Shall We Continue to Work?
By Arthur G. Daniells
DURING the last few weeks the Seventh-day Adventists in America have been manifesting a deep, practical interest in the welfare of their fellow men. Many have been working hard with the Capital and Labor number of the Signs. In all parts of the world—in cities, towns, and country neighborhoods—they have tramped from door to door, selling this paper. More than half a million copies have been sent from the office, and still orders are coming in. Now, when this special campaign is over, shall we not continue to work for this missionary paper? Every week it contains interesting articles, setting forth in clear statements the truths of this message for this hour. We can not ask that the same time and effort be given to every issue that is being given to this special number, but a reasonable effort on the part of all throughout the entire country would give this paper a great circulation among the people. They need it, and should have it. While many have been working with the Signs, others, we are glad to know, have been selling “The Story of Joseph,” in behalf of the work of the colored people in the South. There is a great work to be done for this unfortunate race. It will require large sums of money. The General Conference Committee recognizes the South as one of the needy mission fields of the world, and has endeavored to make a fair appropriation of its receipts to the Southern field, but this help is far from meeting their great needs. It has grieved us much that we could not do more. But Brother J. E. White’s plan for the sale of “The Story of Joseph” makes it possible for this denomination to raise a large amount of money for the work among the colored people, without taxing itself beyond reason, and this plan will not draw all the missionary gifts of the denomination from other mission fields. The plan is simple. Sell “The Story of Joseph” for twenty-five cents a copy, and send the money to the Southern Missionary Society. Here is an opportunity for mothers and children to do valiant service for the Master. This work can be kept up during the entire year. Without a great, rushing campaign, but by a steady, cheerful effort, a very large sum can be raised in this way. The result will be that thousands of children will get a book that will do them good; our people, old and young, who sell the book, will be blessed; and a splendid work will be done for the colored people in the South. Shall not this good work be continued all through the year? Should not parents, church officers, Sabbath-school teachers, and ministers as well, look after this? And there is still another line of work to be done; namely, to place our books of moderate size and price, in the hands of thoughtful men and women. We have canvassers selling our large subscription books, but a much larger distribution of our books should be made each year. Why should not thousands of our people place a book like “The Story of Daniel the Prophet” in the hands of their neighbors each year? This book sells for one dollar. Its simple story, scripture lessons in the margin, and the Bible studies at the close of the volume, covering every important fact presented in the book, would be read with interest and profit by thousands who do not know this truth, if we as a people would make the effort we should to place this book in their hands. Dear brethren and sisters, we press the question at the head of this article,—Shall we continue to work? We are now making earnest efforts, and we have just made an annual offering to missions. Do we regret this? Is it a hardship? Few, if any, will admit this. We are being blessed in this service for God. Then let us keep at it through the year. If continued a little time, it will become our natural element, and then what a grand work will be done. The Lord’s coming will be hastened. Let us continue to work. A. G. DANIELLS.