Earlier text: EXTRACTS FROM A LATE APPEAL FROM SISTER WHITEHOW CAN WE QUALIFY OURSELVES TO LABOR.
By Editor
We have schools and city missions which are adapted to disciplining the mind and educating workers in the cause of God, but in this appeal we would reach a class of workers who are at their homes, and cannot attend a college or a mission training school. God has something for you to do. First we should become familiar with the truth—not upon any one point in particular, but upon various points. Become familiar with leading texts of Scripture upon some prominent points of our faith, so much so that by having the references on a card you will know at once the nature of the scriptures referred to; then raise some question which will lead the person with whom you are conversing to take his Bible and read a text upon that subject. Do not think that you must learn how to give a Bible-reading in the common acceptation of the term, but become familiar with the Scriptures so that you can present them in an interesting manner. As illustration of what we mean, we would suggest first that the reader become familiar with Matt. 24:15; Dan. 12:4, 9, 10, and the wonderful dream of Nebuchadnezzar, in the second chapter. Then the conversation might be turned in some way so that the question might be asked if they had ever thought of what the Saviour said about understanding the book of Daniel. Then the fifteenth verse of Matt. 24 might be referred to in an off-hand manner, not as though you had a set form, but in such a manner that a person would be interested to take his Bible and read the passage. The suggestion could then be made that the Saviour's words imply that the book of Daniel not only contains important information, but that it can be understood, for he says, "Whoso readeth let him understand." This will lead to further conversation. Then it can be remarked that the book of Daniel does add important testimony on this point, and refer them to Dan. 12:4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." The thoughts contained in this verse are interesting. It shows that the prophecy of Daniel was to be sealed up and closed until a certain point of time, and in that period of time there would be a running to and fro, and knowledge should be increased. Steamboats and railroad trains are most fitting illustrations of this running to and fro. The facts concerning the first Bible Society, and the number of Bibles printed at the present time, showing how knowledge in the word of God has been increased, would be enough to interest any person who could be interested in these things; and then the sciences, and the improvements of the present age. If you are intelligent on these points, you will be able to interest almost anyone. Then the question might be raised if it is certain that the spiritually wise will know these things. Then the person may be asked to read the ninth and tenth verses of this same chapter, where it expressly states that "the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." Then the second chapter of Daniel can be referred to, as showing how readily the book can be understood. The dream might be read through from the thirty-first to the thirty-fifth verse, and then read the explanation of the head of gold in the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth verses; then the second kingdom, brought in in the thirty-ninth verse and its name recorded in the fifth chapter, verses thirty and thirty-one. Explain the third kingdom, Grecia, which was to bear rule over all the earth. Then show by the second chapter that the fourth kingdom is to continue until the establishment of God's everlasting kingdom. Fifteen minutes or a half-hour's talk upon this subject would be long enough for the first time, until the interest is thoroughly aroused, and then leave the family while the interest is at its highest pitch. There are none of our sisters who, if they took the time that is ordinarily spent on tucks and ruffles, frizzling the hair, or extra fixings on their children's clothing, or the time spent in cooking extra dishes for the family, could not become familiar with these references. The subject of the second coming of Christ could be taken up in a similar manner. Perhaps we might begin with the promises of the Saviour, made to the disciples as he was about to leave them (John 14:1-3), and the manner of his coming as referred to in Acts 1:9-11, and how he will come (1 Thess. 4:16, 17), and other parallel texts. Then take up the condition of the earth at the time of the Lord's coming; the effect it will have upon the wicked; a few of the leading texts upon these subjects, which, in a little time, can be easily learned. Not that we should have any set form to introduce these subjects, but we should be familiar with them and prepared to turn the conversation into such channels as will best allow their introduction. We should become intelligent on these points. The "Facts for the Times" is a book that can be purchased at any of our tract depositories or offices, and gives information relative to the fulfillment of prophecy in the signs of the times, and in the progress of the work of God. A few moments spent each day in seeking to become intelligent on these points, and studying the Bible, will lead the mind into a healthy channel, and give an experience in divine things that will not only make us as individuals, lights in the world to others, but will warm our own hearts and help us to form5characters that will fit us for the kingdom of God. We hope our brethren and sisters will not neglect this work. Do not think that you must go into a city and start up a mission before you can become intelligent as to what the Bible teaches. There never was a period fraught with such great danger as this. It is those who feel the importance