Annual Meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society.
By B. L. Whitney
WE are looking forward with great interest to this meeting to be held at Rome, N. Y., Nov. 17 and 18, believing that it will be one of the most important meetings ever held in the State, and that under the blessing of God it will give a new impetus to the cause in our Conference. But we greatly fear that the brethren will not appreciate as they should the importance of making a general effort to attend. There are many reasons why this meeting should be attended by every member of the society who can possibly come. I will name some of them. 1. For various reasons the tract and missionary work has been in a large measure neglected during the past year. No general meetings have been held, and as a result the interest in this department of the work has visibly declined as seen by our reports of labor. We have now reached the best season of the year for labor, and we need such a general meeting as this to revive the interest in the work and to mature plans of operation for the coming campaign. 2. We are to have the very best help from abroad. We have the assurance from Brn. Haskell and Smith that they will both be present. This in itself will constitute a reason why a special interest will be taken in this meeting. As an individual, I fully indorse the remarks of Bro. Canright in reference to “The Tract Societies and Eld. Haskell’s Work,” and am thankful that New York can have the benefit of his labors so early in this campaign. I am also sure I speak safely when I say that our brethren will appreciate the privilege of having Bro. Smith with us at this time. 3. And lastly, there never was a time in the history of this work when there was so great call for effort in this work as now. Brethren, we ought to have a general rally at this meeting. Let no one stay away who can possibly come. We suggest that the brethren from the northern part of the State charter a car, as they did last fall at the time of the dedication. We want to see a much larger meeting than at that time. Some have inquired if the brethren in Rome can take care of all who may want to come. We answer, If the brethren from abroad will do as they did last fall—bring bedding and provisions—we can. The brethren there know better how to do than they did last year, and are willing to do all they can. Come prepared, as far as possible, to take care of yourselves, but let none stay away on this account. Every district in the State ought to be represented; but especially from the central and northern parts of the State, we look for a large attendance. Come, brethren, praying that the blessing of the Lord may be upon the meeting, and that the work may be greatly revived among us.