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Review and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 27.

THE TREASURES OF GOD'S WORD
Earlier text: NEWS AND NOTES

The Nations Are Moving.

Russia, Great Britain, Germany, France, Japan, and the United States—the great world-powers—are marshalling their hosts in the Orient.
The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are fast passing into history; and if you would keep pace with the progress of the Third Angel's Message, you should read the “Marshaling of the Nations,” by Elder A. T. Jones. It contains an excellent five-color map of the partitioning of the world among the five leading world-powers. It will be read with interest and profit by your neighbors and friends. You can do no better missionary work than to order a large quantity of this pamphlet to loan to ministers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and persons in every station of life.
The first edition has been sold, and the second is selling rapidly. You should order at once. Price, 10 cents.
Address your tract society, or the REVIEW AND HERALD PUB. Co., Battle Creek, Mich.

1330 COPIES SOLD IN TEN DAYS!

Living Fountains

Or BROKEN CISTERNS

An EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM for PROTESTANTS.
BY PROF. E. A. SUTHERLAND.
In this volume is considered that greatest of all problems, the education of our children and youth. It contains the history of the two systems of education, pagan and Christian.
The cause of the failure and apostasy of Israel, the early church, the Reformers, and modern Protestants, also the weakness of the remnant church, can be traced to no other source, and accounted for on no other grounds, than the pagan methods and wrong principles of education instilled into the minds and hearts of the children and youth of past ages and the present generation.
Would you know and understand the true principles of Christian Education for today? Secure at once a copy of “Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns, an Educational Problem for Protestants.” Read it, and ponder its teachings in your heart. It contains about 380 pages, printed from new type, substantially bound in cloth. Price, $1.25.
Address your tract society, or the—
REVIEW AND HERALD PUB. CO., BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
Also, PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal.
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., May 29, 1900.
I have read the MS. of Prof. E. A. Sutherland’s new book, “Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns, an Educational Problem for Protestants,” and I am convinced that it is the book for our churches and our schools.
Everyone who reads the book must be convinced that there are now two systems of education—one Christian and the other pagan; the one leading to the knowledge of God, and the other to doubt or infidelity.
J. A. HOOPER, Sec. Gen. Conf.
Review and Herald.
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., June 27, 1900.
GENTLEMEN: I have read the book which you have just issued, “Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns,” by Prof. E. A. Sutherland, president of the Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Mich. This book strikes out on an entirely new and, to me very refreshing, train of thought. The responsibility of the Protestant denominations in the matter of educating their children and youth for time and eternity is set forth very clearly, and the departure of the majority of the Protestant denominations from this course is ably delineated.
The book has set me to thinking about some great problems which confront the world, to which I feel I have not given as much attention as I should. THIS BOOK OUGHT TO BE READ BY EVERY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST; for it contains truths which are a part of the vital themes of the Third Angel’s Message for this time.
Very sincerely yours, PERCY T. MAGAN.
“Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns,” by Prof. E. A. Sutherland, president of Battle Creek College, is a history of education, from creation to the present day. It is just what has long been needed. It is especially needed by all who profess Christianity, and more especially by teachers who profess Christianity. A copy of the book should be in each family where there is a Seventh-day Adventist, to be read by him and loaned to his neighbors.
A. T. JONES.
Review and Herald.
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., June 12, 1900.
DEAR SIRS: When I learned that Prof. E. A. Sutherland, president of Battle Creek College, was writing a book on the history of education, I am free to admit that I had some misgivings as to what position he might take, as it had been rumored from time to time that he was a “setter forth of strange doctrines;” and when the manuscript was placed in my hands for reading, I glanced over the first few pages with some indifference, but soon gathered the fact that the positions taken in the book were well grounded and supported by the Bible, and by many leading modern educators of the day. On my discovery of that fact, I returned to the first page of the book, and reread every page of it carefully; and in my judgment the book brings out thoughts of great value upon the subject which it treats. The volume will be especially helpful to those parents who desire to have their children educated in right lines, and it will be of equal value to the students themselves. For one, I shall be very glad to see this book widely circulated.
G. W. AMADON.

THE WORLD-PROBLEM.

