A SUMMARY by Maria L. Huntley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · May 9, 1878

FromReview and Herald, Supplement to Vol. 51, No. 19

A SUMMARY.

By Maria L. Huntley

In the following summary of tract and missionary labor performed during the past quarter, by the tract societies, a decided improvement on that presented for the preceding quarter will be noticed in the matter of reporting, both on the part of societies and members. All who are interested in this branch of the work can but hope that this change for the better will become more and more apparent, until a summary is presented in which not only every society, but every district in this country is represented. Such a representation of the missionary family would indeed be cheering, and could but increase the interest of all in the work. Some societies have favored us with a report in advance of their quarterly meetings, which, for good reasons, have been delayed. Another encouraging feature is the addition of new members, which has been made to nearly every society.

Conferences: Wisconsin; Iowa & Nebraska; Illinois; New England; Maine; Vermont; Kentucky and Tenn.; Maryland; Georgia; Kansas; Texas; Indiana; Missouri; Ohio; California; Michigan; Total. The table reports: Number of Districts; Number of Members; No. Reports Returned; No. of New Members; Families Visited; Letters Written; Subscriptions for Periodicals; Copies Sent on Trial; Periodicals Distributed; Annuals Distributed; Pages of tracts Distributed; Books Pres. to Libraries; Money Received.

In connection with this statement, which does not include more than two-thirds the labor that has been performed in the time represented, it may be well to glance at the progress made by the cause of present truth during this time, which is largely attributable to the labor of the tract societies. Formerly the advancement made in so short a time was scarcely discernible, but it is not thus now, and never will be again in the history of this work. In this country there has been a steady, uniform advancement; the truth has been widening, deepening, extending its borders throughout the wide field, requiring broader plans, and more ample facilities in its various departments. Scores of individuals have embraced the truth in every direction, and it is impossible to give a correct and definite statement in regard to it.

In Europe the progress has been more marked. Judging from what we know, the efficiency of our missions has doubled within this time. Publications in three different languages are now issued from Bale, where they are printed by our people. Men have been raised up to aid in presenting the truth until in at least five different countries the living preacher may be found proclaiming the third angel’s message, besides others who are preaching the Sabbath and other truths as far as they understand them. In Egypt, different parts of Italy, and other countries, persons of influence have embraced the truth as the result of reading matter, particularly LES SIGNES DES TEMPS, that has been sent to them. Thus the work is moving on and greater developments may be expected in the next three months than we have seen during that time in the past. These things are sure indications that the great day of the Lord is hastening greatly.

Tract and missionary workers, our time for labor is rapidly passing. Each year, each quarter, each month, as it passes, is bringing us so much nearer the time when the destinies of all will be sealed. The faithful servant, who is improving with care the talents committed to his trust, can exclaim with John, Rev. 22:20 as he sees evidences of the near approach of the Just One, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” In comparison with the future, these are the days of his toil, sadness, and weariness, that are passing, which will soon give place to the bright and glorious morning of immortality. But, if it be days of unimproved opportunities, neglected privileges, days wasted in seeking worldly objects from selfish motives, that are passing, what a work is being wrought for repentance! To each of us, in this respect, they are what we make them. Let us be wise, and improve the present in being faithful over the few things committed to our care, that finally we may receive the approval of our Lord.

MARIA L. HUNTLEY, Sec. Gen. S. D. A. Tract Society.