SERVICE and sacrifice are the natural language of love. Other men may have ambition for themselves, but a Christian must do as his Master did—serve humanity. The life that ended on the cross, how little it is understood! How many know that there is but one material of which a cross can be made? There was never yet one cross of gold or silver or precious stones; the only material that can get into that shape is love,—love that manifests itself in service which will not shrink from sacrifice. The first recorded word of Christ was, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” and his last, “It is finished.” What lies between these words?—Constant ministry. When he said, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant,” he outlined the form that the Christlike must take.—Amory H. Bradford.
Choosing Our Master
By C. M. S.
With every soul rests the right of choice, a right which even Divinity would not invade. Choice runs through the whole gospel plan. God urges men with all the earnest pleadings of a loving Father, but only to choose: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Again: “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die?”
God knows that to turn to him means everlasting life, and that to turn away from him means everlasting death; yet there is no compulsion, no force. God wants men to serve him because they prefer to do so—not because they fear to refuse. Christ never forced upon any one the worship of himself or the recognition of his Messiahship. We see him weeping over Jerusalem because the inhabitants of that city would not turn to him and accept his offer of life,—because the Messiah for whom the nation had looked through the centuries had come, and they would not have him for their King. He shed tears of grief over their choice of death instead of life; but to have attempted to force one of them to accept him would have been to deny the very policy of heaven in its plan for man's redemption. Hatred and force were the weapons of the enemy of souls. Heaven could not sanction them; Christ could not use them. “Come unto me,” is an invitation overflowing with the love of God; and upon every soul in this world rests an individual responsibility for the attitude taken in reference to it.
The Christian will seek to follow the example which his Lord set. He respected the right of choice; he invited, but did not compel; he warned, but did not persecute. He has set us an example, that we should walk “even as he walked.”
The immediate future will give us many occasions for remembering these examples of our Lord. Deep plans are being laid for securing the enactment and of legislation which will seek to bring men's religious convictions under the hard sway of unfeeling force. That means the invasion of the sacred right of choice. It means the attempt to force the acceptance of a master upon men without regard to their own wishes in the matter. That at once places each individual in a position where he must choose, as did Daniel of old, and take the consequences of his choosing.
It is as wrong to yield to the demands of religious legislation in opposition to the commands of God as it is to enact the legislation which makes the demands. Sin is sin, whether we sin willingly, or at the demand of another. God wants men who will be loyal to him, no matter what the pressure from a disloyal source. The rights which he has given us we can not surrender to his implacable enemy. We must choose our master, and we must abide by the consequences of our choice.
C. M. S.
Personal Effort an Important Factor in Missionary Work
By F. M. W.
THE importance of personal effort in all missionary labor can not be too strongly emphasized. The Lord has chosen human agents as light-bearers, and by personal contact with their fellows, he designs the light to be communicated. He could work as readily alone by his Holy Spirit, had he so purposed, but he saw and recognized the value of the personal factor as an agency in work.
This was manifested in the earthly life of the Saviour. He came close to the people. He visited Zaccheus in his own home; he came so near to the leper as to lay upon his polluted body his own divine hand; he anointed the eyes of the blind with clay; he blessed little children, taking them in his arms. He was with the people, and in a sense he was one with the people in the synagogues, at the feasts, in the market-places, by the wayside, in the home, and in private conversation.
He stooped to admonish Peter, to instruct Nicodemus, and to comfort Martha and Mary. No person was too obscure to escape his notice, no act so small but he performed it with love and interest. In all this the principle of personal labor is illustrated.
Among the early disciples the same spirit is manifested. Jesus talks with Andrew, and Andrew seeks out Peter; Jesus extends to Philip a personal call to follow him, and Philip in turn proves the agency by which Nathanael is brought to Christ. Saul, after his remarkable conversion on his way to Damascus, seeks instruction of God, and is sent to Ananias; Cornelius needs help, and Peter is sent to his assistance; the eunuch desires enlightenment, and Philip is sent on a journey of many miles to instruct him.
