HOLIDAY PRESENTS by S. H. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 27, 1900

HOLIDAY PRESENTS.

By S. H. Lane

The time of year when holiday presents are selected has been reached, and in all parts of the land, in city, town, and country, many persons are thinking what they shall select to present to friend, companion, brother, sister, or child. Among the most popular, practical, and, withal, inexpensive presents is that of a nice book.

Thousands upon thousands of books will be freely purchased during the holidays. Many of these will be light and trashy, treating of romance and fiction, which always tinge the life of the reader with that which is unreal, and weave into it that which is hay, wood, and stubble; while the good book imparts that which is grand, noble, and inspiring.

Those who dispose of good books are acting the part of true missionaries. Our publishing houses are issuing some beautiful volumes, containing the choicest reading-matter; and why can not our brethren and sisters everywhere engage in the sale of these books, and do so immediately?

The following-named books are excellent, and none better are placed on the market. The people will wish them as soon as presented, and thousands will purchase them if our own people will earnestly endeavor to secure their sale.

“Christ’s Object Lessons” is a new book. Nothing like it has ever been placed on the market. It treats on Christ’s parables as recorded in the New Testament. It has been given by its author, Mrs. E. G. White, to aid in liquidating the debt which rests so heavily on our denominational schools. The sale of this book should be conducted wholly from a missionary standpoint. Our offices of publication—the Pacific Press and the Review and Herald—are to give all the work on three hundred thousand copies. A large fund is being raised from the Atlantic to the Pacific to purchase the material,—the paper, ink, and binding material. The setting of the type, the making of four sets of plates, and the illustrations, have already been paid for by contributions. Thus the books can be placed in the hands of the purchaser with but little initial cost, and, with the exception of mail, freight, or express, charges for boxing and shipping, the results of its sale will go directly to the schools.

Can not and will not our older and middle-aged brethren and sisters spend some time in their vicinity selling this book? Call upon your neighbors with the book in hand. Explain to them, as best you can, its contents, and tell them that the price of the book is devoted to educational work. People are, as a rule, inclined to aid an educational institution. If they wish the book for their own reading, assure them that they can find no better; if they desire to make a Christmas present, this book is just the thing. Take a copy to the merchant with whom you have traded for years; to the blacksmith who has been shoeing your horses; to the wagon maker who has done your repairing; and to the shoemaker who has made and repaired your foot-gear. Having paid your bills promptly, they are acquainted with you, and you have their confidence. As you present the book, and explain its contents, they will purchase it, not only because of the interest they have in the book, but because of the good-will they have toward you.

If all our brethren and sisters of mature years will do thus, and visit and sell to their well-to-do friends and neighbors, thousands of copies of this book will be sold before Christmas. The best way is to sell these books; but if you are so situated that you can not sell any, then, if you can possibly do so, purchase some of them, and make presents to your friends.

In so doing, remember the minister of your place. It matters not whether he be Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, or of whatever denomination, he will appreciate the book when he has read it. He will receive many excellent, thrilling ideas, and will naturally weave them into his sermons, and thus thousands of persons will be benefited. The book will be mailed to any address for $1.25.

Another book has just been issued, called “Easy Steps in the Bible Story.” It is a fine work for youth in their teens. It will create an interest in the blessed Bible when once read; it is nicely illustrated, and can be readily sold. In heavy paper covers, post-paid, 25 cents; in cloth, 50 cents.

Still another book has just been published, “Best Stories from the Best Book.” It is as finely illustrated as any small book ever published by our people. It is written in such a style as to be adapted to the child who has just learned to read, and to the youth in his teens. It contains many of the sweetest stories of the Bible, written and illustrated in such a manner as to captivate the reader. It will be a great seller. The first part of the book is especially adapted to children, is profusely illustrated, and printed in colors. One young sister, a daughter of one of our ministers, obtained seventeen orders for the book in one day. Many of our younger brethren and sisters, and many of the older children, can engage in the sale of this book. “Best Stories” sells for 25 cents in paper covers; board, half cloth, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents.

If you live in a city, and there are several who desire to work, divide the city into districts, and make a thorough canvass. If you have no copy of these books, write immediately to your tract society, or to the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., or to the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., and obtain a copy of the book you desire, inclosing the retail price, and the book will be sent to you by mail, postpaid. Begin immediately to take orders.

Regular agents’ prices will be allowed to all who canvass for “Easy Steps” and “Best Stories.” Write for territory and order the books for your customers through your tract society. Will not hundreds begin the work immediately? Do not lay this paper aside and say, I do wish some one would engage in this noble work. Can not you engage in it yourself? Well done, good and faithful worker, is to be said to some one. Will it be to you?

S. H. LANE.