SUMMARY OF TRACT AND MISSIONARY LABOR.
By General Secretary
THINKING that a summary of labor performed by the different State tract societies during the past quarter, would be of interest to tract and missionary workers, the following has been arranged from reports, many of which appear in this paper:— | Conferences |
Number of Districts |
Number of Members |
No. Reports Returned |
Families Visited |
Letters Written |
Subscriptions for Periodicals |
Copies Sent on Trial |
Periodicals Distributed |
Annuals Distributed |
Pages of Tracts Distributed |
Ships Visited |
Money Received |
|---|
| Wisconsin |
17 |
291 |
93 |
540 |
240 |
109 |
128 |
2,924 |
1,500 |
90,011 |
— |
$186.60 |
| Iowa |
15 |
291 |
93 |
386 |
217 |
66 |
88 |
4,650 |
809 |
164,119 |
— |
$259.87 |
| Indiana |
8 |
115 |
15 |
115 |
104 |
14 |
85 |
1,517 |
1,914 |
45,418 |
— |
$174.98 |
| New England |
8 |
288 |
99 |
815 |
744 |
264 |
35 |
3,838 |
2,514 |
121,172 |
25 |
$78.04 |
| Maine |
5 |
202 |
63 |
389 |
478 |
704 |
— |
1,946 |
749 |
54,829 |
44 |
$148.18 |
| New York |
1 |
61 |
28 |
201 |
25 |
10 |
— |
386 |
39 |
16,184 |
— |
$48.85 |
| Texas |
1 |
44 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
87 |
— |
1,828 |
— |
$8.05 |
| Kan. and Tenn. |
1 |
8 |
8 |
166 |
29 |
2 |
12 |
417 |
5 |
13,297 |
— |
$7.45 |
| Virginia |
1 |
8 |
8 |
166 |
29 |
2 |
12 |
417 |
5 |
13,297 |
— |
$7.45 |
| Maryland |
1 |
8 |
8 |
166 |
29 |
2 |
12 |
417 |
5 |
13,297 |
— |
$7.45 |
| Illinois |
1 |
8 |
8 |
166 |
29 |
2 |
12 |
417 |
5 |
13,297 |
— |
$7.45 |
| Michigan |
1 |
8 |
8 |
166 |
29 |
2 |
12 |
417 |
5 |
13,297 |
— |
$7.45 |
| California |
1 |
8 |
8 |
166 |
29 |
2 |
12 |
417 |
5 |
13,297 |
— |
$7.45 |
| Total |
185 |
30,017 |
935 |
5,165 |
5,297 |
1,344 |
258 |
37,550 |
16,389 |
1,119,468 |
189 |
$2,927.80 |
Reports have not been received from New York, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas, and Vermont. It will be observed that this general report does not include a report from some of the State tract societies. Unfortunately, from these societies a report has not been received. This arrangement of tract and missionary labor has been aptly called a T. and. M. looking-glass. It is hoped that if any of the societies here represented observe defects in the likenesses presented, they will bear them in mind during the next quarter, and thus be able to present a more satisfactory appearance at its close. One society, only, has the honor of having received a report from each of its members. This society labors under serious difficulties. The members are few and poor. They are obliged to pay heavy freight on their publications, and live in an ignorant and prejudiced community. Still every one finds something to do, and is interested to report it. The report from this society was received some time ago, before they had received a supply of Annuals. In other societies more favorably situated, we notice several whole districts which have not reported at all; however, the total amount of labor represented is considerable, and if compared with what we may reasonably conclude was performed during any three months previous to the organization of the tract societies, great cause for encouragement will be seen. It is not our province to say how much has been, and is being, accomplished by this means; none but those heavenly beings who are intently watching the conflict between truth and error could reveal this fact. We are frequently cheered by individuals’ embracing the truth as the fruit of this labor; but still, only a small portion of this fruit is apparent. Many who have become almost discouraged because they could see so little good resulting from their efforts will rejoice in the fruit of their labor “after many days.” Seed that is sown in the ground is apparently lost for days and even weeks; and when finally the tender blade appears, it requires much care, warm sunshine, and gentle showers, to bring it to maturity. Thus it is often with the seeds of truth that are sown in the heart. The effect that our reading matter is having upon society at large is an important consideration. The way is being prepared by this means for a mighty movement in the future, of which we see evident tokens at the present time. In conclusion, we wish to make a request of the various State secretaries. Please include in your quarterly reports a report from each district in your society, giving the membership, and number of reports returned in each, etc., after the form represented in this issue. That this may be done, it will be necessary for librarians and district secretaries to make out their reports with reference to this point. Also, please forward your report to the Office as soon as practicable after the meeting, so that the next general summary may be a correct representation of every State society and district in this country. GENERAL SECRETARY.