In these examples is taught the value of personal work. God does not use angels as his laborers, but men with like passions as those desiring help—men with similar experiences and environment.
The value of personal labor must be recognized, if we would perform that which in God's providence we may accomplish. The more strongly this idea of personal effort for the salvation of souls takes possession of the missionary workers, the more success will attend their efforts. There is too much of a spirit to do things in a wholesale way. Too many would rather pay their money, and leave to others the responsibility of actual work.
Not one should be excused. Christian work for others is Christian life, and the man or woman who neglects such labor will as surely die spiritually as one will die physically who neglects to partake of needed food. Our churches to-day are languishing, not for lack of light or for a knowledge of the truth, at least in theory, but they are dying for a lack of exercise, through failure to put forth that effort for others that would fan into new life the flickering flame of vitality that burns in their own souls.
We hear much missionary talk and agitation; that is all good, but we need to do missionary work. The missionary meeting is naught but a dead form unless such labor is done. Its work, its activity, is its life. Every member in the church should engage personally in sending out missionary literature. None should excuse themselves on the plea that they have but little time to give to that work. It requires but little time to send out a paper or a tract. God does not ask of any individual more than he can do; but he requires of each one of his children, work in some degree and of some character.
Let this idea of personal effort be pressed home upon our people, and we shall see greater results attending our missionary work. When such a spirit obtains among the members of the church, the missionary meeting will cease to be cold and formal. Every member will have a live experience to relate of what God has done for him, and for others through his efforts.
While we should do more in quantity, there should also be a bettering of the quality of our work. God wants us to raise the standard. May he enable us to work so discreetly and wisely that our own souls may be revived and strengthened, and that we may see others brought to a saving knowledge of his truth for this time. F. M. W.
A Christian’s Business
By C. M. S.
If we are doing nothing to make conditions better in this world, nothing to bring creature into harmony with Creator, we are but waste material, and the very force that keeps us going is misspent energy.
Too many are content with “making a living.” It is better to do that than to become an encumbrance upon the community, an additional weight to the burdens of others in making their living. The Word declares that the church-member who lays upon others the burden of maintaining his household is worse than an unbeliever. He has a disintegrating influence, in that he lowers the organization to which he belongs in the estimation of those who are still outside the church. This, of course, does not apply to the worthy poor, rendered poor by misfortune or accident. Such are not a hindrance to the church; for they help to stimulate the grace of liberality.
So, while Christianity is the antithesis of avarice, it is also the antithesis of idleness. But in this last place its application is not restricted to physical idleness alone. He who gives his attention wholly to a busy-ness about the affairs of this life is not being “diligent” in a truly Christian sense. With him one side of duty is slowly becoming paralyzed while the other is exercised far beyond the Creator’s intent, and the result is deformity. It is not in God’s purpose that men’s lives should be deformed by a misconception of duty along material lines, or that the duty of providing for one’s house should be neglected because great light is shining before us.
The example of Paul is to the point in this matter. He did not consider it beneath him to maintain himself, though bearing a direct commission from the Lord to witness for him in regions afar. So he labored with his hands while he bore witness to the truth by his life and words. That is an example of the well-balanced Christian, neglecting neither duty. But material increase was not his aim. Preaching the gospel was his business, and he worked to pay expenses. His own support occasioned a considerable part of those expenses.
This is not teaching, either, that preachers and teachers of the gospel should not receive support from mission funds, or that they must pay their own fares to the fields to which they go. Many consecrated workers could not do the latter, and so those who have means are given a chance to help in that work by contributions of money. Some earnest workers may be sent to fields where the competition for existence is so great that it would require all their time and energy to make a living. The point is, the making of a living is not the Christian’s business in this world. He makes a living in order that he may live to do a greater and more important work—the proclamation of the gospel in the earth. Making a living is merely a means to that greater end. It is incidental only, but one of the incidentals which indicates the character of the individual and his right conception of duty.
