Earlier text: VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIESINTERESTING EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.
Below we give a few extracts from the many letters which are received from different countries, where the light of present truth has been carried by means of tracts and papers sent by the V. M. Societies. Dr. Ribton, of Naples, Italy, writes to South Lancaster:— “I read with great pleasure your kind letter; indeed, the greatest consolation I have in this life, next to communion with our Master, lies in the correspondence I have with his people. The word of Christ has ever been precious to me, especially of late years, when circumstances have brought me nearer to him; but I can now indorse the words which I read in one of the Adventist papers, and say that the knowledge of the things that are shortly to come to pass has made the Bible a new book to me. In fact, I began to study it over again, and hundreds of passages became clear to me, the meaning of which I had long sought in vain; passages that are read and quoted from many a pulpit without a ray of light being thrown on their true meaning. I have tasted the blessing of those that hear the word of the prophecy, despised by so many, and keep the things that are written therein.” “I hunger and thirst after God’s work. I have but one desire,—to devote time, pen, and voice to the proclamation of God’s warning message. I see appeals in papers for preachers, and I say to God, ‘Send me.’ I am best fitted for working in this country, but rather than lose time, as I am now doing, I would go to any warm climate where there was a field for labor. The Sabbath and John’s vision have cut me off from all religious communities except the Seventh-day churches, and shown me that the greatest work to be done in the little time now remaining, is to proclaim reform in the midst of reformers themselves. But here I have to labor daily for the meat that perisheth, and in this most impoverished country, a life of continual toil hardly suffices to supply common necessaries. Day after day rolls into the past, and there is no work done for the angels to record. A service of praise in my own family, a few tracts sent out, a few words with a friend when an opportunity presents itself, that is all. I want to have ten talents for my Master when he comes, and ask him daily to open me a door. And this I feel sure he will do; but life is short, his coming is near, and I want to be at work soon. At present I have nothing but my daily labor. I hope to be better off some day, and give all I have to the work of the third angel’s message.” “This is a sad country for a missionary to work in. There are a few who refuse to bow the knee to Baal, and these are precious in God’s eyes. Five friends have accepted God’s Sabbath, and when the Lord gives me more time, I hope to bring forward others. I have received pressing invitations to go and preach in three places, but am powerless. What an account will the rich have to render of the thousands they spend upon empty pleasures, while numbers are perishing for want of spiritual food.” A gentleman writing from England refers to a correspondence with a friend in this country, and says:— “Among other results it made me acquainted with the S. D. Adventist’s views and publications; and their clear statements of truth were very refreshing, and helped to mature my views on several subjects, viz., life in Christ only, death, immortality, the Sabbath, and the second coming of Christ. These subjects have been more or less agitated here for some time past, and more particularly of late. I will scatter the SIGNS sent, and also REFORMERS, but cannot offer to take them now, as my income is very limited.” A lady from London, England, writes:— “My object in writing is to ask you to send me, when convenient, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and I should be glad to know also the price of the HEALTH REFORMER, both of which journals have been kindly loaned me by a friend. I shall hope to receive the SIGNS soon, and when I learn the price will forward the money.” Another lady, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, in a letter to a friend in Armada, Mich., who had been sending her tracts and papers, says:— “I cannot find language to express my gratitude and love to you, for your kindness and interest in my spiritual welfare. May our Father bless and reward you, is my sincere wish and prayer. So far from feeling offended at anything you wrote me, I acknowledge the truth and justice of your remarks. I am, in faith, an Adventist, and I intend to try in future to be one in practice, as far as I am able, though I never knew till now how weak I am. You do not know what a trial it is for me to go all alone in this new Sabbath-keeping. My husband will not join me, but does not try to control my actions in the least. My desire is to do what is right and well pleasing in the sight of my Master. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. I desire you to pray for me that I may be strengthened, and that my faith fail not. I had a letter a short time since from my sister in Kentucky. She wrote that she had received some papers from you. She seems to be interested in them; says she can find no objection to their teachings, but thinks the Adventists seem to follow the Scriptures. This is what every one says about them. My sister says she likes the SIGNS so well she wishes she could get the paper all the time. I should think every one would like the paper, for I think it a little gem.” Many cordial letters are received from the warm-hearted colored people in the Southern field. One minister in North Carolina, who had received a few numbers of the SIGNS, writes:— “I am very highly pleased with such reading matter as I find in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES; and I see many books advertised in the SIGNS on such subjects that I want, not only the SIGNS, but also those books and pamphlets advertised in it, but have not the money to pay for them. I am all the time traveling and preaching among thousands of my people, and they always look for some book, paper, or tract. If you send them, I can distribute thousands to great advantage. I feel that God has heard, and is now about to answer, my long continued and incessant prayers for help of this kind. I was born and brought up in slavery, and emancipated in 1865; got my learning, or much of it, in the dark days of slavery and oppression, by the fireside, when