p. 59 | The Missionary by William Ings

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 28, 1889

The Missionary.

By William Ings

IMPORTANT TO THE MEMBERS OF OUR CALIFORNIA TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.

THE managers of the American Sentinel have been forced by circumstances to begin the publication of the paper weekly instead of monthly as heretofore. During the last few months much has been developed which demands that this valuable journal should appear oftener, and that its influence should be extended.

The promoters of the Blair Bills force us, as a people, to take active and decided measures to counteract the influence exerted by them. There are thousands of good, honest men and women that have not had the opportunity of learning the true character of the work now being pushed by the advocates of these bills.

The Sentinel is well adapted to educate the people and prepare them for the pending issue. We have been greatly favored of late in obtaining signatures to the remonstrance to the Sunday Rest Bill, as well as to the one against a change in the Constitution. People out side of our faith have showed a commendable spirit in assisting us in our work by willingly attaching their names to the remonstrances. Is this not an indication that God has gone before us, and given us favor with the people? and would it not grieve the Holy Spirit should the work stop, and not follow in this opening providence?

The experience that has been gained by the late canvass is too precious to be lost. As we moved out in duty the Lord came very near to his people, and the influence of his Spirit caused many to be glad. But greater blessings await those who will faithfully follow up this work by obtaining subscriptions for the Sentinel. By the late canvass the minds of the people have been aroused to the facts in connection with the movements of the Constitutional Amendment party, and could they have an opportunity, thousands would subscribe for the Sentinel. This would place in their hands such information as they need. Then when the measure shall become more prominent and be submitted to the people, we shall have friends, and as a result many will be found on the Lord's side.

Every true follower of Christ should realize the emergency of our time, and be at their post of duty. There is a battle to be fought, and it will require every available soldier to accomplish the work. The cause of God demands active measures, and every man and woman that professes present truth should have their hearts filled with the love of the message and be ready to make an advance movement. There never was a time in the history of our work when activity was required more than now. Every household should be visited, and every person within our Conference should be solicited to subscribe for the Sentinel. If all the workers would move out in duty there could be thousands of subscriptions obtained by the time the second number is ready to be sent out, the first of February. The subscription price is nominal, being only one dollar for forty-eight numbers.

Let each director see that a thorough canvass is made in his district. If there is territory out of the reach of the society, perhaps agents can be found who would work for the percentage offered by the managers. Librarians should see that every member subscribes for himself and also for his friends, besides securing a club for the use of the society. Every available worker should be encouraged to push out into the field, and thus going forth, let him be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove in approaching the people.

There may be news dealers and others who favor our work that could be induced to obtain subscriptions, for the percentage offered by the office; if so, they ought to have an opportunity to assist.

We should embrace every opening to assist in the work. We have no time to idle away; every moment of time is precious. The image is forming, and the message is closing. Let every heart be lifted to God for his divine aid, and the blessing of God will follow.

Send your subscriptions to Anna L. Ingels, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., as often as once per week. WM. INGS, Vice-President T. and M. Society.