p. 267 | A BOOK FOR THE INTELLIGENT CLASSES

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, April 28, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 17

A BOOK FOR THE INTELLIGENT CLASSES.

By George I. Butler

WHILE it is true that all our books are excellent, and well fitted to be read by intelligent, sensible people, because they are well written, and appeal to the reason and the conscience, yet it is specially true that “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” is better adapted to this work than almost any other book we circulate. Such persons, who are religiously inclined, have a curiosity, and desire to know something about these two mysterious books, Daniel and the Revelation. There is a general impression upon the public mind that they cannot be understood. Such men like to find out all they can about these subjects. They take special interest in studying into such questions. The contents of these books relate to the history of mankind. “Thoughts” constantly appeals to the facts of history; and a person cannot realize the truthfulness of its statements fully unless he is acquainted with history. It will accomplish more with this class of people than with those who are ignorant. The subjects of the sanctuary, prophetic time, and many others, require a fair degree of intelligence, thought, and reflection, for their understanding. It is just the book for such persons to read.

Again, it exactly supplies a want of professional and business men whose time is largely occupied. Many of them will never take time to attend a course of lectures. They have not the leisure to do it, having but little time to spend with their families at their homes. But such men like something interesting to read,—some religious reading for Sundays and evenings. With such an attractive book as “Thoughts” upon their center tables or in their libraries, they would be likely to examine it; and if they did they would surely continue to peruse it; for the themes upon which it treats are of such interest that they could not lay it down with indifference after once becoming acquainted with it. Such persons would be far more likely to read it than they would to read any religious paper. They usually have an abundance of papers of all sorts in the house, and these become common to them. Besides, when the date of a paper is a little old, it is scarcely looked at. This is because of the fact that most papers are news papers, and when old they become stale. This, of course, is not a good reason for casting aside religious papers whose contents never become old. But this difference is not usually realized; hence, papers which are two or three weeks old are usually little regarded; and are cast into the waste basket. But such a book as “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” presents an attractive appearance in the library. It will never become obsolete till the Lord comes. It stands there inviting attention from every one looking for books. It will be read over and over by various persons, especially when present truth is attracting general attention. These intelligent people are influential in forming public opinion. We must in our work make efforts to reach all classes. And while we should always seek for the honest working classes, we should certainly not neglect the more highly educated people.

Here is a field of great importance which we should persistently occupy. We want canvassers of ability to meet these classes. It is more important by far that this book be circulated than “Sunshine,” which, though a good book for its place and work, has not nearly so important a field as the volume we are now noticing. Presidents and secretaries of our tract societies, we cannot be justified in permitting our experienced canvassers to drop “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” as we have been doing for months past. We ask you to consider this matter, and see if it is right. We are sure a little consideration of it will settle the question. This branch of the canvassing work is too important to be dropped. Think of it, and act accordingly.

G. I. B.