For about six weeks I have been very busy in getting my worldly affairs in shape so that I could leave home to engage actively in the Master's great harvest field, also in writing articles for the paper, especially upon “Christian Science,” so-called, and more recently in attending meetings at Graysville and Nashville, Tenn. At the latter place a session of the Southern Union Conference of nearly two weeks was held in connection with other important interests. The meetings at Nashville were the most important ever held in the Southern field. Many of us believe they mark a new era in the progress of the work in the South. For one, I am in most hearty accord with the judgment of the last General Conference relative to the establishment of the various Union Conferences throughout the United States and the whole world. This plan must result in relieving the pressure of questions and interests which for years past has rested so heavily upon the General Conference Committee. It will give the men connected with that most important supervisory committee a chance to do better work, take more time carefully to consider leading and important questions, and accomplish greater good for the cause we all love.
It seems to me that no field in the whole world stands more greatly in need of some such arrangement than this Southern field. Here are a complication of interests demanding constant and careful consideration. Questions growing out of the race relations which center in this field more fully than in any other; the full establishment and successful operation of our publishing interests now being located in this Union Conference; the strengthening of our schools for white and colored alike; the establishment of our health and health food departments; our canvassing work; and our general missionary work for all classes in this vast and needy field,—in fact, everything connected with this great and glorious message and work for the last days needs fostering and careful nursing, and the cultivation of every energy, every means at our command, for a general advance on all lines in this greatest and noblest of causes.
The consideration of these issues, and the carrying forward of the devotional and religious interests of the meeting made the twelve days allotted to the session about as busy as any I ever saw in my experience. From six in the morning till nine at night, yes, in some instances near midnight, meetings or committee work or something connected with the cause required constant attention. The time was all filled, up till the appointed time expired the last Sunday night. Then all day Monday till eight at night was taken up in planning the work for the ensuing year. Our laborers from abroad were Mrs. E. G. White, W. C. White, and Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference. It had been fourteen years since I had met Sister White,—this dear servant of God to whose instructions we all owe so much. When I saw the worn and weary look caused by her faithful, earnest labors, my heart was greatly touched, and I could not restrain my tears. She expressed much satisfaction that I had been permitted to return once more to the work. She spoke only twice publicly to the congregation, and that with great difficulty and effort, with feeble voice compared to her old self. But her words were precious and instructive. At her special request several of us were called in to engage in prayer that the Lord would bless her and give her additional strength to do the work required at the meeting. The occasion was a precious one to all present. She prayed with much of her accustomed fervor at the close of the season. Our hearts were made glad by the Spirit's presence, and she seemed stronger.
Elder Daniells's discourses were most excellent for such an occasion. Those present were deeply interested in them. I knew him when a little lad in West Union, Iowa. I baptized him with my own hands at the age of twelve, and laid them upon his60head in the sacred ordination ceremonies; and he says I gave him the first encouragement to enter the ministry. I was prominent in his being sent to New Zealand at first. My personal friends, at least, can judge of the joy that came into my heart as I welcomed him back—a strong, earnest, faithful laborer in the blessed work of God. May he ever be so humble and true that his faithful labors may be of great value to the cause we love.
I was glad also to meet Brother W. C. White, with whom I had often been associated in labor, years long past. Both of us, as nearly as I could judge, were most glad to meet once more, mutually enlisted in the same blessed work.
