Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 20.
The Two Hemispheres and the Sabbath, No. 3Page 1
Earlier text: BIBLE LESSONS FOR YOUTHWHAT SHALL BE DONE FOR OUR TRACT SOCIETIES?
By S. N. Haskell
WHAT THE TRACT SOCIETIES CAN DO.
As a general thing, we as a people have no definite idea of the amount of successful labor that can be performed by our tract and missionary societies, if the labor is performed with an unselfish spirit and in a systematic manner. We say systematic; for if there is a lack of system, confusion and discouragement will inevitably follow. To show what can be done with our periodicals, we have only to refer to churches where clubs of the Signs have been taken and systematically used. There is not a V. M. society in the country that has had proper instruction, that cannot testify to what I here say. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that from six to ten sisters, with the co-operation of their husbands, can use from two to four hundred copies of the Signs of the Times weekly in securing interested readers. With these they will find readers for about as many tracts and pamphlets. Much of this reading matter will be paid for by those receiving it. This plan is not an untried scheme. Ten years’ experience has proved it to be the most successful method of missionary labor, in the absence of regular colportage and canvassing. There are over five hundred churches and companies of Sabbath-keepers, besides hundreds of isolated individuals of our faith, who would gladly take hold of this kind of labor if properly instructed. We make a special effort, and secure ten thousand subscribers for the Signs, in clubs, to be used in this manner; but fifty thousand copies might as well be used as one-fifth that number if the same efforts were put forth by all our people that are being put forth by a few who are taking hold of this work. Give me fifty churches with fifteen devoted souls in each, so situated that they can have weekly meetings; give them the blessing of God and the means to pay for periodicals, and I will warrant a distribution of ten thousand copies of any pioneer paper. These ten thousand copies will enter five hundred thousand families during the year. The labor would be performed by those who attend to their household duties, and who cannot leave home to do missionary work. We therefore unhesitatingly say, We do not know our strength. HOW CAN THIS BE BROUGHT ABOUT?
By the co-operation of all our ministers and leading brethren and sisters. The majority of our people say, “Tell us how, and we are ready to do.” We see no reason why a minister who labors to bring people into the truth should not, as far as possible, present them perfect before God. He should not only give them instructions in regard to a proper observance of the Sabbath and kindred duties, but he should also instruct them respecting the plan of systematic benevolence for the support of the cause generally, and endeavor to impress upon their minds the necessity of heartily engaging in labor for the salvation of others. If the minister is laboring in our established churches, he should make it his business to see that they come up on these points. I can see no reason why the sisters should not use their influence to assist in organizing clubs of Signs throughout the country, and especially in the sections where they live, since the labor performed by these societies is mostly done by them. By properly instructing the people upon this subject, so that we can all work in harmony. If we simply get our brethren to subscribe for a club of the Signs, without any idea how to successfully carry on the work, one-half of the members will become more or less discouraged because of the difficulties which they meet; the Signs are laid upon the shelf, and paying for them becomes a burden. Therefore we say that the people must be instructed, line upon line, and precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little. In fact, these things should be before the mind constantly. Ministers and tract officers especially, should all be prepared to co-operate in this interest, as well as every other which will build our people up in the most holy faith. 1. We propose to keep writing upon this subject; and 2. To have a less number of general meetings, and to have them hold longer in one place and take more of an educational or disciplinary form. Instead of holding meetings one week in a place, we suggest the plan of holding them two or three weeks. At these meetings we want to see a large attendance of all those interested in the missionary work. The instruction given will relate to this enterprise in all its phases; canvassing, colportage, clubbing the Signs, and such organizations as are necessary in the various branches of our work. It will also embrace the Sabbath-school interest, systematic benevolence, etc. In addition to the above, there will be regular preaching upon practical subjects. We are exceedingly anxious to see more accomplished than ever has been by our brethren and sisters in the missionary work. There is a sphere for the minister to fill. He has a special field of labor, and he should be an instructor to the people in all that pertains to practical piety and the building up of the cause of Christ upon the earth. He should exemplify all these principles in his life. But our brethren and sisters situated under varied circumstances in life need a field of labor adapted to their circumstances; so that while they follow their respective vocations, laboring with their hands, they may, in a special sense, be co-laborers with Christ and his angels in the salvation of precious souls. Our brethren in many Conferences are doing nobly in raising a tract fund, that they may be free from embarrassment. Shall not the Conference year of 1878–79 witness an advance movement such as we have never before experienced in this work? TEN THOUSAND SIGNS.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
