A NECESSITY AND A SUCCESS.
By Editor
[Under this head we published the following article as a communication to the Review and Herald in 1874. Every word of it was true then; It is still more forcibly true now. We republish it—because it is true, and also to show how this work appeared to us at that time. And let the halting read carefully the last paragraph.—EDITOR SIGNS.] WHEN we consider the circumstance under which the work of the third angel's message struggled into existence, that, in poverty and against prejudice and oftentimes bitter hatred to the truth, the pioneers worked and wept and prayed, and literally, so far as human foresight goes, "against hope believed in hope," we must admit that its success has been unparalleled. Had we a theory of a popular cast to present to the world, it would be far different. But the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ present two points to which the carnal mind cannot submit; and carnal, world-loving professors despise them and leave no means untried to keep the light from going to the world. But decided as has been the success of this work,-it has been long evident to every observing person that the prophecies of the world-wide proclamation of this message can never be fulfilled by the labor of the ministry. There is too much ground to go over. A glance at the operations of the great missionary societies, backed up as they are by learning, influence, and vast sums of money, convince us that other means than preaching must be brought into requisition. In the providence of God the Tract and Missionary Societies have been established, which, instead of following up the work where an interest has been created, have become the pioneers, carrying the truth and arousing an interest in localities which it is impossible, at this time, to reach by other means. Many have embraced the truth in this country by tract circulation, who never heard a sermon. Some also in other countries; while an interest in this truth has been raised in almost every land. The latest news comes to us from New Zealand, where by means of tracts sent to kindred by friends in Battle Creek, an interest is awakened, which, if in this country, would demand immediate attention. And who knows but, in the counsels of the Lord, the "Biblical Institute" is designed to raise up men and women, who, as Judson, will take their lives in their hands, and leaving all for Christ, will follow up these interests, even to the ends of the earth? These Societies cleared the books of the Association of a delinquent account of over one thousand dollars, and materially aided in establishing the advance system with all our periodicals. Many millions of pages of choice reading have been circulated. Books have been loaned and given away, libraries have been supplied, the periodicals have been circulated, and while souls have been brought to the light, a zeal for the truth, a missionary spirit has been awakened, which betokens spiritual growth in the members of the societies. With some there may be, as is to be expected, an anxiety in regard to the future of the T. & M. Societies, and some fear they may yet prove a failure—that they will not be sustained. Failure? They have already been a decided success. Let us be thankful and take courage. Should every society disband now; should no further organized effort be put forth, we would still have cause for rejoicing over what these societies have accomplished. We read that the walls of Jerusalem were built against the most persistent opposition, because "the people had a mind to work." Trust and work, should be our watchword. The same providence which "has begun a good work," will carry it on to perfect success, if we do not prove unfaithful. And one thing I have noticed from the beginning, in all branches of this work, that they who work most have the most confidence in the cause. If your faith needs strengthening, go to work; improve opportunities, however small, and a blessing will surely follow.