THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK.
By George I. Butler
The recent announcement in Bro. Canright’s article that the president of the General Tract and Missionary Society was intending to visit the different Conferences, to instruct and encourage in this important branch of the work, was a source of great joy to me. I am sure this is a move in the right direction. It augurs well for the prosperity of this important enterprise. Its wisdom has been proved in the past; for in those Conferences where Bro. Haskell has labored considerably to instruct in the missionary work, we have seen much more accomplished than elsewhere, and in New England most of all. It is reasonable to suppose that those who have had experience in a given work, and those who have felt deeply its importance, can help inspire a measure of that interest in others. We know Bro. Haskell has felt specially called out in reference to the tract work. God has blessed his labors in it. We know this is a most important enterprise, and that the times are propitious for a great increase of effort on the part of all our people. However we may differ as to modes of working, and as to what is the wisest course in details, we all agree that the end is most important. Those who have attained the greatest success can surely instruct those who have had a less degree. I have no doubt much more would have been accomplished in the West during the past two years in the tract work, could our people generally have had the instruction the president of the General T. and M. Society is qualified to give. But now, since the General Conference has made renewed efforts at its last session to perfect the Tract and Missionary organization, it seems especially consistent for us in the West to make a general advance, and to welcome to our midst the president of the General Tract Society, and listen respectfully to his suggestions. It becomes me to speak modestly of other Conferences; but in regard to Missouri I wish to say, We need, and greatly desire, the help of Bro. Haskell. The tract work there needs a general overhauling; and we want to take a new departure. There is a great field and a good field in which to spread the precious rays of light. The work is rising there, and it is a good time to strike in. We hope to hear from Bro. H. soon, as to when he can meet with us. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 7.