Why not be Prompt? by J. M. Aldrich

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 3, 1863

Why not be Prompt?

By J. M. Aldrich

Many times during the month just past, have I been led to wish that our brethren might learn to be prompt. In religion, as well as worldly matters, success depends in no small degree upon the single item of promptness. A lack of this essential item in any matter, whether of a religious or worldly character, betrays a lack of interest therein. Brethren, must it be true of us that we are faulty in this respect? Let us for one moment consider the nature of our faith—the shortness of time, and the great work to be done therein for ourselves and the world! Ought we not to be deeply interested? Ought we not to be zealously engaged? Ought we not to be prompt?

I submit the foregoing considerations to some of our brethren in New York,—particularly those that were, and still are, so negligent about forwarding their S. B. reports, as required by the action of our State conference. Said reports should have been all sent to the Secretary prior to the first of January. Ample time was given for the same to have been done. But the first of January came, and but few reports came with it. I immediately wrote nearly twenty letters to different brethren, calling for said reports. I am glad to say that I have finally received satisfactory returns to most of them, but am still waiting as patiently as possible for a few others yet to report. Will those few be good enough to delay no longer? The conference committee cannot well discharge their duty in the matter till all the reports are received; and doubtless the brethren all through the State are getting anxious to hear through the Review what is being done financially for the cause. Brethren, be patient a little longer till those few tardy S. B. reports and individual pledges are sent in. The committee will then immediately take the matter in hand and report. Meantime, I am happy to say, for your encouragement, and to the credit of the S. B. enterprise, that the reports already received reveal the welcome fact that our fund will be ample to give the cause a liberal support in this State. And although I have indulged in a few words of complaint, hoping that some may be profited thereby, and so do better in the future; yet I have to congratulate the brethren for the efforts they have put forth, for the liberal pledges given, and for the manifest symptoms of striving to come into the order and harmony of God.

The cause is evidently onward in this State. Let us all take courage, and double our diligence, and withal learn to be prompt. Don't let the S. B. pledges get behind. Keep paid up square. Let all be done in season, and having resolved to transact business with the Lord on the plan of being prompt, let us not fail to forward in time to our Treasurer, J. B. Lamson, Rochester, N. Y., the several amounts of percentage that may be assessed against us by the conference committee, as per requirements of the State conference.

J. M. ALDRICH, Con. Secretary.

Somerset, N. Y.