The Organization of Tract Societies.
By John Nevins Andrews
THAT this is a work of vital importance to the prosperity of the cause of truth I cannot doubt. Its design is to secure united, systematic effort to circulate books, papers, pamphlets, and tracts in every part of the harvest field. There are but few to go out as public laborers, while the most urgent need exists for a multitude of faithful men to give themselves to this work. We have just engaged in a solemn fast that God would be pleased to raise up more laborers for the great harvest. One way in which this prayer will be answered will be to give every member of the church an opportunity to work for him. And all who love our Lord in sincerity, or who feel for those who are perishing in their sins, will rejoice that it is in their power to work for God even in a very humble manner. In the organization of tract societies it is designed to bring in every true-hearted commandment keeper as a worker for God. It does not matter that there are many who cannot give the strength of argument for the truths which they sacredly cherish. These truths have all been carefully written out, and we have tracts and pamphlets adapted to all classes of the people. Now what is wanted is that with meekness of wisdom these publications be placed in the hands of our fellow men wherever they can be induced to read. It may be some cross to call on each of your neighbors and invite them to read a tract. Yet this is an honorable work, and one that has led many to keep the commandments of God. Nor should it be our neighbors merely, but we should seek opportunity to place tracts in the hands of all with whom we have opportunity to converse upon the truth. It is not necessary to argue and contend. Indeed if we wish to benefit men it is best as far as possible, to refrain from every thing of the kind. Respectfully state to them your deep conviction of the importance of the subject, and invite them to read a candid and convincing argument upon it. You will not often be repulsed if you act thus. And it will always be well to preserve the name of the person to whom you give a tract, and the name of the tract, so that you can give to that person another tract such as may be naturally called for after reading the first. Now the organization of the tract societies is for the purpose of putting it in the power of each person to do this work, and of securing the united action of all who love the Saviour. Certainly it promises great results. It will enable every one to preach by putting the best printed discourses which we have into the hands of our fellow men everywhere. Our people will take hold of the work, for its great importance is apparent to all. We regard it as in the special providence of God that the subject has been brought out by those who have already put it to a practical test. Steps will be taken as fast as possible to organize such a society in each State Conference. The work is one everywhere. Every State Conference must have a share in it. But as the way opens for such organization in each Conference let all our friends take hold as one man and with the whole heart. J. N. A.