The "Testimonies" and Illustrated "Great Controversy."
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY AT THE LAST GENERAL CONFERENCE.
THE Committee on Resolutions presented the following:— WHEREAS, We regard the frequent reading of the "testimonies" indispensable to the spiritual interests of our people; and— WHEREAS, Many of them do not realize the importance of the subject; therefore, Resolved, That we urge our ministers, State officers, and particularly directors, to make a special effort to place in the families of our people the four bound volumes recently prepared; and also to place Nos. 31 and 32 in families that do not already have them. "In the remarks that followed on this resolution, it was recommended that directors, while laboring with local societies and families, should take these books with them, and make or secure a systematic canvass for them in all Seventh-day Adventist families in their districts. It was suggested that persons buying the new books might have copies of the old edition which they could donate to those unable to purchase the new ones." The following resolution was then presented:— WHEREAS, A new illustrated edition of "Great Controversy," Vol. IV, has lately been prepared; and— WHEREAS, We feel that this book contains most important truths, especially adapted to our times; therefore, Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the publication of this important book, and the success already attained in our efforts to place it before the public; and that we recommend and urge upon all our Tract Societies, colporters, and missionary workers everywhere, the importance of using every means in their power to secure for this book an extended circulation, by combining it with the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or using it alone, as may be thought best. "C. H. Jones stated that when the work was first published it was not expected that it would be circulated outside of our people; but that it was soon evident there was a demand for it, and that by the advice of the president of this Society a popular edition was issued, quite a large proportion of which had already been sold. Pertinent remarks were also made by Elders Waggoner and Butler and others, to the effect that it is now too late to act upon the supposition that it will not do to place this kind of matter before the public. People are reaching out after something of this nature, which other churches do not afford. The rapid progress which Spiritualism is making is largely attributable to this fact; and many receive this delusion who would accept of the truth, could they have it presented to them as it is set forth in these works. Remarks were also made, showing the marked success that has attended the sale of the book referred to in the resolutions." Both resolutions were unanimously adopted. Up to the present date (August, 1886) there have been 25,000 copies of the "Great Controversy" printed, and over 20,000 sold. The paper has been ordered for another edition. Canvassers are having marked success in the sale of this valuable book.