The Bookmen's Convention of the Central Union Conference
By A. O. Tait
PRECEDING the regular session of the Central Union Conference, the bookmen in this territory held one of the most interesting, instructive, and valuable conventions that it was ever my privilege to attend. Before the convention closed, quite a number of the delegates to the regular session of the conference came, and so had the privilege of enjoying some of the best of the wine that came at the close of the feast. Many expressed the sentiment that this was the most sensible and solid talk that they had heard on the subject of getting our books before the public. Deep consecration to the work of giving this message to the world through our printed page was voiced by every one who had any part in the convention. This is a great message, and we are in its closing hours. Those who carry it must not only be consecrated, but they must be persistent in their efforts to get the truth before the world. And not only is there need of persevering effort, but there must be a most careful and faithful training of the canvasser by the State agent. In this work of training agents, the necessity of the State agent's going into the field himself with the canvasser, and teaching him right on the ground how to do the work, was one of the great watchwords of the convention. “Come into the field and labor, is to be the constant entreaty of the State agent, and not, Go into the field and work,” was an expression that was frequently made and dwelt upon. The canvasser having been led into the field by the agent, and having been taught by actual demonstrations right on the ground that our books may be sold, then these workers are to be constantly visited and written to in order to keep them of good courage and help them to surmount every difficulty until they are thoroughly trained veterans in service. In order that the canvasser may not be discouraged in the field, the Lord's plan to send laborers out two by two should be followed. In many instances, however, it would be better to send them out in companies with an experienced canvasser to take the lead. In the work of interesting canvassers to enter the field, the necessity of having the combined influence and help of the ministers and church elders was largely dwelt upon, and particular stress was laid upon the necessity of having the hearty, intelligent co-operation of the conference officers. It was shown that in the conferences where the president was thoroughly alive to the book work and intelligent upon the best methods of forwarding it, there the work was much in advance of what it was in localities where the president did not take much interest in it. Then there must be the closest bond of sympathetic union and co-operation between the publishing house, the tract society, and the agent. The agent is in the field working under difficulties and many discouragements; and neither the publisher nor the tract society can afford to allow any discouragement to remain upon him that can in any way be removed. A warm, hearty interest in the canvasser's work will often enable the publisher or tract society to see things that may be done to help him, and thus be the means of encouraging and strengthening his work. A close union must also be maintained with all our schools. A careful, watchful State agent will find here one of his greatest recruiting grounds and most valuable and important fields for labor. All the agents, and particularly the State agents, should be encouraged to be careful students, so that they will always be fresh in their work. It was evident that much was expected in this convention, for quite a number of the leading brethren were present from outside the Central Union Conference. Elder R. A. Underwood, president of the Northern Union Conference, Elder H. S. Shaw, president of the Minnesota Conference, and Elder C. A. Burman, president of the South Dakota Conference, were among the leading workers here from the Northern Union Conference. They expressed the hope that a bookmen's convention might be held in their conference at no distant date. If the good principles enunciated in this convention are faithfully carried out, we shall see many thousands of books sold in the immediate future in territory where previously but little has been accomplished; for it would be hard to conceive of men going forth with greater earnestness and determination than was manifested on the part of those who enjoyed the privileges of this good meeting. During the convention a committee was appointed to publish selections from the papers read and talks given. This matter may be had, without charge, by addressing the Pacific Press, 1109 E. Twelfth St., Kansas City, Mo.