THE OBJECT OF THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
By S. N. Haskell
The object of organizing the present system of missionary labor among Seventh-day Adventists is briefly set forth in the Constitution of the Tract Societies, and fully discussed in the TRUE MISSIONARY, published in 1874. Notwithstanding, it may not be out of place to call the attention of our friends to what is expected of those who become members of the Society. It had in view the interests of the Publishing Association, and a plan whereby our people might individually co-operate in every enterprise for the advancement of the cause of truth. The Scriptures everywhere teach individual responsibility141; that the reward of the righteous is proportionate to the self-denying labor performed by them. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds.” “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be.” It is necessary that these works be in harmony with the truth and plan of God, “for the day shall declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a reward.” The devotion of Cornelius, his continued prayers and almsgiving, were not sufficient of themselves. He therefore was instructed by the angel to send for Peter, who would tell him what he ought further to do. There are many among us that are willing to do, providing they are properly instructed how to do. There are those who would make good canvassers for our periodicals, good distributors of our publications, if the matter was explained and kept before the mind until they felt the burden of the work. To this end, directors, librarians, and other officers are appointed, and our people everywhere invited to join the Tract Society. Also, it was designed to present an open door before all, so that each individual could have the privilege to do according to his ability, both financially, and by personal effort. As we review the past we are constrained to think that there has been a great failure with many of the officers, and with very many of the members. The officers have not felt the responsibility of properly instructing the members, and the members have lost what interest they may have had in the missionary work. There are some noble exceptions, for which we thank God; nevertheless, the Spirit of God has revealed the fact that we were not doing one-twentieth part that we should. The book funds, the obtaining of subscribers for the REFORMER and SIGNS OF THE TIMES, besides those new enterprises which are continually coming up, have been sadly neglected by the Missionary Societies. These should all have been kept constantly before the members by the Tract Society officers, they themselves taking an active interest in them, so that all would have had a living interest in every branch of the work of God. During the past eighteen months the book funds, which were devoted to the benefit of the Tract Societies, have been reduced from thirteen thousand to three thousand dollars. The Swedish and Danish periodicals, which of themselves are not self-sustaining, should have been remembered by the Tract Societies, and not left to be a constant drain upon the Publishing Association. The effort of the Tract Society to increase the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and the HEALTH REFORMER has not resulted in adding to their respective lists one-twentieth what it should have done. The cause of present truth is not a one-man affair; but while it has officers to take the oversight of it, and to act in especial reference to it, the people from the oldest to the youngest should be so instructed that they can feel that they have an identity in the work of God; that their prayers, their labor, and even the pennies of the children, all help to swell the stream of salvation and add glory and honor to him who died for us. In short, not an individual should live an aimless life, who has any knowledge of present truth. But the questions at once arise, What shall I do? and how can I exert an influence to advance the cause of God? In reply we say, Here is the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Never was there a more important periodical for a pioneer paper than this. It is struggling to become self-sustaining; and our brethren can make it thus. Its influence is needed in every Conference and wherever the English language is spoken. Each individual should feel a responsibility in this matter, and take a copy at two dollars a year, in addition to the REVIEW AND HERALD, to lend to his neighbors. Send it to your friends for one dollar and a half per year, and where you are able, take from three to ten copies to use in obtaining subscribers. The effort of obtaining subscribers will be of lasting benefit to those who put it forth. There are those among us, who can take the Christian, a family newspaper, or some scientific book, and obtain a livelihood by getting subscribers for it. Now if such individuals would throw as much interest and life into obtaining subscribers for the SIGNS, a good number of names of paying subscribers would be sent weekly to the Office the year round from every Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in this country. We expect to see, during this present season, such an effort made for the SIGNS as will increase its circulation to at least ten thousand. Who are they among our friends, whether connected with the tract work or not, who will not get at least one paying subscriber a month during this Conference year, while others can send in their hundreds of names during the year? We want men and women who will give their time to canvass for it, as well as the REFORMER. If individuals prove themselves successful laborers in this direction, and if it is necessary, the Tract Society will help such; but let them first show fruit of their labor. It is those who have hearts that feel for others, whose labors will prove a blessing to the cause of God. Brethren and sisters, we appeal to you everywhere to take hold of this work, and take an interest in every branch of the cause of present truth. The brethren in many places have donated freely to increase the circulation of the SIGNS by the Tract Societies. This is all right and as it should be; but because of this liberality on the part of some, none who are equally able to donate, but from a covetous spirit refuse to do so, should feel to draw from this fund to take the SIGNS for themselves or their personal friends. “I mean not,” says the apostle, “that other men be eased and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, and their abundance also may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” God’s hand is in the work of present truth, and he calls upon us to put forth an unusual effort at the present time. Hearts are being prepared for the reception of truth as never before. God’s providence and his Holy Spirit invite us to co-operate for the spread of the truth. We are now entering upon the long evenings. We say to all, Do not wait a single day, but make one general rally immediately to obtain subscribers; and God will bless the effort. To the directors we say, Stir up the members. The time has fully arrived when every Conference Tract Society should be in the field with its entire membership, obtaining subscribers for our periodicals. Then when the Judge of all the earth appears, we shall hear it said, “Well done, good and faithful servant, . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”