and the burden of the truth, and who are laboring in some way for its advancement, by prayers and by earnest efforts, who will make a success of the work. But if we fail here and neglect the spirit of the work at the present time, we have made a failure which will be eternal in its consequences. Our children also should be educated to become intelligent in these things. God is in earnest with his people, and would have us come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Will not our churches take hold of this work? There may be a diffidence on the part of some about going out among strangers, or even their own neighbors, to introduce these things, leading them to investigate the truth, and especially so with those who have not heretofore given the Bible a thorough study. We would recommend such to visit one another. Call upon each other; take the Bible and talk up these subjects, and become familiar with them. Let the conversation be upon those things which relate to the times in which we live. Take up the subject of the prophecy in Daniel, the second coming of Christ, the present condition of the world, and these various points that you would present to your neighbors and friends. In this way you will become familiar with these subjects, and can present them more easily than at first. In some of our towns where the prejudice has been great, the course above recommended has been pursued, and as the result of Bible-readings held by the brethren, some have accepted the truth, and others, whom our brethren believed would never take an interest in such matters, have become interested. We cannot tell what we can do until we make a trial. May God bless our people everywhere, and may we realize that present duty is not simply to nominally embrace the truth, but to put forth efforts to bring it before others, and be lights in the world by example as well as profession. S. N. H. THE SIGNS AND WHAT PEOPLE SAY OF IT.
By Editor
THE fact has long been recognized by us as a denomination that there is no other means so well calculated to interest people in the peculiar truths which we hold, as a fair-sized weekly paper containing a good variety of matter treating upon several different subjects,—a paper some part of which will be almost sure to interest everyone who has a taste for good reading. And we believe that in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES we have just such a paper, and why should it not be so, since we are told in the Testimonies that it was established in the providence of God for this very purpose? God has certainly blessed the SIGNS, and given it favor with the people; but the amount of good which it has done can never be fully known until it stands revealed in the everlasting kingdom of God. The following are a few extracts from the many encouraging letters received from our readers:— A gentleman in Auckland, New Zealand, writes thus to a friend who had sent him several copies of the paper:— "I thank you very much for your kindness in sending me the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I have read them as much as the time at my disposal would admit, and when I have finished with them I give them to others. I was particularly struck with the argument in favor of the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath." A college president in North Carolina, where the SIGNS is put on file in the college library, writes as follows:— "I feel myself under peculiar obligations to you for your kindness in sending us the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Am much pleased with the paper, and assure you that its contents will be appreciated." Brother W. J. Boynton, of Bridgeton, N. J., writes:— "I have always been an admirer of our paper, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which as a religious paper is worthy of the front rank among the religious journals of our land, while the truths of which it is the exponent are incomparable. But upon receiving the SIGNS in its new dress for 1887, my feelings are best expressed in the words at the heading of these lines. In heading, form, type, terseness, and variety it leaves nothing to be desired. It has always been my delight to circulate the SIGNS; but now that desire is increased. Why should not the paper containing the last message for mortals be so attractive as to commend itself to every beholder? 'Our paper'—may God help us as workers to feel this every day; and while not forgetting to pray for its compositors, extend its circulation, with a constant purpose, to the thousands who are perishing." An earnest Christian lady of Lexington, Va., writes:— "I am glad to have an opportunity to express the pleasure I have taken in your admirable SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I read everything from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White. One article deeply interested me, 'The Waldenses.' I look forward with pleasure to the arrival of the promised tract with the next SIGNS, called, 'Is Man Immortal?' I will gladly give my opinion after I have read it. I send your papers to many friends, who enjoy them very much. I would gladly hear from you a history of the SIGNS. The paper is admirably edited, and its articles are thoroughly interesting. I always study carefully the Sabbath-school lesson, and from its questions and answers have gleaned much valuable information." In a letter to a member of the missionary society, a resident of Oakland says:— "Your papers have been a great blessing to me. I find in them much spiritual food. I do not believe in all points as your people do, yet I find in the SIGNS so much valuable information on subjects upon which I have earnestly desired light for several years, that I look forward to its arrival as a messenger of light. I read it, then send it to a relative