Personally, I can but express pleasure at the very cordial way in which all present greeted the old pilgrim of other days. Especially the old laborers with whom I was best acquainted. In some cases tears of joy were shed at these greetings. At any rate my old heart was touched at the tenderness and cordiality of our meetings on this occasion. There was one feature of the meeting which has been quite hard for me to enjoy,—that is, my election to the presidency of the Southern Union Conference. I opposed it strongly as long as I could see any prospect of being successful in doing so. I came there as a delegate of the Florida State Conference, which fact made me the delegate by virtue of holding that office as a part of the new system of our organization. I had felt that all the powers at my command were needed in labors in that Conference. I could hardly get the consent of my mind to place myself in a position which would interfere with the efficiency of those labors. But the “powers that be” made such appeals to the Nominating Committee that they would present my name, and the Conference would elect me in spite of all protests; and because of certain vows I had made to God, I did not feel prepared to refuse the position, though it was much against my wishes that it was given me. This matter of office-holding has been the sad feature of my life. I have had my fill of offices, and would far prefer to go out in the open field to preach the message for this time, and bring souls to Christ. But my brethren seem to think otherwise. My poor wife has hardly gone to her rest before I find myself thrust into the office of president of the Florida Conference, and now into the presidency of the Southern Union Conference of nine large States, and by virtue of that fact into the General Conference Committee itself,—all within two months of my wife's death. I am glad I am not responsible for such sudden processes, against which I made constant protestations. However, I have tried to submit myself with as much grace as possible. I greatly fear I shall not make as successful an officer as Elder Kilgore, whom my election displaces. He was a worthy man, who sought to do his whole duty. I am verging on toward threescore and ten. I have said enough on this subject; but it is right for me to say I have never sought an official position in my life.
One very interesting feature in the meeting in Nashville I must not forget to mention. A large, roomy, publishing house (I regret I cannot give its exact dimensions) has been erected there within 1901, with materials, presses, etc., capable of doing a large work. And best of all, it has been done without running into debt. This has been accomplished through the energetic labors of Brethren White and Palmer and other helpers, and through the liberality of our brethren who have answered the appeals made for means, because of their faith in the Testimonies concerning the needs of this great Southern field. I wish to say to any friends I may have who feel inclined to cavil at this undertaking, that I think they are making a mistake that will prove an injury to their spiritual well-being if they do not cease to do so. I have been on the ground and carefully observed various things connected with the work. I have heard and read the Testimonies connected with this enterprise. I feel sure it will be a success in the end, and be a valuable auxiliary to the message. I expect to spend considerable time in the present year in close connection with this enterprise,—possibly shall be one of its board of management. I shall do my best to help in its counsel, and assist in upholding the hands of its managers in all that I can see to be right. It is an important enterprise, my brethren. This great Southern field requires an important work to be done in it. The publishing association is a most important factor in the work to be accomplished. It must not be hindered nor overdone. The best talent in this field must rally around this institution. It was my privilege, as the chairman of the executive committee of the Union Conference, to call for shares of stock to be taken in it, so that our people would feel that this was their own institution, and not that of any private individuals. Hundreds of dollars' worth of shares were subscribed for, but not as many as I should have been glad to see. I feel already considerably identified with the Southern Publishing Association.
It was my privilege for eight or nine years of my last labors in the cause before I broke down, to be president of the Review and Herald Association, at Battle Creek. Perhaps I have a right to inquire if my administration was ever known to be venturesome, shaky, or unworthy the confidence of our people. My principles, brethren and sisters, have not changed a single iota in all these years. I firmly believe in a safe, careful policy, and not in running over head and ears into debt. A word to the wise is sufficient. I bespeak for this new enterprise the confidence of our people.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
JAMAICA, WEST INDIES.
By Frank Hall
I HAVE found great pleasure in the work of the past year, which the dear Lord has given me to do as a servant among His remnant people. The first two months were spent with another laborer, Brother W. Jay Tanner, in visiting and putting the blessed truth before the people in a new field, where the building of a church is now being carried on.
I was removed from there to another place to superintend the work, as well as to do manual labor in the building of another church, which was raised up within three and a half months. From this place I was called to my present field of labor at Santa Cruz, where another church-building is being raised up, and its finishing is looked forward to with great joy.
As we could find time to do so, my wife and I visited the people, held Bible readings, and distributed tracts. An interest is aroused. Since we have been here, ten have begun to obey the truth, and one backslider has been reclaimed. I regret that I was kept indoors for two months through sickness. Since it has pleased the Lord to raise me up, I am stronger and better fitted for the Master’s service. We expect soon to be removed from our present location to a new field. Remember us in your prayers. FRANK HALL.