Two years ago the tract societies commenced taking the SIGNS in clubs and using them in missionary work. About six thousand copies were thus taken and re-mailed weekly to individuals in different parts of this country, and to every other portion of the globe where the English language is spoken. These were paid for in monthly installments to the librarians, who have paid the same into the tract society fund, and thus the SIGNS Office has received payment each quarter. The Judgment alone will reveal the results of this effort. We know of scores who are rejoicing in the truth in consequence of simply reading publications furnished by the tract societies. Some ministers are preaching who have never seen one of like faith save a few who have embraced the truth in the same manner or through their influence. In some companies, Sabbath-schools have been organized. In short, the Lord has blessed the movement; and those who have cheerfully sacrificed their ease and means in this work, if they continue faithful a little longer, will see that they have been co-workers with the angels of God in warning the world. But the question arises, WHAT SHALL WE DO THIS WINTER?
The Signs Office has made the following liberal proposition to the tract societies east of the Rocky Mountains. When taken in clubs of not less than ten copies, the SIGNS is offered at the rate of one dollar and twenty cents per year. (See resolution passed by General Conference.) One dollar per month will pay for ten copies, instead of eight, as last year. In order to furnish them at this price it is necessary that ten thousand copies should be taken among those societies to which this offer is made. Now is the time to commence this work. The long evenings are upon us. There are thousands of men and women who are anxious for something to read, and we ought to enter the field before the enemy sows tares. Shall we be clear before God if we neglect this work?2 We should engage in this work: 1. There are thousands of Seventh-day Adventists who long to do something that God will accept; yet because they cannot leave their homes they are doing nothing in the missionary work, and are dying spiritually for something to do. The thought required to plan the work, to hunt up addresses of individuals, and to correspond with them, will give a valuable experience in the work of God. 2. It develops the mind, and educates the soul for Heaven. Thus, in a particular manner, it connects the individual with the world to come. 3. It presents before him a definite object in life, which, if persevered in, will be an effectual cure for that low sentimentalism which is ruinous to soul and body. 4. The varied reading in the SIGNS is far more effectual in awakening an interest than a doctrinal tract. 5. It is a work that each member in the family can take part in. 6. The SIGNS is the best paper in the world for a pioneer sheet on present truth. 7. The love of Christ, the providence of God, and the Spirit of God, bid us labor for souls. When a club of ten copies of the SIGNS is taken in any church, the money donated to pay for them is paid to one person in the church each month; the papers may be sent to several addresses so that all may take a part in it. Individuals so situated that they are not connected with any church who wish to take a club of less than ten copies, can do so by corresponding with the State secretary. HOW TEN THOUSAND COPIES CAN BE SUBSCRIBED FOR BEFORE JANUARY, 1878.
1. Let every president of the tract societies, with the secretaries, bring this matter before the brethren. 2. Correspond with all the officers of the society and leading brethren immediately. 3. Let every company of Sabbath-keepers that reads these lines commence to act immediately, and not one take less than ten copies. 4. Families living alone and individuals boarding out, away from churches, should take three, five, eight, or ten copies, place them in libraries and reading rooms, give them to acquaintances who are not in the truth, and send to friends far and near. HOW SHALL THEY BE PAID FOR?
In monthly installments. One dollar per month pays for ten copies, fifty cents for five copies, thirty cents for three copies, and so on. Do your business through your tract society officers. Do not wait one week or one day, without planning what you will do, and commence to act. God will help you in the work. Your neighbors and friends will rise up in the Judgment against you unless you lift the warning voice. The most effectual way to do this is to give them reading matter, and the SIGNS is the best we have at present. We are upon the verge of the Judgment; but how little do we realize the importance of the present hour. There should be one general rally to move forward in this work, that it may be said of us individually, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” We expect responses from every church in the country. S. N. HASKELL. GATHERING IN THE SHEAVES.
