It may be proper here to state something with reference to the object of the EXTRA, its mission, how often it is to be issued, how it is to be sustained, etc.
Those having the burden of the missionary work have long felt the need of a sheet published in behalf of the Tract Societies. Many things should be said from time to time in reference to the system of the tract work, and particulars relating to its minute workings should be given, which would be more fitting in a sheet devoted to that purpose than in the REVIEW. Then the REVIEW is becoming crowded with other matter of interest and importance, and will become more so as the work increases. Therefore, it has been thought best to issue an extra, quarterly or oftener, as the interests of the cause may require. It will contain reports of tract meetings, incidents, extracts from letters received by missionary workers; questions will be answered, members will be told how to work, etc., etc.
How it should be sustained was a question for much thought. At first it was suggested to have a subscription price, and to send it to regular subscribers; but our experience with THE TRUE MISSIONARY proved this plan not best; for those we most wished to benefit, had not interest enough to subscribe, and therefore did not see it at all. Then, too, as the laws of postage are at present, it would be better to send it as an extra. It was therefore decided to send it out in this manner, for the present, the expense to be borne by the General Tract and Missionary Society; and as this Society, like the General Conference, takes an oversight of the tract work generally and especially in fields outside the labor of other organizations, it should be sustained by the various Tract Societies, and by individuals making donations to it. We speak for a liberal support. The object of this society, the manner of its operation, the use of means, etc., will be more fully explained hereafter.
THE ONE-THIRD, AND MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PLAN.
The plan of raising means for the tract and missionary work has been formerly by donations. These pledges were usually made as the result of earnest appeals at quarterly meetings, camp-meetings, etc. It was found that great inequality resulted from the plan. (1) Many of our brethren who were able to pay liberally would not be at the meeting. (2) Often the most conscientious, under these stirring appeals, would go beyond their ability, and thus distress themselves, while the more able would fail to do what they ought. The apostle taught equality, “I mean not that other men be eased and you burdened,” but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” 2 Cor. 8:13, 14.
This matter was considered at the General Conference, and after much prayerful consideration it was recommended, first, that all our brethren and sisters come up on the Bible plan of Systematic Benevolence, which is based upon giving as God has prospered them. 1 Cor. 16:2; Deut. 16:17. This calls for one tithe of a man’s increase and income. Lev. 27:30; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42; Gen. 14:26; 28:22; Heb. 7:4, 8. Secondly, that each member pay a sum for the tract and missionary work equal to one-third of his S. B.
Hence the one-third is no part of the Systematic Benevolence. The S. B. is paid for the support of the ministry. The sum equal to one-third of the amount of the S. B. is a free-will offering in addition to the S. B., which each individual is recommended to pay during the year for the support of the Tract Society.
The resolution relating to the one-third, passed at the General Conference, Nov. 12, 1876, is as follows:—
“Resolved, That this Conference recommend to the several State Conferences that each individual raise a sum equal to one-third of his S. B. pledge for the year, to meet the demand for means to be used, as far as necessary, in the proposed increase of the circulation of the SIGNS, the REFORMER, and other publications; this offering to be paid Jan. 1, 1877, or, if more favorable, in four installments; the first to be paid Jan. 1, the second, April 1, the third, July 1, and the fourth, Oct. 1, 1877.”
The church treasurer should collect the one-third, and pay it to the librarian of the Tract Society, who, in turn, pays it to the secretary of the district, and he to the State secretary. It is the duty of every Conference Tract Society to see that the above is carried out in all our churches. It should be a special point with the directors and ministers laboring with them to bring our brethren up to the Bible standard of S. B., and the one-third. Were this fully adopted, there would be means sufficient to carry forward the tract work and to support the ministry. But many of our brethren are not where they should be on their S. B. figures. Some do not pay their one-third, and many of our tract societies are indebted at the REVIEW Office, and were they to limit their missionary work to the income of the one-third, under present circumstances it would greatly cripple their efforts.
