Receipts of the Mission Board Treasurer for the Quarter Ending June 30, 1902
By H. M. Mitchell
ANNUAL OFFERINGS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $1,885.64; Canadian Union Conference, $16.78; Central Union Conference, $220.20; Lake Union Conference, $555.34; Northern Union Conference, $117.63; Pacific Union Conference, $1,935.38; Southern Union Conference, $255.65; Southwestern Union Conference, $15.05. Total, $5,001.67.
FIRST-DAY OFFERINGS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $927.94; Canadian Union Conference, $8.76; Central Union Conference, $898.09; Lake Union Conference, $620.26; Northern Union Conference, $128.10; Pacific Union Conference , $235.44; Southern Union Conference, $117.98; Southwestern Union Conference, $193.62. Total, $3,130.29.
MISSION BOARD FUND.—Atlantic Union Conference, $304.13; Canadian Union Conference, $74.52; Central Union Conference, $332.30; Central European Conference, $1.94; Lake Union Conference, $725.79; Northern Union Conference, $1,418.40; Pacific Union Conference, $67.05; Southern Union Conference, $123.31; Southwestern Union Conference, $33.11. Total, $3,080.55.
SCANDINAVIAN RELIEF FUND.—Atlantic Union Conference, $6.32; Central Union Conference, $1,059.68; Jamaica, $10; Lake Union Conference, $98.45; Matabeleland, $24.35; Northern Union Conference, $122.71; Pacific Union Conference, $16.74; Sister White, $479.29. Total, $1,817.54.
SKODSBORG SANATORIUM.—Atlantic Union Conference, $8.25; Central Union Conference, $27.25; Northern Union Conference, $66.84; Southern Union Conference, $1.75; Southwestern Union Conference, $5. Total, $109.09.
SABBATH-SCHOOL DONATIONS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $984.16; Canadian Union Conference, $21.33; Central Union Conference, $524.88; Lake Union Conference, $1,320.99; Northern Union Conference, $270.08; Northwestern Union Conference, $575.97; Pacific Union Conference, $143.95; Southern Union Conference, $85.84; Southwestern Union Conference, $219.70. Total, $4,146.90.
SECOND TITHE.—Lake Union Conference, $518.49; Northern Union Conference, $252; Northwestern Union Conference, $810.57. Total, $1,581.06.
AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE.—Pacific Union Conference, $10.
BRAZIL MISSION.—Central Union Conference, $5.
BRITISH GUIANA MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $5; Lake Union Conference, $.25. Total, $5.25.
CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE.—Lake Union Conference, $3.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MISSION.—Central Union Conference, $1; Northern Union Conference, $40.86. Total, $41.86.
CHINA MISSION.—Central Union Conference, $20.94; Lake Union Conference, $13; Miscellaneous, $879.66; Northern Union Conference, $5; Pacific Union Conference, $20. Total, $938.60.
EUROPEAN GENERAL CONFERENCE, $571.06.
FIJI MISSION.—Pacific Union Conference, $20.
INDIA MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $11.25; Central Union Conference, $44.90; Lake Union Conference, $6.25; Northern Union Conference, $2.50; Northwestern Union Conference, $28.80; Pacific Union Conference, $10. Total, $117.63.
JAPANESE MISSION.—Central Union Conference, $6; Lake Union Conference, $1.25; Pacific Union Conference, $10. Total, $17.25.
LESSER ANTILLES MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $15.
MATABELE MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $2; Lake Union Conference, $20; Northern Union Conference, $2;16Southern Union Conference, $5. Total, $29.
MEXICAN MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $.10; Central Union Conference, $5; Pacific Union Conference, $13.70. Total, $18.80.
NATAL-TRANSVAAL MISSION.—Canadian Union Conference, $7; Central Union Conference, $10; Northern Union Conference, $2; Pacific Union Conference, $10. Total, $29.
NYASSA MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $59.14; Central Union Conference, $3,054.75; Lake Union Conference, $1,068.45; Northwestern Union Conference, $1,500; Pacific Union Conference, $2,003.50; Southwestern Union Conference, $641.80. Total, $8,327.64.
PHILIPPINE MISSION.—Northern Union Conference, $2.
POLYNESIAN MISSION, $13.
PORTO RICAN MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $5; Lake Union Conference, $25. Total, $30.
RIVER PLATE CONFERENCE.—Canadian Union Conference, $2; Central Union Conference, $159.30; Lake Union Conference, $12.71; Northern Union Conference, $57.17; Pacific Union Conference, $19. Total, $250.18.