By L. D. Santee
There's many a soul that's weary, in this world's bitter strife, And many a lip that's parching for a drink of the water of life; And many feet are weary of the roughness of the way, And many hearts discouraged with life's hard, bitter day;— Many the ones that are pressing, instead of the rose, the thorn, And many the bosoms bleeding, by many an anguish torn. Are we raising up the fallen? are we comforting those that grieve? Are we cheering the despondent? thus gathering in the sheaves. Many to-day are weeping for hands that are cold and chill, That are folded in pulseless quiet o'er a bosom white and still; For eyes that are closed and darkened to open on earth no more, For forms that are stilled forever, and gone to the sable shore. Many the lives that are dreary as the drip of November rain, Many the cheek that is wan, and the eye that is dark with pain. Let us point them unto Jesus in the dewy morns and eves, Thus binding the broken hearted, and gathering in the sheaves. There is work in life's great harvest for reapers strong and bold, There are fainting hearts to comfort, there are aching heads to hold. There's glorious work for the reaper through all of the busy day, Till the heat and the glare of the noontide has faded to evening's gray;— Till the deepening of the shadow tells that the day is done, And the trumpet of the Master shall gather the reapers home. Soon will our work be finished, closed by the coming eve; Patience—and ne'er be weary gathering in the sheaves. Life, with its shade and sunshine, is passing fast away, And more of sorrow than joy fills up the weary day. Weeping instead of rejoicing, labor instead of rest, Parting instead of meeting—such is the lot of the best. Shortly the evening cometh; soon will the long day close,— Then will our rest be sweet, with freedom from all earth's woes; Then will be crowns of glory—never a reaper grieves, But we'll come at the call of Jesus, laden with golden sheaves. L. D. SANTEE. Sherman City, Kansas. FINANCIAL REPORT.
By J. Fargo; Mrs. S. H. Lane
Debt at commencement of year, $1954.86
Paid out during year, 5324.40
$7279.26
Received, 6206.41
$1072.85
Due Officers. Oct. 22, 1878, $1072.85
Value of books on hand as reported by six districts, 1144.33
Balance in favor of State $71.48 Remarks were made by Eld. Haskell, in which he compared the work of the past year with that of the previous year, showing a decided increase in most departments. The propriety and importance of canvassing for periodicals on the camp-ground was spoken of at length, and a corps of canvassers was appointed to act during the camp-meeting. On motion, the following committees were appointed by the chair:— On nominations: Wm. Ostrander, I. A. Olmstead, and M. S. Burnham. On resolutions: H. M. Kenyon, D. H. Lamson, and E. B. Lane. Adjourned to call of chair. SECOND MEETING, SUNDAY, OCT. 10.
