UNITED EFFORT IN MISSIONARY WORK.
By Maria L. Huntley
The strength of every organized body lies in unity of action and purpose, and unless this exists, a large membership becomes an element of weakness rather than of strength. This principle is recognized in the political and numerous other powerful organizations throughout the country; and stringent measures are taken to secure harmonious action in all their several parts. Under no circumstances, perhaps, is this more fully illustrated than in an army. It matters not of how many men, or how many subdivisions it is composed, when the time for action arrives, all, as one man, move forward to secure the desired object. In each division every man recognizes the fact that orders from head-quarters to that division are intended for him as really as if sent to him directly. The great controversy between Christ and Satan draws near to its close, and the truths of the Bible are arrayed against the wickedness, unbelief, and errors of the present day. The followers of Christ are represented as his soldiers, and as contending against the powers of darkness,—foes more powerful and wily than were ever human foes. The objects to be secured in this warfare, far exceed in importance any for which patriots and soldiers ever fought. Here, then, if anywhere, is needed that which gives strength and efficiency. Well-founded and encouraging testimony has been borne respecting the power exerted by the tract and missionary societies, but as yet only a small part of the strength of these societies has been developed. The remark has been made, and that truthfully, that our system of missionary labor places a gun in every man’s hands; but if only one or two out of every ten make use of it, they might as well not have a weapon, and are like soldiers who in battle lay down their arms, or run panic-stricken from the field. Should this course be pursued by any considerable number, the defeat of the army would be certain. According to the last annual summary of missionary labor, the average per cent. of members reporting was thirty-seven, and this was only about eighteen per cent of S. D. A. church-members. Although, doubtless, many more engaged in missionary labor, and a much larger amount was performed, than this report indicates, evidently a large number laid down their guns. New enterprises are constantly arising which demand the support of the tract societies, and at the last annual meeting of the General Society a resolution was adopted, recommending that such enterprises, particularly those affecting the finances of the State societies, should be introduced through the agency of the officers of the State and General societies. To successfully carry out the plan which this resolution had in view, requires, (1.) That all enterprises with necessary suggestions should be presented to the State officers, in an intelligent and forcible manner, by those at the head of the work; (2.) That the State officers convey the same with such instructions and modifications as will meet the circumstances of each, to the other officers of the society, ministers laboring in the Conference, and, if necessary, to scattered members; (3.) That these persons present the same to individual members and secure their co-operation. Thus in a very short time the matter would be presented to every S. D. Adventist; and could the united efforts of all be thus secured, the strength of the society would be immense, and it would be by far the most powerful agency we have for carrying forward the work. But it will be readily seen that great responsibilities would thus be thrown upon these societies, and that, if to any extent, there should be delay, negligence, or want of interest on the part of the officers, or a lack in taking hold of the work by the ministers and people, so far enterprises thus committed to them would result in failure. It is natural and right that those who feel the importance of these enterprises should be slow to place them in the hands of those in whose faithfulness and ability they have not the fullest confidence. To secure this, the tract societies must individually earn a reputation for accuracy, promptness, and efficiency in business matters; and this requires time. Most of the State organizations have already done this, to quite an extent. Wherever there has been any lack in the past, it has largely arisen from want of proper instruction, and this want is met by the Institutes which the different States have commenced to hold. It is of the utmost importance that a perfect agreement and co-operation should exist between the tract societies and the publishing associations. Partly because no arrangements have been made by which periodicals can be sent at pound rates from State depositories, specimen numbers have in one or two instances been sent to librarians with accompanying letters, where it was desired to call special attention to some one in particular. This, not affecting the finances of the State societies, was not considered a violation of the resolution above alluded to; however, the leading T. and M. officers have ever maintained that this was not the best plan, from the fact that it is desirable to secure the co-operation of the State and district officers, also that their position entitles them to a voice in all such matters, and for other reasons which might be mentioned. In the late effort to increase the circulation of the Signs of the Times a different course was pursued, and with much better results. The latest information from that Office gives the increase of subscribers as over one hundred per day. Such responses as this will give confidence in the efficiency of the tract societies, and give them plenty of employment.