Affairs in China are still critical. Admiral Seymour with his relief column for the legations was unable to reach Peking, and so returned to Tien-tsin, which he reached June 26, after a fighting march of a week. The casualties were: Killed—British, 27; American, 4; Japanese, 2; German, 12; Italian, 5; French, 1; Austrian, 1; Russian, 10. Wounded—British, 75; American, 25; French, 10; German, 62; Italian, 3; Japanese, 3; Austrian, 1; Russian, 27. The national ministers at Peking were given twenty-four hours in which to leave, but they would not go at all. From Paris it is stated that, according to an understanding arrived at by the powers, an international army of eighty thousand men will be established in China. Japan has already thirteen thousand landed, and is preparing to land twenty thousand additional. The United States has already ordered three regiments and a brigadier general, and it is thought that two more regiments will be sent shortly. This officer with his command has been ordered to proceed to Peking. The United States battle-ship “Oregon” on the way to Taku ran on a rock in the Gulf of Pechili, one hundred and fifty miles from her destination.
Harper's Weekly of June 30, on the situation in China, says: “The steadiest minds and the strongest statesmanship are required at this moment to save the world from an awful embroilment, the like of which is unknown in history.” “The kings of the East” are taking their places, are marshaling their armies, and soon their way will “be prepared” to come up to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain.” “Get ready, get ready, get ready.”

The Fourth of July

By Editor

The Signs of the Times is to issue a special Independence Number. We hope that it will have a large circulation. One brother took five thousand copies of the Quarter-Centennial Number; and they were all sold by him and his daughter in one hundred and sixty-two hours and ten minutes. When two persons can thus sell five thousand copies, ought not one person to be able to sell one copy? Let each one try it, please, on this Independence Number.

Living Fountains

“LIVING FOUNTAINS,” the new book of the history of education from creation until now, is selling fast wherever it becomes known. Therefore it should be given a chance to become known everywhere. It is the book for the times, in the matter of Christian education. Four hundred and twenty-seven pages; cloth bound; price, $1.25. Send your order to the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., or to the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

Religious Services on Sunday Trains

THE railroads are seriously considering the establishing of regular religious services on their fast Sunday trains.

First Camp-Meeting on Pitcairn Island

WE have an excellent report of the first camp-meeting on Pitcairn Island, which we expect to print next week.

The Turkish Indemnity Demand

The United States has sent yet another “vigorous” note to Turkey, demanding payment of that eighty-nine thousand dollars. And again the powers quietly smile.

British Chancellor Recognizes United States and Japan

THE chancellor of the British exchequer — Sir Michael Hicks Beach — in a speech, June 27, said that among “the powers” he was “glad to recognize the United States and Japan.”

Diplomacy and the World Problem

By Editor

Now that diplomacy is expected to be the means of solving the world-problem as it centers in China, it will be of interest to all to know just what diplomacy is. Next week, therefore, we shall print an authoritative article on the subject.

Archbishop Ireland at Lafayette Statue Unveiling

By some means Archbishop Ireland was the representative of “the American people” at the unveiling of the Lafayette statue in Paris the other day. A Paris paper declared that “he is not a fit representative of the American people.”

China and American Imperialism

The St. James Gazette of London says that “China is teaching America the impossibility of a great trading nation avoiding imperialism,” and that “having once interfered in China to protect her interests, she shall never be able to shake from her shoes the dust of the Celestial Empire.”

How to Succeed as a Physician

By Editor

MANY YOUNG PERSONS ARE JUST NOW SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING WHETHER THEY SHALL ENTER UPON A MEDICAL COURSE THE COMING AUTUMN. TO HELP ALL THESE, WE HAVE REPRINTED IN THIS ISSUE OF THE REVIEW THE ARTICLE “HOW TO SUCCEED AS A PHYSICIAN.” PLEASE CALL THE ATTENTION OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO IT.

Labor Unions and Civilization

Harper's Weekly says that “it must be apparent to any one who watches the signs of the times, that the combinations of labor unions which aspire to control the market for skilled labor in all parts of the country, form one of the most serious complications, perhaps the most serious, which just now confronts our civilization.” And that is certainly the truth.

Japan and Russia in China

Among the land forces in China, a Japanese general holds the rank that entitles him to the supreme command; among the naval forces, a Russian admiral holds the rank that entitles him to the supreme command. It is understood all round that Japan and Russia are the chief actors just now, with respect to later developments.