in Mississippi; so there have been two hearts made glad with the same papers. I recommend it to my friends as the best paper I ever read. May the blessing of God attend it wherever it goes." A lady in Ohio, writing of the SIGNS, says:— "Your papers came to hand all right. I must say that I am much pleased with the reading. I have never taken so much interest in any paper before. I like Mrs. White's pieces very much. Thank you a thousand times for your kindness in sending them, and I promise to read all that come hereafter." Another, writing from Iowa, says in behalf of herself and family:— "We like your paper very much; as soon as we feel able to take a paper we will subscribe for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES." A letter from Freeport, Pa., says:— "I am very much pleased with the paper, and appreciate its contents. I like the stand it takes on the reforms of the times. You offer to send a few copies; I will be glad to get them; they will be read by our own family, then given to others to read." A resident of Florida writes:— "I wish to thank you for the pleasure you have given not only to me but to others in the shape of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Not a few have expressed their hearty appreciation of the paper, its articles being such as commend themselves to the earnest and thoughtful." The secretary of the Y. M. C. A., Wellington, New Zealand, says:— "Accept our best thanks for your kindness in sending sample copies of the SIGNS and Good Health, which we gladly accept and will be delighted to give a prominent place on our files." A Missouri lady writes thus from Lexington:— "Many thanks for the SIGNS, which I continue to enjoy. I think it an excellent paper. I shall take pleasure in lending it to others. If you would send a few copies to Mr. —, of Rensselaer, Mo., I think they would be appreciated. The Bible arguments seem to be on your side, and I have always thought so. I am not prepared to accept the Sabbath question, but am going to look the matter up. If you would send me a tract upon the 'Coming of the Lord,' I would like to investigate that subject farther." A lady writing from Litchfield, Minn., inclosed five dollars, desiring that the SIGNS be sent to her for one year, and to three of her friends for six months each. She says:— "I am not one of your people, but became convinced of the truth through reading your valuable paper. May God bless you in your work." A gentleman in Texas writes:— "Find inclosed two dollars to renew my subscription to the SIGNS. I cannot do without the paper, though this is the last money I have. I think that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is the best religious paper I ever saw." "I received your postal and papers. Please accept many thanks. I shall enjoy reading them. I look forward to the coming of the paper with much pleasure." Another writes as follows:— "I have enjoyed reading the two copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES which you sent, very much; and if they are fair specimens of the paper, I shall look forward with much pleasure to reading it regularly." A lady in Texas, who had read some copies of the paper which were sent to another, says:— "I had the pleasure of reading several copies of the SIGNS which you sent to my cousin. I think it an excellent paper, but do not think I will be able to subscribe for it before fall. I appreciate the paper you sent, and will endeavor to make up a club for you." Still another to whom one of our workers sent some copies of the SIGNS writes:— "I am truly grateful to you for your thoughtfulness in sending the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and I feel drawn out in sympathy towards you in your desire to advance the cause of our blessed Saviour, by sending abroad religious reading of a high order." A lady writes from Wapanucka, Ind. T., to one of the missionary workers as follows:— "I am greatly obliged to you for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES you have sent me. I value the paper very highly, and should be at a loss without it. Some of my neighbors are reading the SIGNS, and like it. I should like to subscribe for the paper, but do not feel able to at present. I hope I shall in the near future." A clergyman in a letter written to the office thus expresses his appreciation of the SIGNS sent him:— "Sickness has kept me at home for a few days, and while it is a real affliction to be stopped in my work in the ministry in a field so destitute as mine, yet I thank God that it is so, for I have been able to read some of the best articles that I have seen for a long time. All things work together for good. One of the very best is on 'Schools' by Mrs. E. G. White. We appreciate the SIGNS OF THE TIMES very much, and feel a desire to tell you so." "I receive the SIGNS regularly, for which you have my sincere thanks. I read them gladly, and try to obey the instruction they give, for I am very much interested in the truths they contain." A young lady of Carmel, Ind., who had been reading the SIGNS and also other publications, writes to a friend:— "I have been reading some of the books on the Sabbath question which you sent, and have been thinking seriously on the subject. We reason this way. Why should the fourth commandment be changed any more than the others? We do pray that our heavenly Father will make this all clear to us, as well as other things. I do feel that time is short and that I have much to learn. Your letters strengthen us. My prayer is that God will bless our correspondence. I believe his leading hand is in this." A minister in Japan says:— "I thank you for sending me the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I get a great benefit and a new light from it. May God help you in his own vineyard, and bless you abundantly