Tract and Missionary Societies.
By George I. Butler
THE importance of these societies to the advancement of the cause of present truth is being demonstrated more and more clearly every week as we hold camp-meetings in the several States. Not only has a great and good work been done in circulating our publications and in obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, but the influence of these societies is being felt in raising means for the cause. The paying up of delinquencies on the subscription lists in nearly all the Conferences is almost an accomplished fact through their agency. This was thought to be a great matter by many at one time, and had it not been for their organization, it might indeed have proved so. But it has been a small matter comparatively through this means. From this we can see very easily what may be done when they are brought into working order. They serve as educators to the rank and file in the true spirit of sacrifice as illustrated in the case of the New England Conference, as I wrote in a recent report. It is the design of Eld. Haskell and myself to help forward this T. and M. work this fall and winter as much as we can consistently with other duties. To this end, Eld. H. will hold meetings in all the western Conferences immediately after the close of our camp-meeting season. The readers of this will please notice an article from the pen of Eld. H. in this REVIEW in reference to general quarterly meetings. We wish our brethren in those Conferences to give the places where these meetings should be held, according to the time given in his article in season for each. As he cannot accomplish very much in holding the T. and M. Society unless he is present at these general quarterly meetings, we hope the officers of these societies will appoint all these in accordance with his suggestions. We notice an appointment in Iowa for a general quarterly meeting at Knoxville, Sept. 20, 21. In view of the importance of Bro. Haskell's presence and counsel, and the impossibility of his attending at that time, we take the liberty of taking up this appointment and putting it off till he can attend, so that the brethren can have the benefit of his experience. See appointment on last page. We want all our brethren to rally with us to push forward this work. We want them to hold all their district quarterly meetings in advance, so that their reports may be in season. The labors of Eld. H. last spring in the West were of great benefit. But then, the work just started. Now we want to take other important steps in the same direction so that these societies shall be in successful operation in all Conferences east of the Rocky Mountains this year. Brethren and sisters, let us all manifest our interest in pushing forward the good work. We can all become laborers together by enlisting heartily in the tract and missionary work. The autumn months are very favorable for holding these meetings. We trust there will be a general rally, and that great good will be done. GEO. I. BUTLER.