Gospel Tract Work
The importance of tract distributing cannot be stressed too highly, for this work has been greatly blessed of God through the years. Today more tracts than ever before are being placed in the hands of the unsaved. About 120 millions of tracts, it is estimated, went forth on this continent last year; one large firm being responsible for over forty millions.
The Purpose Of Tract Work
It is not enough that large quantities of leaflets should be printed and broadcast. The work must be carried on with a definite purpose in mind, namely, that the Lord may be glorified in souls being won for Him. With this end in view, we would seek to stimulate a greater interest on the part of young Christians, many of whom have not yet discovered the joy and blessing that comes with the distributing of the Word of Life in tract form.
The Value Of Tract Work
Tracts can go anywhere; they travel at small expense; they never tire; they know no fear; they ask no gifts or favours; they can talk to one or a crowd, and need no platform to proclaim their message. They can speak in the kitchen or the store, the broad highway or the quiet room; they take no note of scoffs or jeers. When they tell their story, they are not betrayed into making hasty remarks; they will not answer silly questions, and do not change to suit any individual. They can be made to teach the truth on any subject; they often succeed when sermons fail, and they get to persons who would not be spoken to personally.
Opportunities For Tract Work
We should be ready for any opportunity that occurs. Every child of God should carry at all times a few gospel tracts, which may be given to individuals or left in streetcars, coaches, waiting-rooms, and countless other places. Inside the door of many homes is a Tract Holder, containing a selection of booklets to pass out to those who call. Canvassers, milkmen, bakers, postmen, and others usually will accept gladly a message given in a friendly way. A holder with pockets may be made from wood or imitation leather; some depots sell them complete with tracts at a small cost. Young converts may engage in useful service for the Lord by going in bands to cover a locality or village with tracts. This provides a gainful outlet for their youthful energy. People who are sick or sorrowing often are cheered through receiving an appropriate message delivered to them personally or through the mails.
Diligence In Tract Work
Tract work should never be done in a haphazard way. A good tradesman first plans his work and later has pleasure in a job well done. Likewise, with God’s help, the distributor will use wisdom in the choice of the tracts he passes out. Admittedly, there are some individuals specially adapted for this work. Their personality enables them to approach strangers with such a pleasing manner that the offered gospel paper almost invariably is received. Christians who do not possess this faculty, may develop it to a degree by thoughtfulness and perseverance.
Wisdom In Tract Work
Always remember that you are in the work of a King; never give out your tract as though you were apologizing for it. Be pleasant; if you give out your gospel paper with a smile it will be received more readily and will be read. Be tactful; do not give out your tract at an inopportune time. Wait until you feel sure the paper will be accepted, but be careful not to let the opportunity slip away. If giving a tract to a busy clerk, wait until you get your change, then suggest that he read the booklet at a leisure moment. Do not force your tracts upon anyone. By cultivating a tactful manner, you will find real happiness and joy in this profitable service for the Lord.
Prayer For Tract Work
Good seed needs water if it is to bring forth fruit. The printed word must be watered by prayer, whether the tracts are mailed, given away at open air meetings, or distributed individually. Whenever you make special contacts, or have an opportunity for personal witness, be sure to remember at the Throne of Grace the person whom you have contacted.
The Harvest For Tract Work
Tract work is not all sunshine. In spite of all the tact, courtesy, and wisdom that may be used, we may occasionally be ridiculed, scorned or even abused. Take courage, young believer. The reaction on the part of the unsaved person may be an outcome of his inward conviction. In any case, the experience will do you no harm, perhaps much good. Dark clouds and rain are not pleasant, but a little shower now and then is refreshing. A well-known speaker once said, “I had a real spiritual uplift by being publicly ridiculed in a bus when passing out a few tracts; a little reproach for Christ, of which I felt utterly unworthy.”
The sower of the Living Seed should not be easily discouraged; he should remember that the harvest is sure. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth… gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together” (John 4:35-36). Let us, then, occupy ourselves in this fruitful field of harvesting while we may. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psa. 126:6).
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“Whatever makes Christ more precious to us is of God. Whatever comes between us and Christ is of the devil.
—E.D.