message, and that our people should all sign the teetotal pledge. Let pledges be sent out to the different churches, and let an effort be made to obtain signatures. What good reason can any S. D. Adventist give for not signing it? This is a good work in which our people can engage. I know of several of our people that would be relieved of the headache in a short time if they would sign it and never violate it. Brethren and sisters, sign it, although you may never have formed an appetite for strong drink.

A resolution was passed by the Conference, but failed to appear in the minutes, making it the duty of the leader of the church to write a letter to the president of the Conference immediately after each quarterly meeting, giving full particulars of the condition of the church, T. and M. society, and Sabbath-school. I hope this will be remembered and attended to promptly. Your letters will be carefully read and considered, and all will be done that can be to assist you.

Let us all take hold in earnest in the different enterprises, and pray much to God for his blessing upon the laborers and the work in our State.

SMITH SHARP.