We can make a living, and in the end die, without leaving any impress for good on the hearts of men; without bearing before them any testimony for God and righteousness; and without any possibility of a living beyond the closed door of this short life. But in the place of a living it is possible to make a life,— a life that shall be a living witness for God, and the thread of which God will pick up again when the story of sin has been told. Be not content with making a living. Make a life, and be a witness to the life of God, a worker in the great field of God, and, finally, a precious stone in the eternal temple of God, bearing the Father’s name, and going “no more out forever.”
C. M. S.
Latter-Day Evangelism
By F. M. W.
MANY earnest Christian workers express hearty disapproval of some of the present-day methods of evangelism employed by popular revivalists. The claim is made that their methods savor of irreverence, sensationalism, and commercialism. Recently an effort was made to secure a popular revival effort in Columbus, Ohio. According to the Lutheran of April 13, nineteen pastors signed a remonstrance against the effort. Among these was Rev. Washington Gladden, a prominent Congregational minister. According to the Lutheran, while Mr. Gladden admits that this sensational preaching may close a few saloons temporarily, and make an impression on wicked men for a season, its influence is only temporary. He claims that the future of Christianity is still in the hands of the faithful, earnest pastor, and that earthquake evangelism does not hold out.
In summarizing the character and influence of this sort of evangelistic effort, the Lutheran charges, first, that it is irreverent. It fails to recognize the sacred character of holy things, and “rushes in where angels fear to tread.” Second, it smacks of commercialism. The whole effort carries with it a cold business air “strangely out of keeping with the spirit of the gospel.” The evangelist himself makes of it a highly remunerative enterprise. Third, it is cyclonic. The power attending the Pentecostal season inspired reverence, but this sort of tornado evangelism causes disgust. Fourth, it contains the elements of animal magnetism. “There is much of mental suggestion and hypnotism in the atmosphere. It is a strong, overpowering human will taking captive other wills.” Fifth, it is superficial. The converts run only for a season, and soon settle back into a worse condition than they were at first. Sixth, it creates an unhealthful, abnormal atmosphere. After the revivalist has gone his way, the work of the ordinary preacher seems commonplace. The people have been educated to sensational styles, and are not content with anything that falls short of the spectacular.
After all, we believe it will be found, in the day of final accounts, that it was the plain, practical, simple preaching of the gospel that resulted in the salvation of men. While it is not for us to judge of the motives or purposes or even of the labor of any man, it is proper that we should measure men's methods and operations by the principles set forth in the Scriptures of truth. There is much in these days of the spectacular and philosophical to draw men away from God. We need to have our faith firmly rooted and grounded in the Scriptures, and to have that living consecration with God that will enable us to discern the leadings and operations of his Spirit.
F. M. W.
The Philadelphia Ministerial Institute
By Arthur G. Daniells
This institute was held in the West Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist church, April 12-26. The regular attendance was about one hundred seventy-five. These were ministers, Bible workers, and a few others who are devoting their entire time to some phase of our work. They came from all parts of the Canadian, Atlantic, and Columbia union conferences. The president of every local conference in the two latter unions was present, and nearly all the ministers of these same conferences came with the presidents. All remained to the close, and gave themselves earnestly to the interests of the meeting.
The studies were conducted by Elder W. A. Spicer, Elder G. B. Thompson, and the writer. The early morning and evening services were conducted by different ministers present. The lines of study were as follows: “Our Message,” “The Place and Need of the Holy Spirit,” and “The Ministry.” In addition to these studies, an hour each day was given to the question box.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference carried the burden of providing entertainment for all who attended the institute, and it rendered most excellent service. One hundred or more were given free lodging in the Pennsylvania Sanitarium. This is the last14service this institution will render to us, as it has been sold, and will pass to the purchasers in a short time. Our meals were served in the basement of the church in which we met. The food was of a good variety, and was excellently prepared. The dining service of all was certainly a great success. Those who attended to this work labored very hard, and received many expressions of appreciation from those who enjoyed the service. Earnest, painstaking effort surely brings its reward.
