The Blind - Where Are They? by L. N. Muck

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

The Blind — Where Are They?

By L. N. Muck

L. N. MUCK

Much is being written to-day about the blind in the United States. Educators are at their wits' end to know what to do for this unfortunate class, and yet those who are deeply interested in the welfare of those who can not see realize that although many of the blind are capable, they are not given a chance to make a livelihood.

Societies are organized to care for this class, much is being done in an industrial way to make the blind self-supporting, and we are encouraged to say that not a little has been accomplished. But listen! while the public in a measure is providing for those in double darkness, no provision is made to get the gospel to them. If the public is doing all it can to provide bread and butter or to make this class self-supporting, what is our duty? What are we doing to place before their minds the threefold message found in Revelation 14, which plainly states that the gospel is to be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people?

Again: the great commission is, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Are we heeding this direct command from God to rescue the perishing? When these words were uttered nearly two thousand years ago, the Saviour understood the great need of carrying the gospel to a dying race. To-day the command to go is more important, the need is greater, than ever before since the gospel was given.

In our eagerness to carry the gospel to far-away lands, we have overlooked the blind, and yet the souls of this neglected people are as precious in the sight of our Heavenly Father as are the souls of those who can see. Then why hesitate to give our substance to carry the message to this much-neglected people?

Consider the sad condition of nearly one hundred thousand men and women who are in utter darkness regarding the truths of the third angel's message. We are to sound the notes of the last-day message clear and certain; we are to lift our voices as one body, and warn the world of a soon-coming Saviour. The message is sure, and we can not be mistaken.

Three classes appeal to us for literature: First, the young boys and girls whose minds are not filled with the things of this world. They know nothing of care, they are not acquainted with Jesus, and few of them know anything about the Bible. The majority of these boys and girls enter school while very young, say, six years of age. And as few of the schools for the blind tolerate religious services, these young minds have little opportunity for Bible study. Where religious services are conducted in these schools, the Darwin and Spencer theory is taught. Hence many go out into the world believing that there is no God. They have no hope of eternal life, they can not look into the future with joy, the future outlook is dark and cheerless; but thanks be to God, there is an anchor and a salvation sufficient. We rejoice that the message can go to this class, and it must be given in their own language, through the columns of the Christian Record, and by sending out tracts in the New York and American braille systems.

The second class are young men and women who have finished their education and gone out in the world to meet the problems of life. Not all are successful, because of the lack of confidence in their ability on the part of the public. Consequently they are forced to sit down and fold their hands in despair. O that the blind everywhere were given a chance! But while we can not better their physical condition, we can hold out the gospel to them, and tell them that Jesus died that they might live. Shall we do as the Saviour bids us—‘bring in hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind?’ Brethren and sisters, while you read, lift up your voice and heart that he may help you to see

the needs of those who can not see the beauty of nature. The blind can not enjoy themselves as you do; they are left to themselves; society holds out little inducement to them.

The third class is known as the adult blind, or men and women who have lost their sight in later years; they are the most helpless class. Few of them can read with their fingers, and yet they should hear the gospel. They are appealing to the public for aid; they desire instruction, and can be taught to read with their fingers. We wish to say right here that we have taught a goodly number from this office, by sending alphabet sheets and the necessary helps.

Some day the blind eyes will be opened, the deaf ears will be unstopped, the dumb shall speak forth the praises of God, the lame shall leap as an hart. But before the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah is fulfilled, we have a mission to perform; we must hasten to the blind.

The blind are but a handful when compared with the teeming millions of the world. But it is much harder to reach the blind. The conditions are not so favorable. But, “Go ye,” says Jesus, “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” I believe that Jesus is speaking thus: “Go ye, and preach the gospel to the blind.” Shall we heed it?

Many are in the poorhouse, with little or no employment; and a tract or a paper, placed in the hands of such a one, would bring light to his pathway.

Many inquiries have come to this office during the past few months as to the financial condition of the work, and what we have accomplished, etc. At the close of last year we had a surplus of a few hundred dollars, and nearly fifty blind persons had embraced the truth, and were loyal to the message. These persons were not visited by Bible workers; they accepted the truth by reading the Christian Record and tracts. Already this year a goodly number have embraced the message, and many others are interested.

Since the work started, about three hundred and fifty souls have accepted the third angel's message, and the majority of them are strong in the faith. Have we not much to be thankful for? With the limited means and workers, the Lord has accomplished much.

But this is not all; since the office was transferred from Battle Creek, Mich., to College View, Neb., three years ago, and placed under the management of the Central Union Conference, the Christian Record has increased in circulation from four hundred copies monthly to fifteen hundred. And yet, hundreds are appealing to us for literature; and unless we have the co-operation of our people everywhere in a financial way, we must retrench. We know that the Lord does not approve of going backward. I, who am acquainted with the sorrows and the difficulties which confront those who can not see, appeal to you who read this article to assist with your means in the work for this needy class. You have many calls, it is true, but picture the blind if you please—without anything, helpless, and many of them outcasts. Consider yourself blind, and then ask the question, Do I appreciate sight? Would I exchange my life for that of a blind man or woman? Let me ask you a question: Would you give up your books and papers?—Ah, no! Then lift up your eyes and behold the fields white, ready for harvest. Do not turn these hungry souls away in despair; I bring them to you and ask you to unite with us in giving them what their souls desire.

The Christian Record Publishing Company is under the management of the Central Union Conference, and Elder E. T. Russell is chairman of the committee. If any one desires to write to him about the work, I am sure that he would be pleased to give information.

All donations and subscriptions should be sent to Mrs. Florence R. Emerson, Secretary of the Christian Record, College View, Neb., and all funds will be turned over to N. B. Emerson, treasurer of the Central Union Conference.