IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMATIC EFFORT.
By Stephen N. Haskell
ONE important object of our tract societies has ever been to so systematize our efforts that, as a people, we could unitedly make a strike throughout the country, at the same time. Our position requires this. If there is necessity for discipline in an army, that successful moves may be made on the enemy, it is as much more so in the cause of Christ as the importance of the work is greater. We have a special work to do. It does not consist, merely, in a belief of the truth, performing every-day Christian duties, sustaining the cause financially, etc.; but it is aggressive in its nature. It consists in making charges upon the enemy, or repelling those made by him, ridding the cause of reproach, and thus saving precious souls for whom Christ died. There are circumstances which call for instant and simultaneous action in every part of the field. The Pocasset affair illustrates this. This was a scheme planned and well executed by Satan, to destroy the favor and influence which S. D. Adventists are gaining in every part of the field. The press nearly everywhere in this country has spoken favorably of our people and their work; and now, this horrible murder has been published no less extensively under the name of Adventism. Thousands of people know no difference between S. D. Adventists and other Adventists, and not a few are eager to have it appear that in some way the doctrines advocated by S. D. Adventists tend to such horrible atrocities. Now, were all of our tract societies fully awake to these things, within three weeks from the time a carefully prepared tract in explanation of the matter leaves the Publishing House, it might, through our ten thousand tract workers, reach one hundred thousand people outside of our denomination. By this means it would be distinctly understood, first, that as a denomination we are distinct from other bodies of Adventists; and second, that the doctrines held by S. D. Adventists are in no way calculated to develop such fanatical and inconsistent ideas as underlie crimes of this nature. As a people, we are not sufficiently on the alert, prepared to meet these attacks of Satan on our cause. We appeal to our brethren and sisters everywhere, to be alive to the interests of the cause of present truth, and to carry into effect this systematic action which will turn these attacks of Satan into glorious victories in behalf of the cause of Christ. Shall we not arise and gird ourselves anew for the conflict, and have hearts that are quick to feel for the interests of the work of God? S. N. HASKELL.