This institute was the most remarkable and encouraging meeting, to me, that I have ever attended. We had the evidence on the first day that the presence of God was with us. Those who gave the studies were very conscious of this, and all who were present felt a divine influence working upon their hearts. In a short time deep conviction of sin began to lay hold of hearts. From the meetings, where the Spirit’s presence was so deeply felt, many went to their rooms to plead earnestly with the Lord to forgive their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Severe battles were fought, and glorious victories were won by many on their knees. Those who seemed unable to get the victory desired, sought the prayers of some of their fellow workers. Some remained in the church until midnight, struggling for deliverance, and they received it. This conviction and humiliation were attended by suitable confession in public and in private. It was not what are considered great, serious sins that brought this deep conviction. It was the terrible character of sin, and its hold upon our hearts, that laid us in the dust. What had not seemed so very wrong, was made by the searching Spirit of God to appear exceedingly sinful. Every dark corner of the heart seemed to be placed under the great searchlight, and in great agony many prayed for cleansing. As one after another told of the victories he had gained, the presence of God melted our hearts, and peace, joy, and courage came to us.
Running through all this experience, which we hope never to forget, was a great yearning of soul to be led to love righteousness and to hate iniquity. This yearning was reinforced with great desire to have this cleanliness of heart accompanied with the power of God to win souls to Christ. Indeed, this was the key-note of the institute. What can we do, what must we do, to become more successful in our efforts to save the lost? was the inquiry pressed back upon our hearts with terrible force from the first day. Then came the revelation of the sinfulness of sin, and the earnest cry for cleansing and for deliverance.
The victories that were gained day by day were followed by new consecration of life to the great work which God has laid upon us. This brought courage and hope to our hearts.
As the institute closed, the testimony of all was that they never faced the future with such courage. This experience was expressed by such statements as these: “The change that God has wrought in my heart seems to have given me a new existence.” “I feel that we have come back to that upper chamber where preparation was made for Pentecost.”
It is impossible to convey in this report any adequate conception of this excellent meeting. It will surely mark the turning-point in the lives and the work of many who were present; and it must mark the beginning of a new era in our cause. The day when the committee brought in its report on city work will never be forgotten by some. The first recommendation was a call to all our gospel workers, and a solemn pledge on the part of those present, to a new and full consecration of spirit, soul, and body to this work of God. After a few had spoken of the absolute necessity of such consecration, we all bowed down on our knees before God, to make it with all the heart. As we did this, the presence of the Lord in melting, overwhelming power filled the house where we were kneeling, and gave us assurance that the Lord accepted us and the consecration we were making. After this, ministers testified that here, at this point of experience, they would take the stones of their stumbling and failure in the past, and erect a pillar of deliverance and victory, with the prayer that God would keep them from ever going back of this monument.
As we know that it is the Spirit of God that convicts of sin, gives the yearning for righteousness, and leads to the consecration of the life to God, for the salvation of souls, we know that the experiences of this institute were from God, and that if we prove true to our vows, the blessing of Heaven will attend us in our battle against sin, and in our endeavors to win souls to Christ. It was the earnest, united prayer of all that the blessings of this institute may come upon all the laborers and the people of this cause. A. G. DANIELLS.
Be Ye Clean
By C. M. S.
This world is the thrashing-floor of God. Here is to be thrashed out literally the harvest of sin. Here is to be winnowed the result of the thrashing; and the day of that last great winnowing is not far in the distance.
The following words are a prophecy of our Saviour and of the work which he would do in putting a full end to the tragedy of sin:—
“Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” Luke 3:17.
When God speaks of winnowing, or fanning, his words are addressed to his people, or are spoken concerning them. With them and through their instrumentality he has been doing a work for the whole world, using them as a winnowing machine to separate the chaff of this world from the wheat of the kingdom. But when it comes time for him to bring his work to a close, he performs upon them a winnowing, or fanning work; and the text proclaims that it is to be a thorough work. He will thoroughly purge his floor, and the chaff he will burn up with “fire unquenchable.” That is the burning of the great day of God, “wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” That is the day “that shall burn as an oven,” wherein all that do wickedly “shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”
We are in the day of the Lord’s winnowing; his fan is in his hand; we must expect him to do a clean work, a thorough work. If we are of the wheat, we shall not be blown away, by his winnowing, into the fire with which he will consume the chaff. So we need not fear. If we are of the chaff, we need not expect him to spare us. Any such expectation will be vain. God has borne long with sin and sinners; but he has not promised to bear with them and with it forever. We have reached a time when not to be serious in this work is a sin, and when not to be serious will be a most serious thing for us. God demands of us that we be a clean people. Of those who triumph in the closing work of this world the Word says: “In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. 14:5. The admonition to God’s people through the prophet Isaiah ought to be ringing in the ears of every professed believer in the third angel’s message: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Isa. 52:11.