The report of the committee appointed at a State quarterly meeting held some time previously, to consider the propriety of re-districting the State, was called for, and after some amendments, was accepted. The report, as amended, is as follows:— Dist. No. 1 shall include the churches of Ransom, Jefferson, Hillsdale, and Adrian. Dist. No. 2, Jackson, Tompkins, Springport, Spring Arbor, Liberty, Napoleon, Bunker Hill, Leslie. No. 10, Mt. Morris, Thetford, Flint, Holly, Lapeer. No. 14, Lansing, Dimondale, Potterville, Eaton Rapids, Olivet, Partello, Charlotte. No. 15, Hastings, Hickory Corners, Assyria, Maple Grove. No. 16, Pontiac, Rochester, Birmingham, Detroit, Utica. The report of the committee on raising a fund of $3000 was called for and read. Moved, by Eld. S. N. Haskell, That this subject be referred back to the committee, and the $3000 be raised according to the membership and wealth of the districts. Carried. The report of the Committee on Nominations was called for, and, after one or two substitutions, the following officers were separately elected:— President, Eld. J. Fargo; Vice-president, D. H. Lamson; Secretary, Mrs. S. H. Lane. Directors: Dist. No. 1, F. D. Snyder; No. 2, E. P. Giles; No. 3, R. Sawyer; No. 4, Alex. Carpenter; No. 5, E. H. Root; No. 6, F. Howe; No. 7, F. Squire; No. 8, John McGregor; No. 9, Wm. Ostrander; No. 10, Samuel Woodhull; No. 11, Charles Stuttle; No. 12, Peter Smalley; No. 13, Wm. H. Mills; No. 14, J. W. Carman; No. 15, L. G. Moore; No. 16, David Randall. The following resolutions were adopted:— Resolved, That we invite the Michigan Conference Committee to arrange the State into sections, and appoint such ministers as they think proper to accompany a director or directors to visit each church in said division, in order to more fully arouse our brethren in tract and missionary work. Whereas, the utility of taking the SIGNS in clubs and remailing them to individuals, with correspondence, has proved a success in awakening an interest in many places, therefore, Resolved, That we recommend each church society, and individuals living alone, to subscribe for a club of SIGNS, and pay for them on the monthly installment plan. MAINE T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By J. B. Goodrich; R. J. Goodrich
The annual session of the Maine T. and M. Society was held with the church at Norridgewock, Oct. 27, 1878, at nine A. M. The president, J. B. Goodrich, and two directors, Brn. Barker and Emery, were present. Meeting opened with prayer by the president. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved. The report of labor for the quarter ending Oct. 1, 1878, was read, which was as follows:— No. of reports returned, 38
“ “ families visited, 153
“ “ letters written, 269
“ “ received, 34
“ “ new subscribers, 89
“ “ periodicals distributed, 1,782
“ “ annuals distributed, 57
“ “ page tracts and pamphlets distributed, 46,246
Money rec’d for membership, $5.25
“ “ by donation, 3.75
“ “ from book sales, 3.46
“ “ new subscribers, 8.35
“ “ by paying one-third, 10.62
Total amount rec’d, $31.43 The chair, having been empowered to do so, appointed G. W. Barker, A. W. Low, and E. C. Taylor the committee on nominations. The committee reported the following-named persons as officers of the society for the ensuing year: President, J. B. Goodrich; Vice-president, S. J. Hersum; Secretary, R. J. Goodrich; Directors, Dist. No. 1, W. W. Putman; No. 2, T. S. Emery; No. 3, Frank Dexter; No. 4, C. R. Davis; No. 5, John Bell; No. 6, E. Shebom. These persons were duly elected. The subject of a State Sabbath-school organization was introduced, and the constitution as given in the REVIEW was read and adopted. J. B. Goodrich was elected President of the State Sabbath-school Association; John Allen, Secretary; and J. B. Goodrich, R. S. Webber, and T. S. Emery, Executive Committee. The subject of buying a mission tent was taken up and discussed. It was voted to buy a fifty-foot tent, and raise the money to pay for it by the first of March. Remarks were made by the president upon the financial standing of the society. And it was voted that J. B. Goodrich appoint one in each church to collect means to pay the indebtedness of the society; the amount to be specified by him. J. B. Goodrich, Pres.
R. J. Goodrich, Sec. Maryland Tract and Missionary Society.
Report of labor for quarter ending Oct. 6, 1878:—
Number of members, 8
“ reports returned, 8
“ families visited, 9
“ letters written, 4
“ periodicals distributed, 12
Tracts and pamphlets, No. pp., 1,750
Amount of money received, $6.03
Annie R. Jones, Sec. New England T. and M. Society.
Annual report of labor for the year ending Oct. 1, 1878.
Directors: J. C. Tucker; M. Wood; S. Martin; B. T. Wakefield; S. H. Tripp; E. B. Bolter; J. F. Israel; Ed. N. Orcutt.
Totals: Members, 409; Reports Returned, 761; Families Visited, 2,078; Letters Written, 3,077; Subscribers obt. for Review, 47; Subscribers obt. for Reformer, 491; Subscribers obt. for Instructor, 177; Subscribers obt. for Signs, 79; Periodicals Distributed, 19,286; Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets Distributed, 640,904; Annuals Distributed, 6,411; Donations, Sales and Membership, $14,159. Annual Report of V. M. Society.
