To the Friends of the Cause in Michigan.
By George I. Butler
FEELING a deep interest in the prosperity of the cause everywhere, and believing such prosperity is closely connected with the working of our Tract and Missionary Society, we hope our friends in Michigan will pardon us for calling their especial attention to this branch of the work in this brief article. All over the field, our brethren look to Michigan as to the center of our work. Here our institutions are located. The State contains a far greater number of Sabbath-keepers than any other, and far more wealth. Michigan has proved true to the cause in the past, and the brethren there have proved themselves among the most reliable of any. She has, without murmuring, sent her best ministers to other fields, and many other Conferences have reaped the fruits of these labors. And no doubt she has suffered a great loss in consequence of the lack of these laborers. Her numbers might be far greater, and the cause in a more prosperous condition within her limits. All over the field, we look for Michigan to set the example and cast a leading influence in every great move made among us. Now, as far as the tract and missionary work is concerned, we fear this Conference is among the slowest, instead of leading out, in the good work. We have no thought but our brethren are in sympathy with its objects, and really wish it success. But whether it is because large bodies move slowly, or because of failing to perceive its importance, or from expecting somebody else will look after these things, we know not the reason why Michigan has not taken the front rank in this great tract and missionary movement. The western Conferences, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, have all sent urgent invitations to Bro. Haskell, to come and assist them in this good work. Indiana, but just organized into a State Conference, is desiring the establishment of these societies there, and will come next in order after the others. We would most cordially advise the officers of the Conference and Tract societies in Michigan to send in invitations also for help. We think there ought to be at least four or five meetings held in the most important points in the State, and that the officers of the society should be present, so that all the machinery may be set in proper order. This could be done in June and July. While the ministers are out holding tent-meetings, the lay brethren can be putting these societies in working order. We have set our hearts on seeing these tract and missionary societies all in full operation the present season. It can just as well be done as not. The Western States are waking up to this work. We hear encouraging reports from Bro. Haskell of his present labors there. The work is onward. We have no idea Michigan will fail to take her proper place in the front rank in this, as well as every other, good work. Time is short. We have a mighty work to do. Shall we all take hold to do it? Every member of these societies can find work to do. Do the brethren in Michigan want Bro Haskell's assistance? Of course he will not come unless you invite him. Any letters sent to his address to Battle Creek can be forwarded to him where he is. If his presence is desired in the State, let him know where meetings should be held. Come, brethren of Michigan, take your proper position. GEO. I. BUTLER. Battle Creek, Mich., May 7, 1873.