When the Lord’s fan is in his hand, it is a time for heart-searching in Israel. “Be ye clean,” is God’s message to us now. Soon all the filth and débris of sin will be cleaned out of the entire universe of God, and there will be a “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,”—a clean universe. Only the clean will be in it; only the clean will have a part in ushering it in. “Be ye clean.” C. M. S.
Jamaica
By Herbert Fletcher
On a beautiful lot adjoining the railroad station at Riversdale, a quiet and restful hamlet, is a white tent. Never before has a tent been pitched in this locality, and people are anxious to know what this one stands for. Many country people pass by daily. One day I heard one ask, “What is this for?”
His companion replied, “It must be a merry-go-round.”
TENT COMPANY AT RIVERSDALE, JAMAICA
“No,” chimed in a third, who had visited the tent, “it is the Seventh-day Adventists. They are preaching in there every night; and let me tell you, we have never before heard the Bible taught in such a way, and such wonderful things told us. I am there every night, and you must come and hear them for yourselves.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, and I am not deceiving you.”
“All right then; we will be down next Sunday evening.”
At the last session of our conference, it was planned that I should take up work at Riversdale. Accordingly, I removed to this place, and pitched our tent. Brother A. E. Speid, of Port Antonio, joined me as Bible worker.
The tent is tastily decorated. The school has loaned us its organ, and has taken an interest in the work. Elder D. E. Wellman, president of the conference, preached the first sermon for us. Meetings are held each night, Saturdays excepted; and from the first we have had a good attendance.
We have been at work now a month, and twenty-two have signed the covenant, and are keeping the Sabbath and obeying other truths as far as they have learned. We still have a good attendance, and many are deeply interested. We are planning for a church building, which we hope to have completed by the end of the year.
The accompanying picture represents the tent, workers, and some of those who have accepted the truth.
Quite a little work was done by the students in the distribution of literature. “And herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto eternal life: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
HERBERT FLETCHER.
The Oakwood Ministerial Institute
By A. J. Haysmer
The ministerial institute for the Southern and Southeastern Union missions was held at the Oakwood Manual Training School at Huntsville, Ala., March 23 to April 10.
We have had summer schools and institutes for our teachers and canvassers, but this was the first institute ever held in this country for our colored ministers and Bible workers. All felt the need of such a gathering, and arrangements were made so that all these laborers, about thirty in number, could attend.
We had five studies daily. The regular instructors were Elders K. C. Russell, Chas. Thompson, C. F. McVagh, and the writer. Prof. H. M. Hyatt gave a few interesting lectures on Christian education, illustrated by large charts. These were much appreciated. Drs. M. M. Martinson and Lottie Isabel-Blake gave several lectures on health principles. Dr. Martinson gave an interesting stereopticon lecture on hookworm and malaria; Elder Russell also gave one on the subject of religious liberty.
The subjects studied were of a practical nature, covering the points that would help to develop all-round gospel workers. The times in which we are living; the conditions to be met; the message due to the world at this time and how it should be presented; the ministry, its high calling, responsibilities, and work; the need and workings of the Holy Spirit, and the conditions upon which it can be received; faith; prayer; organization; church discipline; how to conduct different kinds of services; the pitching and care of gospel tents, etc., were among the subjects considered.
The institute was a blessing to the students attending the school. Nearly all attended the night services. A number gave their hearts to the Lord; and nearly all, both workers and students, reconsecrated themselves to his service.