SOUTH AMERICAN FIELD.—Atlantic Union Conference, $2; Central Union Conference, $5; Lake Union Conference, $30; Pacific Union Conference, $10. Total, $47.
TAHITIAN MISSION.—Lake Union Conference, $6.80.
TRINIDAD MISSION.—Atlantic Union Conference, $.90; Southern Union Conference, $5; Northern Union Conference, $28.50. Total, $34.40.
WEST AFRICAN MISSION.—Northern Union Conference, $2.
WEST COAST SOUTH AMERICAN MISSION.—Northern Union Conference, $2.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Annual offering
$ 5,001 67
First-day offering
3,130 29
Mission Board Fund
3,080 55
Scandinavian Relief Fund
1,817 54
Skodsborg Sanatorium
109 09
Sabbath-school donations
4,146 90
Second tithe
1,581 06
Australasian Union Conference
10 00
Brazil Mission
5 00
British Guiana Mission
5 25
Canadian Union Conference
3 00
Central European Mission
41 86
China Mission
938 60
European General Conference
571 06
Fiji Mission
20 00
India Mission
117 63
Japanese Mission
17 25
Lesser Antilles Mission
15 00
Matabele Mission
29 00
Mexican Mission
18 80
Natal-Transvaal Mission
29 00
Nyassa Mission
8,327 64
Philippine Mission
2 00
Polynesian Mission
13 00
Porto Rican Mission
30 00
River Plate Conference
250 18
South American Field
47 00
Tahitian Mission
6 80
Trinidad Mission
34 40
West African Mission
2 00
West Coast South American Mission
2 00
Total
$29,403 57
H. M. MITCHELL,
Treasurer of Mission Board.
Receipts of the Haskell Home and the James White Memorial Home Maintenance Fund
For the Quarter Ending June 30, 1902.
—Pansy Allen, 50c; Andrew Anderson, $1.00; F. H. Apel, 3.00; Mrs. Sabra Atwood and Margaret Firman, 2.00; Eunice M. Ball, 20c; A. J. Barrett, 10.00; W. H. Birdsong, 1.40; Addie F. Bigelow, 50c; F. Braasch, 1.00; H. E. Brighouse, 10.00; Mrs. Bucht, 50.00 (H. H.), 50.00 (J. W. H.); Mrs. Carrie Butcher, 1.00; Mrs. Mary M. Butler, 2.10; 88c; a brother, 1.25; C. M. Chamberlain, 20.00; Mrs. Anna Clay, 5.00; Levi Clinger, 5.00; Mrs. S. Cornforth, 25c; Mrs. E. E. Coulson, 5.00; C. M. Crane, 2.00; Mrs. H. Craw, 5.00; W. H. Cronk and wife, 5.00; C. F. Curtis, 4.50; F. J. Dilley, 1.00; Mrs. S. L. Dodge, 35c; Mrs. M. B. Duffie, 1.00; Mrs. J. A. Ehstrom, 1.00; George Enos, 1.00; Mrs. Martha Ellsworth, 2.00; John R. Fisher, 1.00; Martha Fulloon, 1.50; friends, 1.25; a friend, 1.55; a friend, per Mrs. S. M. Baker, 5.00; a friend, per L. McCoy, 2.00; a friend, 1.40; a friend, 61c; a friend, 1.00; unknown friend, 1.87; James Gargett, 20.01; Maggie Giessler, 1.00; J. Ghering and Wilson Thompson, 4.00; a little girl, 1.00; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Grove, 1.00; Mrs. S. C. Hance, 15c; E. P. Hansen, 1.55; Peter Hansen, 1.00; Maren Hansen, 1.00; Anna L. Hanson, 1.00; Mrs. F. D. Hare, 4.00; Susie E. Hibbard, 45c; T. C. Hegge, 25c; A. M. and Frank Hardy, 2.00; I. Hilde, 2.85; Minnie Hill, 1.57; J. Hodgen, 50c; Jens Holmes, 1.00; Mrs. Lovina Houz, 2.00; Mrs. S. M. Ingalls, 1.00; Penter Jensen, 2.00; Augusta Johnson, 2.26; P. A. Johnson, 11.25; Mrs. H. L. Kirkendahl, 50c; Mrs. Emma Knapp, 75c; Mrs. H. W. Lee, 2.00; Mrs. F. F. Loop, 2.07; Thomas Macmillan, 20c; Mrs. T. C. McDanel, 5c; Ivan and Keith Montangue, 26c; Mrs. Peter Moore, 1.00; B. Morgan, 1.00; J. J. Nabers, 50c; R. T. Nash, 1.00; Laingford L. Nelson, 5.00; Eron New, 1.00; Jacob Nies, 3.00; Mrs. G. C. Olson, 50c; Mrs. M. P. Peters, 1.73; H. W. Pierce and wife, 5.00; L. L. Pfister, 1.00; E. D. and M. J. Post, 2.00; Mrs. Robert Poyas, 50c; Mrs. A. S. Pugh, 1.00; Joseph H. Rice, 20.00; Abraham Riffel, 5.30; Ettie Robison, 90c; Mrs. M. A. Sackett, 5.00; Mrs. Lida Sather, 60c; Chas. Seig, 50c; Margaret Scott, 2.00; Perry Sherman, 1.00; Olive M. Slocum, 1.00; C. H. Sorensen, 2.17; Mrs. M. D. Sperra, 25c; Mrs. E. Spicer, 50c; Mr. Stephenson, 1.45; Mrs. H. A. Summerall, 5.00; Charles M. Tucker, 1.50; Mrs. C. A. Turnbull, 3.00; Matilda Van Nimon, 50c; Mrs. W. E. Walbridge and family, 1.00; Sullivan Wareham, 2.00; Roy Washburn, 1.50; J. B. Watrous, 3.00; Clara Weber, 