Quarterly Report of the New England Tract Society by S. N. Haskell; M. L. Huntley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1872

Quarterly Report of the New England Tract Society.

By S. N. Haskell; M. L. Huntley

At the time of the quarterly meeting at South Lancaster, Mass., Feb. 4, 1872, the Tract Society met at 9 A. M. Eld. Haskell, the president, being present, presided, and made some remarks at the opening of the meeting, showing the object and work of tract societies, and their efficiency in enlisting and uniting the efforts of all, men, women, and children, in the work of spreading light and truth, and also the benefit to be derived from the united judgment and counsel of different brethren upon subjects connected with present truth.

Report of the preceding meeting was then read and accepted. A report of missionary labor for the past quarter was called for and read. Number of reports received, 56, which showed that about 21,300 pages of reading matter have been distributed, besides 105 bound books, of which 53 have been presented to libraries. Number of new subscribers obtained, and copies furnished: REVIEW, 33; Instructor, 22; Reformer, 85. Number of sick visited, 46; families, 120.

Of the above, the R. I. district report showed that about 8,436 pages of our publications have been distributed in that State, and also showed a good degree of interest in other branches of the work. Number of members added to the society this quarter, 32. Whole number of members, 138.

A list of the present subscribers for our periodicals was compared with that of Jan., 1871, which showed that there has been an increase of 72 for the REVIEW, and 232 for Reformer. The Instructor has not received the attention during the year past that it will in time to come. One brother remarked that we might put him down for thirty new subscribers for the next quarter. This brother knew what he was talking about, as he had obtained thirty-two subscribers for the Reformer during the past quarter.

The Vigilant Missionary Society reported 88 letters written and 50 received during the past quarter. They have 17 corresponding agents, about 300 correspondents, and 31 members. The subject of health and uniformity in dress is more especially engaging their attention at present.

Widow and Orphan Fund stands as follows: Cash on hand, Oct. 29, 1871, $53.39 Received on donations, 72.50 Total, $125.89 Paid for board and other expenses, $32.12 Cash to balance, 93.77 Total, $125.89

Delinquent's Fund. Received on donations, 61.00 Paid for REVIEW on arrearages and to the poor, 20.21 Paid for Instructor on arrearages and to the poor, .88 Paid for Reformer on arrearages and to the poor, 28.50 Paid on last quarter, 11.43 Total, $61.02

Financial report for quarter ending Feb. 4, 1872. Cash on hand, Oct. 29, 1871, $127.75 Received on membership, 31.00 “ “ donations, 202.00 Sale of books, 14.05 Books on hand, 69.31 Total, $443.50 Bound books presented to libraries, $24.00 Publications distributed, 35.30 Cash on Widow's Fund, 32.12 “ “ periodicals, 61.52 Printing, postage, &c., 16.12 Publications, 69.31 Cash on hand to balance, 205.13 Total, $443.50

Adjourned to 2½ P. M.

At the appointed time the society met again. The meeting being opened by prayer, the propriety of having a paper devoted to the interests of the tract enterprise and imparting information to those wishing to write for the periodicals was considered and discussed with much interest, which resulted in a unanimous vote in favor of such a periodical, and steps were to be immediately taken to ascertain how many subscribers could be obtained for it providing it should meet the mind of the Publishing Committee.

The V. M. Society then presented a lady's hat for the consideration of the brethren and sisters. After comparing it with different styles worn by the sisters present, it was favorably received, with the view of meeting a long existing want with reference to uniformity of style, &c.

The article in the report of the General Conference relating to the $10,000 health publication fund was then considered, when $614.00 were pledged to be paid during the present year.

Eld. S. N. Haskell, President. M. L. Huntley, Secretary.