No. of Families Visited, 318
“ “ Letters written, 1,392
“ “ Letters received, 429
Subscribers obt. for periodicals, 256
Periodicals distributed, 4,805
Pages of tracts and pamphlets dis., 11,478
Annals distributed, 445
Eliza Thayer, Asst. Sec. The seventh annual session of the Michigan Tract and Missionary Society was held, according to appointment, at Battle Creek, Oct. 3, 1878. A large number of delegates were present from different parts of the State. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The report of labor for the present year was then read, which is as follows:— | District |
Number of Members |
Families Visited |
Letters Written |
Money Received |
Subscribers Obtained |
Periodicals Distributed |
Annuals Distributed |
Pages of Tracts Distributed |
|---|
| 1 |
87 |
139 |
128 |
$102 28 |
24 |
1880 |
1066 |
73171 |
| 2 |
.... |
243 |
383 |
284 03 |
103 |
4401 |
989 |
108886 |
| 3 |
.... |
1254 |
2814 |
449 40 |
568 |
17016 |
3950 |
314588 |
| 4 |
79 |
87 |
183 |
130 48 |
178 |
2266 |
767 |
57138 |
| 5 |
110 |
13 |
257 |
148 56 |
650 |
1398 |
568 |
293859 |
| 6 |
208 |
638 |
291 |
408 00 |
256 |
4124 |
1496 |
252375 |
| 7 |
.... |
609 |
236 |
146 05 |
372 |
2995 |
875 |
62908 |
| 8 |
63 |
51 |
106 |
74 65 |
36 |
471 |
433 |
8446 |
| 9 |
67 |
45 |
156 |
135 95 |
74 |
3427 |
493 |
42094 |
| 10 |
116 |
40 |
118 |
111 48 |
47 |
1146 |
606 |
60615 |
| 11 |
.... |
70 |
50 |
69 52 |
.... |
822 |
886 |
12639 |
| 12 |
8 |
18 |
.... |
23 10 |
.... |
100 |
.... |
11864 |
| 13 |
63 |
191 |
214 |
66 08 |
27 |
2072 |
9512 |
14194 |
|
801 |
8898 |
14876 |
$2149 53 |
2685 |
41668 |
14671 |
986277 |
MINNESOTA TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
By Nettie Grant
REPORT of missionary labor in this society for the quarter ending Oct. 1, 1878, is as follows:— No. of families visited, 398
“ “ letters written, 765
“ “ subscribers for REVIEW, 24
“ “ “ HEALTH REFORMER, 50
“ “ “ YOUTH'S INSTR'TOR, 38
“ “ “ SIGNS OF TIMES, 22
“ “ “ ADVENT TIDENDE, 19
“ “ “ ADVENT HERALD, 2
“ “ “ COLLEGE RECORD, 11
“ “ periodicals distributed, 3,517
“ “ Annuals “ 28
“ “ pp. tracts and pamphlets dist'd, 69,587 Amount of money received, $334.62 WISCONSIN TRACT SOCIETY.
By Mattie A. Kerr; H. W. Decker
The following is the report of the Wisconsin Tract Society for the quarter ending Oct. 1, 1878:— District. No. of Reports. Number of Families Visited. Number of Letters Written. Money Received. New Subscribers for Periodicals. Periodicals sent on Trial. Periodicals given away. Annuals given away. Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets given away. Directors. MATTIE A. KERR, Sec. H. W. DECKER, Pres. ILLINOIS TRACT SOCIETY.