9.46; H. F. Williamson, 3.00; Bertha Wilson, 1.00; Mrs. H. M. Yates, 1.00; Atlantic Union Conference, 687.19; Carolina Conference, 14.08; California—Grass Valley Sabbath School, 5.15; Watsonville Church, 3.30; Chesapeake Conference, 58.04; Colorado—Buena Vista Church, 2.00; Pagosa Springs Sabbath School, 1.07; Central Union Conference, 57.66; Dakota Conference, 19.05; Florida—Tampa Sabbath School, 1.74; Georgia Conference, 7.05; Hawaiian Islands—Honolulu Sabbath School, 12.50 (J. W. H.); Indiana—Farmersburg Sabbath School, 1.00; Indiana Conference, 105.10; Kinderhook Church, 50c; Logansport Church, 3.56; Marion Sabbath School, 10.00; Mt. Zion Sabbath School, 1.06; New Marion Church, 70c; Windfall Church, 2.38; Indian Territory—Coalgate Sabbath School, 1.85; Muscogee Sabbath School, 1.00; Illinois—Englewood Sabbath School, 5.12; Humboldt Sabbath School, 14.20; Illinois Conference, 168.00; Princeville Sabbath School, 1.70; Watseka Church, 5.00; Iowa—Missionary Department Iowa Conference, 279.81; Kansas—Herndon Church, 2.00; Kansas Conference, 140.14; Kentucky—Bowling Green Church, 2.10; Georgetown Church, 2.50; Render Church, 3.50; Louisiana Conference, 27.60; Maine Conference, 43.20; Manitoba Conference, 42.65; Maritime Provinces, 34.71; Michigan—Alpena Sabbath School, 1.21; Ann Arbor Sabbath School, 94c; Augusta Church, 4.63; Battle Creek Church, 124.02; Battle Creek Sabbath School, 41.37; Battle Creek Sanitarium Sabbath School, 10.46; Bedford Sabbath School, 1.67; Burlington Church, 1.36; Ceresco Church, 4.89; Colfax Sabbath School, 26c; Convis Church, 5.00; Leroy Sabbath School, 25c; Mesick Church, 3.30; Michigan Tract Society, 304.44; Olden Sabbath School, 80c; St. Louis Church, 4.60; Twining Sabbath School, 7.35; Vermontville Church, 2.00; Watrousville Church, 4.47; Minnesota—Minnesota Conference, 238.26; Mountain Lake Church, 3.25; Owatonna Sabbath School, 1.00; Rochester Church, 5.55; St. Paul Scandinavian Sabbath School, 9.92; Zumbro Falls Sabbath School, 1.10; Missouri—Bibble Grove Church, 1.40; Cotton Church, 21c; Winston Church, 2.30; Montana Conference, 30c; Nevada—Rena Church, 2.10; Newfoundland—St. John’s Church, 6.14; New York—Brooklyn Scandinavian Church, 15.75; North Carolina—Reidsville Church, 1.50; Nebraska—Central City Church, 3.25; Nebraska Tract Society, 232.93; New Mexico—Farmington Church, 2.40; North Pacific Conference, 19.21; Ontario—Ontario Conference, 195; Selton Sabbath School, 3.30; Oklahoma Territory—Enid Sabbath School, 6.10; Ohio—Greenspring Church, 1.00; Ohio Conference, 227.76; Piqua Church, 4.60; Reedsville Church, 1.00; West Mansfield Church, 2.50; Youngstown Sabbath School, 80c; Pacific Union Conference, 222.44; Pennsylvania—Spartansburg Sabbath School, 65c; South Dakota—Groton Sabbath School, 75c; Southern Union Conference, 14.76; Southwestern Union Conference, 75.06; Tennessee—Memphis Church, 1.50; Tennessee Conference, 4.46; Texas—Austin Church, 4.00; Brenham Church, 2.25; Hutto Church, 11.15; Vermont—Johnson Sabbath School, 36c; Washington—Chinook Sabbath School, 1.00; Enterprise Sabbath School, 1.60; Fruitland Sabbath School, 9.75; Mt. Vernon Church, 1.50; West Oregon Missionary Society, 51c; West Virginia Conference, 10.00; Wisconsin—Grand Rapids Church, 2.75; Pine Grove Sabbath School, 2.45; Pound Church, 2.15; Prentice Sabbath School, 1.24; Wisconsin Conference, 166.07; Wisconsin Tract Society, 154.54. Total, 4,151.20.
Not a Call for Money
By W. B. White
FROM the reports that are coming in from different parts of the field, we should judge that the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is going very nicely throughout the conference.
Our people are taking hold of the work with commendable zeal, and but very few are refusing to do anything. We are sorry that all our brethren and sisters cannot see their way clear to take part in this movement, because we know there is a blessing for all who will engage in it with heart and soul. But we are glad that many are selling more than their quota, thus making up for those who are doing nothing.
