p. 181 | WHAT THE DIRECTORS SAY by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 7, 1876

WHAT THE DIRECTORS SAY.

By A. S. Hutchins

Words of good cheer from the directors of our T. and M. Society are always gratifying. In some districts, I judge the directors and workers in the missionary cause, are making history fast in the almanac distribution. A portion of our members seem to have a mind to work. The subject of taking almanacs was laid before each district throughout the State at the last quarterly meetings. The question was discussed with interest, and fairly settled, that we should take five thousand almanacs.

To be sure, some of the brethren did not vote on the question. Five of the districts received their almanacs in good time. The other, we hope, has its almanacs before this time. We have lent this district four hundred. But what are four hundred Family Health Almanacs before a few brethren and sisters who feel the importance of the work?

The director of this district writes: “I received a letter from Bro. G.; good news. To use his expression, ‘the almanacs go like hot cakes.’ He ordered me to send him ninety more. There have been about four hundred almanacs distributed, and we have not had a fair taste of the almanac interest yet.”

Another writes: “Our almanacs go well. T. sold twenty-eight in a short time.” And the following good words come from an earnest worker: “Some of the brethren are taking hold of the work and doing all they can, while others are not much interested. Some say, they did not vote to take any almanacs, and think those who voted to take one thousand should sell them. It is discouraging to see any one who believes the third angel’s message manifest so little interest. We are doing all we can to stimulate them to action, and we hope with some success. Although it may appear little in the eyes of many, yet I have felt while going from house to house, to sell these almanacs, that it was no small thing, but that it was a part of the last warning message.”

Yes, as light is shining upon the claims of the moral law, it is, too, shining upon those laws which pertain to health and relate us to life. Hundreds of Sabbath-keeping families have reason for the most profound gratitude for the benefits and blessings of health reform; yet we fear many of these highly favored ones, are asleep to the duties they owe to their fellow-men. The reading of one of these almanacs may prove the stepping-stone to the very blessings we are so graciously enjoying. Can it be that any having a just sense of this work can sit down and fold their hands and do nothing? Can it be that any who profess to stand in the light will fail to give the Health Almanacs a place in their house?

The Judge of all the earth is testing character. We may develop character in small things. And Jesus says, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

Now at the eleventh hour the Master says, “Go ye also into my vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.”

Toil on dear brethren, a little longer: scatter the rays of light, sow the seeds of truth. And when weary and worn with labor, or pressed with discouragements, remember, “he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.”

We wish we could hear equally good news from older and larger districts. Long years since, brethren, you joined heart and hand with the people of God to help send forth the solemn tidings of truth to the world. You are now being out-done by those called to the vineyard at the eleventh hour. The brother who has sold one lot of almanacs and calls for ninety more, is a farmer who embraced the truth this year.

I hope none of the old hands have sat down outside of the interests of this work to watch the final result, as Jonah after warning Nineveh sat down outside of the city watching its destiny. Poor Jonah! he was not only very unhappy, but was soon without the protecting shadow of the gourd, which came up in a night and perished in a night, and for which he manifested a greater care than for the souls he had been sent to warn. God gently reproved this prophet. Does he not speak to you, dear reader? I would hear his voice. I would obey and live.

“Hold up thy light, O child of grace! Be not afraid to let it shine On all around, but rather fear To hide this precious light divine.”

A. S. Hutchins.