Like the Leaves of Autumn by C. MC REYNOLDS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 21, 1910

Like the Leaves of Autumn

By C. MC REYNOLDS

C. MC REYNOLDS

Many times in the past have we heard the statement repeated which was given by the Spirit of God to his servant, “The publications that contain this truth will be scattered like the autumn leaves.” When it became a settled fact that our books could be sold by subscription, we said, “Now we shall see the fulfilment of that prediction.” I remember well when it was reported that book sales by the canvassers had reached $1,000 a week. We said, “O, how soon the message will be placed within the reach of all peoples!”

While considering the summary of book sales by the canvassers, as given in the last report in the Review, and casting up some figures, my heart was stirred to see that not only $1,000 a week, or even $1,000 a day, but over $2,125 a day for every day in the year 1909, is the record of book sales by the canvassers alone. Adding to this the trade books that have been sold, besides large numbers of magazines and other periodicals, which alone reach two thirds the value of the subscription-book sales, we have over $4,000 worth of our literature sold every day, 365 days in the year.

We say this is wonderful; and truly it “is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” But this is only the beginning. Note that there are in the world about 1,500,000,000 people. At the present rate of sales we are placing an average of a little less than one tenth of one cent’s worth of our literature in the hands of each person in the world each year. When we do ten times as much as we are now doing (and how easy it would be), we shall place the equivalent of a one-cent tract in the hands of every person in the world each year. Figuring on an average of five persons to a family, this would mean five cents’ worth of our literature to each home. These deductions are practically correct. Is it possible we are within so easy reach of the world-wide circulation of our literature? Who would not be willing to do ten times as much next year, and then double it the next year, if only we might see this accomplished?

All praise to Him who gave the message into our hands to proclaim; all honor to those who have written and published it in the form of books and periodicals; and much cheer and courage to the noble army who are carrying it to the people. Who does not desire a part in this great work? “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

The harvest of souls to the faithful canvasser is as sure as the harvest to any minister or worker in any other branch of the work. Who will join the ranks? Eternal reward awaits every faithful worker.

Grand Rapids, Wis.