CHARLES HAY
By Charles Hay
SANTA CRUZ.—If there was ever a time in the world's history when the people of God experienced what it is to be transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they might “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” it is now. The true child of God sees that the time is a grand and awful one; it is not a time to sleep on guard, neither to trifle on Satan's ground. The arch-enemy is now mustering all his forces for the last great battle, which is just ahead. He is at war with those that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.
Several weeks ago a minister was asked to expose the doctrines of our faith in an Episcopalian church, he having studied the writings of D. M. Canright. He preached in a spirit of strife, and of course the people imbibed the same spirit.
In his discourse he gave two challenges, offering fifty dollars to any who could prove that the seventh day Moses kept is the same that Adventists keep to-day, asserting that no one can prove that Paul ever kept the Sabbath. When he had finished, he having preached at two different places the same day, Elder Beckner, who was present at both services, asked to be allowed to speak, but was refused each time; however, he replied at our own meeting-house. During the week Elder Beckner preached, nearly every night we were stoned; one sister was hurt; but we were not dismayed.
The cry is, “These people are turning the world upside down!” but we trust we are the people who are turning the world right side up. As it was in the days of the apostles, so it is now: history repeats itself. Elder Beckner has been in the western part of the island, assisting Elder Tanner in a series of tent-meetings, where there has been great interest. May the blessing of God attend them.
We have started the building of our new church, which is thirty by twenty feet, with a vestry twelve by eleven feet. It has been raised, and would have been completed, but it is very difficult to prepare the timbers in the woods. However, we hope that the building will soon be ready for use. We have no money, but God is carrying us wonderfully, and all the brethren have one determination,—to go forward. The stones for the Spanish wall being near, the sisters turn out at night and carry them, determined that when the time comes for the masons to work, nothing shall be lacking. All are of good courage, and Satan's assault has only driven us to Christ, the solid Rock.
CHARLES HAY
NEBRASKA
By W. B. Hill
TEKAMAH.—I used to report quite often in the REVIEW AND HERALD, the dear old messenger of truth, which has been an almost constant visitor at our home for more than thirty years. It is growing better and better all the time. Since the advent of our State papers, I have neglected the REVIEW. But I feel moved to report to all our dear readers that I am of good courage, and have joined the Forward Movement,—forward march to the kingdom of God. I never enjoyed a week of prayer as I did the last; but I expect to enjoy a better one if I live to see another; for God's blessings will grow richer as we near the end.
It is time now for God's people to awake out of sleep, and make one grand rally all along the line, that the work may be done. Those who refuse now to heed the bugle call, form in line of battle, gird on the armor, and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, will sleep on and take their rest until awakened by the last trump.
The Lord has been very good to us. He has come into our meetings with power, and some have taken their stand for God. A church wherein the last message can be proclaimed is nearing completion at Tekamah, where a tent-meeting was held last summer; for this we are very thankful.
W. B. HILL.
THE COMING CANVASSER.
By E. A. Sutherland
FOR years we have known that the printed pages containing the Third Angel's Message should be scattered as freely as the leaves of autumn. Considerable work in canvassing was done a few years ago by those who were looking for the soon coming of the Lord. But difficulties have arisen. The idea is prevalent that the time for canvassing is past. There is a lack of courage and trust in God's promises.
We repeat the experience of the ten spies, who said that Israel could not take the land of Canaan. Because of unbelief the whole camp of Israel was turned back into the wilderness, and there those who started the exodus died. The children, whom they feared would be destroyed by the enemy, were the ones who in the end did the work that the fathers deemed impossible. We have for years been wandering in the same state of doubt and unbelief. When God has told us to arouse and do, we, too, have said that it was impossible. We are, however, again nearing Kadesh-barnea. The Lord has the second time told us to go up and possess the land.
To-day the children are catching the spirit which the fathers should have possessed years ago. The church schools are training them to do active missionary work. God said that if we would start these schools, the children would become missionaries and that through them a great work would be done. Our hearts rejoice as we hear of the canvassing done by little children.