when he comes to meet you." "We have read your most valuable paper for about five years, they having been sent us by a dear lady in California for four years. This lady we have never met, but love, for through the SIGNS and tracts which she sent us we have been led to keep the Sabbath of the Lord."6 A lady of Guilford, Conn., writes a letter full of gratitude for the SIGNS sent her, and appreciation of their contents. In reference to Sister White’s articles she says:— “I feel while reading them like the child who wanted his mother to tell him a story with a long end. I never like to come to the last word. They are very interesting and instructive. Such good, sound reading is just what we need. She is doing a great work.” A lady in Rhode Island writes:— “I consider it a great privilege to read the SIGNS. I have felt while reading some of the articles that I would like to have every parent read them and understand the great responsibility committed to them in the gift of their children. Mrs. White’s articles make the Christian life a possibility, by making plain the path of duty.” Elder C——, of California, who has been receiving the SIGNS from a missionary worker in New York State, writes in regard to the second advent:— “The promise of Christ’s second coming is fraught with untold comfort. When he shall appear we shall be like him. Then I shall be satisfied. I confess that I feel that the end is near, and I love his appearing.” A minister in Ohio writes:— “I was glad to be greeted by several of the SIGNS which came to me yesterday, remailed from Mohawk Village, my recent pastorate. I missed them and was about to write you in regard to my change in address. May God bless you in your work for the Master.” “Judging from Mrs. E. G. White’s articles in the SIGNS the Great Controversy must be a work well worth a perusal. I have never taken so much interest in any other church paper as I do in this. They are made up of solid matter based on facts. The editors of the SIGNS are very able men.” “I have gained more Bible knowledge from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES than from all the sermons I ever heard. May God spare you to do much good in this world.” Mrs. H——, of Illinois, writes:— “I have enjoyed reading the SIGNS very much. I do not see how any thoughtful person can evade the conviction that the prophecies are being fast fulfilled, and that the end is drawing near.” In response to an offer of the SIGNS and Good Health, the secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in Launceston, Tasmania, says:— “We shall be glad to avail ourselves of your kind offer; most probably we will be able to continue the paper at the expiration of the term. The SIGNS we have seen before. Both papers are well gotten up, and well adapted for the object in view. I might supply the local press with a quotation occasionally, which will bring the paper into notice.” A gentleman of Missouri says:— “I wish to return my most sincere thanks to you, my kind friend, and to the publishers of such a paper as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Excuse me for not sending in my subscription, but I hope soon to be able to subscribe for the paper, for my wife and myself both look upon it as our Bible key.” A gentleman writing from New York State for the SIGNS index, says:— “I am a regular subscriber for your paper, and a great friend and admirer of it. I believe that you have the truth. That God’s wisdom and strength may always be and abide with you and your good paper is my wish.” “Myself and family (seven persons) have come into the truth through reading the SIGNS.” A sister in Indiana writes:— “I think that we can’t do missionary work without the SIGNS.” The following letter, dated February 2, is from a post-master in Indiana:— “SIGNS OF THE TIMES: By some means, I don’t know how, your valuable paper fell into my wife’s hands. She thinks there never was such another paper published. I read it myself, and think it a glorious, good paper. Please send a sample copy so I can get the price, and I will send for it. The price in the other is torn out.” THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
By Editor
THOUGH but little over a year old, the American Sentinel circulates in every State and Territory in the Union, and has a large and rapidly increasing subscription list. And while it has in a few instances been adversely criticised by the partisans of National Reform, so-called, no one has even attempted to show that its positions are not well taken, or that its conclusions are not just. But on the other hand, the friends of civil and religious liberty have hailed its inception as timely, and its arguments as weighty. The following are fair samples of the letters which its publishers are constantly receiving:— Mr. —, attorney-at-law, Chapel Hill, N. C., writes:— “I have happily had the opportunity of reading the November number of the American Sentinel, and I wish to express my hearty indorsement of the sentiments expressed in it.”7 M. H. Brown, Adams Center, N. Y., says:— “I have received sample copies of the American Sentinel, with which I am very much pleased. I shall certainly co-operate with you in giving it a wide circulation. I am sure New York will do her share at least in placing the Sentinel before the people.” Edward F. Berkley, D. D., writes from Kirkwood, Mo.:— “I have received several different copies of the American Sentinel, but my attention was not specially drawn to the paper until I was favored with the December number. I have read every line of it with great satisfaction. It is marked with ability and skill in handling the great question of Rome's progress and purpose, which will one day astonish a foolish and confiding people. ‘Her words [now] are softer than butter, having war in her heart.’ “I inclose twenty-five two-cent stamps for one year's subscription. If you will send me a few sample copies of the December number, I will make an effort to procure some subscribers. If it were possible, your circulation ought to be a million copies monthly.” A gentleman in Norfolk, N. Y., says:— “I think the Sentinel very valuable, and believe that it is called for at this time. It is doing a very important work. I wish you success.” Another gentleman writes a very intelligent and appreciative letter from Louisville, Ky., in which he says:— “I have carefully read the January number of the Sentinel and would say that I fully indorse its sentiments as being the only safe doctrine for the people of this nation, and the only safeguard of religious liberty.” THE TRUTH BEFORE ALL CLASSES.