Any church has the privilege of using the one-third in the missionary work in any manner they see fit. If they choose to pay part or all for several copies of the SIGNS sent to one address, to be used exclusively in the missionary work, in monthly installments outside the one-third, it is their privilege. Many of our churches in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Michigan reasoned thus: “We will pay S. B. according to the Bible plan; we will also pay a sum equal to one-third of our S. B. for missionary work; but now we have not sufficient means to carry forward the missionary work and pay for the SIGNS; consequently, according to our ability, we will pay a monthly installment for the SIGNS, in addition to the one-third.” As this was not sufficient in a number of instances, some good brother would say: “Send for your SIGNS. Here are a hundred dollars to pay for them.” And we are sure there is not an enterprise in the world that will pay so large interest as this.
THE FAMILY HEALTH ANNUAL FOR 1878.
By S. N. Haskell
Owning to the prejudice that exists against purchasing, and the repugnance many have to selling, an almanac, it has been thought best to substitute the name HEALTH ANNUAL. The Annual is circulated for the information it contains on the subject of health. The almanac proper is put in it to make it desirable in every family. We speak for a circulation of not less than 200,000 copies this year. That number of families should be furnished with the Health Annual for 1878.
Five Conferences have already sent their first orders, which are as follows: Michigan, 14,000; Wisconsin, 10,000; New England, 10,000; Illinois, 6,000; Vermont, 2,000 (Vermont, will increase her order not less than 3,000, Michigan about 5,000,); then the number ordered will amount to 50,000. When the other Conferences do as well in proportion 200,000 copies of the Annual will start on their mission to as many families.
Says the president of the Wisconsin Conference, “Count us second to no Conference, except Michigan, in any enterprise that helps forward the third angel’s message.” If our friends in Wisconsin stand by their president in this statement, and Iowa takes advantage of her strength over Wisconsin, which is more than one-fifth, in ministers, licentiates, churches, membership, and finances, the Wisconsin Conference will have to advance a few thousand on their order for Annuals. Then there is the Old Empire State, with her well disciplined force of tract workers. We have become considerably interested to know which of these three will rank second to Michigan.
Orders should be sent in immediately, and advantage taken of the months of October and November, before the rush of drug almanacs. There is no time to lose. Let us “be as wise as serpents,” in this matter.
S. N. HASKELL.
THE HEALTH REFORMER.
By S. N. Haskell
The question of temperance and a reform in diet is agitating the public mind as never before. The old “blue pill” theory and the practice of bleeding patients is becoming questioned about as much as the old orthodox theory of “hell being lined with infant skulls.” It therefore becomes the duty of all Seventh-day Adventists to use their influence to direct the public sentiment in the right channel. If God has given light upon the subject of health reform, we should not hide it under a bushel; but let that light shine.
The HEALTH REFORMER ranks as a number one scientific health journal, having the largest circulation of any journal of like character in the world. Experience has taught us that the most successful method to extend its circulation is by obtaining paying subscribers. We should calculate on a permanent increase yearly on our subscription lists of not less than 10,000; and if our brethren and sisters generally would wake up to this work of canvassing with premiums as some are waking up, 25,000 names of paying subscribers might be obtained yearly without neglecting other branches of the missionary work. I am acquainted with a number of canvassers, who, when they have devoted their time to this work, with premiums for the REFORMER, have obtained, as their smallest average, twenty subscribers per week. This has been done in the summer months. One hundred such canvassers would obtain 2000 subscribers per week, 100,000 per year. These individuals make canvassing a paying business. If this can be done in the East, where you cannot step out doors, in a store, in a depot, on the cars, or anywhere else, but you will meet a canvasser with some attractive health publication, religious newspaper, or something else, and where the name canvasser has become obnoxious to the public, it can be done anywhere in this country. There are those of our people that have in the past obtained subscribers for books and magazines, and can sell anything from a six-penny toy to a thousand dollar piano, and that, too, where these articles are neither needed nor wanted. We want these men and women to consecrate the same talent, energy, and devotion to obtaining subscribers for this, the best health journal in the world. To some it seems a virtue to lose all their zeal and energy in the cause of God, when if they had a patent right to sell, they would make a success three times out of five. This is a sad mistake. If there is one thing more than another where earnestness, energy, and close planning are justifiable, it is in obtaining subscribers for those periodicals which contain the solemn truth adapted to the time in which we live.2
It is a shame that we have not twenty devoting their time to canvassing for the HEALTH REFORMER where we have one engaged in this work. Young men out of employment, young ladies who have nothing to do, have you tried this? Have you made it a business? Have you gone about it relying on God to help you? Would you get discouraged as easily in anything you were doing for personal gratification? We hope there are those who may read these lines, who will at once commence canvassing for the REFORMER, determined to make it a success.