U.S. Prepares for Chinese Situation

Washington dispatches say that “the war branch of the government is preparing for any eventuality that may arise out of the Chinese situation. As stated by one of the highest officers of the army, the scale of preparation is of a magnitude which would both interest and surprise the public. But, he added, the information would be of even greater interest and service to any foreign foe which the United States may be called upon to face within the next few weeks or months, and for that reason there is no purpose to make public the complete preparations making to meet whatever issue arises. All that the officials will say is that both the army and navy, if the occasion arises, will give a good account of themselves.”

Ecumenical Conference Report Subscription

The report of the late Ecumenical Conference on Foreign Missions will be published in two volumes of about five hundred pages each, paper, printing, and binding of the best. Originally, the price for the two volumes was fixed at $2.50, advance subscribers to receive it for $2. The funds of the Conference, however, will cover the cost of putting it on the press, and will thus enable the committee to reduce the price from $2.50 to $1.50, and to advance subscribers, from $2 to $1, for the two volumes. They will be ready for delivery early in the fall. Checks should be made payable to Edwin M. Bliss, Chairman. No advance subscriptions for the report will be received after July 15. All who desire to secure the two volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, at the low rate of one dollar, should remit at once to the Rev. Edwin M. Bliss, Chairman, 156 Fifth Ave., New York. After July 15 the regular price for the books will be $1.50, and they may be ordered through booksellers, or through the American Tract Society, New York.

THE MINISTERS AND THE PEOPLE.

By T. A. Kilgore

“And there shall be like people, like priest.”
LIKE begets like. As the leader goes, so is he followed; and as he is, so are his followers. This natural, axiomatic principle applies quite generally, and our work in the message is no exception. In no other line is it more pronounced than in the canvassing field. In those conferences where the ministers take the most active interest in the work of circulating our literature, there we find the best spiritual interest among the laity, and the most and the best work done.
A conference official, in a recent letter to this office, says:—
When the ministers, in going among the churches, are interested in the Signs, and go out themselves with the brethren, and show them how to get the paper into the homes of their neighbors, more good is done for that church than two dozen sermons could accomplish. The brethren think and say, “Well, I declare! if Elder—isn’t interested in the Signs! He even thinks that paper of enough importance to go out right here among my neighbors and get them to take it; and here I have been living all these years supposing that they would not allow an Adventist paper in their homes. They seem glad to get it.” That minister goes on, but he has left a telling influence behind him which does not soon die. He has shown them how they can work, and actually demonstrated it before them.
This is in harmony with the instruction:—
The minister should not do all the work himself, but he should unite with him those who have taken hold of the truth. He will thus teach others to work after he shall leave. A working church will ever be a growing church. They will ever find a stimulus and a tonic in trying to help others, and in doing it they will be strengthened and encouraged.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 4, p. 319.
No one need fear that canvassing for any of our publications is beneath his dignity or calling, for we are informed that—
If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to search the Scriptures.—Idem, p. 390.
And the Signs of the Times is a prominent factor in aiding the people in their search for light. Here is what is said of it:—
This silent preacher, the Signs, enriched with precious matter, should go forth on the wings of prayer, mingled with faith, that it may do its appointed work in shedding the light of truth upon those who are in the darkness of error.
The Signs of the Times, laden with rich food, is a feast to many who are not of our faith. Our brethren do not all see and realize the importance of this paper; if they did, they would feel greater personal interest to make it intensely interesting, and then to circulate it everywhere.—“Signs” Sup’t, Feb. 24, 1887.
In view of these encouragements for the paper and its work, are there not many who will devote from one hour to one day, or more, each week in presenting it to the people? and will not our ministering brethren study the work, and labor with and for the churches along this line, and thus secure a blessing for themselves and the people?
SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
Per T. A. Kilgore.

BE STRONG.

Be strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift. We have hard work to do, and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle,—face it; ’t is God’s gift.
Be strong! Say not the days are evil. Who’s to blame? And fold the hands and acquiesce,—oh, shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.
Be strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong, How hard the battle goes, the day how long; Faint not,—fight on! To-morrow comes the song.
—Sunday-School Times.

THE CANVASSING WORK IN THE WEST INDIES.

