The Result of Systematic Effort in the New England Tract Society.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
By comparing the list of the present subscribers (Aug. 1) for our periodicals with that of Jan. 1, including two quarters, it appears that by the effort of the entire Conference, thirty-four names have been added to the REVIEW list, one hundred and eighty-seven to the Reformer, and seventy-three to the Instructor. Of this number of subscribers, the reports show that thirty-two for the REVIEW, sixty-seven for Instructor, and one hundred and seventy-six for Reformer, have been obtained by members of the Tract Society. Then when it is considered that only sixty-eight reports were received last quarter, and about the same number this, the utility of the tract and missionary operation may be fully seen. Thus this Conference, numbering over three hundred, all professedly interested in the circulation of our periodicals, have obtained but two subscribers for the REVIEW, six for Instructor, and eleven for Reformer, excepting what has been accomplished by about sixty-eight working members of the Society, although the number of those who do not belong to the Society, and those who, for some reason, have not reported who do belong to it, is about two hundred and fifty.
From the above, it will be seen that less than one-fourth of the members of the Conference who are active members of the Tract and Missionary Society have accomplished more than fourteen times the amount of labor by way of obtaining subscribers, within the last six months in this Conference than has been accomplished by those who have not engaged in such systematic labor. Then again, our Tract Society, numbering one hundred and seventy-six, allowing one out of every five to be feeble, or of those who are so situated that they cannot put forth the successful efforts in obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, should the balance of the members labor with the same success that has characterized the sixty-eight above alluded to, the list of subscribers for our periodicals would be increased eleven hundred and seventy-six in a year. This is making no allowance for additional members to the Society, and our becoming more successful by experience. No doubt some of the subscribers thus obtained, would never renew their subscription; but the actual gain must be quite large. But simply the addition to the number of subscribers is of the least importance. The benefit of the experience derived by the individuals thus employed would be of inestimable value to themselves. Secondly, the fact that some of those subscribers would doubtless be led to take such steps as to be saved in the kingdom of God as a result of such labor is sufficient to arouse the most careless and inactive Christian to such a state of consecration that with a godly zeal they could prosecute this work successfully. These facts with reference to the Tract and Missionary Society of New England are true of all others.
There is no time for inactivity in a cause of such priceless value as that in which we are engaged. We have no time to lose. Time is short, and what is done must be done quickly. Neither should individuals engage in missionary labor in a reckless manner. Our general deportment, as well as our words, impress those with whom we come in contact. Therefore we should ever realize that eternal decisions may be made upon impressions received from our efforts; yet our salvation and the salvation of others depend upon the course we pursue in the cause of God.
What shall be done the next six months by the Tract Societies, by way of this missionary work? Every reading room in each Conference, where they will accept it, should have the Reformer, and, if they will read it, the REVIEW. There are hundreds of hotels that would subscribe for the Reformer were they visited by proper persons, and some would take a number of copies. Tracts should be distributed wherever there is a mind to investigate. Autumn is approaching. Fireside missionaries are called for; men and women of piety. Those who cannot devote their laboring hours to missionary work, can call on their neighbors and friends in the evening, and introduce our publications and periodicals. Much can be accomplished in this manner. Send them to your friends at a distance. Thus let the work move on, and in the reaping time it will be seen that our lives were not in vain.
S. N. HASKELL.
Bro. Smith Attends Seventh-day Baptist Conference
By Editor
BRO. SMITH being designated by the General Conference Committee to attend the General Conference of the Seventh-day Baptists, now holding its forty-eighth Annual Session at Southampton, Peoria Co., Ill., as delegate, this No. of the REVIEW necessarily goes to press without the supervision of either of its Editors. B.
To the Brethren of N. Y. and Pa.
By S. B. Whitney
An apology is due you for the delay in the appearance of this report: which is, 1. My distance from the place of meeting. 2. My mode of conveyance (with team) and other circumstances combined with it. 3. And lastly, the fact that the valise containing Conference minutes, &c., was miscarried on the R. R., and delayed several days after I reached home.
And let me urge upon S. B. Treasurers, the importance of being prompt and accurate with quarterly reports. Much trouble and confusion will be saved if this matter is properly attended to. Please remember, that as the Conference year begins with August, the first report is due the first of November, and forward accordingly. If any have not the proper blanks, by informing me with their P. O. address, they shall be supplied.
S. B. WHITNEY, Sec. of Conference.
Keene, Essex Co., N. Y.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
No Providence preventing, we will hold meeting in Flushing village, Sabbath and Sunday, Sept. 28, 29, 1872.
I. D. Van Horn.
S. H. Lane.
If nothing in the providence of God prevents, I will meet with the friends at Portland, Me., Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 21 and 22. The dedication of their hall is expected at this meeting.
Will also be at South Norridgewock, Sept. 28 and 29.
S. N. Haskell.
Quarterly meeting at Sevena, October 5 and 6. Come prepared to seek the Lord. Bro. Marsh is expected.
George Foreman.
The next quarterly meeting of the S. D. Adventist church of Ulysses, Pa., will be held at the Kibbeville school-house, Sept. 28, 29, 1872. The scattered members are invited to be present. Will the Conference Committee please send us some help on the occasion?
A. D. Galutia, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting at Memphis, Mich., Oct. 5 and 6. A general invitation is extended. Let all our scattered members report in person, or by letter. Brethren Lamson and Kenyon are expected.
H. S. Gurney.
Monthly meeting for Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., will be held at Randolph, third Sabbath and first-day in September. A general invitation is extended. We hope especially to see some of the friends from Corydon, Pa.
There will be teams at the station on Friday.
S. Thurston.
Genoa, Sept. 26,
Locke, “ 28 and 29,
Alaiedon, “ 30,
Bunker Hill, Oct. 2,
Leslie, “ 5 and 6.
C. Stoddard.
Quarterly meeting of the church at Hundred-Mile Grove, Wis., Oct. 5 and 6, at which time all who wish will have an opportunity to join the Tract and Missionary Society. We hope to see a general gathering.
N. M. Jordon.
Quarterly meeting of the church in Locke, Mich., Sabbath and first-day Sept. 28 and 29. Sister churches and scattered brethren invited.
Albert Avery.
With the friends in Gratiot Co., at Ithaca, Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 21 and 22. Would like to see a general gathering at this time.
Sabbath, Sept. 28, I will meet with the friends at Vernon, Isabella Co., and continue with them over two Sabbaths.
J. O. Corliss.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the churches in Tract Society and quarterly meeting as follows:—
District No. 3, Ransom Center, Sept. 28, and 29.
East half District No. 4, Oct. 6, where Bro. E. P. Giles may appoint.
E. H. Root.
I will give a course of lectures at Buck-horn School-house, commencing Sept. 18.
Albert Weeks.