We want one hundred canvassers for the HEALTH REFORMER this fall and winter. Shall we have them? Men of piety and nerve, consecration and stability of character, are needed, who will enter the work at once. Premiums can be used as last winter. For particulars, consult your directors, or inquire at the Office of REVIEW AND HERALD. More particulars hereafter. S. N. HASKELL.
HOME MISSIONARY HYMN.
[About seven hundred hymns and poems were submitted to the committee, and they were to select the hymn best adapted to the home missionary work, and to give the writer of it $100. To the writer of the best poem for the same purpose they were to give $50. They failed to select a poem, but unanimously agreed upon the hymn below as the best, on the whole, for the object proposed. But the writer of it required, as a condition of accepting the reward, that her name should not be given to the public, but that the hymn, if published, should be announced as by “a lady of Virginia.” The hymn which has been accepted, deserves, as it will no doubt secure, a permanent place in our American hymnology. We have great pleasure in laying it before our readers.]
Saints of God, the Dawn Is Brightening
Saints of God! the dawn is brightening,
Tokens of our coming Lord;
O'er the earth the field is whitening;
Louder rings the Master's word,—
“Pray for reapers
In the harvest of the Lord.”
Feebly now they toil in sadness,
Weeping o'er the waste around,
Slowly gathering grains of gladness,
While their echoing cries resound,—
“Pray that reapers
In God's harvest may abound.”
Now, O Lord, fulfill thy pleasure,
Breathe upon thy chosen band,
And with pentecostal measure,
Send forth reapers o'er our land,—
Faithful reapers,
Gathering sheaves for thy right hand.
Ocean calleth unto ocean,
Heralds speed from shore to shore,
Heralding the world's commotion;
Hear the conflict at our door,—
Mighty conflict,—
Satan's death-cry on our shore!
Broad the shadow of our nation,
Eager millions hither roam;
Lo! they wait for thy salvation;
Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come;
By thy Spirit,
Bring thy ransomed people home.
Soon shall end the time of weeping,
Soon the reaping time will come,—
Heaven and earth together keeping
God's eternal harvest home:
Saints and angels
Shout the world's great harvest home.
VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
This name is given to the society organized in many of our churches where several copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES are sent to one address, and are systematically distributed. This society is generally conducted by those sisters whose household duties confine them principally at home, many of whom have good address, and can find time to send a few papers to individuals and to correspond with them. The plan is this: They organize by selecting a president, secretary, and treasurer of their own number. They then meet regularly once a week, have first a season of prayer for God to guide them in all their deliberations, and in their work. Secondly, they read the letters they have received during the week. Thirdly, if any special case comes up, after consultation they decide who shall write to such a person. Fourthly, after dividing up their papers, they conclude their interview with another season of prayer.
During the week they send their papers to persons whose addresses they have obtained from various sources. When they find an interested reader, tracts are sent with the SIGNS. They also obtain addresses from them, so there is no end to names of persons with whom to correspond. One sister who has been engaged in this branch of the work for years has, during the past season, managed one hundred copies of the SIGNS alone, besides filling the office of State Tract Society secretary, S. B. treasurer and collector of a church of ninety members, and she has also a class in the Sabbath-school. Usually they do not send more than three papers before writing.
