Dist. No. 2, Kansas: Missionary Work Neglected
By C. W. Flaiz
DURING the past year missionary work has been greatly neglected in this district. The year 1883 was marked as a prosperous era for us. A large amount of missionary work was done, an accumulated debt was paid, and all branches of the work seemed to be looming up. But the result of the last year's labor has not been as large as could reasonably have been expected. There has been a decrease of interest. This is far from what it should be. A most glorious truth has been given us, and it should be our pleasure as well as our duty to herald it to the world. Each one has talent, for which he must render an account. Matt. 25:15-19. There are too many who have their talents hid in the earth, thus neglecting the duties the Master placed upon them, for the faithful performance of which a crown of life is promised. All who heed the third angel's message become missionaries. “And let him that heareth say, Come.” Rev. 22:17; Matt. 28:19, 20; Jesus is our pattern (1 Pet. 2:21); and he says, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish his work.” We must expect to suffer reproach for thus did our pattern. “When he was reviled he reviled not again, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Pet. 2:23. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:11. There are souls all around us perishing for the light of present truth. “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Here we can see to a degree the responsibility resting upon us. Eternity alone will tell the number of neglected opportunities, the number of moments idled away, that might have been consecrated to the Master's service. We may not at once see the fruit of our labor; but it is our duty to sow the seed, and in due time our sheaves will be ready for the heavenly garner. We must not get discouraged. Noah labored one hundred and twenty years without a single convert outside of his own family. Jesus is our pattern. Of him it is written, He shall not fail nor be discouraged. Brethren and sisters, let us arouse from the lethargy into which we have fallen, and engage again in the Master's work. Time is very short. Soon the last tract will be sent on its mission of mercy, the last visit made, and the last prayer offered. Then it will be revealed who have done their duty faithfully. “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matt. 13:43.
C. W. FLAIZ.