The brethren in charge of the other divisions write that they hope to have the work finished in their part of the field in time for the tent meetings. We feel that the Lord has especially blessed in this undertaking, and to him shall be the praise and glory.
We are indeed glad to see this great movement going on among our people; for we know that it means much to them. When the time of jubilee comes, as it will before long, we are sure that all will desire to have a part. It now remains for each one to be faithful, disposing of his quota of books, and turning the money into the treasury, that the school debt may be lifted.
Brethren and sisters, this is not a call for money, but it is a call for a little consecrated effort. We do not ask any Seventh-day Adventist to pay a dollar to lift the school debt. If they will only take the books that we put into their hands free, and sell them to their neighbors and friends (who will be glad to get them and pay for them), that is all that is required.
Already, hundreds and thousands of dollars are coming in from the sale of these books, and the debts of the schools are coming down. Hasten on the glad time when this people will be emancipated from every worldly obligation. We mean never to rest until this is an accomplished fact, and the work is done.
W. B. WHITE.
The Work with “Christ’s Object Lessons”
By G. B. Thompson
THE selling of our quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is not a great work. If each one in the denomination would invest about $7.50 in these books, and sell them, the work would all be done, the entire debt would be canceled, three hundred thousand families—our neighbors—would have the truth in their homes, we should have the blessing, and be no worse off financially. If all in New York will do their part, the work will be no harder than if there were only six books to sell, and one person to sell them. It is no more of a task for seventeen hundred Sabbath keepers in New York to sell ten thousand two hundred copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” than for one Sabbath keeper to sell six, providing all do their part. Think of this, brethren and sisters. Is it a big task for one man to sell six books? Well, the entire task of selling the quota is no larger than this, and why we are so long about it must be an astonishment and grief to the angels. If we stand aghast at this, and dally, and walk around it, dreading it like a cold bath, our faith is small indeed. The only reason it was not done long ago is because all did not do their part.
To me this work takes prime importance, taking precedence of everything else, for the simple reason that the Spirit of God has informed us that it is the thing for all our people to do now. He will bless us when we do the thing he has said should be done; but if we turn away to something else, he will not bless us. As a conference, we must stick to this until it is finished. The church which does not heartily take hold of this work, will have a cold, lifeless form. This work can be neglected only at the cost of spiritual death. If we are not doing all we can in this work which the Master has told us should be done, how can we praise and thank the Lord with all our hearts in our weekly gatherings? I think of an annual camp meeting. Will it please the Lord for us to meet and praise him, with a work unfinished which he has told us to do? This work is of more importance than any camp meeting can possibly be. It should have first consideration. What a powerful gathering we can have if we meet with this work done! Otherwise, with many it will be only a form. God wants service. We have enough form; the Lord is calling for work. Please read and study “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, pages 468-478. If you do not have a copy, order one; for what is said here is of vital importance now. It means you. It means me.
