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CLUBBING THE SIGNS

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 8, 1877

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 10.

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CLUBBING THE SIGNS.

By S. N. Haskell

Much has been said and written upon the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES; and could the importance of this work be felt by all of our brethren and sisters, there would be a universal co-operation which would result in the accomplishment of more than has yet been asked.
Clubbing the SIGNS to churches, and individuals living alone, for the purpose of obtaining interested readers, is not only a successful method of awakening an interest, but will prove a benefit to those taking a part in this work, which cannot be over-estimated. It will call out that close, practical thinking in planning to obtain interested readers, which will mature the judgment in the things of God. The weekly disposal of the SIGNS will not be an impulsive move for a day, and then cease for the year, but the cause of God and the importance of the work will thus be kept before the mind.
We therefore recommend, and even urge, that every company of Seventh-day Adventists who may read these lines adopt the plan of clubbing the SIGNS, that has been repeatedly spoken of in the REVIEW. Also, individuals living alone should take not less than eight copies, which would cost simply one dollar per month. This plan in no way is to take the place of, or conflict with, canvassing in the ordinary way.
The fact that our brethren have sent the REVIEW and the VOICE OF TRUTH to a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the past, many of whom have no interest in the truth, gives rise to the important inquiry, If from eight to fifty copies of the SIGNS are taken,
How can we find interested readers? We reply, (1) Visit your neighbors, and take the SIGNS with you; and in course of conversation, read some interesting articles. Then, when you leave, say, Perhaps you would like to look the paper over? You will leave it for them, then call again, and leave another the next week, and so on until they become interested, or you are fully convinced that it is of no use to do more.
(2) Think up friends of by-gone days; also, interest others to send you names of those who would be likely to read such a paper. Ever be upon the watch to gather addresses of respectable people from every quarter.
(3) If necessary, take names from the various periodicals of the day. In short, think, and study up plans whereby you can obtain the names, and then send a copy for one, two, or three successive weeks, then write a note stating what you have done; and if they are interested in such reading you will send them more. When they become sufficiently interested, and would like to take the paper, if they do not feel free to pay for it, send it at the expense of the Tract Society, or have a copy of those you are taking transferred to them. Any company numbering half a dozen can in this manner procure hundreds of names within a few weeks’ time. It will require continued labor and thought, and that is what we need to give a practical experience in the things of God.
The earth is to be lighted with the glory of the mighty angel which comes down from heaven. Rev. 18:1. There are thousands all around us who must be enlightened upon present truth, and there is no reading matter published by this people that is so well adapted to this purpose as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
This work should not be confined to our American people. There are our Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and French brethren and sisters, that should work in the same manner with our publications in their native tongues. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Maine, present excellent fields of labor for this foreign work. In large cities like Boston, Rome, Chicago, the periodicals in these different languages can be used to advantage with those of our own.
We heartily endorse the suggestions of Bro. White for the elders and deacons of each church to co-operate in this work. We are somewhat acquainted with the condition of the missionary cause in each Conference this side of the Rocky Mountains, and we have become satisfied that there is no Conference by which more can be accomplished in proportion to its membership than by the Conference of Michigan. We venture to suggest a plan whereby this work can be speedily effected in Michigan and other States as far as practicable.
(1) Let the president order for each director that number of the SIGNS which would be proper for his district to take, to make out the apportionment for the State.
(2) Let the director at once commence to find how large a club can be formed in each church or company in his district.
(3) Then let him have the number proposed to be taken by each church transferred to it, sending them to one address in each church.
(4) Where individuals live alone, they can have a number sent to them.
(5) Let the monthly-installment plan be adopted to pay for them.
In four cases out of five, among the churches where I have been, the installments have been from ten cents to one dollar per month, and in every instance where they have taken hold of it at all, all have felt it a privilege to do something; and the number taken has exceeded the most sanguine expectations. In no Conference has this plan been more cheerfully entered upon than in Michigan, by those companies which were visited, and before whom the matter was properly presented. Do not be fearful in this, thinking you cannot get rid of your papers. The larger portion of our brethren and sisters want only to know how to work, and they are willing.
Why we suggest that the papers be first sent to the directors is, that it is so late in the season, and it will require a number of weeks to get the SIGNS around. There will be sufficient time for the director to visit each church, and with the co-operation of the elders and leading brethren, ascertain how large clubs can be formed, before the SIGNS will reach them if ordered immediately. Then they can enter upon the work of distributing as soon as the clubs are formed. I design to be in Michigan in a few weeks, and will render all the assistance that is in my power to carry forward this enterprise. It is the work of God; and beneath it is his almighty arm, and he will give it success. Courage! brethren in the Lord, courage! courage! More particulars hereafter.
S. N. Haskell.