TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 18, 1878

TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

The tract and missionary work increases in importance as the work of God advances. The hearts of men and women everywhere are being prepared for the reception of the truth. The providence of God is preparing the way for the efforts of God's people to spread the message of Rev. 14:9-13. The subjects of the literal coming of Christ and the nearness of that event are advocated by such men as Moody. The religious press is teeming with discussions on the nature of man. The dogma of eternal suffering in a lake of fire is agitated by the clergy everywhere, and is largely repudiated. To us it seems that the providence of God is breaking up the public sentiment upon these theological tenets, that the truth may find its way to the hearts of the honest.

The press in every part of the country has called the attention of the people to the existence of Seventh-day Adventists as a denomination. This lays upon the tract societies renewed responsibilities to spread a knowledge of the truth. Every lawful means of letting the light shine, of placing our publications in the hands of others, should be immediately seized upon, and every effort should be made to warn the world of its impending doom. God has given us the truth for this purpose. He has committed to us talents of ability to do this work, and talents of means whereby we can push it forward, and shall we do it? To those who are faithful it will be said, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee the ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” But he who buried his talent in the earth, devoted it to worldly interests and selfish gains, was cast out where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. These are solemn times in which we live.

The plan of securing a number of copies of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES and remailing them to individuals has proved a great success. Interested readers have been found in different parts of the world where the English language is spoken, and in many instances individuals have embraced the truth. In one place a company of no less than forty are to-day rejoicing in the light as the direct result of this kind of labor. The Swedes, Danes, Germans, and French have thus become the glad recipients of the third angel’s message.

Some churches have taken clubs of the SIGNS, but have not been so successful in obtaining interested readers, and have slackened their hand; but where they are successful the want of means limits their efforts. I am acquainted with one church that could use two hundred copies more than they can pay for. Said the secretary to me, “I have just received a letter, with the money for seven paying subscribers.” These were from the South. One preacher in South Carolina, who received the truth in this manner, is proclaiming the third angel’s message. God forbid that the hands of any should slacken in this work, as the necessity for diligence increases.

THE ITALIAN MISSION.

The Italian mission is the fruit of this kind of labor; and at present it presents great advantages in spreading the truth throughout the islands of the Mediterranean, and in New Zealand, Australia, and Egypt. Already has a living preacher sailed for Alexandria, Egypt, to carry the message of the speedy advent of our Lord, and what are we doing to help this branch of the work? We cannot all go to Italy, but we can help with our means in this enterprise, and this will yield an eternal interest in the kingdom of God. Pledge papers have been received throughout the country whereby all can take an active interest in the mission. The tract officers and members have a duty here. These pledge papers should be placed in the hands of every Seventh-day Adventist, and subscriptions should be entered upon them in the form of one-hundred-dollar pledges, fifty, twenty-five, and so down to ten and five-dollar pledges.

The time to lift in the cause of God is very short. What help is given must be given speedily. A few years more and it will be too late. The Lord is soon coming, and will require at our hands talents committed to us, with usury. The Spirit of God has spoken. His providence is far beyond our efforts. Souls are calling for the truth and perishing for want of it. Those to whom God has entrusted means, but who have withheld from sending the truth to these perishing souls, will have an unpleasant account to settle at the bar of God. May God help us to be wise while it is called to-day, that we may be prepared for what is coming on the earth.

S. N. HASKELL.