Earlier text: The Sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.”Work Among the Colored People
By G. Phillips
I HAVE just finished my work at Little Rock, Ark. I worked thirty-four days in all, selling and delivering 201 “Great Controversies” and a few small books, representing a value of $626.50. This work was done among the colored people, only a very few orders being from white people. I sold three large books (all good bindings, the cheapest one, library) to one colored man. I also sold nine books to a merchant’s wife. It is evidently as Jesus said, the field is white already to harvest. What we want now are men and women who will roll up their sleeves and work as if they could see the heavenly universe watching them,—men and women that are willing to work without having their way smoothed and every obstacle removed. If with joyful consent of the heart we respond to His gracious call, wearing the yoke of Christ, which is one of obedience and love, our difficulties will be removed, our9murmurings will be stilled, and many of the questions that may arise will be answered. What we need now are men that will work in the cause as earnestly and as enthusiastically as worldly men do in their work. Why should we be less energetic than men of the world? Is their work of more importance than ours? The tameness and monotony that we put into our work contradicts our profession. We are weak in faith, deficient in knowledge, and children of inexperience. Only the Christianity that is revealed by earnest, practical work will make an impression upon the people. We are not showing sufficient activity and zeal, and we should seek constantly to improve. Let every succeeding day be made the most important day of labor. There is no work in our world so great, so sacred, and so glorious as this work. I esteem it a great privilege to have a part in it. While the angels are holding the four winds, we should work with all our capabilities. We must bear the message without delay. What if we do come to a Red Sea, or a rolling Jordan, or the walled city of Jericho? We already have the victory in Jesus. The mistake that ancient Israel made was that they shouted the victory on the wrong side of the sea. There is danger of our making the same mistake to-day, although Christ has gained the victory, and given it to us. Thank him for it, and press on. We are now engaged in an institute at Black Rock, Ark. (Jan. 15-30.) Our class is small, but the interest is good. Our blessed Saviour comes very near each day. Sister Ollie Oberholtzer is rendering us very efficient help in the way of Bible lessons each day, showing us the importance of a close connection with God, and the work for this time. Her work is much appreciated by all. The smallest book we have in our class is “Great Controversy.” The work is so great and time so short that we cannot afford to spend much time with small books. We are striving to follow the instructions God has given us by taking such books as “Desire of Ages,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” “Great Controversy,” and “Home Hand-Book.” We are sure that, when we pursue the course that God tells us to pursue, and work as he tells us to work, failure will not attend our efforts, but instead we shall be prospered, and our work shall be crowned with success. G. PHILLIPS,
Gen. Can. Agent, S. W. U. C. ARKANSAS
By G. W. Hardesty
The canvassers’ institute held at Black Rock, Ark., December 15-30, was well attended. Men who desired a preparation for the Lord’s work were present, and appreciated the training given. Six decided to work with “Great Controversy” the coming year, and gave it an earnest, persevering study. They are now capable of handling the book intelligently. These brethren, with several others, entered the work immediately after the close of the institute. Valuable assistance was rendered by Brother G. Phillips. The object was to give the necessary instruction required to render acceptable service in the canvassing field. Sister Ollie Oberholtzer gave a Bible study each day. We believe that all who attended this institute made a deeper consecration to the work. We enter the work for the year with renewed zeal, and praise the Lord for a small part in the closing message. G. W. HARDESTY,
Traveling State Missionary. I AM still at work, although at times it has not been all smooth sailing, but I keep on selling books. Perhaps it will be interesting to the readers of the SUPPLEMENT for me to give some of my many experiences in this Spanish-speaking country. We are coming to be known here by the reading matter that is being distributed. If it were not for the literature that we have in such abundance, and our excellent facilities for distributing it, Adventists would be but little known in the world. The last three months have been of special blessing and interest to me in the canvassing work. Last August, I was impressed to make the trip that I am making now, but as there were no subscription books on hand in the Spanish language, I was in doubt as to how to make it pay on small books. I started by steamer south from Iquique, taking in small coast towns, selling small books and tracts. If I could not sell a book, I would try to sell a tract. Then I would go over the ground the second time with the Senales, our Spanish paper. I have been surprised to observe how I could sell papers. I went at it just as the newsboys sell papers in the large cities, crying out, “Senales! Senales!” Well, some of the business men would laugh to see a foreigner selling in that way. I would also laugh to see them so astonished. I used to think it would not do to talk about the special points of truth while canvassing, but during this trip I have made it a special point, when any one was interested, to talk on some special truth, and it has worked well. By so doing I have had my hands full day and night, as there were always some who wanted