By G. W. Colcord; W. Pottinger
The State quarterly meeting of the Illinois Tract and Missionary Society was held at Watseka, Ill., Oct. 20, 1878, at nine A. M. Opened by singing, and prayer by the president, Eld. Colcord. The secretary being absent, W. Pottinger was elected secretary pro tem. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The secretary then gave a tabular summary report as follows:— | Summary |
Total |
|---|
| No. of Members |
292 |
| No. Reports Returned |
116 |
| No. Families Visited |
514 |
| No. Letters Written |
1051 |
| New Subscribers to our Periodicals |
148 |
| Periodicals Distributed |
1516 |
| Pages Tracts and Pamphlets Distributed |
87187 |
| Annuals Distributed |
286 |
| Money Received |
$212.85 |
| Annuals Ordered for 1879 |
2420 |
On motion, the society ordered the publication of the report as presented. The following resolution was then offered:— Resolved, That we greatly regret the failure of some districts to report, and the very meager reports of others; and that it is the sense of this meeting that each district secretary should send in his report in time to have the same taken into account and reported upon. Some general remarks were made by the president concerning the T. and M. labor in Dist. No. 9. The attendance was not as large as was desired, yet several churches in the district were represented. Five discourses were given by the president, all practical in their nature; and it is hoped that much good may result from the meeting. G. W. Colcord, Pres. W. POTTINGER, Sec. pro tem. NORTH PACIFIC TRACT SOCIETY.
By I. D. Van Horn
The following is a summary of the work done by the North Pacific Tract Society for the quarter ending Oct. 1, 1878:— | Districts |
No. 1 |
No. 2 |
No. 3 |
Total |
|---|
| No. of Members |
52 |
22 |
54 |
128 |
| Members Reported |
18 |
4 |
25 |
42 |
| Families Visited |
...... |
...... |
30 |
30 |
| Letters Written |
...... |
...... |
22 |
22 |
| New Subscribers obt. |
4 |
2 |
14 |
20 |
| Papers Distributed |
197 |
80 |
170 |
447 |
| Pages Tracts & Pam. |
5052 |
768 |
7838 |
18158 |
| Pages of Books Loaned |
...... |
20 |
4874 |
4894 |
|
No. 1 |
No. 2 |
No. 3 |
Total |
|---|
| For Memberships |
$1 00 |
...... |
$6 00 |
$7 00 |
| For Book Sales |
...... |
...... |
6 05 |
6 05 |
| By Donations |
7 00 |
...... |
16 97 |
23 97 |
| New Subscribers |
5 00 |
...... |
...... |
5 00 |
| Dime Tabernacle |
28 25 |
...... |
...... |
28 25 |
LIBRARIANS
By Maria L. Huntley
The office of librarian has been regarded by many as one of not much importance or responsibility. This idea arises from too limited views of the missionary work, and an imperfect understanding of the duties of these officers. Those librarians who simply supply publications to members as they are called for, and transact such business as may come to them, take upon themselves but a small part of the labor which they should perform. It is impossible to specify all the duties of tract and missionary officers, and say thus much is required of them and no more. Christ has left us an example of a truly missionary life, and of his labors the sacred historian says: “There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” If the same spirit dwells in our hearts that dwelt in his, we shall be actuated to earnestness and diligence in the same work which engaged his attention. We also read that unless we have the spirit of Christ we are none of his. Librarians have their field of labor assigned to them. The interests of the tract society work in their various localities is committed to their keeping, and God holds them as responsible for the faithful performance of the duties of their position as he does those in higher positions. It is within their province to see that all within their various churches are properly supplied with our periodicals; that none remain away from meetings or the Sabbath-school from any cause that can be removed; to labor for the benefit of enterprises of general interest in securing pledges, etc., for the same; to keep the importance of the missionary work before the church, and especially to interest scattered members in it, and see that they are supplied with premiums and other publications, and to watch over the interests of the work with a jealous and unceasing care. It is also important that all business transacted by the librarians should be properly reported and recorded. When this is imperfectly done, it occasions much perplexity and loss of time and means. In reporting business on periodicals, the following points should be mentioned: 1. The letters containing it should be numbered; 2. The addresses of persons to whom the periodicals are to be sent should be given in full, plainly written; 3. The letters should tell the price of each paper, and the time it is to be sent; 4. If premiums have been furnished, this should be stated; 5. The letters should tell