WHO WILL RESPOND? by George A. Irwin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1900

WHO WILL RESPOND?

By George A. Irwin

Not long ago, while waiting for the train in Huntsville, Ala., I opened my satchel for something to read to pass away the time, and the first thing that my eye rested upon was “An Appeal for Canvassers,” made by Sister White last summer. I had read this appeal before, and had been impressed with the importance of our paying heed to it; but upon a rereading of it, my mind was agitated anew with its importance, and I thought, What can I say or do to induce our people to engage more generally and heartily in this work?

For a long time I have felt distressed that so little was being done in this important branch of our work; and in searching for the cause, I have come to the conclusion that it can not be attributed to any one particular thing or class of persons, but that it is the result of a general apathy, or indifference, to this branch of the work upon the part of a large percentage of our people, both ministers and laity.

Our publishing houses were brought into existence with the primary object of putting present truth into readable form, in the shape of books, pamphlets, tracts, and periodicals, that the light contained therein might be disseminated to the world; and while it is the duty of those having charge of these institutions as directors and managers, to labor to carry out this object, they can not do it unaided.

These institutions belong to the denomination, and are an important part of its work; hence the responsibility of having the original design carried out rests, in a measure, upon us all. It is worse than useless to print this matter in book form, to lie on the shelves and become covered with dust; for it ties up money that might otherwise be used to advance the message. These publications can not be sold to the jobber or the general public in a wholesale way. They must be carried by the individual to the people, and their value and importance set before them, and no one can do this so well as the persons who understand and believe the precious truths they contain.

The knowledge of this truth entails a responsibility that can not be shifted upon another. If we allow these publications to lie in the office, unsold, because of our indifference, the dust accumulating thereon will witness against us in the form of the blood of souls required at our hands. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element, and the minds of men and women are becoming confused. Such books as “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” “Great Controversy,” and “The Desire of Ages” contain just the truth that will settle the minds of honest inquirers, and anchor them securely to the Eternal Rock.

Our time to labor is becoming shorter as each succeeding day passes, and the rapidly occurring events will gradually, but surely, make this branch of our work more difficult. So now, while the Lord is calling, and we have opportunity, is the time to respond, “Here am I; send me.” Scores of godly, consecrated canvassers can work to advantage in this Southern field; for in the canvassing work one can reach all classes without encountering the prejudice that makes other work so difficult and perplexing.

May we not hope that many, instead of engaging in farming or other work as the spring opens up, will enlist in the canvassing work, and thus swell the ranks of those who are sowing seed to be gathered after many days, a harvest of souls—stars in their crown of rejoicing?

As ministers, let us take a new interest in this work and in those engaged in it, by speaking words of cheer and encouragement whenever opportunity offers, and by constantly being on the watch for proper persons, whom we may encourage and assist to engage in it. GEO. A. IRWIN.