further instructions. While writing this report, I could be giving a reading to a nice young Chileno who bought “Steps to Christ” and several tracts. How easy it is to draw the people out when we know we are right with the Lord, and his Spirit moves us. I have had some trying times since coming here. Sometimes books would run out, and I would have to wait from four to six months for more. For this reason, it has not been a paying trip financially, but souls are what we place our estimate upon in our work. Once I sold a small book in Spanish to a lady, on Sunday. She read it, and saw that the Sabbath had been changed, and she visited some of her friends, and they saw the point. On Monday I saw her again, and as she began telling me of what she saw10and how the others thought the same, I concluded it would be a good thing to have a meeting there with all who wanted to come. So I told them that on Tuesday night we would have a meeting at eight o’clock. I did not expect to see many there, but to my surprise the house was full. After talking about an hour I closed the meeting; but the people would not go, but began asking questions. I stayed with them until quite late. If one small tract can get up such an interest, what might a larger book do? I have taken twenty orders in one day for “Patriarchs and Prophets” in Spanish, besides a few other books. This demonstrates that subscription books can be sold here. The only subscription book we have in Spanish is “Patriarchs and Prophets.” There is, therefore, no such thing as canvassing the second time for another book. I hope the day will soon come when all our leading books will be published in Spanish. One might wonder how I get along with the food here, as the Chileno likes his Chile pepper in his food, and they eat very little fruit, and that little is raw fruit. They make a pie here, but only put in a very few raisins, the principal ingredients being eggs, meat, onions, and pepper. They call them “empanadas.” Not a very desirable dish. I ate one once and was convinced that it was “a stayer.” One thing favorable, they do not use much lard. They prefer tallow for the food. I do not suppose there is much advantage in their preference, only in the fact that tallow will stick longer on the wall of the stomach. I have been here seven years. I have been reading health food ads. ever since. Sometimes my mouth waters for these good foods, and I have wished that I could spend a short time in some of these factories, or have some of the foods to sample. Let us keep on working, and soon with all the saved we will eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life with the ones we have been the means of saving. May God give us courage to keep on in the work. I have been much encouraged to see a revival in the canvassing work. FORT WAYNE, INDIANA.
By R. H. Hazelton
I ARRIVED here 3 P. M., December 30. Left my valise at the baggage room, and went about one half of a mile to a certain street, and canvassed until sundown. I took one order for German “Bible Readings” and one “Gospel Primer,” value $2.75. Orders for the entire week were eleven “Bible Readings” and one “Gospel Primer,” representing $25 in value. New Year’s day is generally supposed to be an off day, but I worked until I sold four “Bible Readings” ($8.75), and quit. I began canvassing last July, and in this short time I have had all kinds of experiences. The first day out I sold nothing, and had expenses to the amount of forty cents. I have had a few days like this since that time. I have sold Bibles in families where there were children fifteen years old, and the one I sold was the first Bible the family ever had in the home. I have sold books to people of all classes and under all circumstances. I have decided a matter that was very hard once for me to do; viz., that it is right for any one of our people who is able to do a day’s work, to devote his time canvassing for our books. As to the future, I can say nothing. Some who have had apparently more interest in this work than I, have given it up entirely. One thing I do know: The Lord will bless all efforts put forth in the interest of the canvassing work as surely as he will bless the church-school or ministerial work. R. H. HAZELTON. ISLAND OF TRINIDAD, SOUTH AMERICA.
By W. G. KNEELAND
The canvassing work is still moving forward. The remarkable success all the agents have had in taking orders, has disproved the general impression that no more books could be sold in Trinidad. Many are desirous of entering the field, but we could not accept of all, as our great distance from the publishing houses makes it very difficult to fill large orders at the time the agents would want them. Already we have had to limit the agents to a certain number of orders per month, for three months ahead, so that the books would have time to get here. Should the delivery be as successful as the taking of orders, there will be many calls for help soon after the delivery of books. There should be a small paper published in the West Indies in the interests of present truth. Those published in the States are too expensive after foreign postage is added, and often the subject matter is not well adapted to the needs of the West Indies. Local issues often demand more attention than can be given in our general papers. The workers need to be brought closer together in council, and the people instructed in regard to the progress of the work in their own field, and the demands of the many11unentered islands in our boundaries. If it is best to maintain district and conference papers in addition to our regular papers, then it is still more important that there should be a periodical published to meet the needs of this important field. I think there is little doubt that it would soon be self-supporting if it has the hearty support our new publications have always received from the brethren throughout the field. Australasia.
