p. 15 | A Call From the Blind by L. N. Muck

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 30, 1910

A Call From the Blind

By L. N. Muck

Of the many calls now coming to us from the dark corners of the earth, there is none more urgent or more important than the call from the blind. We are face to face with the problem of giving the message to the blind. This problem can be solved in just one way,—by raising money with which to meet the demands made upon us by this neglected class. Many of our people know but little of the work now being done for the blind. A small publishing house has been established by the General Conference, and the Christian Record, printed monthly, is carrying the message of life and peace to hundreds of those in double darkness.

Our work as a people at this time is to go out in the byways and hedges, and bring in those who are starving for the gospel. We are urged to go forward and proclaim the message to a dying world—and the blind are among the dying ones. They are appealing to us for the gospel. When a call for funds comes from distant lands, our hearts go out in sympathy, and we respond with our means, not as liberally as we should, perhaps, but the call is answered. Now we are called upon to answer a call from the blind. Nearly a hundred thousand helpless souls are perishing within our reach, and to save them means a sacrifice of but a few dollars. Are you not willing to make a

little sacrifice for the blind? If we are willing to answer this call, God will give us the means. He has already given us enough so that we may give to those in need. These unfortunate ones are among us, within our reach. What is our duty to them? In the Testimonies we read: “God places upon us the responsibility of caring for the unfortunate, the blind, the lame, but many make no effort to regard it.” This shows that we have a duty to perform toward the blind as well as many others who are helpless.

This year began with some interesting events. Many encouraging letters have been received from our blind readers by the editor, Chas. N. Miller, promising us a successful year. Among the inspiring letters is one from a blind brother in the East:—

“NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1910.

“I have been reading the Record for about four years. I am not a subscriber, but Mr. Hicks gives me his copy to read. I have read it to my sister who lives in New Rochelle, and both she and her daughter have accepted the truth. I have accepted, but not fully decided on all points. The Record gives me a great deal of pleasure and profit. I am glad to find that you have tracts printed in the New York Point, also in the American Braille, as I read them both. Please send me all the tracts you have; that is, send one each month.

“Wishing the blessing of God upon you and your work, I remain,

“Your friend,

“S. A. Brooks.”

Since receiving the foregoing letter, we have word that this brother has fully taken his stand on the side of present truth. This is a source of encouragement to the management and to those connected with the Record work. We believe that it is a signal for us to press forward as never before. Not only has this blind man read the Record himself, but he has read it to his sister and her daughter, and they have accepted the truth. Let us not give sparingly to the cause of the blind.

We have a number of energetic blind men and women working hard to carry the message to the blind. In Seattle are two men in feeble health who have sold our literature in more than half of that city. Brother and Sister Smith, of Iowa, both blind, are engaged in similar work. Brother and Sister A. O. Wilson, who started the work, have given the best of their lives for the blind. In Los Angeles, Cal., we have a blind sister, who is actively engaged in scattering present truth. At times she busies herself by knitting, and again by reading her Bible of raised print. Hundreds of persons pass the busy street corner where she works. Some pause to toss her a coin, in return for which she promptly hands out a tract on some phase of the message. Who can measure the influence of this work in scattering literature? She will some day be permitted to see the fruits of her labors.

Those wishing to answer this call should send their gifts to Miss Mettie E. Cornell, College View, Neb., secretary of the Christian Record, and all funds will be placed in the hands of B. M. Emerson, treasurer.

L. N. Muck,

Financial Agent.