p. 3 | Review and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 9. (8/21/1879)

GENERAL SUMMARY OF TRACT AND MISSIONARY LABOR.

Names of Societies	No. of Members	No. Reports returned	No. Members added	No. Families visited	No. Letters written	No. Signs taken in clubs	No. new subscribers to all periodicals	Pages pamphlets loaned	Pages of tracts given away	Periodicals distributed	F. Annuals sold and given	For members’ contributions and donations to tract fund	Sales	Periodicals	Total
New York	275	111	4	529	222	95	45	19536	71128	3205	253	$89 90	$37 58	$155 72	$283 20
Pennsylvania	293	151	16	491	144	86	35	35917	40794	2543	265	93 85	11 69	106 33	210 87
New England	430	218	7	1125	948	617	61	20010	56084	6849	325	64 36	7 35	218 15	289 86
Maine	194	29	23	103	193	60	17	3149	15157	1978	63	22 61	55	2 25	90 31
Vermont	227	92	—	58	210	129	9	5790	15698	1727	168	43 52	9 83	100 80	154 63
Virginia	18	8	—	33	3	26	3	—	5193	133	—	2 10	3 55	—	5 65
Maryland	8	8	—	11	5	—	—	—	1038	80	—	2 51	40	—	2 91
Georgia and N. Carolina	—	—	—	3	18	—	—	—	14318	1015	67	19 00	—	—	19 00
Kentucky and Tennessee	42	29	8	38	77	3	58	14483	5845	2784	42	21 75	14 26	17 60	53 61
Texas	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Quebec	34	14	—	187	36	17	30	2928	10244	435	300	9 60	11 61	13 15	34 26
Nevada	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Dakota	—	—	15	62	33	—	47	3524	6612	516	—	8 90	14 45	11 08	34 43
North Pacific	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
California	401	208	21	415	636	—	81	40574	109237	9997	—	130 95	47 78	232 85	410 58
Nebraska	187	96	13	501	118	53	115	19344	23752	1470	44	30 28	23 20	18 35	71 83
Kansas	286	176	22	169	105	159	127	24401	30773	3096	119	33 75	9 78	71 94	119 94
Missouri	173	87	2	337	321	168	79	42113	7056	3854	8	40 50	4 90	50 75	97 15
Ohio	278	164	51	653	246	236	226	30634	38849	11992	317	117 15	16 34	53 91	187 40
Indiana	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Illinois	370	197	19	1196	981	180	23	46147	37768	5050	263	89 06	17 19	92 33	198 58
Iowa	691	310	32	435	316	395	354	61624	60865	4977	308	124 16	170 08	379 86	674 13
Wisconsin	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Minnesota	393	98	21	396	290	74	116	12141	26610	2320	185	32 98	7 78	54 68	200 04
Michigan	1181	420	12	377	643	1041	144	63269	108166	1035	712	291 71	15 48	200 52	750 63
Total in America	5473	2416	266	7119	5580	3336	1570	445584	685212	74065	3439	$1268 54	$423 50	$1780 27	$3889 01
England	—	4	—	1188	337	—	33	12388	31920	3727	—	—	8 25	—	8 25
Grand Total	5473	2420	266	8307	5917	3336	1603	457972	717123	77792	3439	$1268 54	$431 75	$1780 27	$3897 26

WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

By Maria L. Huntley

As the various enterprises connected with the cause of present truth are becoming established upon a permanent basis, it is important that all moves relating to them should be made with discretion. Although the best system will eventually be developed by experience, the nearer this can be attained to at first, the less occasion there will be for discouragement and failure. As a people we already have numerous organizations, requiring officers and special regulations. It is therefore desirable that as little form and ceremony be connected with each as possible, and the object of the organization be secured. At the same time, if the interests of these organizations, especially those pertaining to finances, are not guarded by definite rules or regulations, the societies will become involved. This is especially true of the tract societies. Suppose for instance that in each of the church societies the librarian, through inattention, fails, to the amount of two dollars during the year, of collecting all the dues of his society on periodicals or book sales, (and we fear it would average more than this), there would be a total loss of one thousand dollars to the societies. This would be quite an item to the Publishing Association. It would pay for a large amount of publications. Hence, we say that the librarians should do their business so that district and State officers can know that there is no such waste of means. Small leaks soon sink a ship. We cannot afford to raise money by donations to supply such deficiencies.

The business of our tract societies is rapidly increasing, and it requires system and accuracy. What business man doing a business of from $30,000 to $50,000 dollars per year, through several hundred people, would ask less of them, by way of keeping accounts, reporting, etc., than is required of T. and M. officers? Further than this, if the leading officers understand perfectly what is being done throughout the society, they can act far more understandingly, in promoting its interests, than if they do not. To illustrate: In Eld. Canright's article, “Matters in Ohio,” in a recent number of the REVIEW, he gives the proportion of brethren in that State who are paying their tithes, and other matters which show that he knows who the brethren are, where they live, how much property they possess, what they pay on S. B. and other enterprises, etc. This knowledge enables him to act understandingly, and if there is any deficiency to know where it is, and how to remedy it. The same principle applies to T. and M. officers. It is true that our secretaries could perform the duties usually assigned to such officers in other societies without this knowledge; but if they are expected to labor for the interests of this society it is indispensable.

