REMARKS AND DIRECTIONS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 23, 1872

REMARKS AND DIRECTIONS.

Order is necessary in the work of God. To suppose otherwise is to deny his word. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” Order equalizes, and thereby lightens our burdens. It unites effort, and cements hearts; and in union there is strength. “But every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” Therefore to unite disorganizing spirits in an organized effort weakens the whole structure, and if continued or persisted in will bring the whole to ruin.

Some have appeared to have a feeling of delicacy about filling out the blank reports, for fear their works may become known, out of regard for these words, “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” There are two classes that use this text: one, of those who never do anything. Their left hand never knows what their right hand does. The other class may use the text conscientiously, but a careful examination of the context will convince any person that performing certain religious duties to be seen of men was the sin that the Saviour designed to rebuke. Therefore to array these words against systematic action is wresting them from their design and turning them to the service of Satan.

How can we more successfully “provoke unto love and good works,” than to have works known as an incentive to others? Paul mentioned the systematic giving of the Corinthians to stimulate the Macedonians to giving. 2 Cor. 9:1–5, and 8:1–11. The Saviour commands us to let our light so shine that others may see our good works, and so glorify our Father who is in Heaven. Are we so weak that we cannot do the will of our Lord without being puffed up, and seeking glory of men? If so, what then? Shall we cease to do? Shall we not rather humble ourselves, and seek grace that we may work to His glory? May God pity us, and lead us in the way of his commandments, that we may rejoice in his service, and count it a privilege and not a task to work for him who suffered and died for us.

The object of this article is to set forth our Constitution and methods of action whereby we may unitedly and successfully spread the knowledge of the truth, and so carry out the principles of the religion of the Bible. It is only by being living, active members of the body of Christ that we can expect to hear him say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

In carrying out this work, let each State Conference Committee take this matter in hand by appointing a general meeting in which all the churches can be represented; and organize by choosing the required officers and adopting the Constitution. The Executive Committee may consist of three or five, according to the size of the Conference. Let the Executive Committee be so scattered that they may readily and at all times ascertain the general working of the Society in all parts of the field, and see that the wants and objects of the Society are kept before the minds of the brethren, and act as agents to collect funds for the Society. At this general meeting, where the brethren may be consulted in districting the Conference, quarterly meetings may be arranged, not to exceed thirteen, that one man may, if necessary, attend them all. At each of the quarterly meetings let there be a report from each member of the Society within the district wherein the meeting is held. Where there are churches of sufficient size there may be local Societies or sub-organizations at the discretion of the Executive Committee, having meetings monthly, semi-monthly, or weekly, and a verbal report should be made by each member, of which a record is to be kept, after the manner of the blanks furnished. Where there are church organizations, it shall be the duty of the President (who may or may not be the Elder or leader,) to see that all the members are trying to do something, encouraging them and furnishing them suitable tracts for distribution. A small deposit of tracts should be made with every church thus organized, and larger deposits should be in every district, where they may be accessible to the churches during the quarter. These deposits of tracts and pamphlets should not be so large as to become stale, but should be changed from time to time, and such reading left as the community requires.

A special interest should be taken to remove prejudice which individuals may hold against the truth, and tracts should not be forced upon any to make them distasteful; but by visiting and conversing endeavor to leave a good impression. Remember the sick and afflicted, and make them especial subjects of attention, doing all in your power to relieve suffering, and seeking in all things to imitate the character of Christ.

It would be well for the Executive Committee to appoint a general agent to take special charge of the work. It is not necessary that he be a minister, but he should be a man of good judgment, generous hearted, hating covetousness. In fact, no covetous person is fit to hold any office in the Society. Having the quarterly meetings come in succession, a report from every individual throughout the entire Conference may be obtained each quarter.

At all the Tract Society meetings it is proper that personal experiences should be related, and any interesting incidents which may tend to awaken an interest in the work.

