endeavor to labor. The latter ought never to be without a bunch of leaflets suited to diverse conditions and needs. The publication of such literature on an ample scale devolves upon the larger church bodies. Given the literature in suitable variety and quantity for general distribution, it must be distributed broadcast, else it will lie as dead stock on the shelves of the publishing houses and fail to accomplish its purpose. This is one of the grave problems with which synods and churches ought to wrestle earnestly until it is solved far more satisfactorily than is the case in the average parish today. Various sects and secular movements succeed in making large and effective use of the press in the interest of their propaganda. Must the churches that are in possession of the Gospel, the power of God unto salvation for time and for eternity, confess and concede helplessness and inability in this potent and pregnant cause? Inner mission workers have shown and led the way of broadcast distribution of Christian literature. It is a live system of colportage. Some literature can be distributed by mail. But the most effective way is by personal agency. If it is not possible to employ trained colporteurs, as is done in Germany and other countries, it may be possible to inaugurate some system of synodical and parish colportage, by which, under a strong central management and the supervision of the pastors, a large number of volunteer workers may be enlisted in this promising field of labor. Within the parish the work can be done most thoroughly through a regularly appointed missionary committee, selected by the pastor and vestry, and organized under the direction and leadership of the pastor. There should be regular meetings for conference and instruction both as to the best way of approaching people and as to the objects of the literature to be distributed. If a member is able to express a few words of personal appreciation of the cause presented on the printed page, the message will be more likely to be read with interest by the person who receives it at his hands. Systematic work requires the division of the parish into districts. and the appointment of two members for each district. They should not have too many families to visit, lest the work become too burdensome and be neglected. The plan of distributing through a missionary committee has many advantages. It brings the members of the congregation into more frequent contact and active relation with each other. In the distribution of literature it adds the very influential element of personal interest and fraternal fellowship. It helps to develop and employ many valuable forces in the congregation that are now latent and dormant, because they have never been called into active service. It may furnish valuable aid to the pastor in many ways. |