The Lord has abundantly blessed the special movement now in progress to sell our quota. Our hearts are full of gratitude as we have seen this work going steadily forward. We are thankful to see the orders still coming in. Let each see that the work does not lag. Let not our work, our business, take precedence of his work, his business. When this is done, he will show what to do next.—G. B. Thompson, in New York Indicator.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to Aug. 16, 1902, is $45,670.24.
NAME
AMOUNT
Mrs. John Reith
$ 5 00
A. W. Herr
10 00
L. F. Truhey
10 00
Mrs. Clara Lounders
70
Emma Stych
50
Wm. Stych
50
Richard Dames
50
Mrs. Bertha Sloop
50
Anna Hartley
1 00
Mrs. J. Valentine
2 00
Belulah Soper
2 00
Mrs. Anna Hulett
1 00
Donation, per R. & H.
50
Robert H. Martin
5 00
Mrs. M. Boys
1 00
Mrs. Elias Shafer
5 00
Daisy Roth
50
Mrs. Mary Lewis
15 00
Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Knapp
5 75
Massachusetts
2 75
Mary Cummins
1 00
Martha Smith
1 00
Susana H. Rambo
1 00
L. M. Talbott
5 00
Pt. Allegheny (Pa.) church
50
F. E. Painter
2 00
Mrs. C. E. Hungerford
5 00
G. W. Bowers
2 50
Michigan
50
Mrs. Mary A. Grounds
40 00
Mrs. J. S. Thompson
20 00
Electa Ketzebeck
1 00
E. C. Cole
60
H. C. J. Walleker
2 00
Donation
2 00
Elmer and Minnie Downs
3 00
A friend (Berrien Springs)
4 00
"Christ's Object Lessons" in the Oakland Church
By C. H. Jones
THE Oakland church has just taken up the work on this book. Our allotment is nearly three thousand copies, but we take hold of the work with courage, believing that the Lord will give success. I have already sold several times my quota, but they say that that does not count on this deal, so I am going to start all over again with the rest of the folks. In some parts of the State the work seems to be going rather hard, but we expect a complete victory in the end. It is certainly an inspiration to us to read of how the work is going in some parts of the field.
C. H. JONES.
A Christian Scientist Minister Indorses “Christ’s Object Lessons”
By Chas. T. Everson
Dr. F. J. Fluno, member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., and pastor of the Scientist church of Oakland, is another prominent minister who has indorsed “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The Oakland Scientist church is the leading Scientist church on the Coast, being erected at the cost of seventy-five thousand dollars. Dr. Fluno, after having the opportunity of examining the book for a week, purchased one for himself, and gave the following indorsement of it, Aug. 11, 1902:—
“I find the book entitled ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ uplifting and edifying in character, and calculated in a simple, wholesome way to impress upon the mind of the reader the pure and exalted teachings of Jesus Christ, the great Master, and it will tend to raise the standard of Christianity in the world.”
This recommendation ought to be of special value when presenting the book to members of the Scientist Church anywhere.
CHAS. T. EVERSON.
N. C. BERGERSON
By N. C. Bergerson
WE began our last campaign for “Christ’s Object Lessons” with fourteen thousand books to sell. Iowa was divided into six districts, with a director over each. All the churches in District 5 have ordered their quotas, amounting to nearly three thousand books. Several churches have sold nearly all their books, and now it remains to finish this work of getting them out among the people.
These last three months have been a blessed time for most of our people. Several have testified of awaking in the night impressed with their duty to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons;” while others have said, with tears in their eyes, that this work had come to them in such a way that they must respond, or lose their last opportunity to labor for souls.
N. C. BERGERSON
Suggestions to Church-School Teachers
To you has been intrusted the work of educating our youth and children, and I understand we are here to-day to talk over some of the ways in which you can sympathize and co-operate with the publishing work. To do this, let us first understand what this work is, what it represents, and why so much is said of its importance.
