Former Experiences Recalled
By A. F. HARRISON
Some time has elapsed since I have written anything for our dear old REVIEW, but my burden for the work here in this great Southern field leads me to hope that some one is anxious to know more of how the message is progressing here. It was the first of December, 1888, almost seventeen years ago, when the General Conference placed a company of canvassers in Shreveport, La. We were mostly sent from Kansas. It was a splendid time to sell books, and in one year we sold 2,300 volumes; 1,700 of these were “Bible Readings,” and 600 “Marvel of Nations.” We were all enthusiastic, worked hard, and put in good time. Little did we think that we should be here so long. No, indeed! we were all sure that in a few years at most the Lord would come, and we should all go home. I thought every other Seventh-day Adventist felt just the same way, and I know there was much praying and working. Why, at that time there were one thousand canvassers scattered in different parts of the world, and almost a million dollars’ worth of books was sold each year. Here in this Southern field a tithe of all the Sabbath-keepers, counting men, women, and children, were engaged in the work. Had we kept on at this rate, what might have been accomplished! But a sad change has come. There is not the burden for souls there once was. A spirit of worldliness seems to have crept in. I wonder if it is so in other places. Let me see, in “Early Writings,” page 128, we find these words: “I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ’s second appearing, and keeping all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. “But,” said he, “the sect of Sabbath-keepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things,11we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it.” After this conference between Satan and his angels, I wonder if they were slow to begin their work. Did they engage in a more lucrative business for a time?—I think not. I can imagine each one selecting his victim, and going about his deceptive work with much care and skill. Are you one of those who are being bound? Can you feel the meshes of worldliness drawing closer and closer about you, and your love and zeal for the truth leaking out? Have you thought many times that you would break loose and enter some branch of the Lord’s work, but soon gave it up and settled back in ease, to be more closely bound? There is only one thing that will loose us, and that is the power of God coupled with a real love for this truth and a desire to see the Lord come. O that some would break the ties that bind them, and come to this needy field and help us! Crops are comparatively good, and there is nothing in this mild climate to hinder the sale of many books. The people are kind and hospitable, and treat strangers with kindness and courtesy. A good, energetic worker can work the year round here with but little inconvenience. Can not a good, strong corps of workers from some of our old conferences come and sell as many books as did the laborers who came in 1888? I will be glad to correspond with all who will come, and will gladly do what I can to help them get located and started in the work. Now is the best time of year to take orders and deliver books.