Tract and Missionary Department.
By S. N. Haskell
Tract and Missionary Labor.
The reporting system is the life of the tract society. Some have felt delicate about reporting, referring to Matt. 6 as an excuse; but a careful reading of the context clearly shows that the motive that should actuate the individual is what is here alluded to. Oftentimes, however, this text can be truthfully applied from the fact that the right hand does nothing, and hence the left hand never knows what the right hand doeth. The true missionary spirit will be found in seeking not her own; but it will labor for the good of others, and an example set before others of good works is in keeping with the Saviour’s words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” The liberality of the Corinthians was reported by the apostle to those of Achaia and Macedonia, and their zeal “provoked very many;” and, in turn, the effect of this report was carried back to Corinth, to stimulate them to pay unpaid pledges which were one year behind. See 2 Cor., 8th and 9th chapters. Had they performed these worthy deeds for the express purpose of reporting, to bring to themselves praise, the life of the act would have been wanting. God would have the motive be his glory, then light can emanate from us. The reports of the different tract societies are read with especial interest by members of other tract societies, not only to learn what is being accomplished in different parts of the field, but also to learn how the work can be most successfully carried forward; and these reports are made up from individual reports. There are also many instances of families embracing the truth, that in a few words can be reported, which would be of interest to every individual who loves present truth. Such as the following: One brother, Eld. F. Wheeler, passing through a section where the present truth had never been presented, left with a family two one-half penny tracts. These, without any other reading, save the Bible, without any other influence to help them, save the Spirit of God, led the family to embrace the Sabbath. These tracts were lent, and when these friends were found by a director, on one of his colporteuring tours, quite an interest had been awakened throughout the neighboring community. And now, by the influence of other reading matter, and some devoted individuals (minus preachers), there is a general interest throughout all that section, so that the ministers are aroused to save their flock by preaching against God’s holy Sabbath. The simple truth, accompanied by God’s Holy Spirit, carries with it an influence and power which are unequaled by force or wealth. Because we do not see immediate fruits, should we conclude the labor is lost? One brother of my acquaintance was convinced of the importance of keeping the Sabbath, but was finally influenced by his mother to defer keeping it until he was twenty-one years of age, and if he was then of the same mind, she assured him that he might keep it without opposition from her. He became of age last summer. True to his convictions, the next Sabbath he kept. He has since been baptized, and thus far has proved himself a worthy member of a Seventh-day Adventist church in New England. Although in this case the truth was hidden for three years, and the brother was wholly unknown as having any interest in present truth, yet in due time circumstances revealed the fact that it was not in vain the seed was sown. The Judgment will prove the truthfulness of David’s words: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” There is no failure in this crop, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Therefore to the members of the tract societies, we say, Report. If you have done but little, report it. If you see no fruit of your labor, report it. The blanks are furnished for that very purpose. Let your reports show that you have a heart in this work.