Each member should keep a memorandum of the number of tracts or pamphlets they give away, lend, or sell, and of their respective value.

They should also keep a record of such incidents as they may consider of interest to the Society; and at the quarterly meetings the Secretary should select out of all, such as shall be best calculated to encourage others, and read them. Keeping such a record will be found an excellent discipline to the mind, and those who keep them will find great benefit to be derived therefrom.

But if there be members who cannot keep such a record, as may be the case, let such members report verbally in the church or district meetings, and the Secretary keep a minute of the report, and fill out blanks in their stead.

Thus a report may be had from all the members of the Society. But those who can report in writing should not throw this work upon the Secretary, but do their own duty according to their ability.

Let the object of the Society be thoroughly understood by all. It is not merely to scatter tracts and other reading matter, but also to visit, and pray with individuals and families. Let the object in our minds be to awaken an interest in divine things, and so bring souls to Christ; to prepare a people for the solemn realities of the Judgment. Earnestly seek God in this work, that your own hearts may be prepared to understand and appreciate the opening providence of God, endeavoring to leave a good impression in every effort.

Where a duty seems to be presented to find a home for the destitute, great care should be taken that justice be done to all, and that we be not imposed upon. In doing for the worthy poor we are doing for Christ, and we should do this according to the rule laid down in Isaiah 58. If we see the naked we are to cover him, or relieve present distress; and when they are cast out bring them to our houses. If we attempt to take all who say they would keep the Sabbath if we would provide homes for them, we open a door for imposition against which we should constantly guard. But if we wait until they are “cast out” for the truth’s sake we shall be likely to learn who are the Lord’s poor. A careful study of Isaiah 58 will indicate our duty in this respect.

Let no one be discouraged by lack of ability or opportunity to do a great deal; but let each obtain, if possible, at least one subscriber for each of our periodicals quarterly. Children can obtain subscribers for the Youth’s Instructor, and they are invited to join the Society and labor to advance the cause of our Lord, who loved the children and called them to himself.

In the various organizations where it is proper, it is recommended that reading matter be selected from moral and religious books and papers, especially on the subject of health, and the choicest of this to be forwarded to the Office of publication at Battle Creek, Mich.

It is recommended that, where a church is so situated that the sisters can meet every week on some week day, a Vigilant Missionary Society be organized to carry out the object of Article II of the Constitution, in regard to corresponding, visiting the sick, &c., to act as auxiliary to the Tract Society, and to report to the quarterly meetings. The corresponding Agents of these Societies should be women of judgment, of consecration, and activity, in the work of God. And when any of the members learn of individuals becoming discouraged, or of any to whom it may be desirable to write, they shall report the address and the circumstances of such individuals to the Secretary of the V. M. Society, and a discreet and proper person shall write to them. It is not necessary that the Corresponding Agents be known as such in the communities where they live. This work may extend all over the country. There appears to be no reason why Conference lines should bound this work, and it is recommended that the officers of this Society resolve themselves into a Health Committee, to make an especial effort to inform themselves, and to bring up all within their influence to the light that has been presented on the subjects of the Health and Dress Reforms, as taught in our publications.

It will be understood that all members of the Tract Society are agents to obtain subscribers for our periodicals. Those obtaining subscribers for the Health Reformer will be furnished with directed envelops; also a “statement” to aid them in canvassing. If any wish to devote their time as agents to canvass for a premium, they will notify the Executive Committee and are recommended by the Society to the Office of publication.

COLLECTING ARREARAGES ON PERIODICALS.

The Executive Committee shall appoint agents, men or women of candor and Christian courtesy, more or less in number, as the case may demand, in different parts of the Conference. To each shall be assigned a certain part of the Conference. And each one shall be furnished with the names of subscribers living in that district, by the President of the Tract Society. These agents shall, by visiting or writing, ascertain the circumstances of those in arrears; if they are poor and unable to pay, learn whether they have or have not an interest in the paper they are receiving; and at the end of the quarter they shall report their entire labor, making such suggestions as will aid the Executive Committee in deciding whether or not to discontinue any papers; but the agents will stop no papers, nor pay for any, at the expense of the Society. Where the agents collect arrearages they shall forward the money to the Office.