By J. Johansen
The canvassing work in Australasia is still on the up-grade. Years ago many of our workers talked as if the time had about come when the canvassing work in this field would close up, and that soon we would either have to subsidize our canvassers, or else they would have to turn their energies to account in some other direction. But the fact is that instead of declining, our work is prospering throughout the field; and notwithstanding drought and bush fires, we are selling more books to-day than we ever did in this field. Our workers are of good courage, and as for our territory, it is like well-tilled soil, the more thoroughly and carefully we work it, the more productive it becomes; and the more we put into it, the more we get out of it. We have many evidences that God is working on the hearts of His people to deepen their interest in this branch of His work. One special source of encouragement to us has been the wonderful increase in the sale of tracts. During the last three months we have sold 53,649 tracts, while only 8,304 were disposed of during the corresponding period of last year. This shows that there is an awakening to the importance of circulating the printed page. We trust it is but the beginning of better things, and a proof that the time is right before us when our literature will indeed be scattered through the length and breadth of the land “as the leaves of autumn,” and when as a people we will take hold of this work, so that the full powers of our publishing houses throughout the world will be centered in the work of the glorious message God has committed to us. J. JOHANSEN,
General Agent. Manitoba.
By O. E. Cummings
Manitoba has been blessed with an abundant harvest, the average yield of wheat per acre for the province being twenty-three bushels; and much of it is as fine as any grown in the world. Thousands of acres were yet in the stack on November 1. Thrashing was progressing rapidly, yet Christmas found it unfinished. In every village were seen the loads of grain arriving and being marketed, after which it was borne by the railroads to the larger markets. This great harvest is an object lesson of the harvest of orders that could be secured by the canvassers, and the sheaves that might be garnered at the last great harvest. But it is sad to know that practically nothing is being done in regular canvassing lines for our literature. No advantage is being taken of the many golden opportunities. When the Lord presented the needs of his work to Isaiah, and asked who would go, how quickly and gladly he responded, “Here am I, Lord; send me.”12And for half a century he remained true to that call to service, even until the cities were wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land was utterly desolate. The same call for volunteers is made to-day, and especially do the needy fields plead for help. Those who respond should enlist for no shorter term than did Isaiah, for, until in heaven is spoken the word, “It is finished,” there will always be places to labor and hearts to receive the message. GEORGIA
By F. BURTON JEWELL
In the recent conference at Nashville, Tenn., we realized more fully than ever the pressing needs of this field, and of our own need to carry forward the work here, but the Lord has set his hand to the work, and our prospects are much brighter for the future. Brother E. R. Palmer spoke of the success of the work in Australia, where it has been built up in a wonderful way during the past few years, and we are looking forward to the same movement in the needy South land. The workers in Georgia have been blessed in their evangelistic work, and each report from them tells of rich experiences in their daily labor. We renew our call for earnest laborers who desire to share the burdens of this field, and we are longing for them to come so that they may share the blessings we enjoy. The field is new. The greater portion of Georgia has never been entered with our literature. The truth is to be no longer delayed. We can see the gleams of the golden morning. Jesus is soon coming to reward every one according to his works. At that time may we rejoice among the redeemed, bringing with us the precious souls we sought out while carrying the printed page from home to home. I shall be glad indeed to correspond with any who desire to come to Georgia. F. BURTON JEWELL,
546 Telfair St., Augusta, Ga. RECOGNITION
By E. E. Miles
SPONTANEOUSLY, simultaneously, universally, the watchword among Seventh-day Adventists has come to be, “Everybody to do something with our publications;” and again, “The advent message to the world in this generation.” The canvassing work is everywhere recognized as second to no other department of missionary effort. Conference officers, higher and lower, ministers,13people,—everybody, speak in praise of the canvasser and his work; all profess to believe in it, not alone for others, but for themselves. At our general gatherings, time is given to the consideration of tract work, book work, and work with our periodicals, almost lavishly, and the people listen with interest, and everybody says, Amen! These missionary meetings are really a power to draw, they are well attended, and they are by no means monotonous or tedious. We all enjoy them, and we say that we are going home to do something, but do we? Well, yes, we go home, but what then? Thank God some do go to work for him, but when we come to aggregate the results, and