Elder Thompson wrote as follows concerning the work done by one small church school in the State of New York: “One of our sisters has been teaching a church school in her home the past winter. The school was located on a farm a few miles from the city, and about a mile from any village. There was an attendance of from seven to ten pupils. Recently these students have been canvassing in this country place, and the following is the order of books which has just been received at our office:—
“‘Best Stories,’ cloth, 15 copies; board, 10 copies; paper, 18 copies; German, 2 copies; ‘Ladies’ Guide,’ 4 copies; ‘Coming King,’ gilt, 10 copies; plain, 22 copies. The value of these would aggregate $65.25.”
A young lady teaching her first school writes: “We have been taking a club of twenty-five Signs of the Times, and with the proceeds have papered and reseated our schoolroom. After paying our tithe, we have $1.25 with which to buy curtains.”
“We are in a place where we can do some missionary work,” writes another teacher. “To-day the girls of the school went about four miles and a half to sew for the poor. We have missionary meetings every two weeks, and have money enough to take a club of ten Signs.”
One of the Conference papers thus describes the aggressive work of a church-school teacher: “She recently ordered a quantity of tracts on Christ's second coming, and started her pupils out to sell them. Their sales amounted to over a dollar and a half in three afternoons. There will be no trouble to find canvassers and workers for God when the children are properly educated from infancy.”
“My children had the pleasure of sending one dollar to the Southern missionary work. This was the proceeds from the comforter which they pieced last winter.”
The educational secretary in one of the States in the Lake Union Conference writes: “One teacher has just learned by experience that his youngest pupils can sell the educational journal. The little people are becoming enthusiastic. Another teacher writes that his school has sold thirty dollars’ worth of books and periodicals in less than four months, besides placing the REVIEW in every family in the church.”
Another school gave Christmas offerings amounting to fifty-four dollars, the money having been earned by taking orders for the Missionary Magazine.
Any number of similar experiences might be given. We are living in the time when God's Spirit is being poured upon the children and youth. But that Spirit is offered just as freely to those of mature years. I want to keep pace with the message. You have the same desire, I am sure.
An evangelistic canvassers’ school will be held at Emmanuel Missionary College, Berrien Springs, Mich. Those who know that God has been calling them to do this work, and who are ready now to do it, but who desire a brief training, should correspond at once with Emmanuel Missionary College.
E. A. SUTHERLAND.
NEBRASKA SANITARIUM.
By DANIEL NETTLETON
I HAVE been connected with this institution as Bible teacher and pastor for three months. I have learned by my experience here that our sanitariums are a broad missionary field. God has blessed both helpers and patients in our Bible study. The Lord has said to us, “Let it be understood by medical missionaries, that the better acquainted they become with God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, the better acquainted they become with Bible history, the better qualified they will be to do His work. God would have us study the history of His dealing with men and nations in the past, that we may learn and obey His messages, that we may take heed to His warnings and counsels.”
Our sanitariums should be what Joseph was to Egypt—a saviour. Our world is full of sin and suffering, and is sadly in need of help. We are told that there is nothing in this world that will reach the people like the medical missionary work. “This work will commend itself to the hearts of men whose whole life has been perverted.”
God is blessing in the Nebraska Sanitarium, and showing us tokens of favor—not because we are good, but because it is His cause, and we need His blessing in doing His work. A large number of patients are here. The bakery is taxed to its utmost to fill the many and large orders that are coming in. So, like Joseph, this institution is teaching the great principles of health reform. Many have found here not only relief from pain, but have learned a better way to live—learned that if they would enter into life, they must keep the commandments.
This sanitarium, though young in years, has sent out several medical missionaries, and there is a good class of strong young men and women preparing for the work.
A pleasant and we trust profitable entertainment was given on the night of December 28, in the College View church, in honor of the graduating class of medical missionaries. A large and interested congregation listened to an address by Professor Prescott, on the subject of “Love and Life.” The Lord loved, and gave His life. When we love, we give our lives in loving service. Love “seeketh not her own, . . . beareth all things, . . . hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth.” Jesus loved the world, and went about doing good and healing.