Thus they connect labor and prayer in their efforts. And none but those who have been thus employed can tell of the inspiration and joy there is to those engaged in the work when individuals become interested, embrace the truth, turn missionaries, and work for others. Individuals and small companies in the West and South who have never seen the face of a Sabbath-keeper save their own company, and who one year ago had never heard of the truth, are to-day rejoicing in the light. They embraced the truth in the manner above described. Thousands of copies of the SIGNS are thus sent out each week, and hundreds of copies of the TIDENDE and HAROLD each month; while there are a goodly number of such societies formed both in Europe and America to distribute LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. We can but hope that this work will go on until every company of Seventh-day Adventists, whether French, German, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or American, will co-operate in this manner. Only think of it! Thousands of new families weekly thus receiving the truths of the third angel's message in six different tongues! May God speed the day.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I. NAME.
This society shall be called the Tract and Missionary Society of the Seventh-day Adventists of the Conference of _______.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS.
The officers of this society shall be a President; Vice-president; State secretary, who shall also act as Treasurer; and a Board of Directors of ______, of which the President, Vice-president, and State secretary shall, by virtue of their offices, be considered as members. These officers shall be elected yearly. In the district the director shall appoint a secretary, and in each church he shall appoint a librarian. He may also appoint a business agent in large churches where such an officer is needed.
ARTICLE III. OBJECTS.
The objects of this society shall be: 1. The proper distribution of our tracts, pamphlets, and books. 2. To obtain subscribers for our periodicals; to collect dues and renew subscriptions; and to pay subscriptions for the worthy poor. 3. To visit and labor (by correspondence or otherwise) for the encouragement and help of the scattered ones of like precious faith; for those who are falling back because of discouragements; and to interest all within our reach in the great truths connected with the last message of mercy to the world. 4. To find homes for those who may be destitute and needy for the truth’s sake. 5. To bring about among our people that uniform liberality in the payment of Systematic Benevolence which is indicated in the plan, and to encourage equality in the taking of stock in our several denominational institutions, and in donations to other benevolent enterprises which may arise for the advancement of the work.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP.
Any person of good standing in a Seventh-day Adventist church, or who is recommended by such a church, may become a member by the payment of one dollar.
ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
SECTION 1. President. The duties of the President shall be (1) To preside over all State or district meetings wherever he may be present; (2) To see that there is a full supply of tracts, books, and papers for the entire State; (3) In fine, to keep his eye on the workings of the society throughout the State, and see that uniformity of action is maintained, and that directors and officers are doing their duty.
SEC. 2. Vice-president. It is the duty of the Vice-president to act in the place of the president in his absence, and to work in connection with the president at his request.
SEC. 3. State Secretary. The State secretary shall keep on hand a full supply of tracts, books, papers, &c., and shall supply the different districts as their wants may require. All the credit business of the State with the offices of publication shall be done through the State secretary, who shall keep an account of all such transactions. In his duty as treasurer he shall receive all moneys from the districts, and from time to time forward the same to the offices of publication as the indebtedness of the society may demand.
SEC. 4. Directors. There shall be a director for each district in the State, and his duties in the district shall be similar to the duties of the president in the State. In the absence of the president and vice-president the director of the district shall preside at all district meetings, and at all church meetings at which he may be present.
SEC. 5. District Secretary. His duties in the district shall be similar to the duties of the State secretary in the State.
SEC. 6. Librarian. His duties in the church shall be similar to the duties of the district secretary in the district. He should preside at all church missionary meetings where the director is not present, or he may request the business agent, or some active member, to preside, when it will be for the interest of the society to do so.
SEC. 7. Business Agent. He shall act as collector for the society.
ARTICLE VI. QUARTERLY MEETINGS.
General quarterly meetings shall be held under the direction of the board of directors, at which time all business of importance that relates to the Tract and Missionary Society, shall be considered.
ARTICLE VII. FUNDS.
The funds to be employed by this society shall consist of the one-third and money received for memberships, book sales, and as free-will offerings.
ARTICLE VIII. MANAGEMENT.
The Board of Directors shall have the general management and oversight of the work of this society, both in disbursing funds and in counseling in regard to labor.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present.