compare with sales for corresponding periods, in past years, we seem to be making no material gains. Wherein does the trouble lie? The writer is decidedly of the opinion that what is needed is to heed the counsel of the true Witness. Rev. 3:14–18. “Neither cold nor hot.” Years ago men and women took hold of this work with zeal and earnestness; they were “hot.” Then they found opposition from those who were “cold,” and they were provoked to still greater activity and determination, and something had to move and did move, and favor was won from the opposition by demonstrated success,—real success! I will not say that the book work now has too many friends, but really, there are too many who, like the man in the parable, say, “I go, sir,” but do not go. The invulnerable and irrepressible Paul said, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel;” and when threatened with persecution (bonds and afflictions), which, by the way, he had experienced many times already in great severity, he turned not aside, but pressed forward battling as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, saying, “None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy [and he did, 2 Tim. 4:6–8], and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:22–24. “For if these things [the elements of good religion that form the rounds of Peter’s ladder, 2 Peter 1:5–8] be in you and abound, they make you [impel you] that ye shall neither be idle [margin] nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Where are the men and women, officers, preachers, laymen, who will come to the front with the woe upon them that the apostle Paul felt, with the burden of the ministry which actuated him, who will take the gold of faith and love, and who will add by rapid process, all necessary Christian virtues; in short, who will be “last-generation” Christians? These are the people who, under God, must and will raise the work out of the lethargy and the easy-going ways into which it seems to have fallen, and who will put new life and force into it, and who, by power of example, will awaken the denomination to service,—true, hardy, genuine, earnest, effective, service,—which will make us ourselves believe that the end is near, and which will convince the world that the coming of the Lord is right upon us. “Lukewarm!” “Lukewarm!” sickening to both God and man. A change is imperative. “I would that thou wert cold or hot.” “I counsel thee.” Shall we not heed the counsel? God has recognized us as gospel workers, and we rank as such, in no uncertain terms in the Bible and in the Testimonies. And shall we not, on our part, give practical evidence that we appreciate something of the responsibility that goes with our sacred calling? E. E. MILES,
Pub. Agt. A. U. C. NOTES FROM INDIANA.
By F. L. Moody
The work in this State is moving forward. I think the large cities are harder to work successfully than other parts of the field, for many reasons. But the Lord has said, “The time has come when a large work should be done by the canvasser.” So, doubtless all parts of the field are to be worked. The success depends upon our connection with God. That the large cities can be worked successfully, is demonstrated by the following: Indianapolis, Ind., is a city of nearly two hundred thousand inhabitants. Since Jan. 22, 1901, Brother H. S. Browning has devoted all his time to the canvassing work, with the following results. Orders, including subscription books, Bibles, and periodicals, 728; exhibitions, 5,884; value of orders taken, $1,121.35; number of deliveries, 628; value of deliveries, $960. Five hundred families have had the message presented to them through the medium of our subscription books. Brother Browning was an engineer on the railroad, but gave up his position for the truth’s sake. He took up the canvassing work because he felt a burden for souls, and God has blessed his work. Hundreds of our people can do the same if they will put forth the same effort. One of our sisters writes as follows: “Before I started in the work I questioned my ability to make expenses, but in Haggai 2:8 the Lord says, ‘The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ and in Luke He says, ‘The laborer is worthy of his hire,’ and in Mark, ‘Ye shall have brethren and sisters and mothers.’ I have proved the Lord and he has fulfilled these promises to me.” How many others might enjoy the rich blessings of God if they would but take him at his word and prove his promises. F. L. MOODY, State agent. I AM of good courage in the book work. Although I am a new laborer in the field, I feel that the Lord is blessing me and giving me a rich experience. I believe the Lord is a good paymaster, and I am sure that if we estimate our spiritual remuneration and value our opportunities to minister unto others, equally with our financial income, we can but constantly recognize the Master's liberal compensation. I sincerely desire that all of our workers may early come to the place in their experience where they can fully believe the promises of the Lord, and make a full and complete sacrifice for Him and His cause. If all of our people would comply with Matt. 10:29, the Lord would abundantly pour out His Spirit upon them, and the work assigned to them would soon be finished. May each member have power to place all upon the altar for Christ's sake, and to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. F. E. WAYNER. THE CANVASSERS’ QUESTION BOX.