By Stephen N. Haskell
It would be inconsistent to suppose that the gospel of Jesus Christ would close up without reaching every class of people. Because the common people received the gospel in the days of our Saviour, it did not exclude such men as Paul, and others of like standing. It is evident that the apostle received a conviction of truth while in argument with Stephen, who was equal to him in learning. In every age of reform, while the masses of believers have been made up of the common people, there have been some from every class of society who have accepted the unpopular truth. Of the last message, John bears the following testimony: “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues and kings.” It will not only reach every nation and tongue upon the earth, but it will reach all classes of society, from the king upon his throne to the humblest peasant in his cot. But all classes of people cannot be reached by the same means, and hence the variety of means and the different gifts of the spirit. At the present time we publish twenty-six periodicals. These twenty-six papers are not published simply because the work has extended to different localities, but each has its specific field. The truth is the same, but it is presented in a different manner in order to reach all classes of people. WE wish to speak particularly of two of our periodicals: one is the True Educator, which is published at South Lancaster, Mass.; and the other, the American Sentinel, published at Oakland, Cal., and occupying a field peculiarly its own. These periodicals are not denominational in character, and they reach a class of people which cannot be reached in any other way. Our friends may not be aware of the standing of the True Educator. Among literary people it is looked upon with great favor. During the past year it has been sent, together with the Sentinel, to many of the educational institutions of the country, and the following are some of the testimonials which have been received by Professor Ramsey:— “The students in the industrial department of the South Lancaster Academy, print the True Educator as a part of their school work, and it is one of the neatest papers that comes to our desk. Fortunate the parent whose child has such facilities in connection with his studies.”—New England Journal of Education. It is but justice to say that the New England Journal of Education has the largest weekly circulation of any in America, and is the most popular. “I am pleased with the tone and appearance of the True Educator. Would be glad to write for it from time to time.”—Prof. W. H. Payne, A. M., Michigan University, Ann Arbor. “The True Educator is certainly a credit to its editor and to the academy. Shall try and send something for its columns.”—John C. Rolfe, Ph. D., Cincinnati, Ohio, late instructor in Greek, Cornell University. “The three great educational monthly periodicals of this time are: the True Educator, South Lancaster, Mass., the American Teacher, Boston, Mass., and the Western School Journal, Topeka, Kansas.”—Tonganoxie (Kan.) News. “It will always give me genuine pleasure to see and read your journal, and I wish you all possible success in the enterprise. If I were not so completely absorbed in work, I should be glad to send you an occasional contribution.”—Prof. Henry E. Shepherd, Charleston College, S. C. (An eminent writer, lecturer, and educational worker). The following testimonial for the Sentinel was received from Edward Everett Hale, whose name is familiar in the literary world as one of the foremost writers of the times:— “MY DEAR SIR: I have been very much obliged to you for the Sentinel, and there are few copies which I do not read through. I should like to know who your writers are, for they seem to me to understand the American administration of things, as the writers who have been largely trained in European social economy do not. I almost sent you an article once, but I tore it up instead. You know the French say, ‘Who excuses himself, accuses himself,’ and this is generally true. Always very truly yours, EDWARD EVERETT HALE.” Geo. W. Haskins, for sixteen years professor of Greek in Alleghany College, Meadville, Pa., writes: “I have enjoyed the reading of the American Sentinel, sent by you, very much, though I do not feel like adding another to the list of publications which I take, and therefore do not feel like subscribing for it. I most heartily indorse its opposition to the folly of the principles of the National Reform party. If that party ever succeeds in accomplishing anything by its operations, it will be through the Romish Church.” And thus we might multiply testimonials in behalf of these journals from leading educational men, to whom they have been sent. We find that these publications meet an appreciative reception at the hands of thinking people, and the value of such testimonials is greatly enhanced by the fact that they show that even men absorbed in professional duties, take time to read our publications. “TRUE EDUCATOR” AND “AMERICAN SENTINEL.”
