A Word to the Tract Societies.
By S. N. Haskell
THE heat of summer is past, and we are approaching that season of the year when more time can be devoted to the tract and missionary work. The officers of the various Tract Societies should be laying their plans to enter the missionary field with renewed courage and zeal. As we see the present truth extending its influence in every direction, and permeating the public mind, broader plans should be laid and executed with caution and zeal. There never was a more important time than now. Instead of the contemptuous sneer with which at times in the past we have been spoken of in the secular papers, classing us with those disorganized bodies that call themselves Adventists, there is a disposition to do us justice. The public generally are beginning to understand the difference between Seventh-day Adventists and those who are constantly setting the time for Christ to come, and dwelling upon some peculiar hobby of their own invention. This is owing largely to our orderly camp-meetings, and also to the extensive distribution of our periodicals and publications, and their influence upon the public mind. We have reached an important crisis in this work. To fold our hands and slacken our energies at the present time is a sin which will bring upon us a curse no less awful than that which came upon Meroz. To rush madly forward without duly considering the importance of the work is a crime of no less magnitude. Plans for operation wisely laid by those whom God has so well fitted for the task by their long experience in this work should be cheerfully executed, and pushed forward with courage at whatever cost. The utility of the Tract Societies has been proved. Their united strength and ability to accomplish almost anything they undertake, by way of spreading the truth, is a problem which has been practically demonstrated. Therefore, the question is no longer whether or not much can be done. But the question is, How shall we direct our efforts so that the greatest amount of good can be accomplished in the brief space of time we have allotted us. Soon the Hygienic Almanac for 1876 will be ready to be placed in the hands of those interested in the principles of health reform. One hundred thousand copies is a small number to be judiciously distributed, if all unitedly engage in the work. We have some ten thousand members of the Tract Society and not one need plead that he can do nothing in this direction. All have friends, and every family wants an almanac. One hundred and fifty thousand firesides should have a Hygienic Almanac this coming autumn. It is the determination of those who have the matter in charge to have it the best almanac in the world. More particulars concerning it will be given hereafter. Then there is the Health Reformer, which should by no means be neglected. Hundreds are rejoicing to-day in present truth to whom the Reformer was its pioneer. We have a knowledge of facts which justifies us when we say that there is no health journal which is as acceptable to all classes as this. It is religious, but not sectarian. It offers health and happiness to the thousands who practically embrace the wholesome principles which it contains. Those conducting it are men who fear God, and understand well how to meet the reading masses. The Signs of the Times and the Review and Herald, our weekly denominational periodicals, should find not less than a hundred thousand interested new readers this coming season. The Youth's Instructor, also, should not be forgotten by the missionary workers. There are many Sunday-schools to-day that welcome its monthly visits, and hundreds more would be glad of it, were it properly presented before them. There are families, too, in every community that would esteem it a privilege to pay the small subscription price for the wholesome instruction it contains. And there are the Tidende and the Harold which each successive month find their way into different parts of the world, wherever the Swedish, Danish or Norwegian language is spoken. Their circulation should be increased. In the missionary work no barrier of nationality or color exists. All are invited to become members of the Tract and Missionary Societies, and to co-operate for the advancement of the cause of God. God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth." "Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?" "There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free; but Christ is all, and in all." To save confusion at the Office, the business should be done through your State Secretaries, unless special arrangements are made by the Tract Societies to have it done otherwise. Then if mistakes occur they can easily be rectified. For all business done in this manner the Tract Society becomes responsible. The secretary should have a stated time (not less than once or more than twice a week) when all business should be sent to the Office. The money received can be paid by the members of each district to the director of the same, and he will see that it goes to its place of destination. For particulars of officers' duties see the True Missionary, bound, which every Tract Society should have on hand for its officers and members. To all our old members we say, Be sure you have the armor on in season, and see how many individuals who have recently embraced the truth can be brought into working order. Precious souls have embraced the truth by reading, and by the tent labor in different parts of this country and also in other portions of the world during this past season. They should be instructed in the missionary work, and invited to share in the benefits of the Tract Societies, as well as in its sacrificing labor. The great Sabbath truth is extending to every part of the globe as never before. People are calling for our publications both at home and abroad. And now is the time for us to act our part in warning the world. Our influence should be upon the right side. We should examine well our hearts, ever keeping in mind that this is God's work, and that it is those who have clean hands and pure hearts that God makes instrumental in doing good.— S. N. HASKELL, in Review and Herald.