Personal Work
I believe that the publishing work is important largely because it stimulates personal, private efforts for souls. It is the fashion in this age to do things by proxy. Men go to war by proxy, they vote by proxy; their charity is largely done by proxy, and many of them do their missionary work in a similar way. We are prone to look to the merits of a system rather than to the thing accomplished by that system. We talk more of the size and facilities of our sanitariums, colleges, and publishing houses than we do of their real object in the world.
But our publications cannot be handled on this proxy basis; red tape will not sell them. Their circulation depends upon the individual whose heart the Lord has touched. The decline in the publishing work indicates a decline in personal work. The very difficulties you have met in carrying forward the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” illustrates this.
Canvassers
In view of the Testimony which states that “the most effective way in which light can be communicated is by private, personal effort,” you can readily see why the canvassing work is spoken of so prominently and continuously. The canvassing work is the very highest type of personal work, because it is systematic personal work. Therefore if your students desire to engage in the very highest type of missionary work, suggest to them the canvassing field, also the advisability of their entering it as early as possible.
A Definite Preparation
Before going further, allow me to say that I have found everywhere a lack on the part of our young people in respect to a definite aim in life. Often those who have attended college do not seem to know just the work for which they are fitting themselves. I believe that you must change this, and to that end I am speaking to-day.
The Ministry
In almost every school there will be one or more desirous of becoming ministers. What higher or holier ambition could they have than this? Hold up before them the great example of our Saviour, how he ever did personal work, how his very sermons often were developments of private interviews, how he spent time with the woman at the well, with Nicodemus on the mountain, and with his disciples on the seashore. Teach them that to prepare for ministerial work, they must learn how to meet the people at their homes. With these facts emphasized, they will readily see the necessity of engaging in work with our periodicals, small books, etc.
Medical Missionaries
Others are interested in medical work. Teach such that they can begin work of this kind right around home. They can sell and take subscriptions for our health journals, and as they grow older, canvass for health books, such as “The House We Live In,” etc. In connection with this they can do errands for the sick, and assist in many other ways.
Foreign Missionaries
You will also find children who say that as soon as they grow up, they expect to become foreign missionaries. Our Little Friend is just beginning a series of original articles from laborers in various mission fields, with the sole purpose of helping such children to become familiar with these fields, and thus to stimulate in them a desire to go to them as soon as consistent. The Signs of the Times and our other papers have excellent missionary articles, all of which might be brought to the attention of the children in regular school work. They might be made a reading lesson, and in this way continue to keep alive the missionary spirit which they have.
The suggestions made concerning preparation for the ministry will be appropriate here. You well know that if there is one place above another where an all-round preparation for work is necessary, it is in these far-away lands.
Office Missionaries
Many of the children are familiar with work done in offices, and are therefore desirous of working in that capacity as they grow up. There is need for just such help. In fact, our various offices are anxious to secure a class of workers who recognize the need of a personal experience in the missionary plans they are constantly writing about to others. Conference officers, sanitariums, publishing houses, and business managers want just such help for their offices. To you they must look for their development.
Business Men
I know that it is the ambition of many to become business men. This also is a laudable desire, and I trust that it will be encouraged. You know that the Testimonies have spoken time and again of the necessity of business men,—other than ministers,—men who would devote their whole time to carrying on our work in a Christian, business-like way. Now I do not know that you have thought of it, but it is true, nevertheless, that very many of our business men have begun by selling books or papers. There is a certain business-like tact and energy that comes through the meeting of men that is almost indispensable to a business education. Hundreds of young men spend their vacations each year in the canvassing field just for this experience.
Encourage boys having this tendency by presenting some of these facts to them, and then suggest that they begin their business experience by opening up a route for some of our papers.
The Teacher
I suppose that any suggestions which I might make on this point would be superfluous, but I would ask for this one thing, and that is that the teachers keep ever before them the fact that upon them rests the responsibility of preparing workers for every branch of the third angel’s message.
Home Missionaries
There will always be those who do not have special plans for their future; those who will have their life occupied with home duties, and whose education must be for home work. Teach such that their work is one of the most important of any. Notice the following quotation from page 428 of “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI:—
“Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field.”
As a commentary on this, I would read from Volume IV, page 390:—
“Missionary work—introducing our publications into families, conversing and praying with and for them—is a good work, and one which will educate men and women to do pastoral labor.”
From these you can encourage these home keepers, with the thought that their field is the most promising of any; that it lies at the very foundation of all effective labor. You will want to teach them how to write missionary letters. Let some of their essays be in the form of a missionary letter; and when the letter is written, instead of keeping it, or throwing it into the waste basket, let it be sent with a copy of some of our publications. Teach them how to keep a record of their missionary work, that it may be properly included in the librarian’s report to the State society.