how the business is to be charged. When money is paid or forwarded to the secretary, it should be accompanied with a written statement, specifying what part of the amount was received on membership, donations, one-third, sales, SIGNS OF TIMES, and the periodicals issued at the REVIEW AND HERALD Office. Too much care cannot be taken to guard the tract society funds. Much of the means thus appropriated has been consecrated by the prayers and sacrificing spirit of the donors, and angels of God watch the appropriation of it. The business done by the society on periodicals should be kept distinct from other business by librarians and secretaries. This was one object of the periodical book. If properly kept, this book shows the value of periodicals ordered, and how much money has been paid for them by each church, on the librarian’s and district secretary’s books; and by each district, on the State secretary’s book. Thus each district secretary becomes responsible to the State secretary for all periodicals he has ordered, and each librarian to the district secretary. It therefore devolves upon the librarian to collect of individuals what is due on all periodicals he has ordered. If he fails to do this, and the books are not systematically kept, there will be a deficiency of periodical money, and no one can tell who is responsible. The deficiency even, may not be detected. The periodicals must be paid for at the publishing house; and money that has been donated to enable the society to send out our publications is appropriated to paying for periodicals that should have been paid for by the individuals receiving them, or by clubs or agents who, through thoughtlessness, neglect to do so. These periodical accounts must be balanced every quarter. If correctly kept, the librarian’s account will agree with the district secretary’s; the district secretary’s with the State secretary’s, and the State secretary’s with that kept by the office of publication. Thus they prove each other. If mistakes occur, they can easily be detected by comparing accounts, which should be done every quarter. Those unable to pay for periodicals should be assisted by the society. Frequently some can pay within a few months; such should have the papers immediately, and the society should wait until they can pay for them; but the officers of the society should understand the circumstances in such cases. Tract and missionary officers, above all others, should take, and read, our periodicals, especially the REVIEW; but we have been much surprised at not finding the names of many of the directors and librarians in some4 Conferences on the list of subscribers at the Office. No one can be an intelligent laborer in the missionary cause without the REVIEW, and if these officers are unable to subscribe for it, the society would do well to furnish it to them at once. Some time since, a request appeared in the REVIEW to the officers of one of the State societies from the president, requiring an immediate response from them. From fourteen districts, only four directors responded. Evidently ten of these directors either did not take the REVIEW, or did not read it sufficiently to see the notice, or were too negligent to reply. The district secretaries and librarians were also silent. It is impossible for a tract society to prosper unless its officers co-operate, and are prompt and energetic in the work of the society. The same principle applies in making out reports of missionary labor. If the librarians do not make out full reports, the district secretaries cannot. The State secretary is dependent upon the district secretaries for the report, and thus the imperfections of the librarian’s report are carried into all the reports. The blank report prepared for members should not be used by any of the T. and M. officers, as it does not mention all the particulars which should appear in their reports. MARIA L. HUNTLEY,
Sec. Gen. T. and M. S. KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE TRACT SOCIETY.
By Clinton Owen; Bettie Coombs
This society convened at Powder Mills, Oct. 25, at two P. M. The meeting was opened with prayer by Clinton Owen. The quarterly report of Kentucky and Tennessee Tract Society for the present quarter is as follows:— Subscribers for REFORMER, 12
“ “ INSTRUCTOR, 4
“ “ REVIEW, 3
No. of periodicals distributed, 1,631
“ “ pages tracts loaned, 1,348
“ “ “ tracts sold, 7,934
“ “ families visited, 3
“ “ letters written, 12
“ “ members, 50
Rec’d from new subscribers, $6.00
“ “ book sales, 6.35
“ “ donations, 5.25 Paid into the treasury, $17.60
Pages of tracts given away, 4,677 Clinton Owen was elected president; J. B. Forrest, Vice-president; Bettie Coombs, Secretary and Librarian. Voted, That Clinton Owen act as director of Tennessee, Dist. No. 2; and J. B. Forrest as director of Kentucky, Dist. No. 1. IOWA AND NEBRASKA TRACT SOCIETY.
