Layman's Experience in Newspaper Work
By C. E. OVERSTREET.
The public press is a powerful medium for the molding of the public mind. It is a well-known fact that through the press is expressed the opinions of men that mold the sentiment of others in every walk of life. Since man was created by God, and since the press is an invention of man through the direction of our Heavenly Father for the express purpose of giving the message in these last days, we ought, therefore, to put forth every effort to give the truth in this way. Those who are located in the towns and cities and who cannot get out to do other lines of work, will find that in this way they can do a powerful work. The young people especially should take this opportunity of giving the truth to others. There are many of our young people with a good education but not the gift of public speaking, who could do a wonderful work in this way. The press is open to us today as never before. Shall we sit with folded hands and let the time glide away?—God forbid that this should be the case. We need not expect to have every paper print our articles. Nevertheless, why should we stop trying because we are refused by some newspaper men? We ought to learn the adage, “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.” Ask God to guide you, and try others. I have been writing for the press in Roanoke, Va., for about six months. I first started writing about the war, treating on the eleventh chapter of Daniel. One person is keeping the Sabbath as a result of reading these articles. Others are deeply interested. Only a few days ago a man who holds quite a responsible position in the railroad company here told me that he had never read anything that did him so much good as those articles. He also said that his friends came to him rejoicing over the good they had received through reading them. God be praised for this. While in Winston-Salem, N. C., a short time ago, I went to see the editor of the morning paper. After telling him my business, he hesitated a few minutes, and stated that it was about all he could do at that time to pay the correspondents he had. I told him that my contributions would be free of charge. He looked at me with astonishment, and said, “Why do you do that?” I said, “For the good it will do others.” He printed my articles willingly. What some have done, others can do. I trust that others will be encouraged to push this phase of the work and thus hasten the coming of the Saviour.