By A. J. Haysmer

When we arrived in Jamaica seven years ago, we found a small company of believers who had been brought into the truth by reading our literature. On looking the field over it was apparent to us that it would require years to carry the message to all parts of the island, by preaching alone, so we decided to make a thorough canvass of it, and get our literature into every home.
The island has now been canvassed for nearly all our books, and God has blessed this branch of his work. Papers and tracts have been scattered everywhere. About ten thousand “Steps to Christ,” and thousands of “His Glorious Appearing,” “Gospel Primer,” “Eden to Eden,” etc., have been sold. This is not all. The majority of the Sabbath keepers in the island, and they now number nearly one thousand, owe their knowledge of the truth to this reading matter. The work of the minister here has been to follow up the canvasser, instructing the people in the faith, and organizing the work.
OUR CANVASSING SCHOOL IN JAMAICA.
OUR CANVASSING SCHOOL IN JAMAICA.
On my return from the last General Conference we held two canvassers’ institutes, Pastor W. W. Eastman assisting in the one at the West end, and Brother J. J. Evans, the general agent, in the one at the northeast section of the island. More than twenty entered the field, with a greater sense of the sacredness of their calling, and with a determination to do better work in scattering the printed page than ever before.
Last September I went to Trinidad to assist Elder E. W. Webster in an institute. Two of our canvassers from Jamaica accompanied me, and from there proceeded to Tobago, where the present truth was unknown. We get encouraging reports from them. The Lord is blessing their efforts. The work in Trinidad has had its discouraging features, but we believe better days are before our agents, and the work is being systematically organized.
Our next visit was to the island of Barbados. This has now been thoroughly canvassed, and notwithstanding the smallness of the island, and the poverty-stricken condition of the people, many books have been sold.
Our self-sacrificing agents in this mission field have done nobly, and have not given up the work, when in some places they could not earn enough by hard work to buy the food that their worn-out systems required; but their hearts are cheered as they see precious souls accepting the truth.
I read a letter the other day from one of these faithful workers, which contained his tithe and an offering amounting to more than all his earthly possessions with this statement: “I am so rejoiced to know that one spark of God’s grace is worth more than all this world can give. I can not express my joy in returning the tithe to the Lord. My soul is greatly blessed when I do this. I also send my offering.”
We now have canvassers in the island of Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas, besides Central and South America.
The Lord says the islands are waiting for his law. We find it true here, and may the Lord bless our faithful missionary canvassers, who are sacrificing more than any other class to carry the precious truth in these needy fields. A. J. HAYSMER.
Barbados, June 6, 1900.

THE RESULT OF FROM FOUR TO EIGHT HOURS’ WORK, ON WEDNESDAYS.

By Oscar Einarsen

2430 Larimer St., Denver, Colo., June 6, 1900.
Review and Herald.
Dear Brethren: As an encouragement to others, I thought I would write a few lines in regard to my experience, to show how the Lord blesses those who make an effort to do what they can toward spreading the truth in the earth.
In December, 1893, Brother W. D. Beeby gave my wife and myself an interesting canvass for one of your books, and influenced me to read “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” and “Great Controversy.” I must confess these were the most remarkable books I ever read. Being too poor to buy, I borrowed “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” and many nights sat up until two or three o’clock reading. Often I read a page over a half-dozen times, and would then condense it, and write it down on paper. I studied the entire book in this way, and when I had finished reading it, I had committed a considerable portion of it to memory. Four months from the time Brother Beeby canvassed me for the book I was baptized, and became one of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
I was a machinist by trade in the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad; had been with the company about six years. In that time I had saved $1,200, and invested in a home costing about $2,000, owing $800 on it. In 1893 the panic came; I lost my work and my home, and a few months later, took a stand for the third angel’s message.
I was impressed to go to the railroad and other machine shops in the city, and gather up the men’s overalls. I took them home, washing and ironing them, and my wife mended them. I did this for about two years, and we saved about $100, with which we bought a horse and wagon. I then made a contract with a steam laundry to carry the overalls to them, and to work on a commission. I have done this for about four years, and have got along nicely in providing for my wife and four children.
Since working on the wagon I have found a little spare time every week,—four to eight hours on Wednesdays,—and by reading Zion’s Väktare and the Review and Herald, I was impressed to use my spare time in canvassing for our good publications. I have done this, and with God’s help have had good success. I have up to this time sold and delivered the following publications:—
Name No. Sold Value
“His Glorious Appearing,” 1,011 $361.20
“Heralds of the Morning,” 142 176.75
“Home Hand-Book,” 46 229.00
“Ladies’ Guide,” 29 88.50
“The Desire of Ages,” 52 209.50
“Daniel and the Revelation,” 28 102.75
“Arming of the Nations,” 106 10.60
Various Tracts, 104 3.10
“Christ Our Saviour,” 57 40.25
“Life Sketches” of White and wife, 7 8.75
“Gospel Primer,” 27 10.15
“Great Controversy,” 37 110.25
“Sunshine at Home,” 98 115.00
“Bible Readings,” 8 19.00
“Two Republics,” 5 20.75
“Patriarchs and Prophets,” 6 18.25
“Making Home Happy,” 137 68.50
“Friend in the Kitchen,” 40 24.00
Bibles, 123 493.40
Review and Herald, 4 6.50
Signs of the Times, 23 20.75
Zion’s Väktare (Swedish), 23 24.50
Evangeliets Sendebud (Danish), 16 18.60
“Mount of Blessing,” “Gospel Reader,” “Life of Captain Bates,” “Steps to Christ,” “Eastern Question,” “From Eden to Eden,” “Looking unto Jesus,” and other works of our publication, 115 133.45
$2,311.50
Many of the people who have purchased the books have become interested; Bible readings are now being held with them, and some have begun the observance of the Lord’s Sabbath. Nearly every one of my laundry customers has bought one or more books, and many express themselves well pleased with the truths contained in them and in the periodicals.
If God is willing, I expect soon to leave my laundry business, and to work more faithfully in doing the little I can, with God’s help, in spreading the blessed pages of truth which we poor sinners need so much.
Hoping the above experience will encourage some soul, I remain, Your brother in Christ,
Oscar Einarsen.