The twelfth annual session of the Iowa and Nebraska Tract Society was held at Oskaloosa, Iowa, on the camp-ground, Sept. 20, 1878, at half past nine A. M. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. Haskell, after which the report of the last annual session was read and approved. The report of labor for the year just closed was read as follows:— No. of families visited, 2,095
No. of letters written, 1,097
No. of periodicals distributed, 17,576
No. of Annuals, 2,665
No. of pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, 830,663
No. of new subscribers for Review, 101
No. of new subscribers for Reformer, 111
No. of new subscribers for Instructor, 110
No. of new subscribers for Signs, 145
Money received on membership, $54.75
On donations, 467.45
On book sales, 238.03
From new subscribers, 195.65
One-third S. B. pledge, 75.81
Money paid by districts not reporting, 250.62
Total, $1,282.31 Eld. Haskell addressed the meeting on the duty of laboring, and the best manner of doing our work. The chair, having been authorized to appoint a nominating committee, named G. I. Butler, J. T. Mitchell, and C. L. Boyd as said committee. Eld. Haskell then gave a very interesting account of the conversion of Bro. Ribton to the truth, and also told how the telegraph operator at Cairo, Egypt, was brought into the truth by means of the telegraph. On motion, a committee, consisting of the directors of the several districts, was appointed to re-district the State. On motion, adjourned to call of the chair. Met at half past two o’clock P. M., Sept. 22, 1878. Minutes of first session read and approved. Reports of committees being called for, the committee last appointed reported as follows:— The counties of Emmet, Dickinson, Osceola, Lyon, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, and Palo-Alto, in the State of Iowa, are to be received into this society, and to be known as Dist. No. 12; the counties of Worth, Winnebago, Kossuth, Hancock, and Cerro Gordo, in the State of Iowa, to be received into this society, and known as Dist. No. 13; and Dakota Territory to be known as Dist. No. 14. The State of Nebraska was not included, it being thought best that it form a separate society. Said report, on motion, was then accepted, and adopted. Committee on nominations then reported:— For President, L. McCoy, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa; Vice-president, J. H. Morrison; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Lizzie Hornby, 204, W. 16th street, Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa; for Director Dist. No. 1, F. H. Chapman, West Union, Fayette Co.; No. 2, J. T. Mitchell, Lisbon, Linn Co.; No. 3, J. W. Adams, Richmond, Washington Co.; No. 4, W. W. Concklin, New London, Henry Co.; No. 5, Noah Hodges, Sandyville, Warren Co.; No. 6, J. L. Syp, Alton, Union Co.; No. 7, A. J. Stiffler, Winterset, Madison Co.; No. 8, A. H. Bunnell, Missouri Valley, Harrison Co.; No. 9, W. B. Everhart, Hooks Point, Hamilton Co.; No. 10, S. M. Holly, State Center, Marshall Co.; No. 11, B. Van Daren, Smithland, Woodbury Co.; No. 12, Ole Olesen, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto Co.; No. 13, A. C. Hardy, Forest City, Winnebago Co.; No. 14, Chris Fredrickson, Elk Point, Dakota Territory. This report was adopted, and the nominees elected as reported. On motion, the new constitution was adopted. On motion, adjourned sine die. H. Nicola, Pres.
C. G. Johnston, Sec. QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE IOWA T. AND M. SOCIETY.
The society met at the S. D. Adventist house of worship in State Center, Iowa, Oct. 20, 1878, at half past nine o’clock A. M. Meeting called to order by the president, Eld. L. McCoy. Prayer by P. E. Ferrin. The secretary being absent, on motion P. E. Ferrin acted as secretary. Reports were called for; only Dist. 10 responded. (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 14 have since sent in reports.) The following is a summary of work reported during the quarter:— No. of members, 128
No. of reports, 89
Families visited, 619
Letters written, 140
No. of new subscribers for periodicals, 138
Periodicals distributed, 1,628
Annuals, 77
Pages tracts and pamphlets dist’d., 86,476
Books presented to libraries, 10
Money received, $153.40 It was recommended by Eld. McCoy that the directors, when it is impossible for them to attend the general quarterly meeting of the society, should report the business and wants of their districts by letter.
L. McCoy, Pres.
P. E. Ferrin, Sec. pro tem.