On the King’s Business by F. J. Greenwood

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 29, 1914

On the King’s Business

By F. J. Greenwood

F. J. GREENWOOD

FIRST CHILD (carrying a bundle of papers, and coming from outside):

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten— Is that all there are left of my papers? I had better count them again. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. I’m sure I can sell them out quickly, And won’t I be happy then!

SECOND CHILD (coming from other side):

Well, Evelyn, where are you going, And why are you thinking out loud? And what is that bundle you carry, As you go in and out through the crowd?

FIRST:

’Tis the Harvest Review I am selling, And selling a lot of them, too! [Opens and shows paper] Didn’t you ever see it? Then let me show it to you.

This picture, here on the cover, Shows an angel of light from above, Bringing a message of mercy, Telling the world of God’s love.

God tells all his children who know him, To go to all parts of the world, Till in every nook and corner The gospel flag is unfurled.

Here is a picture from China, Of some people who knew not the Lord Till our workers brought them the message, And now they rejoice in his Word.

This shows us Friedensau College, With its students, a hundred or more. I’m afraid that now they’re all scattered— Sent out to be killed in the war.

SECOND:

Such manly and noble young fellows! And with such a good purpose in view! To think some are now dead or dying, ’Tis really too bad to be true.

FIRST:

The dispensary out in Korea Is given here in this view; And there stands Dr. Russell, With nurses and patients, too.

SECOND:

O, who are those cute little children Dressed in such funny clothes; With their eyes as bright as diamonds, And no shoes on their little brown toes?

FIRST:

That’s a Sabbath school class in Borneo. Don’t you think they’re a bright-looking lot? I’d like to have him for a brother, [Points at the picture] He’s such a dear little tot!

Here’s a party of magazine sellers In far-away little Japan. If they can sell papers in their land, Surely we in American can.

This Seventh-day Adventist family Lives in Antioch, city of old, Where first the good news of salvation By Paul the apostle was told.

This group of unselfish workers, Are heeding the call of the Lord, And will soon be braving the billows To bear to the far isles his word.

SECOND:

But who pays the fares of these workers, And who gives them homes and food? And how do they make a living, While they’re teaching and doing good?

I know it must take lots of money To send them all over the earth— To the East and the West and the Southland, And up to the frozen North.

FIRST:

Yes, it does indeed take lots of money; So we who must stay home, you know, Just make it our business to raise it, So those who are able can go.

Our people all over the country Have promised their leaders to raise A good many thousands of dollars In these Harvest Ingathering days.

That’s why I am selling these papers; The money will all go abroad, And be used to support the workers As they tell the poor heathen of God.

Our church should raise two hundred dollars [or some other sum], And so, when Thanksgiving draws near, We’ll take up a splendid collection, And we’ll get that amount, never fear.

SECOND:

Why, I like that kind of business; Why can’t I go into it, too? Give me some of your papers, And I’ll work right along here with you.

TOGETHER (advancing, hand in hand):

Now, together we’ll do the King’s business, Selling the Missions Review. The papers are ten cents a copy— Can we do any business with you?

Oakland, Cal.

On the King’s Business *

On the King’s Business