p. 189 | OUR PAST AND PRESENT WORK by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · March 18, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 12

OUR PAST AND PRESENT WORK.

By S. N. Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

It is ten years the coming season since our Tract and Missionary Society adopted the present system of organization, and we can but feel grateful that God has to such an extent blessed the labors of our brethren in their systematic efforts. Two objects have ever been before this Society: 1. To extend by means of our publications the light of present truth as far as possible throughout the world; 2. To act as agents for our Publishing Association in doing business for our brethren and sisters with them. The objects before the society have ever been the same; but as the cause has enlarged, a new adaptation to the work on our part has from time to time been required.

One of the first general efforts made was to assist the Publishing Association to collect arrearages on periodicals, amounting to about twelve thousand dollars, and to establish a system of pre-payment. This was accomplished in one season. It then sent a pioneer sheet, The Voice of Truth, to more than ten thousand individuals. It also placed our leading bound books in hundreds of public libraries. In process of time, the vigilant societies were organized, which have been very efficient in placing the truth before tens of thousands of people who never before had read upon these subjects. This has been done largely by remailing the Signs of the Times. Our brethren east of the Rocky Mountains have done nobly in this respect. But our sacrificing friends are not all in the East. Some of those on the Pacific slope, who have more recently embraced the truth, seem just as willing to sacrifice as any in the country. The final result of vigilant missionary labor the Judgment alone will reveal. This branch of the work never should be allowed to falter, and it never will as long as there are men and women possessing the spirit of the Master, who can remail our pioneer sheet and correspond with individuals.

There is, however, another branch of the work which has been entered upon to some extent, but never thoroughly systematized. It is that of the colporter. There are thousands of cities and villages which should be thoroughly canvassed for our periodicals and other publications; but this work will require consecration on the part of those who engage in it, if it be done successfully. Publications should be sold and loaned, paying subscribers obtained, and tracts distributed. This work is as important and sacred as any connected with the promulgation of the gospel. It is really the pastoral work of the minister, which is as important as that in the sacred desk, if not more so. It is in this manner that we can come near to those whom we wish to save; and our influence be brought to bear more directly upon them. Those who cannot feel for others, who cannot deny themselves of ease and personal comforts, if need be, that others may be benefited, will find they lack that power which will reach hearts. “The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me,” are words referring to Christ, who pleased not himself; and if we fitly represent him, we shall partake of the same spirit.