WISCONSIN CAMP MEETING.

By E. P. B.

It was the privilege of the writer to spend a few days at the Wisconsin camp meeting. It was held in the western part of the State at Eau Claire, in a beautiful park in the suburbs. The meeting was not so large as usual, owing to the location, and the fact that there are to be several other meetings in the central and eastern parts of the State.
Wisconsin is a working and growing conference. The brethren realize that not only the spiritual interests of these annual gatherings depend on the active interest manifested on the part of each individual, but also the progress of the message and the work in general throughout the entire conference. During the past year the conference has built and equipped Woodland Industrial School, at a cost of $10,000, free from debt. Tithes, offerings, and the church membership have been increased, and a number of churches organized.
As the meeting advanced, the spiritual work and interest deepened. The best of attention was given each phase of the message, as it was presented, the ready response for help and means clearly indicating that the brethren and sisters of Wisconsin were not passive, but active, Christians. In going to and fro, and conversing with those encamped on the ground, we were reminded of the old-time missionary spirit manifested in the work years ago. Especially is this true in reference to the circulation of our bound books and to the missionary canvassing work. There were 415 bound books (more than were ordered) sent to the meeting, including 200 copies of “Perils of the Republic,” by Prof. P. T. Magan. When the brethren and sisters learned of the wonderful truths contained in this work, the entire stock on the ground was disposed of, and another hundred ordered. Several individuals purchased from five to twenty-five copies each to carry with them to their homes for missionary purposes. Also the new book just from the press, by Prof. E. A. Sutherland, president of the Battle Creek College, entitled “Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns,” giving the history of education, and setting forth the true principles and methods of Christian education versus pagan philosophy, reached the grounds before the close of the meeting. This book was much appreciated by the ministers, teachers, and parents, and had a large sale. Every missionary canvasser should secure a copy of “Living Fountains,” and study it carefully. It contains principles that, when understood, will enable you to do better work for the Master.
E. P. B.

DISTRICT NO. FIVE.