Dr. George gave a short history of the class and its work, and presented the diplomas. And so, by this occasion we were again taught the lesson that God blesses us in order that we may be made blessings. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
We recently enjoyed a short visit from Dr. Kellogg. He never before seemed so full of courage and hope. And why should we not all be strong and of good courage? The Lord will “arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yea, the set time, is come.” DANIEL NETTLETON.
The Sabbath of Christ
Our Seventh-day Baptist brethren have just begun the publication of a neat little monthly magazine “pleading for the restoration of the Sabbath according to the standard set by Christ, Lord of the Sabbath.” Its name is The Sabbath of Christ. The first number, for January, 1902, lies before us. It is full of interesting reading-matter, and is a valiant defender of the true Bible Sabbath. Single subscriptions, 25 cents a year; in clubs, $10 per 100. Address the American Sabbath Tract Society, Plainfield, N. J. The magazine is edited by Rev. A. H. Lewis, the venerable editor of The Sabbath Recorder, organ of the Seventh-day Baptists.
Leading Events, Jan. 19 - 25.
By A. J. R.
— The Colima, a volcano in Mexico, again becomes active.
— The Boer commandant, Scheepers is executed by the British.
— Mobile, Ala., celebrates the 200th anniversary of its settlement.
— The Chicago Inter Ocean strongly favors the Nicaragua canal route.
— Another earthquake shock was felt at Chilpancingo, Mexico, the 23d inst.
— It is reported that the Boers are about to make overtures of peace to the British.
— The Venezuelan insurgents are still active in their operations against Castro’s government.
— Admiral and Mrs. Schley were received with great enthusiasm by Chicagoans the 25th inst.
— The government is asked to enact laws “providing for the control of wireless telegraphy in time of war.”
— The 1901 census shows that the population of Canada is 5,369,666, or 536,425 more than it was ten years ago.
— The thirteenth annual convention of the United Mine Workers of America began the 20th inst., at Indianapolis, Ind.
— Japan invites the United States and other nations to take part in an exposition to be held at Osaka, Japan, in 1903.
— Eleven prisoners escape from the Federal prison at McNeil’s, Wash., “by burrowing through a cement floor into the air pipes.”
— It is stated that J. Pierpont Morgan has nearly completed arrangements with the Italian government for the purchase of the Borghese gallery for $2,000,000.
— The New York Independent states that “the shipments of fruit from southern California during the present season will be about 20,000 cars, against 24,500 last season.”
— Captain Bayly, a naval attaché to the British Embassy at Washington, will be recalled by his government because he has “exceeded the bounds of diplomacy in getting information.”
— A Philadelphia firm ships 5,000 tons of farm machinery to Russia, the cargo being mostly reapers and binders. Another 5,000 tons of similar implements will soon be sent by the same firm.
— According to the Union Signal, “an Anti-Profanity League has been organized for the suppression of America’s most popular sin, that of blasphemy. Rev. Roland D. Sawyer, of Hanson, Mass., is the general secretary.”
— French officials also declare that France “took no part in the proposal for joint European action against the United States in the Spanish war,” but give credit to the Czar for thwarting the movement. If all these denials are to be credited, it will turn out that none of the European Powers ever thought of interfering at all.
— Miss Stone, Mme. Tsilka, and the latter’s child are reported to be well, though still captives.
— The Illinois Central Railway Company decide to supplant its telegraphic system with telephones.
— Marconi’s engagement to Miss Josephine Holman is declared off, at the request of the latter.
— President Roosevelt favors Cuban reciprocity legislation, but is opposed by many congressmen.
— An earthquake shock was felt at St. Louis, Mo., and other cities in Missouri and southern Illinois.
— This country led the world last year in the production of gold, silver, iron, coal, and mineral oil.
— During the year 1901 there were 119 fatalities in the Swiss Alps, or double the number for 1900.
— Sam Jones takes Bishop Potter, of New York, to task for his easy attitude on the prohibition question.
— The treaty for the sale of the Danish West Indies was signed by Secretary Hay and Minister Brun, at Washington, the 24th inst.
Prof. E. J. James, of the Chicago University, is elected President of Northwestern University, Chicago.