The last Sabbath of the institute was a good day. In the forenoon Elder Russell gave a soul-stirring discourse, and an excellent social service followed. In the afternoon the writer spoke on the gospel ministry, and at the close Brother G. E. Peters was set apart to that sacred work.
I am sure that this institute will mark a new era in the work among the colored people in these union conferences. There was developed a spirit of harmony and loyalty to the organized work that means much at this time. Without an exception, the testimonies borne expressed great appreciation of the help received, and all return to their fields of labor with a better knowledge of what the Lord expects of them, and with renewed courage and strength to labor more successfully for souls. We expect to see great results from the efforts put forth the coming year.
On Sunday, April 9, the new buildings were formally dedicated. In the evening the students gave an interesting musical and literary entertainment, which was a credit to themselves and to those in charge of the school.
A. J. HAYSMER.
The Sale of a Copy of "Great Controversy"
By W. C. Thompson
A FEW years ago there lived in a California village a blacksmith who was noted not only for his fine physique and great bodily strength, but also for his wickedness. He was a hard drinker, a clever gambler, notoriously profane, and of a very pugnacious disposition. He loved a fistic encounter, and as a fighter was the terror of the community.
The trait, though, that made this blacksmith especially notorious was his antipathy to religion and religious teaching. In his pride and wickedness he delighted in parading his defiance against God. Preachers avoided him, and because of his severity every one who knew him studiously refrained from talking to him on religious topics.
It would seem that such a character was destined to destruction; for the living preacher could not reach him, and all religious institutions were held in derision. But there was at least one redeeming feature in this hard character,—a relish for historical works. Such books he eagerly read. Unknown to him, this furnished an avenue to his16soul, which, unsuspecting, he had not hedged against.
There came a time when this hard sinner was so situated that he had to remain at home alone for a few days; and having read all the works on historical themes that he had access to, he found himself at a loss for entertainment. A few days before this an agent had gone through this section of the country, and sold a copy of "Great Controversy" to one of the neighbors, who loaned it to the blacksmith's wife. The book kept getting in his way as he was rummaging around for something to read. At last, in desperation, he picked it up. It was a new book, attractively illustrated, and would at least help him to pass away the time.
The title of the book seemed to him absurd, but a glance at its contents revealed the fact that it was richly embellished with history. Here, after all, might be something worth his while. He could sift out the history, and let the husks of religious sentiment alone. So he began to read; but there is something about the inimitable style of the book that is irresistible. There is in its words a tone of purity and truth which has a convincing power. Though unsensational, there was to this man something in its message that was awe-inspiring, and fragrant with a hope unknown in a world of sin and sorrow.
As he read on, and the book reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, this great sinner, for the first time in his life, trembled. But as he read of the love of God for sinners, his heart began to melt; and a softening and subduing influence began its work upon his hardened nature. An inexpressible longing unconsciously stole into his heart—could it be possible that there was pardon for such a sinner as he? It seemed there might be. With this gleam of hope came repentance. Falling upon his knees, he confessed his sins, and with the first tears that he had shed for years, he poured out his soul to God. His prayer, "Create in me a pure heart, O God," was not ineffective.
And now, behold the miracle of grace! This notorious blacksmith rises from his knees a changed man. Old habits relax their hold upon him. He is free. A new joy has sprung into his life, and even pictures itself visibly in his face.
The remainder of my story is soon told, but eternity alone will reveal the results of reading that one volume. No sooner had he experienced a change of heart than his old vocations lost their attractions, and he felt an irresistible desire to spread the message of salvation.
How better could he do this than by circulating the message-filled page? This he did, and with an energy equaled by few evangelists. The same energy and power he once used in his wickedness he now employed in work for God. This brother was the most untiring gospel worker that it has ever been the writer's privilege to meet. In a few short years he placed the printed page in thousands of homes; and as the canvassing work furnishes the best of schooling, he soon fitted himself for the ministry, and became a power in the pulpit.
As the result of his ministry there are over two hundred Sabbath-keepers enjoying the truth; and though now this faithful soldier has laid down the armor and is at rest, his works still follow him, and the harvest alone will reveal the influence of the thousands of silent messengers he has placed in the homes of the people.