In most cases the president of the tract society is so fully occupied in other departments of the work that he depends upon the State secretary for much of the information he has respecting the society. Besides, there is a liability that these men will be called into other Conferences, and if they have carried the whole burden of the tract work, and the State secretary has had no experience except in doing the business that has come into his hands, the society is left in a bad condition when they go elsewhere, and a heavy, unnecessary burden is thrown upon the new president. If there be no permanent district officers, the matter is still worse. Again, in those societies conducted on this plan, it is impossible to secure an immediate and successful co-operation in special enterprises which from time to time demand attention. It is one object of the General T. and M. organization to bring such matters before the various societies, and to suggest what may seem the most feasible plan of operation. Some societies are always ready to co-operate in such enterprises, and we have observed that it is those where the State secretary is best informed, and most actively engaged in the work. Others do not respond to any suggestion made. To fully carry out the object of the T. and M. organization requires an active and harmonious co-operation between all the officers connected with it. If one remains inactive, so far the object is defeated. If this officer be a State secretary, the work is hindered in the whole State; if he be a district officer, the district is affected; if a librarian, the church society. These officers are stationed in every part of the country, and if they could feel the importance of keeping up the work in their several localities, and of being ready to act when new enterprises are presented, the power of the tract societies would be second to no other, in carrying forward the cause of truth.

In conclusion, the following points are important. 1. That all business of the society be conducted on a general plan, having such definite regulations as will insure accuracy and promptness. 2. That the State secretaries be those who can and will labor personally to promote the interests of the society, having a practical knowledge of its workings. 3. That there be a confidential correspondence and co-operation between all the officers of the organization.

MARIA L. HUNTLEY.

A LIVE TRACT SOCIETY.

By William C. White

A living, prosperous Tract Society is one that has earnest, active members, and a librarian who is awake to the responsibility of his or her office, and watchful of the interests of the society and the work in its various branches. A live librarian will make the capabilities and opportunities of each member a special study, and will aid and encourage each to labor in that branch of the work where he can do the most good.

There are three grand divisions in our work: 1. The loaning and gratuitous distribution of our papers and tracts; 2. Canvassing and obtaining subscribers for our periodicals; 3. Mailing copies of our pioneer papers to various addresses, to obtain interested readers, and then persuading them to subscribe for the paper, and to read our denominational tracts. Each of these divisions has many branches, so many and so varied in their nature that any one who wishes to work can find one at least in which he may be successful. The faithful librarian will assist each in selecting and understanding that part of the work where he can do the most.

Let us see how the live society will keep out of debt. There is no work of the society requiring more skill, or which will accomplish more good, than that of canvassing. Every subscriber will be a regular reader. This work will cost the society nothing, and if wisely managed may be a source of some profit. The librarian should obtain pledges from those best adapted to this work, that they will donate a certain definite amount of time to it during the quarter. Two or three weeks’ work by as many canvassers, in every town or village where there is a society would accomplish something.

Clubs of the Signs, Tidende, Harold, and the French and German papers may be paid for in advance, or, as is more usual, by monthly installments. And here is where the honesty of the members and the librarian’s faithfulness are tested. It is promptness in these little things, or a lack of it, that will insure the success of a society or sink it. If any fail to pay their installments monthly, let all be squared up at the end of the quarter; and to accomplish this the librarian may find it necessary to visit some who absent themselves from the meeting. If the librarian cannot do this, let some one be appointed who can. If any one cannot or will not pay his pledge, persuade other members to pay for and use his papers till the close of the subscription. If this cannot be done, stop the papers unpaid for, and thus cut down the size of your club rather than let the society run in debt. The expense of the other part of our work is growing less in proportion to the amount of work done every year, because on many subjects smaller and cheaper tracts have been prepared, and also because our workers are learning that it is more effectual and less expensive to lend a large tract or a pamphlet, than it is to give it away. Where the one-third is paid regularly, it will pay for all the tracts needed; but where this has been dropped, they must be paid for by donations.

How and when shall the necessary amount be raised to pay for tracts? Let each member make a donation when he sends in his report. The librarian should present a statement of the financial standing of the society at the quarterly meeting, with the amount and cost of books needed for the next quarter’s work. If there is not enough cash on hand, start a subscription paper at the meeting, and carry it to each member of the society and the church, and thus secure the money necessary to pay for the books. Usually people will be more liberal in giving money to buy books which they want, than in giving to pay for what they or some one else has had and used.

Some say that very little money can be raised in some seasons of the year, and we have to wait till fall to pay our debts to the society. Why not be ahead for once, instead of always behind? At our October meeting let us buy enough tracts to last a whole year, and pay for them; or let us raise enough money to buy tracts for the year, and order them from quarter to quarter as needed.