By S. C. Osborne

TAKING all things into consideration the work in this district is quite encouraging. The shipments from our branch house at Kansas City during the month of April were $300 more than they have been for the same month for several years, and the May shipments were $400 better than April. We attribute this increase of sales largely to the fact that nearly all of our canvassers are now selling large books, such as “Great Controversy,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” “The Desire of Ages,” etc. In this way the third angel’s message is placed in the hands of the people, and the canvassers’ profits are greatly increased. A recent testimony states that we should engage in the sale of the large books, and we have enjoyed much of the Lord’s blessing and financial prosperity in heeding the admonition. A large number of the small books are being sold for “helps.” One young lady, a beginner, reports $70 worth of orders for “The Desire of Ages” in two weeks, and during this time she sold $24 worth of helps.
During the last two weeks of the school year I held an institute at Union College, College View, Neb., being assisted by the State agents of Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, for the benefit of the students who desired to canvass during vacation. About thirty attended the institute, being almost equally divided between districts four and five. This number, together with fifty who entered the canvassing work at the close of the winter term, makes quite a large number who have gone into the field from Union College this year.
Brother Blosser, the Texas State agent, and myself also held an institute at Keene Academy, Keene, Tex. Twelve were in attendance, the small number being accounted for by the fact that many intelligent and energetic young people, who were in the work last year, have entered the nurses’ course or taken up carpentry, broom making, or some other line of industrial work. It is sad indeed to see good workers in the cause of God take up these other lines of work.
There has been so much rain in the southern portion of Texas this year that it has almost ruined the work in that part of the State; but the State is large, and there is still plenty of good territory.
We expect to have several good canvassers at work in Arkansas before long. This conference is so small that unless it gets help from other States, but few canvassers will be in the field. Three States have offered to help the work there by each sending an experienced canvasser, which will be greatly appreciated.
With the blessing of God we hope to see a good work done in the district this year.
S. C. OSBORNE, Gen. Agt. Dist. No. Five.

TENNESSEE RIVER CONFERENCE.

By V. O. Cole

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I feel it my duty to write you something in regard to the needs of this field. The Tennessee River Conference embraces middleand western Tennessee, also Kentucky. In this Conference there are eighty-seven counties, a population of about 1,813,000, and an area of about 41,000 square miles. In all this territory there are only seven missionary canvassers regularly at work, including the writer. Let us suppose that each year a good canvasser can work a territory containing a population of 20,000. From this it can be seen at once that it would take these seven canvassers about thirteen years to canvass this conference for one of our denominational books. Is it to be wondered at that there are thirty-eight counties out of eighty-seven that have never been entered with our publications?
Brethren and sisters, we profess to be looking for the coming of our dear Saviour, but are we doing anything to hasten that coming? The Lord has told us that the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to every kindred, tongue, and people, and then shall the end come; and when we are scattering the printed pages that contain the third angel’s message, we are preaching that gospel. In view of this fact, are we not delaying the Lord’s coming by our inactivity and lack of faith? The Lord is going to use human instruments to do this work, and if we are unfaithful, he will raise up others to take our places. He has warned us to take heed that no man take our crown.
The word comes to us through the Spirit of Prophecy: “The work to be done is great; the world is asleep, and the churches know not the time of their visitation.” “How can they best learn the truth?”—Through the efforts of the canvassers. “Here is a work that man can lay hold of and do. All who will consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are giving the last message of warning to the world.”
Did you ever think what an exalted work this is? Only to think, we have the co-operation of God and his holy angels! Should this not encourage us to lay hold of his promises by faith, and with an uplifted heart to cry as did Paul, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Hear the comforting words that have recently come to us through his servant concerning this: “The Lord Jesus, standing by the side of the canvassers, walking with them, is the chief worker. The Holy Guest by their side makes impressions in just the lines needed, if the worker recognizes Christ as the one who is with him to prepare the way.” “We are to make the very best use of our opportunities, and show ourselves approved of God. He has endowed us with talents for use in his service. If we fail to employ them in the Master’s cause, we should at least put them out to the exchangers, that he may receive his own with usury at his coming.”
At present we have but few canvassers, but they are true and tried servants, and are doing a good work. We are in need of many more missionary canvassers in this conference. We want men and women who are as true to principle as the needle is to the pole; for only clean vessels should carry the message of the Lord, and it is only this kind with whom the Lord can co-operate, and surely without him we can do nothing.
I believe that we have as good territory as there is in the South. Crops are now very promising for an abundant harvest. We have a colporteur tract fund started, and hope to be able to furnish free tracts to the canvassers to give away, to those who are not able to purchase our books. I do not mention these facts as an inducement, but as an encouragement; for if any engage in this work from the standpoint of financial inducement, they will make a failure. It is a missionary work, and it is only those who are willing to make sacrifices, and enter the work for the love of souls, that will succeed.
Because we have made this appeal for workers, do not think that we are discouraged, for we are not. The Lord is with us, and I believe that he will raise up faithful men and women to do this work. If the Holy Spirit brings to your heart a desire to come and help us in this closing work, you will please address the undersigned for further information.
V. O. COLE, Gen. Agt.
230 Cedar St., Jackson, Tenn.
Continue reading: A LETTER FROM THREE ILLINOIS CANVASSERS