THINGS WORTH HEEDING by E. H. Whitney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 29, 1878

THINGS WORTH HEEDING.

By E. H. Whitney

We have in mind the business detail of the tract society work, which, as it is properly or improperly attended to, lightens very much the labors of all those through whose hands it passes, or involves the work in confusion more or less perplexing and hopeless.

Very much depends upon the individual workers. In the matter of reporting there has been, and still is, a great lack in our Conference. It is often the case that the individual, instead of promptly handing his report to the librarian, waits for him to inquire, “Bro. A., where is your report this quarter?” “Oh, I haven’t any.” “Haven’t you done any missionary work?” “Well, yes; I have sent off some papers, and distributed a few tracts; but there was so little of it that I didn’t make any account of it.” And thus much is lost; for these littles, if gathered up, would add much to the report, and represent more truthfully the real amount of work done. Besides this, the individual, failing to report, loses courage and does still less the next quarter, until the spirit of labor dies out entirely or maintains but a fitful existence.

The more frequent the reports, the more labor is accomplished. The effect of weekly reports, as seen in the operation of some of our vigilant committees, is excellent. In some churches where it was difficult to get a true report of even the little that was done previous to the organization of such a committee, a good report is now gathered from the labors of the sisters alone.

Report, then, brethren and sisters, even if you have done but little, for the sake of forming the habit of working in harmony with the system, if for nothing else.

Report, then, brethren and sisters, even if you have done but little, for the sake of forming the habit of working in harmony with the system, if for nothing else.

Report promptly, so that the aggregated reports of the librarians and the district and state secretaries may not be hindered or sent on incomplete.

Be careful to do your work accurately. Let the librarians fill out the space designed for “No. of Members,” not from old records, but from actual knowledge of the number of members at the time of reporting. Give also the number of members reporting, so that the proportion that the workers bear to the whole membership may be known. If the librarian neglects this, the director cannot, without considerable delay, attend to it; and the report reaches the state secretary incomplete and unsatisfactory, and the report for the whole State is marred. Be especially careful that the financial part of the report be correct. Not a quarter passes but there has to be more or less correspondence with some of the directors or district secretaries with respect to this matter. Others, and we are glad to say their number is increasing, send their reports in such form that a glance is sufficient to a complete understanding of the whole matter.

The money reported should cover all that has been received during the quarter. If any has been paid into the treasury, or used for tract society expenses, it should be stated when paid, how much, and how it was to be applied. Thus the amount previously paid or used, with the money accompanying the report, will agree with the amount reported. There is always space on the back of the blanks for anything not provided for on the face, or for explanatory remarks.

Another thing intimately connected with the work of the tract society, is the periodical business. Plans have been suggested in the REVIEW, that, if heeded, would save much time and perplexity in this branch of the work. Many copies of the SIGNS are taken, singly and in clubs; many new subscribers are being obtained for our various papers, with and without premiums. This means work for all the tract society officers. Do not be afraid of being too careful to state the business clearly and plainly. Do not think that because you have been explicit in one letter it is not necessary to be so in all subsequent ones. Do not think that because you are somewhat acquainted with the persons to whom you are writing you may be less explicit than in writing to a stranger. It may occasion quite a delay if the secretary’s memory doesn’t happen to retain all the particulars.

Letters do not often come without date or signature, though we have received such containing money; but it is a matter of almost daily occurrence to receive letters ordering periodicals which omit to state the price at which the paper is to be sent, or some other equally important item. For instance, a brother writes: “Please renew my SIGNS. Will pay the money to our director.” Which SIGNS, brother, the single copy you are taking at $2 00, or the club of eight? Another says: “My paper doesn’t come. Please see to it.” When did you order it? Had you given the date, one moment would have sufficed to look up the matter on the secretary’s books. As it is, in both cases, the list of subscribers for months past must be patiently looked over; for if the matter isn’t properly and promptly adjusted somebody finds fault just as freely as though the fault were really where they lay it. My dear brother or sister, when a few strokes of your pen and a little forethought on your part would settle the matter beyond a doubt, is it not better for you to do so than to ask others to spend so much time in looking it up, and perhaps necessitate further correspondence about it? Here is a list of subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR, with nothing to indicate whether they are new subscribers or old; whether the premium is expected or not, or if it is, whether it has been delivered or is desired. Much time, and postage, and delay might easily be saved by careful attention to these points.

When periodical business comes into the hands of librarians or district secretaries, let it be entered in full upon the periodical book; stating from whom received, when, and what; at what price, and, if for less than a year, the time; if with premium, state it, and whether the premium has been delivered. When you forward the business, let it be a copy of the record on the book, and enter upon the book the date of sending.

Another important matter is with regard to papers sent by friends to individuals, or transferred from clubs. Too frequently these subscriptions are left to run out, and if any attention is paid to them it is left for the various officers of the society, though they are often entire strangers. It would be far better for the individual who first procured the name to ascertain before the time expires whether the paper is appreciated, or should be discontinued. In most cases the individual first obtaining the name will succeed better in getting a renewal of subscription than a stranger would.

As the truth spreads, the labor of the T. and M. society increases, and even more care is needed now in transacting business than formerly. But it is a welcome increase, and every heart that loves the truth is made to rejoice at the omens of good all around us. The harvest is waiting for the reapers; the ripe heads of grain seem to fall almost at the touch of the sickle when we compare present efforts with the long, toilsome ones of the past. Let us be faithful, friends,—faithful in sowing the seed and nursing its growth, and faithful to work in harmony with the excellent system devised for us.

E. H. WHITNEY.

Sec. N. Y. and Pa. Tract Society.