V. M. REPORTS by M. L. H.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1879

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 9.

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V. M. REPORTS.

By M. L. H.

Several V. M. reports have been received, of which the following is a brief summary:—

SO. NORRIDGEWOCK, MAINE.

No. of members, 27; Signs distributed, 760; pages of tracts distributed, 3,987; letters written, 193; received, 57.

HUTCHINSON, MINN.

No. active members, 20; periodicals distributed, 343; pages of tracts, 741; letters written, 20; families visited, 67.

SO. LANCASTER, MASS.

No. active members, 28; periodicals distributed, 2,901; pages of tracts, 8,628; letters written, 588; received, 177; families visited, 492; annuals distributed, 70; subscribers obtained for periodicals, 39.

Numerous extracts from interesting letters have been received from these and other societies; but as something of the kind has frequently appeared in the REVIEW, only a few selections are here presented. The following is from a minister of the M. E. church in Baltimore:—

“I received your paper called the Signs of the Times. I am sure it is a valuable paper, and such are always acceptable. I have been greatly benefited by it. What are your terms? I will do the best I can to circulate it among my people.”

Here quite a field of labor is presented. Not unfrequently by means of one individual thus favorably impressed, reading matter can be brought before the leading members of churches, and whole Sunday-schools. Back numbers of each of our periodicals are nearly always thankfully received, and some will subscribe for them, especially Sunday schools for clubs of the weekly Instructor.

The following is from a gentleman in Australia:—

“Many thanks for your kindness in sending me the Signs of the Times, which I read with very great interest. After having perused them I give them to my friends, who also like them. Religion in South Australia appears to be in a lethargic state, and I think it would do our people good to have some of your brethren among us.”

Doubtless the society that received this letter has replied, requesting the writer to send addresses of persons, etc. When such openings are presented the work is but just commenced, and much depends upon the manner in which it is carried forward. We frequently read of individuals having embraced the truth from reading the Signs, but in many cases much labor has been connected with it, of which nothing is said. Perhaps a feeling of discouragement arises in some minds because they do not see equal results follow from the reading of a few copies which they have sent out, without bestowing much prayer or thought upon the matter. The secret of success lies in having a close connection with God, and in earnest, persevering labor. M. L. H.