TO THE T. AND M. WORKERS IN MISSOURI.
By George I. Butler
We have recently been cheered by the presence and labors of Bro. Haskell, and much instruction has been imparted to those who had the privilege of listening to him. We have counseled with him as to the proper course to be pursued to get our society into a more efficient condition. I shall, as I pass from church to church, through the State, labor earnestly to get every one interested in scattering the good seeds of truth. When we see what the tract work has accomplished in many States, and especially in New England, it should stir us up to a zealous diligence in the same noble work. We hope to see every church and company of Sabbath-keepers in the State, as well as many scattered believers, taking clubs of the SIGNS, gathering up names all through the State, and finding interested readers. We hope also to see many subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, REFORMER, and INSTRUCTOR. If there is a place on earth where the people need light on health reform, Missouri is that place. Tobacco and pork seem to have conquered the land. The Household Manual is a valuable book, and with it as a premium to go with the REFORMER on the terms stated in our papers, many subscribers can be obtained. We have shown our faith that it can be done by ordering five hundred copies of the Manual to be thus used. Owing to the peculiar situation of our churches in the State, and the rail-road facilities, we have concluded to have two depositories for our publications, where books and tracts, to a limited extent at least, will be constantly kept on hand. To save expense, as express bills are very high, publications will be shipped by freight to the depositories, and from these places directors can obtain their supplies, through the State secretary. One of these depositories will be at Nevada City, Vernon Co., Mo. The other will be at Hamilton, Caldwell Co., Mo. Two hundred and fifty Household Manuals to serve as premiums in obtaining subscribers for the REFORMER will be sent at once to each of these places, as well as a large number of the Child’s Poems to serve as premiums for the INSTRUCTOR; and copies of the Way of Life, with which to obtain subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. We hope our directors will see that every church and every tract worker has an opportunity to29obtain these at once. The bill has been received, and the premiums will be on hand very soon. We call attention to another change. Sister Sue A. Reavis, who was elected State secretary of the T. and M. Society at the last camp-meeting, being engaged in teaching school where her mail facilities are very poor, and at quite a distance from her regular post-office, has thought it would be better for Bro. Hunter, our former secretary, to serve during the remainder of the Conference year; and Bro. H. has consented to act as secretary during that time. It will be much more convenient to have the acting secretary live near the place where the tracts are deposited, and will save much delay. All business done with our offices of publication by members of the society should be done through the acting State secretary. All pledges made to the Conference or to the tract society will be recorded on his books, as well as the names of those who have pledged; and the district secretaries will have the names of those pledging, and the amount pledged by those living in their districts; while the librarians of each church will have the names of those living in their churches, and should look after the collection of the pledges at the proper time. The names of subscribers obtained in different churches for our periodicals, and the money to pay for the same, should be placed in the hands of the librarians. The librarian should send the names directly to the State secretary, D. C. Hunter, Nevada City, Vernon Co., Mo., while the money should be sent, at the end of the quarter, to the district secretary, or paid to the director, and by him sent to the State T. and M. treasurer, Bro. Wm. Evans, Hamilton, Mo. We hope our librarians and secretaries will be very prompt in forwarding the names of subscribers to the secretary, and to the offices of publication. It takes quite a while at best, and there should be as little delay as possible. Let all remember that all orders for Manuals, Child’s Poems, tracts, &c., should be sent to the State secretary, D. C. Hunter, Nevada City, Mo. Personal correspondence is solicited with all individuals in the State who desire to become workers in the society, and especially with those who wish to become canvassers for our periodicals. Especially do we wish to correspond with those who are scattered, and have no church privileges. Such have extra opportunities for working successfully. In corresponding we can better answer questions and deal with particulars. Lord Nelson said, at the battle of Trafalgar, “England expects every man to do his duty.” God surely expects it of us at such a time as this. While many are asleep and doing nothing, we want, if possible, to develop a body of workers in the Missouri Conference who will be earnest and zealous. If this is done we shall see the cause arise. If not, it will sink lower and lower. There are many of our young people who can become workers, and accomplish much good. There are isolated brethren and sisters who love the cause. Let us hear from you personally. Write to me personally where you see my appointments in REVIEW, or to Bro. D. C. Hunter, our acting secretary. Our Master says, “Go labor in my vineyard.” Who will answer the call? Preserve this for reference. GEO. I. BUTLER.