Work for the Blind by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 8, 1905

Work for the Blind

By Editor

To the General Conference Assembled.

BRETHREN: While we are considering the world-wide field, let us not overlook the needs of our friends who are in double darkness. Let us consider, briefly, the publishing work for the blind,—what it has done, what it is doing, and what can be accomplished with the aid of the leaders.

First, the work was begun in a small way about six years ago. Those in charge of the publishing work for the blind at that time began by publishing a few tracts in the language of those without sight. These tracts were welcomed by many of the blind throughout the United States; and some accepted the third angel’s message by reading the truths brought out in these tracts; and those who accepted the message by reading these tracts, have remained steadfast till this day. The General Conference Committee, seeing the result of these tracts, was persuaded that something more must be done. And the committee, led by the Spirit of God, decided to publish a monthly journal, and called it the Christian Record. Thus the work of giving the last-day message to the blind in their own language was begun. And thanks be to God, the work has steadily increased. The first issue of the journal was sent out in January, 1900. While the tracts are full of instruction pertaining to the truths of the third angel’s message, the magazine sent out in advance of the tracts paved the way for them. And thus the message due the world at this time began sounding to the blind in greater power than it did through the tracts.

Seventy-five copies were issued the first month; and the two workers entrusted with the work at that time, thought they were getting out a large number. This small edition seemed large from the fact that the work had to be done by hand. Motor or steam power could not be applied. Neither do we now have the advantage of the modern improvements in connection with our work to-day. The work and workers have been handicapped, and they have labored faithfully under great difficulties; but notwithstanding this fact, the warning message has been given, and many souls, blackened by sin, have been washed in the blood of Christ, and are now uniting their voices with us in giving the everlasting gospel to those in like circumstances.

The circulation has slowly increased, so that instead of sending out seventy-five, we are at the present time mailing between six and seven hundred monthly. Our progress has been slow, and we regret that we have not been able to do more for the thousands of blind men and women in this country and across the waters, who are ready to hear what we have to tell them. But to reach these perishing souls, the leaders of this denomination must co-operate with us. We need your support. We need your sympathy. We need your prayers.

We believe that it is time the work among blind people should be given its place in the message. We are convinced that each State conference, tract society, church, and individual should consider the awful condition of the blind, and quickly unite with us in holding out to them that which will feed their souls, and point them to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.”

This quarter of a million of neglected, cast aside human beings are isolated, they are scattered here and there throughout America and other countries. But the ones we especially invite your attention to are right here in the United States. They are our neighbors. The blind are waiting, hundreds of doors are open in each State, and the fields are white unto harvest. But there is no one to give this eternal truth. There is no one to tell them that Jesus is coming again. The blind are easy to reach. They need your sympathy; and once the confidence of a blind person is won, there is no difficulty in presenting the message, and in most cases it is welcomed.

The Christian Record is the avenue through which God desires us to give the blind this wonderful truth. They are ready. Are you? The blind have but little reading-matter on religious subjects, therefore we should give this work special attention. The Bible is about the only literature in raised-letter type that can be had to-day; and it costs so much that only a few of the blind are in a position to get it. So you will clearly see the importance of taking advantage of this great opportunity. The blind welcome any kind of reading-matter. While the way is open, let us enter this great harvest-field; and endued with power from on high, we shall be able to prepare souls for the kingdom.

We have about fifteen tracts in raised

type, besides the Christian Record—enough literature to give the blind a fair knowledge of the third angel’s message. God has established this branch of his work, and he is anxious to see the work succeed, and to bring the last-day message before the minds of this multitude of dying souls.

The Record work is in a better condition financially and spiritually than it has ever been before since it first started. Men and women are accepting the truth, and we feel that our efforts have been successful; and souls have been given to us as fruit for our labors.

Hundreds are calling to us for literature, and unless we have the co-operation of Seventh-day Adventists everywhere, we must turn these hungry souls away without even a taste of the good things found in the third angel’s message.

We would recommend that each State conference or tract society assume the responsibility of paying for at least two copies of the Christian Record to be sent to each institution and public library where literature is kept for those without sight. Each State has from one to four institutions for the blind, and as but few of these institutions are prepared to pay for literature sent them, I urge the members of each conference assembled here, to take such action at this great meeting as shall give character to the work among blind people; and open the way through which the blind in each State can hear the message. This can be done with only a small outlay of means. Each State has hundreds of blind people; they are everywhere.

The three angel’s messages found in Revelation 14 are to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; then will the end come, and the Lord be seen coming in the clouds of heaven and bringing his sheaves with him, and the harvest is the end of the world. As this threefold message is to encircle the earth, who then will be overlooked?

We have access to nearly a quarter of a million souls who are thirsting for the everlasting gospel. I fear that we as a people have forgotten the blind in our anxiety to give the message to our seeing brethren and sisters. The door is open. Let us enter while we have opportunity to rescue these perishing ones.

Some have written to the editor stating that they have not been to a religious service for months. Hundreds of persons are in this condition. The only religious reading we have for them is the Christian Record. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” said Jesus. This dear old gospel brings to the soul, thirsting and ready to perish, the water of life from the springs of life. And from these souls will spring up new wells of living water, which will flow into the lives of others. Souls are perishing to-day; souls are dying to-day, and yet we can not give them the message because we are limited for means. Many are appealing to us for the message, and they are crying out, “What shall we do to be saved?”

In every State in the Union there are hundreds of blind men and women to whom the future is dark and cheerless, to whom the future holds out no gladdening promise. Heart strings are snapping, and thousands are continually under the heavy weights of sin and disappointment. There is no help for these thousands of unfortunate beings save in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and this gospel must be made known to them in this generation. The message must go through the avenue which God has provided, the Christian Record.

It seems to me, brethren, that it is time for us to pause a moment and consider the needs of the blind. Hundreds of them are willing to study, and I believe they are ready for the last-day message. Shall we turn them away? or shall we bring them to you? I urge the Seventh-day Adventists of each State to see that all the blind in their State are provided with at least one year’s subscription to the Christian Record.

L. N. Muck, Editor.