As these are found of such great service in pioneering the way among professional men, it has been decided that these two journals will be sent for 1887, for one dollar, remittances to be made to the True Educator, South Lancaster, Mass., or American Sentinel, Oakland, Cal. The Educator is a sixteen-page monthly, printed by the students in the industrial department of the academy, Prof. C. C. Ramsey, editor, and the regular price, alone, seventy-five cents. American Sentinel, fifty cents. There is a conflict before the people of God, and every means should be used to bring to the attention of thinking men, the truths which we profess. Let us in the name of the Lord prepare ourselves for the coming storm, so that when the battle is fought we can have the consciousness of having done the best we could to warn the world, and be prepared to meet the Lord. S. N. H. THE CANVASSING WORK.
By Editor
THE canvassing business has become one of the most effectual means of getting the truth which we profess before the people; hence it is as the Testimonies say, one of the most important branches of the work. Much attention was given this subject at the last General Conference, and steps were taken to establish as nearly as possible, a uniform and systematic method of carrying on this branch of the work. Many of the State Conferences have already begun to act in harmony with the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the International Tract and Missionary Society, in regard to systematizing the work and encouraging more to take hold of it, and as the result of the effort thus put forth, we are glad to refer to the rapidly increasing number of orders, which are coming in from all quarters, for our books, especially for "Daniel and the Revelation," and "Great Controversy." We have just completed the fortieth thousand of the "Great Controversy," thirty thousand of which have been sold already, and are like angel messengers, imparting joy and hope to as many anxious, weary souls. Elder Haskell says that he thinks this most excellent book will be sold by the hundreds of thousands yet. The Subscription Edition promises to have a much larger sale than the Popular. The style of prospectus is something new, and we believe that it will meet with popular favor among the canvassers. It is, in fact, a complete copy of the book itself, bound in full Morocco, with samples of the sheep and half Morocco bindings inside of the front cover, and sample of cloth binding inside of the back cover. It has also ruled paper for names, etc., the same as any other first-class prospectus. Canvasser's complete outfit, including prospectus, sent post-paid for $3.00. The canvassing work is something in which all can, by the help of the Lord, do something. There never was, in the history of our people, a more favorable opportunity for each individual to find a place in the work. There is certainly no excuse for anyone to remain idle. People everywhere are reaching out after something of the very nature of the matter contained in our books. Where are the canvassers to carry this desired information to the people? We should have a score, yes, a hundred, in the field as canvassers where there is one now. We are prepared to show that with the liberal discounts we offer, selling our publications pays much better as a business matter simply than the average trade occupation or profession. And yet the idea of making money should not be the main object in view. We want to get the truth before the people. Our ministers and other laborers are obliged to make great sacrifices in order to do this. Why should not our canvassers enter the work with the same spirit? If they will do this, God will bless and give success to the efforts put forth. Many of our books have been revised, enlarged, and illustrated with fine full-page engravings, and are nicely bound to render them as attractive and salable as they are really instructive and valuable. And now, in order to make the business pleasant, as well as profitable, books of instruction on "The Art of Canvassing," in general and descriptive circulars of each particular book, have been prepared to go with each outfit to the agents, as a means of giving them full information as to how to be successful canvassers. For circulars, terms to agents, etc., address your State T. and M. Society, or Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California. THE AFRICAN MISSION AND OUR SABBATH-SCHOOLS.
