THE WORK OF OUR TRACT SOCIETIES.
By B. L. Whitney
In the providence of God, those who have embraced the truths of the third angel’s message are connected with one of the grandest enterprises ever intrusted to man. We may look at the work of God in the past, and wonder at what has been accomplished through the agencies he has employed, yet at no point in its history has the extent of the work been equal to that which now lies before his people. The truths by which men are to be prepared for the solemn events which transpire in connection with the second advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, must go to all nations of the earth. The world must be warned. In a special sense may we of to-day realize the force of the Saviour’s words, “The field is the world.” We may allow the mind to dwell upon this theme, we may search the Scriptures for those prophecies which speak of the extent of the warning to go to the inhabitants of the earth in the last days, we may look at what the providence of God has already accomplished in the world by means of humble instrumentalities, and thereby have our faith greatly strengthened in reference to the final accomplishment of all the Lord has396spoken concerning this work; and yet, with all this, we shall fail to comprehend, in its full measure, the extent of the work which the Lord will accomplish through the instrumentality of his people in this generation. When we have thus considered the extent of the work, and then take into account the fact that it must be accomplished within a short time,—in fact, within an incredibly short time considering its magnitude,—we shall be better prepared to appreciate the great importance of those agencies which the Lord is employing for the accomplishment of his designs. Prominent among these agencies is the work of our Tract and Missionary Society. This proposition needs no argument; to those acquainted with the workings of the society it is self-evident. And yet the Lord has seen fit to speak to us as a people concerning this, to strengthen the faith of those who have had the most implicit confidence that God would vindicate the truthfulness of what he has spoken, and to stir to new activity and zeal those who are sluggish and indifferent in the work. To the degree in which we realize the importance of the work as a whole, shall we better comprehend the importance of the various steps which are taken for its advancement. The article by Eld. Haskell in REVIEW of June 3, entitled, “What Next?” suggests important features of the work now immediately before us. These suggestions should not be passed by with indifference or carelessness on the part of any. The providence of God is already far in advance of us in the work; and, as he has prepared the agencies to our hand, what account shall we render to him, if we do not with earnestness and zeal lay hold on the work before us, seeking God for help to enable us to make the most of them? The experience of the past has shown that the plans proposed are wise and timely, and, if thoroughly carried out, will accomplish more than we can estimate for the advancement of the present truth. Who will respond to these appeals for advance steps in our work? Those who have the work at heart will not rest with what has been done, but will be ready to work in harmony with any move that will tend to forward it. The Signs of the Times in its present form is the best missionary paper we have ever had; and thousands of copies ought to be in the hands of our vigilant missionary workers. We ought to have hundreds of these workers where we now have one. Scores are being brought into the present truth annually through this instrumentality in its present stage of development. Who, then, can estimate what would be accomplished if all who might engage in this work were doing their utmost to help carry it forward? Again, a favorable change in public sentiment respecting our work, and the unprecedented agitation of the public mind concerning some of the decisive features of our faith, demand of us that we place the Signs of the Times and Good Health in every respectable reading-room that will give them a place among its files; and with proper effort this privilege will be granted in nearly every instance. Hundreds of public libraries will gladly accept of such of our bound volumes as we should desire to furnish them, and thus place these books where the public can have free access to them, and become intelligent respecting our work. These agencies should be put in operation, and given opportunity to help mold the public sentiment so that the way may be prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. True, it will require means to carry out these enterprises; but surely there are those among us who will gladly help furnish money, in order that this work may not be hindered. These enterprises are legitimately the work of the tract society; and the Lord will put it into the hearts of those who have the ability, to help with their means as the needs of the cause demand. As Bro. Haskell truthfully remarks, “Instead of diminishing our sacrifices, we should increase them.” May the Lord imbue us more fully with the spirit of his work, and enable us to keep pace with his advancing providence.