Advertising by L. D. SANTEE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 29, 1907

Advertising

By L. D. SANTEE

L. D. SANTEE

LUKE declares, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8. It must be in regard to business methods, for it can not be concerning spiritual interests.

Here in the city, some of our leading business men use fully half their income in telling the public about the excellence of their wares, and that they are on sale. Thousands of dollars are paid for the rent of bulletin boards, and other thousands fill the papers with “business ads.”

On every hand the lesson “Advertise, advertise,” is taught, and a man’s success is gauged by the amount of advertising he does. We have been fearful of copying the world too far. In this particular we have acted unwisely. We have been niggardly in advertising, and it has resulted in small audiences. Every show or troupe has learned the need of advertising; and while their seats were filled, we have wondered why people had so little interest to hear the truth.

Let us consider the advertising that Jesus did. “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” Luke 10:1.

If a man to-day should employ seventy men to prepare the way in thirty-five different places, we would say that he takes great pains to have his work known; and that in following up so many openings, he was a most diligent worker. He wished to meet the people in every place he visited, and deliver to them personally the message he had brought from heaven.

We can easily imagine what the work of the seventy would be. As they told of his words, of his miracles and his claim, the subject was wonderfully interesting. As they told of his healing the sick, perhaps there was some one in the audience who was afflicted similarly. How the interest would increase as they speculated and wondered if he would heal their sick. Before he came, the interest was at a white heat; and when at last he did come, the brief statement tells the story—“the multitudes thronged him.” By the words of the seventy, interest was awakened, their prejudice was disarmed, and the multitudes were eager to hear him.

Jesus kept these advance agents constantly employed. What a worker he was! and what a judicious worker! No time was lost in arousing an interest after he came to a place. That had been done by those sent before him.

Shall we not study his methods and follow his example? Can we not employ more of these helps of which the Bible speaks? The world is larger now than it was then. We need many times seventy. Let us search out those who are ready to be thus employed. We need men and women who will go forth for Jesus to-day, who will carry publications and hold Bible readings, and by a personal experience seek to hold up Christ as the sinner’s friend, and the One who is soon coming again. Paul said, speaking of the work of Christ, “This thing was not done in a corner.” Acts 26:26. Our ministers who have had the best success are those who have advertised the most.

The “gospel of the kingdom” has a world-wide field. It is many times larger than Palestine or Judea. In these last days, God has given us facilities that Christ did not have. The press is a factor that in his time was unknown. But he made use of all the facilities that he had; and in the work that he has commissioned us to do, he wants us to do the same. Tracts may be put in every home that will receive them. Posters may be placed so as to tell everybody where and when our meetings are to be held. We often sing, “To be living is sublime.” The reason is because of our opportunities. Shall we press everything into the service, make a short, glorious fight, gain the victory, and go home? Chicago, Ill.