By Stephen N. Haskell
AT the late General Sabbath-school Association, held at Battle Creek, it was recommended that the Sabbath-schools support the mission which is to be established the coming year in Africa, donations being sent quarterly to the treasurer at Battle Creek. This is not an untried move, different from anything that has ever been done before; California inaugurated this movement, and her Sabbath-schools were the first to contribute money to the Australian Mission. The Lord blessed the schools in this. It gave them the missionary spirit such as they never had experienced before. It was thought by some that to set before the schools some special missionary object would tend, after a little, to decrease the donations, but it proved decidedly otherwise. The contributions nearly doubled. The friends felt a deep interest in the work in Australia, and it not only united them in making sacrifices to help that field, but it united their hearts in prayer that God would bless the work there. And God did bless that mission; and while we have established missions in various parts, none have been attended with such prosperity as has the Australian and New Zealand field. It is evident that God heard the prayers of the people, and accepted their offerings. It was then thought that, while the donations during the first quarter were so much in excess of the usual amount, the second quarter would bring a reaction, but the contributions of the second quarter were larger than those of the first; and so it has been ever since they began to give to the Australian Mission. Now the California Sabbath-school Association has voted to give $1,000 the coming year to the African Mission. They are also educating a missionary for New Zealand, who has been sent to this country by the friends in New Zealand. Thus the Sabbath-schools have a live interest in the missionary work. It has bound their hearts to that mission as nothing else in the world could do. It also had its effect upon those who heard the truth in Australia. When we related to one man who was not of our faith, how our money was raised by the Sabbath-schools of America, tears started in his eyes and he said, "We ought to help such a work as this if children in America could do this much." He immediately gave me $65 to help us. It had its effect upon those who embraced the truth. When they learned what the Sabbath-schools of America had done to send them the truth, they desired to do their part. The Sabbath-school in one place in New Zealand, has already given $50 for the foreign missions, and $50 to the International Tract and Missionary Society. But the question may arise. How much will it cost to sustain the African Mission? If we should set the sum at $10,000 it would be a small estimate for the first year's expenses. It would probably cost that much to establish the mission and pay the expenses of those who go. We cannot tell just what the expense of each individual will be, but very likely it will be about $200 each. So if eight persons should go, the traveling expenses would be $1,600. Then the expense of getting a start will be great. They will want to carry a large number of books and periodicals, and we think that in estimating the entire outlay in getting a foothold in South Africa, $10,000 is a very moderate sum. But how can this money be raised? Let us make a few figures, and see how easily it can be raised if all the Sabbath-schools in America take a part in it. There are over 22,000 names enrolled on our Sabbath-school records. Should each one of these scholars pay five cents a week, the donations for the first quarter of thirteen weeks would amount to $14,300. Now cannot our Sabbath-schools do this? In the first quarter enough would be raised to carry the African Mission through the year; and the second quarter would pay all the expenses of the English Mission; the third might be donated to the International Society, which is sending the truth to all parts of the world; while the fourth quarter's contributions might be appropriated to the opening of some unexplored field. But there are some schools in the southern part of the country, which are too poor to pay five cents per member. This can easily be made up by some of our schools in a more prosperous portion of the country. We suggest that in order to help these schools, those in the northern, eastern, and western parts of the country pay a dime a week, and in some instances even more than this. This amount can be easily raised, and still sufficient be left to furnish local supplies in the schools. Perhaps some of the children may ask where they can get the money. This can be readily arranged by doing errands, selling Good Health, canvassing for some book or periodical easy to work with, or in some way by which small sums can be earned, and thus all may take a part in the work of contributing. This will bring prosperity into the schools, and God will bless a sacrificing spirit. THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
By Editor
WE print 25,000 copies of each issue of the American Sentinel for the months of January, February, and March, to fill orders from the various missionary societies, and to supply subscribers on our regular mailing list. Let the good work continue. Hundreds of yearly subscriptions are coming in every week. Only 50 cents per year, or with "Marvel of Nations," $1.25. Now is the time to subscribe.