LOSS AND GAIN ACCOUNT OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY GCB January 1, 1897, page 70

L. T. NICOLA

For Year Ending Dec. 31, 1895.

The Committee on Plans and Resolutions was then called upon to report; and submitted the following recommendations:— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.1

Whereas. The Lord has, through the Spirit of prophecy, pointed out the importance of the tract and missionary work, and has urged his people to greater activity in this line; and,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.2

Whereas, The way is now in a special manner open for our publications to be scattered in all parts of the world, earnest calls for light and truth coming in from every direction, and the spirit of impartial investigation being very active therefore:— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.3

Resolved, That we recognize the Lord’s hand in this favorable condition of things, and put forth increased efforts to followed up the openings which present themselves, laying broader plans, and preparing for a more vigorous campaign with our literature the coming year than ever before. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.4

Whereas, Our attention has repeatedly been called to the importance of giving our periodicals a wide circulation; and,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.5

Whereas, It has been demonstrated that the work can be made nearly or quite self-sustaining when taken hold of in the right way, therefore we recommend:— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.6

1. That in every church, persons be selected to make a house-to-house canvass for long or short term subscriptions, and that we encourage the delivery, in person of all short term subscriptions. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.7

2. That in our large cities the papers be sold on the street and from house to house, working up regular routes as far as possible. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.8

3. That churches be recommended to take clubs for general missionary work. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.9

4. That Bible workers be encouraged to use the Signs of the Times in securing readers and in carrying forward their work. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.10

5. That each Conference employ competent persons to visit the churches, giving instruction in this line of work and taking right hold to show the people how to make it a success. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.11

6. That we appeal to our ministers, canvassers and officers of churches generally, to interest themselves in this line of work, and give it their hearty support. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.12

7. That we recommend for favorable consideration the plan of issuing editions of the Signs of the Times to be used in advertising our camp-meetings and other important gatherings. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.13

Whereas, Experience has demonstrated that our tracts and pamphlets can also be sold by a house-to-house canvass; therefore,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.14

Resolved, That we encourage members of our local societies and scattered members who are not otherwise engaged in the cause, to devote a portion or all of their time to this line of work, using the envelope package plan as far as consistent. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.15

Whereas, There are so many of our American churches in the neighborhood of large German and Scandinavian settlements; therefore,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.16

Resolved, That we invite these churches, and our American brethren and sisters generally, to assist in the work of introducing our German and Scandinavian periodicals, and securing subscribers for them. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.17

Whereas, The plan of appointing men to devote their whole time to canvassing for these papers has met with general success; therefore,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.18

Resolved, That we request those of our Conferences which have a considerable German or Scandinavian population to consider favorably the proposition to select one or more men to act in this capacity, to be remunerated in the same way as other Conference laborers. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.19

Whereas, Visiting the sick and needy and ministering to their wants is the very best kind of missionary work, and was really contemplated in the original organization of the tract and missionary society: therefore,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.20

Resolved, That we urge our missionary societies to take hold of this work in earnest, giving it in all their meetings, and elsewhere, equal time and attention with the work of circulating our literature. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.21

Your committee would further recommend,— GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.22

That greater efforts be put forth to circulate evangelical literature among the inmates of prisons, hospitals, reform schools, and other public institutions, with a view to leading souls to Christ. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.23

That we hereby approve of the transfer of the publishing work from this society to the publishing houses, as enacted at the last meeting of the General Conference Association. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.24

The main points contained in this report had been referred to frequently in the meetings of the Conference, and were well understood. The hour was, moreover, late. For these reasons, the resolutions elicited little discussion. They were unanimously adopted. GCB January 1, 1897, page 70.25

Following this, the committee on nominations reported. It was moved and carried that this report be adopted by considering each name separately, but the meeting adjourned before action was taken on the report as a whole. GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.1

The next day, at 10:15 A. M., a third meeting of the Society was called immediately following the adjournment of the General Conference. In this meeting the report just referred to was taken up for consideration, and adopted, with some changes, as follows:— GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.2

For President.—G. A. Irwin. GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.3

For Vice-President.—Allen Moon. GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.4

For Secretary and Treasurer.—L. T. Nicola. GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.5

Board of Directors.—G. A. Irwin, Allen Moon, L. T. Nicola. W. W. Prescott, H. P. Holser, C. H. Jones, Wm. Covert. S. H. Lane, A. O. Tait, I. D. Van Horn, F. L. Mead. GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.6

The election of officers having been completed, the Society adjourned sine die. GCB January 1, 1897, page 71.7

M. E. OLSEN,. O. A. OLSEN.
Secretary pro. tem. Chairman.