KEEP THE OBJECT IN VIEW.
By Maria L. Huntley
There are about five thousand copies of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES taken in clubs by the members of the various tract societies. These, with a large number of SIGNS, REVIEWS, etc., taken by our brethren who are regular subscribers, but who after reading devote their papers to missionary purposes, make more than this number of periodicals that are being sent out every week to individuals, thus calling their attention to present truth. This amount of reading matter in tract form would be about three hundred and sixty thousand pages per week. The sales to the tract societies, of tracts alone, at the REVIEW Office, show that not less than one hundred and thirty-five thousand pages of tracts must be distributed weekly by the tract societies, making an aggregate distribution of about five hundred thousand pages every week. In this estimate, no allowance is made for the bound books and pamphlets which are loaned. Thus it will be seen that what is being done by the tract societies is no small work; also that it must be attended with considerable labor and expense, although these are so widely distributed that no one is burdened. Perhaps the most important result of this distribution is the effect it is having on the public sentiment in removing prejudice, and forming impressions and convictions in the minds of thousands, which circumstances will hereafter deepen and develop. There is power in the truth, and it is impossible for it to be thus disseminated among the people without having an effect. It is like seed that is sown in the ground, or like leaven that is hid in a measure of meal; it will develop itself in due time. In the past, those movements which have been most lasting and effective have commenced in a quiet, unpretending manner. It was thus with the mission of Christ. At the time of the crucifixion there was apparently but little fruit of his ministry to be seen, and doubtless many pronounced it a failure; but the foundation of the Christian church had been laid, and precious seeds of truth, which afterward bore a bountiful harvest, had been sown. Thus we believe it will be in these last days. The work will finally be “cut short in righteousness, because a short work will the Lord make in the earth.” The Spirit of God is going forth with these silent messengers; it is in his providence that they have been prepared, and that existing circumstances are favorable to their distribution. Let none become discouraged or slacken their efforts. These golden moments are rapidly passing, bringing irreparable loss to those who do not improve the opportunities for doing good that are presented to them. With some there will be danger of losing sight of the object of the distribution of the SIGNS, and thus much that might be accomplished will be lost. When an interested reader is found, the work is but just commenced. A friendly correspondence should be continued with the individual, and he should be made to feel that he has real friends in those who have sent him the papers. It cannot be expected that individuals will accept of unpopular truth from simply reading three or four numbers of the SIGNS; but if a sufficient interest is awakened to prompt them to reply, an effort should be made to increase this interest, and perhaps they may finally become sufficiently interested to subscribe for the paper. Those who are most successful in obtaining subscribers are those who longest continue their efforts with individuals. As long as there is evidence that there is an interest to read, the case should not be given up, nor even if the individual subscribes for the paper. Our object is to bring people to a saving knowledge of the truth, that they may escape what is coming on the earth, and receive the gift of eternal life. Hence our work is never done until this is accomplished. We are our brother’s keeper. We shall be held responsible for the work we are called to perform, and where much is given much will be required. Freely we have received, freely we must bestow upon others, if we would be blameless.