This plan of working would free our districts from debt, and would be quite as easy for each church. To accomplish this we must have earnest willing members, faithful untiring librarians, vigilant experienced officers,—in fact, A LIVE TRACT SOCIETY.

W. C. WHITE.

A WORD WITH AND FROM V. M. WORKERS.

By Maria L. Huntley

Having received several letters of interest from those who are having an experience in the distribution of the Signs of the Times, we thought a few extracts would be of interest and benefit to missionary workers. The amount of good that is being accomplished by this means is much greater than could be reasonably hoped for. Instances where remarkable results have followed this distribution have become so numerous that many are in danger of expecting too much in a short time, and of becoming discouraged if their anticipations are not realized. We should not expect more of our friends, to whom we send periodicals, than we ourselves would probably give under similar circumstances. It required much more than a little reading matter, and such letters as are usually written, to induce many of us to accept the truth. It is a work that requires much prayer, labor, and devotion to God. While it is very encouraging to see good results follow our efforts, we should not conclude that no good is accomplished, if we are not thus gratified. Our greatest anxiety should be to know that God accepts what we do. If he does, we need have no fears respecting the result. A few letters have been received something like the following:—

“I think our members have been faithful in using all the papers for missionary purposes, and that they have diligently followed directions in writing letters, etc. We have no difficulty in procuring names; but we have as yet to learn of one who has received the truth through the efforts of this society, although quite a number have responded favorably.”

It is possible that this society and others, also individuals having a similar experience, are really accomplishing more than some under whose efforts persons have embraced the truth. We can form no correct estimate from apparent results. Those that are most permanent are frequently longest in developing.

The next is from a brother who has been earnestly engaged in the missionary work for several years, under circumstances which would have discouraged many. Only a short time ago he could not have stated anything definite that had been accomplished; but he, with others, continued to labor, and we now behold the result. The same may soon be seen in other localities where now there seems to be little or no fruit. This brother writes as follows:—

“We have distributed many thousand pages of tracts, and have loaned many books and pamphlets. We now have interested readers for our ten copies of the Signs. A visible success is apparent in the suppression of a large amount of prejudice against the truth, and three precious souls have been gained who expect to be baptized and unite with us this fall. There are also other hopeful cases.”

Last winter a sister in Iowa was induced after some hesitation to subscribe for a club of Signs. She then thought it would be of but little use in the vicinity where she lived. She now writes:—

“Our club of Signs are all used for missionary purposes, and we have no difficulty in procuring the addresses of individuals to whom to send them. There are two families keeping the Sabbath as the result of the work done here, having never heard a sermon on present truth. Others are interested in reading, and are almost persuaded.”

A sister in Minnesota gives her experience thus:—

“When we commenced sending out the papers, it was with much fear and trembling. we hardly dared to hope for such results as we have now seen; but after sending a few numbers and tracts to a friend, she writes that she is keeping the Sabbath. She searched the Bible closely to see if she would not be justified in keeping one-seventh part of time. She also tried keeping the first-day more strictly, but could get no rest until she submitted to keep the whole law. She has given her papers to a neighbor, who is now keeping the Sabbath with her.” Much more of this letter is of interest; but our space will not admit of giving it here.

We wish to give a word of encouragement from one of our isolated brethren. He says:—

“In answer to your inquiries I wish to say that I do not belong to any V. M. society or committee. I subscribed and paid for ten copies of the Signs, and use them all myself. I have no difficulty in finding interested readers, and have obtained one subscriber for sixteen months. I shall continue my efforts to promulgate Bible truth, and there is no better way to do this than by circulating our tracts and periodicals. For your encouragement in the missionary work, I will say that I embraced the truth as the result of a friend sending me the REVIEW for six months, having never heard a sermon by any of our ministers, except at a funeral, until months after I commenced to keep the Sabbath. My wife, who was at first bitterly opposed, is now with me in the truth.”

Another brother, whose example we wish might be followed by other business men, says:—

“I have several interested readers here who I think in time will come out and take a stand on the truth. As I am engaged in a manufacturing business in this place, I have dealings with business men, and am engaged in missionary work among them. Some of the leading men are reading our publications and one is especially interested.”

MARIA L. HUNTLEY.

Aroostook Co., Me

By P. A. Clough

MAINE, DISTRICT NO. 5.

OUR T. and M. quarterly meeting, although thinly attended, was an interesting one. I wish to call the attention of the scattered ones to the fact that those who were present at that meeting covenanted together to consecrate themselves anew to the work, and we earnestly beseech the dear brethren and sisters who were absent to co-operate with us in this matter. Do we possess the truth? Then certainly we ought to be very zealous in trying to induce others to accept it. If we seek the Lord for help, I believe that during the next three months we can each interest one at least in this last message of mercy. We have a membership of forty. “Are you ready to lift?” May the Lord help us to get the burden of the work, and may he “sanctify us through the truth.”

P. A. CLOUGH, Sec.

Aroostook Co., Me

Ohio and Quebec Reports Postponed to Next Week

By Editor

Two reports, Ohio and Quebec, are unavoidably crowded out, and will appear in next week's paper.