— Archduchess Elizabeth, of Austria, renounces her rights to the throne, by marrying the man of her choice.
— Charles Drosky, a Chicago saloonkeeper, becomes converted at Willard Hall, and decides to seek other work.
— A gas explosion in a Lost Creek, Iowa, coal mine, killed twenty-one miners and injured many others, the 24th inst.
— Lord Kitchener confirms the death sentence passed upon the Boer commandant, Scheepers, who was captured last October.
— The United States House of Representatives votes a $500,000 appropriation for a military post at Manila, Philippine Islands.
— Frank Rakowski, a private in the United States army who threatened President Roosevelt, is degraded and sent to prison for ten years.
— Secretary Hay assures Minister Wu Ting Fang that $376,000 worth of silver bullion captured by American soldiers at Tientsin, China, will be returned.
— The first anniversary of the death of Queen Victoria and the accession of King Edward, was celebrated throughout England the 22d inst., with sorrow and with joy.
— A battle between three revolutionary gun-boats and the Colombian government war-ship “Lautaro,” in Panama harbor, the 20th inst., resulted in the destruction of the latter. Many on board perished, including General Alban, governor of Panama.
— It is said that American subscriptions to the new German loan of $75,000,000 “exceed those of any other foreign country.” Prince Henry’s visit to this country will tend to strengthen the friendship already existing between the two countries.
— The German Foreign Office issues a written statement “denying the assertion of Lord Cranborne concerning an attempted European coalition against the United States during the Spanish war,” and declaring it to be “a scheme of the British to discount the effect of Prince Henry’s visit.”
— A Chicago dispatch of the 21st states that “trade unionism was denounced by Rev. Dr. A. H. Heiter, of Buffalo, at a mass meeting of the United German Catholic societies of Chicago, at the St. Francis church school hall,” Sunday, the 20th inst. The 2,000 persons present also adopted “resolutions expressing a hope for the restoration of the temporal power of the pope, . . . and setting forth displeasure at the discouragement of the parochial school.”
— A dispatch from Berlin, Germany, dated the 21st inst., gives the text of a written statement issued by the German Foreign Office, the first part of which reads as follows: “The Foreign Office declares with all positiveness that Germany, neither before the outbreak of the Spanish-American war nor during its course, proposed intervention to other Powers. Neither did Germany support such a proposition made by other Powers. It is true that in several instances suggestions were made to the German government from another source, in the sense of intervention. But the German government without exception maintained a negative attitude toward such suggestions, and made known its negative standpoint whenever occasion offered. It must further be remarked that it was not from an Austrian source that such suggestions reached the German government.”
— The Central Labor Union, of Terre Haute, Ind., declares a boycott on the street railway system there, and upon the interurban line to Brazil. If non-union men are imported, there will doubtless be trouble.
— Emperor William, of Germany, executes a “clever stroke of politics” in sending Prince Henry, his official representative, to this country. Some British statesmen recently tried to offset this friendly visit by stating in Parliament that, at the beginning of this country’s war with Spain, Austria was in favor of siding with Spain against the United States, whereas England refused to join the European Powers in a coalition against this country.
— A Vienna, Austria, dispatch of the 21st inst. states that “inquiries at the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Office confirm the essential points of the statement made by Lord Cranborne, the British Foreign Undersecretary, in the House of Commons yesterday. The dynastic relations of Austria with Spain, the Queen Regent being an Archduchess of Austria, led Austria, before the declaration of war . . . to begin a peace propaganda, which was carried on not only in England, but throughout Europe. France was ready to second the efforts of Austria. Germany and Russia maintained a passive attitude.” Then Austria and France “made direct representations at Washington, but ceased their efforts after the declaration of war, from that time forth relying on the efforts of the pope, who was backed by the tacit approval of all the Powers.” This country’s State Department at Washington believes Lord Cranborne’s statements to be true; but deems it “inexpedient to develop all the facts even now, lest nationalities spring up without sufficient reason.” It is evident that both Germany and England are anxious to be on friendly terms with the United States. A. J. R.
SHALL WE ALL WORK?
