TENNESSEE RIVER CONFERENCE.
By V. O. Cole
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I feel it my duty to write you something in regard to the needs of this field. The Tennessee River Conference embraces middle5and western Tennessee, also Kentucky. In this Conference there are eighty-seven counties, a population of about 1,813,000, and an area of about 41,000 square miles. In all this territory there are only seven missionary canvassers regularly at work, including the writer. Let us suppose that each year a good canvasser can work a territory containing a population of 20,000. From this it can be seen at once that it would take these seven canvassers about thirteen years to canvass this conference for one of our denominational books. Is it to be wondered at that there are thirty-eight counties out of eighty-seven that have never been entered with our publications? Brethren and sisters, we profess to be looking for the coming of our dear Saviour, but are we doing anything to hasten that coming? The Lord has told us that the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to every kindred, tongue, and people, and then shall the end come; and when we are scattering the printed pages that contain the third angel’s message, we are preaching that gospel. In view of this fact, are we not delaying the Lord’s coming by our inactivity and lack of faith? The Lord is going to use human instruments to do this work, and if we are unfaithful, he will raise up others to take our places. He has warned us to take heed that no man take our crown. The word comes to us through the Spirit of Prophecy: “The work to be done is great; the world is asleep, and the churches know not the time of their visitation.” “How can they best learn the truth?”—Through the efforts of the canvassers. “Here is a work that man can lay hold of and do. All who will consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are giving the last message of warning to the world.” Did you ever think what an exalted work this is? Only to think, we have the co-operation of God and his holy angels! Should this not encourage us to lay hold of his promises by faith, and with an uplifted heart to cry as did Paul, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Hear the comforting words that have recently come to us through his servant concerning this: “The Lord Jesus, standing by the side of the canvassers, walking with them, is the chief worker. The Holy Guest by their side makes impressions in just the lines needed, if the worker recognizes Christ as the one who is with him to prepare the way.” “We are to make the very best use of our opportunities, and show ourselves approved of God. He has endowed us with talents for use in his service. If we fail to employ them in the Master’s cause, we should at least put them out to the exchangers, that he may receive his own with usury at his coming.” At present we have but few canvassers, but they are true and tried servants, and are doing a good work. We are in need of many more missionary canvassers in this conference. We want men and women who are as true to principle as the needle is to the pole; for only clean vessels should carry the message of the Lord, and it is only this kind with whom the Lord can co-operate, and surely without him we can do nothing. I believe that we have as good territory as there is in the South. Crops are now very promising for an abundant harvest. We have a colporteur tract fund started, and hope to be able to furnish free tracts to the canvassers to give away, to those who are not able to purchase our books. I do not mention these facts as an inducement, but as an encouragement; for if any engage in this work from the standpoint of financial inducement, they will make a failure. It is a missionary work, and it is only those who are willing to make sacrifices, and enter the work for the love of souls, that will succeed. Because we have made this appeal for workers, do not think that we are discouraged, for we are not. The Lord is with us, and I believe that he will raise up faithful men and women to do this work. If the Holy Spirit brings to your heart a desire to come and help us in this closing work, you will please address the undersigned for further information. 230 Cedar St., Jackson, Tenn.