A MISSIONARY LETTER: WHAT IS IT? by Stephen Nelson Haskell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 23, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 12.

A MISSIONARY LETTER: WHAT IS IT?

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

If a letter is written upon business or friendship, and present truth is simply brought in, it would not be what is intended by a missionary letter.

A missionary letter is one written expressly to benefit persons spiritually. No one form will apply to all. It should be adapted to the circumstances and conditions of the individual. The one who is acquainted with the individual addressed should know best how to approach him. There may be times when an allusion to past friendship would make a letter more effective.

To those sending a copy of the SIGNS to individuals they have never seen, we offer the following suggestions:—

1. Write a letter or postal card, stating that you have sent them a paper in which you are interested, and that you would like to hear from them, how they like it.

2. It is usually well to state that their names were sent you by a friend who thought they might be interested to read it, or something of that kind.

3. Do not mention any particular doctrine advocated by the paper, unless you have reason to believe it would impress them favorably.

4. When they have written you in reference to it you can better judge when and how to solicit a subscription or donation.

5. By prayer, and giving the subject much thought, with experience, some have become very successful in this branch of the work.

S. N. HASKELL.