534 History of Methodism 



in the Conference district, and left to be visited in his rounds this 

 year the more distant and less able sections, we see abundant reason 

 why the collections this year have not been larger. Nevertheless, 

 when we contrast the amount raised for this cause with those which 

 have been realized for other enterprises during the early period of 

 their existence, we have great reason to thank God and take courage. 



It behooves the society to consider well the importance of the 

 work in which they are engaged, and the pressing necessities which 

 demand our most vigorous exertions. Let it be remembered what 

 efforts are making by the world to circulate cheap publications of 

 the vilest and most demoralizing kind, exerting a baneful influence 

 upon society. The circulation of these is not confined to the stores 

 of our cities and towns. With an energy and industry worthy of a 

 better cause, every means is employed for their diffusion at railroad 

 depots and in public conveyances, until the public mind is deeply 

 inoculated with the poisonous virus. What better mode of counter- 

 acting their pernicious influence can be devised than the publica- 

 tion and wide circulation of tracts and good books which shall 

 elevate the public taste, refine the public manners, and purify the 

 public morals? Shall we permit it to be said that we are less active 

 in availing ourselves of those means which the progressive spirit 

 of the age affords for the accomplishment of good than the enemies 

 of truth and virtue are in employing them for evil? 



It should be borne in mind that the great want of the age is not 

 large and labored works, folios, quartos, and octavos, but tracts and 

 small volumes simple in style and cheap in price. We must re- 

 member how much profound philosophy is embodied in that saying, 

 " Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes the 

 laws." The publications which are needed are those which are 

 adapted to the popular mind, to the less informed, and especially to 

 the young. It is impossible to estimate the influence which has 

 been exerted on society by such books and tracts as Bunyan's Pil- 

 grim's Progress, Baxter's Saint's Rest, the Dairyman's Daughter, 

 and the Shepherd of Salisbury Plain. These are the kind of books 

 which take hold upon the feelings of men, affect the hearts of 

 women, and bring tears to the children's eyes. And it is books of 

 this description which the people want, and which the people will 

 read. 



The board would desire especially to bring to the view of our 

 brethren, the members of this Conference, how excellent an oppor- 

 tunity is afforded them by this organization for securing to them- 