Now, dear friends, I believe with all my heart that if plans similar to those about which we have spoken were followed up, instead of there being such a dearth of workers as there now is, we should soon have a sufficient number to gather in the ripened grain that is now in so many places falling for lack of gleaners. I rejoice with you in the privilege of co-operating in this grand work. My ambition in life was to become a teacher. In some humble way, possibly, this ambition has been partially realized, but not to the extent that the privilege is given to you. May the Lord guide you, and give you more than mortal wisdom in the task before you.
I. A. FORD
By I. A. Ford
It has always been God’s plan that the gospel message should be given to the world. His people in the past have been given special opportunities for this very purpose. Failure on their part has brought calamities, and the work has had to be accomplished under difficult circumstances. Like causes bring like results.
This is our opportunity. Hundreds19should be in the field selling our publications. Many are taking hold of the work, and are having success. The Lord is blessing; the work is onward, and will soon close. Let all take hold earnestly now to finish the work. Our actions will show which spirit is governing us.
I. A. FORD
Which Spirit?
By I. A. Ford
The spirit of the message and the spirit of the times are in wide contrast. Never, perhaps, has this been more clearly seen that at the present. The energies of both are being taxed, but with different objects in view. The past few months have been months of general financial prosperity. The spirit of the world—selfishness—is seen in the strenuous efforts of the rich to secure the “gold that perisheth” rather than the “true riches.” Combinations and trusts have been multiplied, and millions of dollars have been “heaped together.”
The laboring classes, seeing the few made rich from their toil, and desiring to have a large share in the increased profits, are binding themselves together in order successfully to cope with their more fortunate brethren. Thus the strife goes on gathering intensity and power with each succeeding day.
What should be the attitude of those who are looking for the Lord’s soon coming? Does not duty demand the most intense earnestness and activity in giving the gospel of salvation to the world? The spirit of prophecy has spoken of this little time of prosperity that would come just before the coming of Christ, and has stated that it is given for the purpose of giving God’s people an opportunity to present the message to the world.
I. A. Ford.
Work for All
By C. W. Hardesty
God calls upon all his people to make an advance move at this time. There is a place for each one in the gospel work of to-day. We are in need of one hundred canvassers where there is but one in Iowa. They ought to be found in a conference of thirty-eight hundred, if anywhere among God’s professed people. An experience here would help to give them the preparation requisite for the work in new territory. And just now, we are told, there is a special power in the presentation of truth which can continue but a little while. “If ever there was a crisis, it is now.” Then, as this is so, it is high time to arise and shine; for the light has come upon us.
There should not be a dearth of laborers now in the crisis of this earth’s history, and we are told that canvassing is the very work which the Lord would have his people do at this time. There is a blessing in this work for all who, with a consecration of heart, will join the army of workers. There is a constant appeal for consecrated canvassers who will carry to the world the light that God has given his people on the Scriptures. “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, tells us that “the enemy of souls realizes this, and he is using every means in his power to lead the canvassers to take up some other the line of work.” Let us be careful that we do not in any way assist Satan in carrying out his plan to keep our evangelistic canvassers from doing the work of the Lord. Let us rather encourage the workers to press onward.
“God is waiting for men and women to awake to their responsibilities. He is waiting for them to link themselves with him. Let them mark the signals for advance, and no longer be laggards in working out the will of the Lord.”—Review and Herald, Aug. 5, 1902.
Shall we help to complete the work of giving the message in this generation? Do we want to see the Saviour coming to make an end of sin and misery? Are we longing for that grand meeting with all the redeemed in the kingdom of God? Then let us arouse to our responsibilities now, and heed the admonition from the Lord to get ready quickly.
C. W. HARDESTY,
Iowa Field Missionary.
Canvassing in Manitoba
By E. Russell Potter
THE few months that I have been in Manitoba have been full of interesting experiences and blessings. This field has been neglected. The work has not of late had the life infused into it which should characterize all the developments of the Lord's work. Yet it is true that the time has come when a good work should be done by the canvassers in this field.
