EARNEST WORKERS by O. E. Cummings

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 21, 1901

EARNEST WORKERS.

By O. E. Cummings

The Nebraska Canvassers’ Institute at College View opened March 8 and closed March 24. All were present from the first, and applied themselves to the work before them in a way that was most commendable. There was manifest a spirit of consecration and deep devotion to the work of missionary canvassing. Union and harmony prevailed throughout the entire institute in a remarkable degree. This is as it should be. Christ is the center, and as we press close to him, we will come close to each other.

The canvassers go to their fields of labor full of faith and courage in Him who goes with them as the chief worker.

The Bible instruction was furnished by Elders Nelson, Hill, and Thompson. Subjects were presented which would be of most value to us as pioneer workers. At the close of the Bible study, thirty minutes were devoted to a social service, as was also Sabbath evening of each week. It was a feast to the soul to hear these faithful workers relate their experiences in scattering the printed page “as the leaves of autumn.” They seemed to have caught the spirit of the seventy, who returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.”

Classes met daily for the study of “Desire of Ages,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Great Controversy,” “Daniel and Revelation,” “Heralds of the Morning,” “Coming King,” and “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Early in the institute an hour was devoted to the consideration of the canvassers’ attitude toward “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and after an earnest address by Elder Nelson, the canvassers unanimously voted that they would receive no commission on these books sold by them during 1901. Yet all desire a part in the good work to which this book is devoted, hence will carry it as a help.

The importance of giving more attention to the circulation of our publications on health was presented, and while none felt impressed to engage in the sale of these books exclusively, yet all are planning to use them as helps.

The advisability of experienced workers’ handling the larger books was appreciated, and it is gratifying to see so many taking up the sales of books long lying unread upon the shelves. Seven canvassers now go forth with “Desire of Ages,” and the same number for “Daniel and Revelation.” Four will work for “Great Controversy,” two for “Patriarchs and Prophets,” one for “Coming King,” and nine for “Heralds of the Morning.” This however, is not the entire force of canvassers, there being three now at work in Wyoming, and others who will take up the work in the near future.

Brethren, as you pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest, also pray for those who have already gone forth, that they may be kept in the hour of trial and temptation, as well as in that of success and victory. O. E. CUMMINGS, District Agent N. W. U. C.