By Editor
Next month we will open a department to be known as the “Canvassers’ Question Box,” which will be open to questions from all who are interested in the circulation of our literature. We particularly invite conference presidents, State tract society secretaries, State agents, Union Conference general agents, and the rank and file of our canvassing force to send in such questions as they would like to have discussed. E. R. Palmer, the general canvassing agent, and other workers of experience, will assist us in answering questions and discussing various topics. Please address your questions to the Review and Herald Supplement. TRAINING HEALTH BOOK AGENTS.
By E. R. P.
Some difficulty has been experienced or apprehended by agents with regard to the training of canvassers for handling health books. Nearly all have joined heartily in the movement to unite the conflicting interests of our religious and health books, and we are thankful for progress along this line. Now, dear workers, the greatest difficulty in this undertaking is in our minds. “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” A little determined, intelligent effort by State agents and general agents will solve the question. We are frequently receiving requests for some one from the Sanitarium to attend institutes, and give instruction in health principles, and the methods of handling health books. These requests are all right, and we wish we might have a good teacher of this kind in every institute; but let us not wait and delay action until such help can be secured. Every State can begin at once without any special help from abroad. Let us first, for convenience’ sake, forget that we have two classes of books. In fact, I will be glad when we have so united these lines that it will lead to dropping out our old phrases, such as, “our religious books and health books.” In our canvassers’ institutes we arrange for holding several classes; viz., a Bible class; a drill class, in14which the canvassers learn to handle and describe the book; a book-study class, in which the agents are arranged in classes according to the book to be canvassed for; and a class for practical instruction. Other classes may be arranged for if found desirable. Now, some of these agents will desire training for handling health books. Such persons can be provided for very easily. The same general instruction should be given to all agents regardless of the book for which each is to work; but when we come to the class for book study, each agent should be taught the vital points in the book for which he is to canvass. Those who are to sell health books must be taught from those books just as is the case with all other books. All that is required is for each State and general agent to study the contents of the health books, and enter heartily upon the work of instructing. It will, of course, be a great help to our institutes if a good nurse or some other health worker can be secured as a teacher, and now that the health work has been established in all parts of the field, it may not be difficult to secure help locally. Now, brethren, let us take hold of this work actively and with courage, and the Lord will give us success. We will be pleased to correspond with any who may not feel clear on this question. Jesus Asks for the Whole Heart
Jesus asks for the whole heart that He may dwell within it. It is the citadel of a man's life, and when the Lord Jesus Christ is there, the citadel cannot be taken without defeating the strong and mighty One. And He has never been defeated. Queensland Tract Societies Prosper Despite Drought
In the Colony of Queensland, Australia, there has been a drought continuing about five years, and our agents have passed through very trying experiences; but the Lord has raised up some good men, having faith in Him, who have conquered the obstacles, and kept the work moving. A letter just received from Brother J. Johansen,15general canvassing agent, contains the following interesting item: “You will be glad to hear that the work of our tract societies is still prospering. I received the summary from Queensland last night. Their sales for the month amount to $2,683. All the workers are of good courage.” This report is from a small conference having a population of about five hundred thousand and a membership of 222. There are twelve canvassers in the field. This is another illustration of the great truth that success is more dependent upon faith and industry than upon the size of the territory, the membership of the conference, or the number of canvassers. A Man Who Cannot Be Defeated
It is not easy to defeat a man who cannot be defeated. As a Man Thinketh in His Heart
“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” A man who has lost heart has lost all. No matter what else he may have lost, if his heart is strong and sound, his loss does not amount to much. He holds the key of the situation. Keeping Trouble Out of the Heart
Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer.” Paul says, “I am troubled on every side, but not distressed.” That is, he kept his troubles outside of him. When trouble gets into a man’s heart, he is indeed in trouble. The Christian Canvasser’s Citadel
Hard times, droughts, and strikes can never affect the Christian canvasser very much unless they get inside of him. He who lets the hard times into his heart invariably has a hard time; he who lets in the drought has a dry time; and he who lets in the strikes is likely to strike for home very soon; but he who keeps his Lord within the citadel, is master of all outward conditions, instead of being subject to them. The Foundation of True Prosperity
That agent who bases his hopes for success upon nothing more certain than a good crop of potatoes, wheat, or fruit, has a very unstable foundation for his prosperity. These crops often fail, and with them the men who have trusted in them; but the man who goes into this work knowing that God is with him, and that all his prosperity must be a gift from God, will not fail while God endures. Progress in Australian Book Sales
Good news of progress comes to us from Australia. Their Union Conference Record reports for the month of October, 1901, the largest sales, we believe, ever made in that country during one month. The sale of large subscription books amounted to $10,025. Our readers should bear in mind that this success is being attained in a country having a population of four and one-half millions, and with only two thousand of our people. The canvassing work has been pushed there with considerable energy for more than fifteen years, and the entire territory has been worked several times for our large books, and still the good work goes on, growing every day. The Lord will do as much for us here in the United States as elsewhere, if we believe in it, and work for it. The Life of Right Principles
Right principles live and flourish by virtue of the life within them. Wrong principles may seem to flourish for a time as the result of organization and carnal energy, but they will finally sink under their own weight. A Discouraged Man Is a Whipped Man
“A DISCOURAGED man is a whipped man.” Training Agents to Sell Health Books
By E. R. P.
