The Review and Herald Literary Society.
By Addie Merriam
[This Society, of the organization and objects of which notice was given in REVIEW, Vol. 37, No. 15, and which, owing to the absence of some upon whom its success largely depended, and lack of time on the part of others, and lack of interest more or less on the part of many, was not long continued in active operation, has been revived, and is beginning to get again into working order. The readers of the REVIEW, we trust, will hear from it occasionally. Among other exercises, we propose to have the queries that are sent in by our correspondents laid before the Society and discussed and answered. We are happy to lay before our readers herewith an essay read at our last meeting, containing many valuable hints, not only for this Society, but for others, should such be formed in other places.—Ed.] In the month of March, 1871, Bro. White, feeling the need of an organized effort for the improvement of our periodicals, suggested the propriety of forming a society that should have for its object the promotion of the literary interests of the REVIEW and our other periodicals. Believing this Office to be the place for this work to commence, he called a meeting of the employees, and the result was the organization of a society called, “The REVIEW AND HERALD Literary Society.” It was his design that this should become the parent of other societies, who would labor for the same object, and thus the work, broadening and deepening, should become a school for the education of those who are to act a part in proclaiming the last message of mercy to man. The object was a laudable one, and the work an important one, embracing as it did so large a field, and the Society should have been a success; but through lack of interest but little was accomplished. The corresponding secretaries wrote to some of our ministers, urging them to write for our periodicals, the members examined a few exchanges, and the executive board procured books for the proper preservation of selections; and here the work ended. The members thought it rather dull work to look over exchanges, many of them dry and musty, the president was necessarily much of the time from the place, the vice-president became weary of presiding over a company who were listless and inactive only in consulting time-pieces, and who seemed to be more interested in a motion to adjourn than in any other; and the Society ceased to exist only in memory. It has now been re-organized; and it is to be hoped that it will this time meet with better success. In societies of this kind there is danger, when the novelty wears away, of the members’ losing their interest. We are ever wishing for something new. This age is proverbial for this; and he who panders to the public tastes must get up something new. Why are we so foolish, when Solomon declares, “There is no new thing under the sun”? What is wanted in this Society is Christian men and women who will engage heartily in this work, because it is right, and it is their duty to do so, and not for the mere sake of novelty. Every laborer in this Office should become a member of this Society. Most of them have done so, and we trust they will not forget the pledge they have made to perform to the best of their ability whatever is required of them. Some may say, I have not time, others plead lack of talent, and others say, I cannot see how the exercises of the Society will benefit our periodicals, or be of service to the cause. To those who make the excuse, lack of time, I would say, We all could urge this plea with equal propriety, especially our honored president. If he can afford to spend the time, we can, certainly. If any feel disposed to excuse themselves from becoming members of this Society, or from taking part in the exercises, on account of lack of talent, let me say to them, We are responsible only for the talents given us. But we must use the talent we have. Is it not pride more than anything else that leads us to excuse ourselves? We are afraid of the remarks and criticisms, afraid that we shall fail. Do not put pride before love for Christ. It is our duty to do the best we can, and He who rules over all will accept our honest endeavor in lieu of a successful achievement. The writing of essays will teach us the best method of expressing our thoughts upon paper. The writing of critiques will make us better critics and proof-readers, and in time we may be able to contribute to the columns of our papers. The questions will make us Bible students, and in answering them, we shall save the editor’s valuable time. The discussions will enable us to meet opponents, when we are challenged to give the reasons of our faith and hope, and all of the exercises, if rightly conducted, and entered into with the right spirit, will benefit us all. Perhaps some of the members of this Society may become teachers and messengers in the glorious work of spreading the truth, and the knowledge and discipline gained here may be of inestimable value to them. We would also urge the importance of punctuality in attendance. Every member should be present at all meetings of the Society. Let no trivial thing keep you away. Do not seek for excuses, but consider it not only a duty, but a pleasure, to attend every meeting, and fulfill the pledge you have made. You will receive your reward; for right-doing will bring a reward of its own—a conscience void of offense—and you certainly cannot have a clear conscience, if you do not do all you can to make this Society a success. In conclusion, we would say, We shall hold the members to their pledge. The welfare of the Society depends upon it. Let us do all that we can, and though we may never hear “Well done,” it may be said of us, “They have done what they could.”