By S. H. Lane
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to date is $35,516.37.
SHALL WE ALL WORK?
Every one of our people, I think everywhere, feels an earnest desire that our institutions shall be free from debt. Our school institutions are more deeply in debt than any of our other agents through which the gospel is proclaimed. It is seldom that schools are self-supporting unless supported by a general tax, as State schools are. Our educational institutions have never been endowed, and to put up buildings and maintain schools is expensive, and in building and equipping them in the past, debts have been incurred. These debts are not being increased at the present time, and our schools are almost without exception self-supporting.
The sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is to aid in the liquidation of our school debts. Some are being sold, but not as many as we desire to see. Shall we let this present winter and the soon-coming spring pass by without making an earnest, determined effort to sweep these debts out of existence?—I trust not. Now is the time for every one to work. The holidays are in the past, people have settled down to business, the evenings are still long, and these books should be placed in thousands of homes, that they may be read before the rush of the spring comes, and thus the seed which may be sown in hearts may be germinating and bearing fruit before this year passes into eternity. Those of our people who are selling this book to their neighbors and friends are being blessed. A brother writing from the West says:—
“We are working with ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ in this State. It goes a little slow, but we sell some. I sold three and took six orders in three and one-half days, and sold one dollar’s worth of helps. I must not forget to tell you that I find that ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ is doing a great work. I sold one book to a family about one year ago. I called on them the other day, and they told me that they believe the author to be correct. They desire to sell out, and move where there are Seventh-day Adventists. A lady bought a book about a year ago, and when calling upon her the other day, she bought ‘Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.’ She said, ‘I want these good books that contain such62good, sound reading. We are reading “Christ’s Object Lessons” in our Ladies’ Aid Society, and are halfway through the book. It is the best book I ever read.’”
This brother is doing well, and is doing what all should do—in going over the ground the second time to find those who have become interested. Such work is true missionary work. Will not the readers of this article begin immediately to sell books, and thus open the way for visiting these people again in the future? The States of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin are determined immediately to make a greater effort than ever before. The State committees are awakening to this matter, and in a few weeks several thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” will be placed in the homes of many families throughout the States mentioned. Will not our brethren and sisters in every State unite with us in this work? We hope such will be the case. Let our ministers and Bible workers everywhere lead out in this matter, go out with the people and sell these valuable books, and thus not only bring in money for the liquidation of our denominational school debts, but get the truths of the Bible into the hands of the people. Who will respond by going to work?
The States mentioned have decided to place their ministers in the different churches on Sabbath, February 9, after the same plan followed during the week of prayer, holding meetings Sabbath and First-day, and then Monday morning let the minister and the people go to work in the vicinity, and sell as many books as possible during that week, and keep at it until the immediate and adjacent territory is thoroughly canvassed. The librarian or one appointed for this work will order the books which are needed, from the State Tract Society, so that they may have the books on hand, and sell them as they go from door to door. If there be any local town ordinance prohibiting the direct sale of books, orders may be taken, and the books delivered in a few days. It might be well to announce on Sunday and Sunday evening at the services why you are making the effort. State that the money accruing from the sale of the book will be used to aid our educational institutions. This will appeal to the people. The book is undenominational in its make-up, and when displayed, and the object for which it is sold is properly presented to the people, scores and hundreds will look with favor upon the plan. The State committees mentioned are in favor of the plan, and many of them very enthusiastic over the work. We are speaking only for the States enumerated, and yet would it not be well for a similar plan to be followed throughout the field everywhere? Let us work together, and not allow another year to pass without seeing thousands of dollars brought in for the freedom of our schools throughout the country. Let us be enthusiastic in the work, and let our ministers everywhere lead the people, instead of telling them what to do. S. H. LANE.
The American Mother
We know of no magazine that is more worthy of a place in every home than The American Mother, of Ann Arbor, Mich., edited by Mary Wood-Allen, M. D. The January issue, just received, is brimful of helpful articles and suggestions to mothers. It also contains a department “Of Interest to Fathers,” another entitled “In the Nursery,” and others of equal interest. Ask the publishers for a sample copy.
