FACTS FOR THE N. Y. AND PA. TRACT SOCIETY.
By B. L. Whitney
It is a fact, as our books will show, that on July 1, 1878, there were due to the society from the different districts and individuals, on periodical account alone, nearly two thousand dollars ($1986.36, actual figures). These periodicals have been ordered by our brethren, either for their own individual use or for use in the missionary work, and our tract society is responsible to the offices of publication for every dollar of the same, which constitutes the greater share of our present indebtedness. Not only is this the case, but another fact is that the offices of publication are now entitled to, and need, every dollar of this account. I might say also that this entire indebtedness has been incurred during the past three years, or since Oct. 1, 1875, at which time some seventeen hundred dollars ($1700) were paid out of our tract society fund to balance the district accounts. This was for periodicals which had been used in the missionary work. Now the question is, How shall this indebtedness be met? On this point we propose:— 1. That those who are owing the society on periodicals ordered for them, either for their individual use or for missionary work, pay the amount of their indebtedness at once, or as soon as possible. We appeal to them personally to do this, that our society may be relieved from embarrassment. We also appeal to every director and librarian in our society to act as agent to collect these dues and forward them to the State treasury at or before our annual tract meeting. This is but simple justice, the reasonableness of which ought to be appreciated by all. 2. That donations be made to pay for such periodicals as have been used exclusively in missionary work, for which no individual is responsible, and for which the society, in its present financial condition, is not able to pay, as will be shown hereafter. Let our wealthy brethren donate liberally, and those in more moderate circumstances in proportion to their ability; but let all do something. Again we appeal to the directors and librarians, to consider themselves responsible to see that there is not a member of the society in their church or district but has an urgent invitation to donate for this purpose. We fully indorse Bro. Haskell’s suggestions in last REVIEW Supplement on the subject of finances, and shall labor to carry them out in our society. We request all our tract workers to carefully read the article again. It is also a fact that from July 1, 1877, to July 1, 1878, the bills of books purchased by our society amount to $1758.72, while during the same time the whole amount paid into the tract fund from membership, donations, and book sales, including the one-third, is only $1610.63. When we take into account the additional expense of freight, express, postage, etc., etc., it will be seen that there exists an urgent necessity for the raising of funds to meet the demands of the missionary work, as we have indicated above. Again we appeal to the officers and members of our society to consider the matter, and take hold unitedly of this work of raising funds for this purpose. Let those who are able give liberally of their abundance, and let us all do something, and do it at once. Shall we not have a donation to our T. and M. society from every member between this time and the annual meeting? B. L. WHITNEY.