TO THE OFFICERS OF THE NEBRASKA TRACT SOCIETY by Chas. L. Boyd

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 8, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 2

TO THE OFFICERS OF THE NEBRASKA TRACT SOCIETY.

By Chas. L. Boyd

BY ELD. CHAS. L. BOYD.

I have been trying to lay plans by which we can all lift at the wheel together, and see what can be done in our State this year. The third angel’s message will go to earth’s remotest bounds, and the Lord always works through means. We can have a part in this great and good work, or we can excuse ourselves, and some one else will be raised up to take our place in the vineyard and our crown in the harvest-home. It is utterly impossible for the few ministers we have in our Conference to do the work that needs to be done; but if we, as a missionary army, can only get in working order, with the blessing of God very much may be accomplished.

In order to reach the people, we must work through the officers of the tract society, as it would be impossible to address a letter to each individual member of our churches; but if each librarian will realize the importance of the matter, and do all in his power to arouse those under his care, all can be reached with comparatively little trouble. You have been chosen by your church to fill an important place; now let me ask you to magnify your office. The responsibility rests upon you, and no one can discharge your duties for you. We each have our work to do. May the curse pronounced upon him who doeth the work of the Lord negligently never fall upon us. I ask and expect your hearty co-operation. The missionary work is the right arm of our message, but in order to have it efficient, every one must be induced to go to work. It is in your power to encourage those in your church to engage more heartily in this work. Go and visit them. Lay before them the great advantage it will be to themselves to do something for Jesus. There is nothing that will diffuse life, hope, and courage all through a church like a spirit of labor. Our trials and discouragements sink into insignificance, and vanish, while we are laboring for the good of others. And think of the benefit that will be derived by your fellow-beings.

When you meet for social worship, give the missionary work its due share of attention. In friendly intercourse with your brethren and sisters, let it be a thrilling topic of conversation. When about your work, if it does not necessarily call for all your mental faculties, think of this important work for the Master. Lay your plans carefully, so that you can work to the best advantage yourselves, and then seek to interest others to take part with you. First urge the importance of working, and then be sure to impress upon them the necessity of carefully noting down each item of labor performed, so that at the close of the quarter a full report from each individual may be received.

May the present year be well filled up with earnest labor.