In concluding this narrative, let me ask, Is there any better work than to engage in the circulation of such books as "Great Controversy"?
W. C. THOMPSON.
A Newspaper Insert
By K. C. Russell
A New Line of Work for Our Churches
The Religious Liberty Department recently prepared a four-page document, somewhat larger than the weekly Signs of the Times, filled with live, up-to-date matter on the principles of religious liberty. It is designed that this document, which is to be furnished in quantities at nominal cost, will be used as an insert for local and weekly newspapers, and that by this means millions of readers may be made acquainted with the principles held by Seventh-day Adventists. We are glad to report at this time that the plan for its use is meeting with success.
The plan is to have our people who reside in communities where weekly newspapers are published, arrange with the publishers to enclose copies of the insert in each paper of certain issues.
Arranging With the Publishers
In beginning this work in your community, we recommend that the church select some member who is well qualified to interview the publishers advantageously, taking with him a copy of the insert. Without doubt your publisher, especially if he is friendly to us and the principles contained in the insert, will enclose it free of charge; or it may be necessary to pay him a nominal sum therefor.
Prices of the Insert
NO.
PER 1,000
1,000
$7.45
2,500
5.95
5,000
5.40
7,500
5.20
10,000
5.05
15,000
4.85
20,000
4.75
30,000
4.60
40,000 to 100,000
4.50
The expense in addition to the bare cost of the insert should be met by the local church. It will not require much argument to convince you that money invested in an enterprise of this character will bring great results, at least in so far as providing an opportunity for readers to become acquainted with our work.
The insert being printed on good paper and well illustrated, those who receive a copy of it will wish to preserve it for future reference. The latest picture of the United States Supreme Court will doubtless be greatly prized by many persons.
Special Instructions
You will note that the sample copies of this document are printed without any heading. The space is reserved for the name and date of the paper in which it is to be inserted. When you have secured your publisher's consent, ascertain the date and volume number of the issue in which the document will be inserted, then send the name of the paper, volume, number, and date, with your order for the number of copies desired. The order should be sent in at least one month before the date of the paper in which the insert will be used.
Another Important Use of the Insert
Besides using it as an insert for local papers, this document can also be profitably used freely for campaign purposes in cities and towns where any agitation on the subject of Sunday legislation may arise. The space at the top of the first page would then be used for some heading that would be adapted to the particular locality where it is to be used. For instance, it could be called The Herald of Freedom, or any other appropriate name.
Report to Us
Please report to us your experiences with publishers in connection with this work.
All orders and remittances should be addressed to the Foreign Mission Seminary, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., where the insert will be published.
K. C. RUSSELL,
Sec. Religious Liberty Assn.
Pemba, South Africa
By E. C. Silsbee
As we consider the darker fields, and see new gospel lights started in advanced places, we thank God and take new courage. We are closing in on the dark center of the Dark Continent; and while every advance means added privations and suffering to our small force of warriors, yet with our wounds bound up, we pass on to place the standard of Prince Emmanuel still farther over into the enemy's territory.
Our latest and longest stride toward the dark and unentered Kongo Free State is our out-stations at Lusaakas and Imperi, the latter being but one hundred sixty miles from the border of that state. It requires about a two-hundred-mile walk (round trip) to visit these stations; and at this time of year it is most uncomfortable on account of the rain.
I was caught in a swamp at nightfall, on the return trip, with nothing to do but go forward, as the rain was pouring down, and it was impossible to stop. So for nearly four hours I waded in mud and water from one to four feet deep, until I came to a pioneer farmhouse, where I stayed that night and the next day. The following morning, after wading half a dozen rivers, —but no more swamps, as I had unknowingly finished with that part,—I arrived at the railroad station, and was soon on my way to the mission home. After a week's siege with the fever, caused by the exposure of the trip, I find myself about twenty-five pounds lighter in weight, but am rapidly recovering. E. C. SILSBEE.
Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; C. M. Snow
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL . . . Secretary
C. M. SNOW . . . Corresponding Secretary