After holding a brief institute, a few consecrated workers entered the field, and it is demonstrated that our books can not only be sold here successfully, but that there are rich experiences for the workers. One canvasser writes that there is but little danger that people will not buy our books because they are written by Seventh-day Adventists. Some are much interested, and in many cases when people will not buy at all, we create an interest by telling them that the books are Seventh-day Adventist publications.20
Another canvasser who has had very discouraging experiences because of the wet weather and muddy roads has not only sold $161.60 worth of books in one hundred and twenty-two hours, but writes that he experiences the blessing of God every moment of his life, and feels unworthy of the good things which the Lord bestows upon him. This demonstrates the fact that a special blessing is bestowed upon the canvassers.
The whole of Manitoba and the North-west Territories present a most favorable and open field for the health publications.
The people are ready for all of our books. There never was a better prospect for a good yield from the soil; and best of all, the promise of Christ is sure to those who go forth into the harvest field. E. RUSSELL POTTER, State Agent.
Individual Experience
MANY of our people have come to the conclusion that a person cannot make a living by selling our books, but the following report from Indiana proves that it can be done. This experience is given that others who ought to be selling the truth may take courage:—
“The last of June I entered the field as a canvasser, and my sales have averaged over fifteen dollars a day. One day, July 22, I took orders to the amount of thirty-six dollars. The first of August I made a delivery. I found the people anxiously waiting for their books, and in every case they were well pleased when they received them. I did not lose an order, but postponed a few. These persons desired their books, but did not have the money, on account of sickness. I have found many who are interested to know God’s will. I am sure that the special help and blessing of God will attend all who step out by faith to do the work God wants done at this time. The other canvassers of our State are having success, and we expect a harvest of souls as the reward of our efforts.”
F. L. MOODY, State Agent.
Good Health
By Mrs. S. E. Clawsons
I WOULD like to send in a report for the benefit of all,—others as well as our own people. I am an evangelist home missionary, and have sold many of our books and publications, especially the Good Health.
I was impressed that the Good Health should be used in connection with my other work, and I sent for twenty-five copies. These were so soon used that I ordered seventy-five copies, which number was increased to one hundred and twenty-five in a few days. I have sold as many as one hundred and fifty in two hours. Every church can sell the Good Health for ten cents a single copy; and when the people have read one copy, they should be visited and solicited for a yearly subscription. I sell “Christ’s Object Lessons” in connection with my work for Good Health.
MRS. S. E. CLAWSONS.
Successful Canvassing
A successful solicitor for subscriptions to an enterprising publication gives the following as the principal essentials to successful canvassing:—
“First and foremost, faith in, and enthusiasm for, the magazine you represent.
“It pays to make friends. Be cheerful. Show people that you enjoy your work, and make them enjoy it too.
“Don’t be too insistent.
“Be business-like. . . . Say the thing that will tell, in the briefest possible way. One thing I wish to emphasize: don’t plead your need of the money, or any other personal reason to induce people to subscribe. You do your work an injustice by such methods.
“The successful canvasser does not learn any stereotyped formula. Vary the conversation to suit the individual. No two subscribers can be approached in the same way.
“The successful canvasser wastes no time. The day’s work, route, etc., should be carefully planned the night before.”
These are good suggestions, and when coupled with the principles of righteousness, a love for the truth and the salvation of souls, there can be only success in the placing of our books that contain the message for this time in the homes of the people.
Bountiful Sowing
WE know that we are living in the sowing time, and we are to remember the admonition, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. . . . In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
We are to give a portion to seven, and also to eight. The practice of the Indians in sowing their maize teaches us a good lesson in disseminating the special message for this time. They always sow seven grains of corn in one hill—one for the crows, one for the moles, one for the worms, and one for the squirrels, and the three remaining for the harvest. They sow more for the chance of losses than they do for the harvest. In this act is illustrated the practical teaching of the Saviour when he says that some seed will fall by the wayside, some on stony ground, and some among thorns. We should not be discouraged when we see some of our efforts seemingly lost. We should sow the more bountifully, that there may be enough left to yield one hundred fold in the harvest.
Loaned Book Strengthens a Reader's Faith
As an illustration of the good that may be done by loaning our books to the people, we quote the following note received from a gentleman of education to whom was loaned a copy of “Rise and Progress:”—
“I return herewith ‘Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists,’ which you were good enough to loan me.
“I must confess that, outside of Holy Writ,21it has not been my privilege to peruse any work that so teems with the wonderful acts of God as does this book. I congratulate your body on the phenomenal success. Books of the nature of that under review cannot fail to imbue their readers with faith in God, and I am happy to record the fact that the careful reading of it has greatly strengthened my faith in God. I thank you very much for the loan.”