p. 325 | Missionary Work on the Pacific Coast

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Oct 30, 1879

Missionary Work on the Pacific Coast.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

THE season of the year has arrived when publishers and printers make a special effort to collect bills and get their reading matter before the public. The long winter evenings, which many improve in reading, have already commenced; harvest is over, and money is more plentiful than at other seasons of the year. The people of God should use as much wisdom in the spread of the truth, as the worldly man in accomplishing his purposes.

The Saviour, referring to the subject of a wise improvement of our means and efforts, says: “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light,” and then adds, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much,” making our future happiness depend upon our faithfulness in the use of the talents God has committed to us.

WHAT CAN I DO

This present season should be the inquiry of each individual professing faith in the near coming of our Lord. The time is short; and never since the fall of man was there a period of more importance than the present; and never could efforts be put forth when they would count more in behalf of the cause of Christ than now. God is marshalling his host for the final conflict with the powers of darkness. There are men and women all around us who can be reached by the truth, and we are responsible for their salvation. Selfish interests should be laid one side; sacrifices must be made, and greater efforts to help sustain and carry forward this work must now be put forth than ever before.

A system of labor has been arranged in the providence of God, whereby each individual can perform some part in the cause of Christ, and help spread the truths of the third angel's message. None can say in the day of judgment, I had no opportunity to labor, and use my talent in the service of my Master; for there is a place for each to fill, and a part that each may act.

OUR V. M. SOCIETIES

Should urge their work a little harder than ever before. Each company of Seventh-day Adventists should have a club of the SIGNS to re-mail to individuals in different parts of this country and the world. Regular weekly meetings should be held in each church by the V. M. society. If there is a lack of interest either for want of proper instructions how to conduct them, or in any other respect, secure at once a constitution of the tract society, in which are all the particulars how to conduct the V. M. meetings, obtain addresses of individuals with whom to correspond, how to canvass, etc., with an appeal from Sr. White. It can be had at the SIGNS Office, Review and Herald, or from the secretaries of the various tract societies. The price is only five cents in paper covers, and ten cents in flexible cloth.

A THOROUGH CANVASS

Should be immediately set on foot by each director and district secretary, and each church member should be induced to become a member of the Tract Society. The director should visit each church in his district, and find those who will canvass and also see that all enterprises which are connected with the missionary work are carried out. This can be done by calling meetings and visiting and presenting the matter before all. It will require much time and patient labor to do this, but it can be accomplished; and while this work is going on the brethren should be encouraged to subscribe for the Review, Good Health, and Youth's Instructor. This work should be entered upon immediately; and to each member of this conference who reads these lines, we wish to ask: “Are you a member of the California Tract and Missionary Society?” If not, will you not join at once? It will cost you but one dollar, and this dollar goes to purchase tracts for you to distribute.

Each librarian connected with the churches will take your name; it should be reported to your district secretary and thus to your State secretary. Each librarian and tract officer should immediately interest themselves to accomplish this.

CANVASSING

For periodicals should also be made a specialty. There should be a score of men and women who will devote their time to canvassing for the Good Health, with the premium Household Manual. The per cent. allowed the canvassers will amply support them if they are diligent. In each church there should be those who will canvass, and a small quantity of premiums; Way of Life, Child's Poems, and Household Manuals should be in the hands of each librarian. A large supply should be deposited with the district secretary.

For particulars as to per cent. allowed on periodicals, premiums, and canvassers’ outfit, correspond with the Assistant State Secretary, Miss Barbara C. Stickney, Oakland, Cal., Care PACIFIC PRESS. S. N. HASKELL.