When letters are written to delinquents it should be distinctly understood, 1. That they are written at the request of the Conference. 2. That if they are poor and unable to pay, they can have the paper free if they are interested in it and desire to read. 3. If they have no interest in them, that they should let it be known that they may be stopped.

In all cases they are requested to pay, not the arrearages only, but one year in advance. And the agents are expected to see that advance payment is kept up on all the periodicals.

PROMPTNESS AND CHEERFULNESS, is our motto. Let none be disheartened in this work. Discouragements we shall have to encounter, but faith and consecration will overcome mountains of difficulty. When the battle goes hard, pray much.

Those who receive letters from agents are expected and urged to co-operate in this work by giving a prompt reply. It is only just that they do so. The agent must labor under some disadvantage, not knowing but the person to whom he writes may have forwarded to the Office since he (the agent) received the account. All persons who send papers to their friends should see to their paper themselves, and thus save their friends the mortification of receiving letters of this kind from strangers. Those who order papers for the worthy poor, or who order papers stopped, should give their own names also.

FURNISHING LIBRARIES, &C.

It is recommended to furnish all public libraries with Life Incidents, Bible Sabbath, Autobiography of Eld. Joseph Bates, and such other bound books as may seem proper from time to time. This work should be committed to suitable persons, and not left to every one. A notice of the Tract Society should be pasted in every book so furnished.

Also, a special effort should be made to place the Reformer in reading rooms, hotels, and all respectable places of resort. Scatter rays of light in every nook and corner of the land. There is not a higher-toned health journal in the country. Taking the Bible for a standard, yet not at all sectarian, it shows that the science of life and health and the word of God are in perfect harmony. Health tracts will be published which should have a wide circulation. Energetic and systematic effort is all that is required to accomplish great results.

VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.

To assist in carrying out the recommendation to form Vigilant Missionary Societies wherever it may be deemed advisable, the following Constitution is presented, being substantially that adopted by the Society of New England.

ART. I. This Society shall be called the S. D. A. Vigilant Missionary Society of —.

ART. II. The object of this Society shall be to awaken and increase an interest in pure and undefiled religion, 1. By corresponding with all who we may have reason to believe will be benefited thereby, especially lonely commandment-keepers. 2. By visiting, conversing, and praying with families which we might suppose our Saviour would visit were he here upon the earth. 3. By circulating tracts.

ART. III. The officers of this Society shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Corresponding Agents. And they shall be elected by a two-thirds vote, and shall hold their offices six months.

ART. IV. Any sister who keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus may become a member, by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting, on the payment of fifty cents.

ART. V. The duties of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, shall be the same that is common to such officers. And the duties of the Corresponding Agents shall be to visit the sick, circulate tracts, and to send in the names of those who they think would be benefited by receiving letters from the Society. Also to report their labors once in six weeks, and if they fail to report, they are no longer to be considered corresponding agents, unless they give a sufficient reason for the failure. The Corresponding Agents may be appointed in any place, without regard to Conference lines.

ART. VI. When the name of any person is reported to the Society, according to Art. V, it shall be the duty of the President to appoint a member to correspond with such person. And it is especially required of all members who may be designated to write or visit, that they should first seek the blessing of God upon the effort. All members of the Society are expected to state convictions that they may have concerning writing to, or visiting, any particular individual. But nothing in these articles shall prevent any calls being made where the way may open, where appointments have not been made. Also, it is expected that all absent members will unite with the Society in seeking the special blessing of God upon the Society and its efforts, every Wednesday afternoon at the hour of 3, wherever they may be.

ART. VII. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any regular meeting.