A short time ago we sent a circular letter to our Union Conference general agents with regard to the training of agents to sell our health books. A few suggestions on this subject will be found elsewhere in this number of the SUPPLEMENT. I will quote for the encouragement of others, two or three extracts from letters received in response to this circular:— From E. E. Miles: “Yours of the 24th is here. Is it necessary to take a course in theology before attempting to teach a canvass for religious books? Then is it necessary to be a nurse or a physician before working with health literature?” From S. C. Osborne: “In regard to working for the health books, will say that I do not see the necessity of having a special man come around and instruct in reference to those books. I have always attended to it where I have been; am doing so at the present time. “In the institute which we are now holding in San Francisco we have a class of seven in “Home Hand-Book,” and we expect to drill them, and prepare them for the work. In fact, I hardly think it is best to have another man take up that line of work, because it seems to bring in a division.” From G. Phillips: “I have read your letter in regard to the training of canvassers for the health-book work, and believe your plan will succeed. It will have a tendency to unify the work. We had thought differently, but after considering your suggestions we are satisfied that they will work successfully. We are holding an institute here now, and have one ‘Home Hand-Book’ canvasser, and he is getting along better than any one else in the class. I wished for a man to take that line of instruction at the beginning of our institute, but had none, so I just rolled up my sleeves, and went at it myself, and God is blessing the work. I do believe that we need men that will just take right hold and work, and not be weak and spiritless and nerveless. We need a good, strong backbone and a strong determination. I am heartily in sympathy with your plan, and will co-operate with you in every possible way. The prospects are real good in our conference. We are going at it expecting to win.” E. R. P. SPECIAL NOTICE.
By E. R. P.
NUMEROUS letters are being received daily by the Good Health Publishing Company and our other publishing houses from persons who desire to canvass for some of our books. We are pleased, indeed, to see this general revival of interest in the book work. Permit us to suggest, however, that it will save much time and expense if all applications are made to the State agents, or Union Conference general agents who have charge of the territory. As has previously been explained, arrangements have been made for our health books to be handled by our tract societies in all the States; therefore, when applications come to the Good Health Publishing Company or to the other publishing houses, they are simply forwarded to the general agents who have charge of the territory. Of course, we will always be pleased to receive applications from those who are outside of organized territory, or who may not be acquainted with the whereabouts of the local general agent; but in all cases where it is possible to do so, we prefer that requests for agency or territory be made to the local State agent. E. R. P. When the Lord Calls a Person
WHEN the Lord calls a person to a work, all his promises are pledged in that call. J. B. Blosser Called General Agent
J. B. Blosser, of Texas, has recently been called to the position of General Agent of the Lake Union Conference. He will locate his family at Berrien Springs, Mich. Opportunities in Difficulties
God's opportunity to manifest himself in behalf of his people is when outward circumstances are all against them. It is His delight to give them water from the rock when there is none in sight; to rain bread from heaven to supply their needs; to cover them with a cloud by day, and give light for their camp by night or open the sea before them, that they may escape from their enemies. He wants us to triumph over all difficulties, instead of being frightened by them. O that our workers might all learn the secret of His power, that all these outward hindrances might prove fresh opportunities for God to give great success!