Tract and Missionary Societies.
By Charles L. Boyd
ARE they necessary? and who should be members? These are questions often propounded, and, being of such vast importance, are worthy of serious consideration. That those who realize little or nothing of the magnitude of our work in bearing the last message of warning to the world, stand aloof, I do not wonder. For the special object of enlisting the co-operation of some who do love the truth, and are anxious to have others brought under its hallowed influence, I present the following:— It is absolutely necessary that we have system in doing our work, and very desirable that all who are workers, be united together. Our Father has given to his children a diversity of talents. To some, a financial ability; to others, a love for literary attainments. Circumstances may have favored the cultivation and the growth of these natural qualifications, to the neglect of others, so that the latter are exceedingly small. Persons of each of these classes embrace this present truth. They are surrounded by those who are sitting in darkness, and will perish unless their minds are illuminated with the light of this message. Their souls reach out for their salvation. But what can be done? The Brother A or Sister B who has property, orders a club of twenty or fifty SIGNS, circulates, and mails them weekly to different parties; but, with no personal effort, the probabilities are against their success. God has made us social beings. A word "fitly spoken" would be to some of those readers like an apple of gold in a picture of silver. But, unfortunately, Bro. A is not prepared to "fitly" speak that encouraging or convincing word, and the good seed is left to die for want of proper care. And very probably Bro. A becomes discouraged, thinks that is not the way to sow seed, discontinues his SIGNS, and himself becomes, at best, like a fruitless branch, and is "nigh unto cursing." How is it with Sister C or Brother D? They have an education and a desire to work, but are destitute of the means necessary to pay for a large supply of reading matter, pay postage, etc. They, however, cannot be idle, and by writing three or441letters, are setting forth the principles of our faith. The process is laborious; it takes so much of their time that but few subjects can be served. Can anything be done to make each of these persons more efficient in his efforts? Certainly; but let these different talents unite, and the influence of each is increased many fold. But this would be a missionary society. Permit me to correct the idea that it is "unfortunate" that one person is not endowed with such a diversity of talent that he can work independent of others. Our Father has made us social beings, and has ordained that "as iron sharpeneth iron so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." You know how that is. One piece of iron, called a hammer, pounds another piece designed for a knife. Another piece of iron, called a file, is next called into action. Now, with the united influence of iron Nos. 1 and 3, No. 2 is made a sharp and keen and effectual instrument, for either good or evil. We will not say it is unfortunate that No. 2 cannot make itself into a blade, but rather that it is fortunate that it can receive the assistance of its fellows of the same class. Now as with the iron, so with these two classes of missionary workers. What one cannot do, that, by the grace of God, the other may accomplish, and thus each may become a fruitful branch, on which precious fruit may abound. In many things, we stand reproved by the Great Teacher, for being less wise in our work than the children of this world. Will we not heed the admonition, and from him take warning? My brother and sister who are now standing aloof from the society, do you believe the Lord's testimony, that as "iron sharpeneth iron," you can sharpen the love, and inspire the zeal of others? or do you disbelieve? Do you say you can do but little, and therefore your membership will not aid the society? But somebody is watching, and being influenced, and will do as you do. And this is not all; you do not know what the result will be if you get among others, where you will be taken through this hammering and tempering, and filing process. You may come out a real, effectual, and useful instrument. If you simply give, as you are able, and let others use your means according to their judgment, you are deprived of a blessed experience obtained by being connected with its use yourself. In seeking directly for the salvation of some particular soul, there is an incentive to connect with God which nothing else will give; an enlarging of soul which nothing else will promote. There are sixty-nine members of the N. P. T. and M. Society. We want 200 thoroughly organized and equipped—I mean, we want 131 earnest souls to bring $131, as membership fees, and unite their efforts with ours in the blessed work. Are any of you waiting because you fear some one else will receive a more honorable part of the work than yourself? It is an honor to have any connection with the work of God. To be a co-laborer with God is greater than to be a king; and he has the most desirable position that has the most to do, and the closest connection with God. CHAS. L. BOYD.