p. 183 | T. AND M. QUARTERLY MEETING IN NEW ENGLAND

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 7, 1877

T. AND M. QUARTERLY MEETING IN NEW ENGLAND.

By D. A. Robinson; Maria L. Huntley

The New England Tract and Missionary Society met at So. Lancaster, Mass., May 27, 1877. Eld. Haskell having been called away a few days previous to the meeting, Eld. D. A. Robinson, Vice President, occupied the chair. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. J. B. Goodrich. After reading minutes of the last meeting, a report of the labor performed since the last quarterly meeting was read, which showed the following results: Number of reports returned, 132; families visited, 709; letters written, 586; paying subscribers obtained for the Health Reformer, 486; Instructor, 22; Signs of the Times, including those taken in clubs, 756. Tracts and pamphlets distributed, 175,442 pages; periodicals distributed, 4,578; almanacs, 3,948.

The present distribution of Signs by the different clubs equals the amount of 52,350 pages of tracts per week. Some results from this distribution are already seen, indicating that it is only the commencement of a mighty movement in the tract and missionary work. The reports showed that 50 interested readers have been found besides those who have already embraced the Sabbath by reading the Signs. Individuals are becoming interested and embracing the Sabbath in every direction. From six to ten met with us for the first time in quarterly meeting, some walking twenty and even forty miles to enjoy this privilege. Others who have recently embraced present truth, were detained at home, who would as gladly have attended the meeting. Some of these are persons whom we expect to see filling positions of usefulness in the cause of God. The attendance of those from outside was greater than at any previous meeting of the kind ever held in Lancaster, and one individual decided to obey the truth.

Another encouraging feature in this Conference is the interest manifested in canvassing for the Health Reformer, and the success of those who have devoted their time to the work. As the busy season is coming on, our number of canvassers, instead of diminishing, as usual, is increasing. Hearts are becoming more fully imbued with the spirit of self-sacrificing missionary labor. “The Lord is coming” seemed to be the sentiment that pervaded the meeting, and the importance of laboring for the salvation of friends and children was felt in many hearts as never before. The social meetings were characterized by a spirit of deep solemnity. This was especially true of the five o’clock meeting first-day morning, seventy-one testimonies being given in about an hour.

The V. M. report showed that 318 letters had been written by members of that Society, and 277 received. Two hundred and thirty-four copies of Signs are taken by its members in Lancaster, which have been sent into 370 different families. Other branches of missionary labor have also received the attention of this Society.

The financial report of the Tract Society showed the total amount of receipts since the last quarterly meeting to be $871.69; also that there had been an expenditure of $940.49 for publications, and $287.85 for periodicals.

The brethren, although disappointed in not meeting Eld. Haskell, were much cheered and encouraged by the presence of Eld. Goodrich of Maine, who came very unexpectedly, hoping to meet Eld. Haskell at this meeting. His words of exhortation and encouragement were appreciated, and as he returns home he has the prayers and sympathy of the brethren of the New England Conference. Some arrangements were made with reference to future labor, etc., and the meeting adjourned.

D. A. Robinson, Vice Pres.

Maria L. Huntley, Sec.