all on the plantation were asleep. I have worked hard all day, and then studied all night many a time. For seven years past I have been traveling, and trying to preach the gospel of Christ. I am going on preaching and pursuing my studies, and do earnestly desire to grow up into the full measure and stature of a man in Christ and in the pulpit.” “Your books and papers are most gratefully accepted. The sermons in those tracts are worth any one’s reading. You ask if I will read your paper if you send it to me. I will, and will thank you for them, and if I can, will send you some subscribers. I will in the future ask you some questions concerning your doctrines.” One man writing from Alabama says:— “I am thankful, yea, more than thankful, to feel that we have friends North who are willing to take an interest in the welfare of the colored race. The SIGNS and HERALD come to me regularly. I am just as proud of them as any one could be. I feel as though they were God-sent blessings.” Another writes from North Carolina:— “I have been reading your papers with great care, and my dear wife, who is unconverted, seems to take great delight in them. I do think if she had more of them they would cause her to think more about her soul. I wish I was able to take the paper. Many of my friends hope to take it after a while.” Another from W. Virginia says:— “I have been praying that the Lord would open the way through which I might get some good reading matter, and I feel that my prayers are being heard and answered. They are good religious papers, but I am so situated I am not able to pay for them. My church is hardly able to rent my house. I would have left here long since, but when I think of the condition of my people I forget my own condition, and am willing to spend and be spent for them. I am glad of any reading matter you will send, if it is old books, tracts, or papers.” Many calls for publications are received where the individuals, under the pressure of hard times, are unable to pay; yet they hunger and thirst for light and knowledge. The rapidly whitening fields demand toil and sacrifice. Who will enlist in this work and “gather fruit unto life eternal”? How Can 200,000 Annuals be Disposed of by the Tract Societies?
By Stephen N. Haskell
EVERY company of Seventh-day Adventists should be supplied with them, and properly instructed how to dispose of them. This can be done in the following manner: Ministers who co-operate with the Tract Society, and the directors of each district in the country, should at once visit each company in their respective districts and supply them with Annuals. Children also should be interested in selling them. Thousands can thus be sold. Those living by themselves can do much in disposing of them. In the above manner cities, villages, and neighborhoods everywhere should be canvassed. That no Tract Society become involved, we suggest that every family take one, and pay ten cents for it. This will help pay the cost of those given away. Let every church pay for the Annuals taken of the Tract Society, at 5 cents each. This will not only pay for them, but will give that church a small credit which will keep their fund more than good for other uses in the tract work. Send one or more to your friends, far and near, wherever the English language is spoken. S. N. HASKELL. Five Reasons Why our Brethren Should Circulate the Health Annual.
1. THERE is no discount to be made on its teachings. It advocates principles of temperance and moral reform, and builds up the cause of righteousness. 2. It prepares the way for obtaining subscribers for the Health Reformer. One who has obtained hundreds of paying subscribers remarked to me, “I have never failed in obtaining a subscriber where they have read the Health Almanac.” 3. It calls the attention of the readers to the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, where many are thus induced to go to be treated for some malady; and scores by so doing have been led to embrace the truth. 4. By it many have been brought to the Sanitarium or led to read our books, who, although they have not embraced the truth, have been favorably impressed with the views held by Seventh-day Adventists; and through their influence the way has been opened for a course of lectures to be given, and churches have been raised up. 5. The problem has been demonstrated that they will sell; and the only objection to their selling has been the term “almanac.” Now this is removed. To the Librarians of the Tract and Missionary Society of Michigan.
By S. N. Haskell
1st. Is your church receiving a number of copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to be paid for on the installment plan? If so, how many, and to what addresses are they sent? 2d. Are there individuals taking two or more copies of the SIGNS who did not send for them through the Tract Society? If so, let us hear from them. 3d. Are these papers all paid for up to the present time? If not, to what date are they paid? 4th. What is the interest in the work, and could more be used to advantage? We earnestly request an answer to the above questions, either by card or letter immediately. Address, Mrs. S. H. Lane, Battle Creek, Mich. We speak for a prompt response to the above requests of the Secretary of the Michigan T. and M. Society. This is necessary. These questions should be answered by all the tract workers to their State secretaries throughout the country. S. N. Haskell. How Shall we sell the Way of Life?
By Editor
ALWAYS for one dollar and nothing less. The price of the REFORMER alone is one dollar. But to obtain new subscribers for the REFORMER, the Way of Life, Uses of Water, and Sunshine Series, are clubbed with it for the price of the REFORMER alone—one dollar. These premiums are clubbed with the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for two dollars. When you send the SIGNS to your friends without a premium it is $1.50. When you send the REFORMER to your friends it is 60 cents. Those unacquainted with our views can have the premium with the SIGNS and REFORMER for the price that the brethren pay for them without the premiums. The Association could not afford these liberal offers were it not for the patronage of our brethren at full price. The justness of this must be seen by every one, and be appreciated by every Seventh-day Adventist who has any love for the cause of God and any desire for his neighbors to read on present truth. Wanted Immediately.
By M. L. Huntley
The post office address of the several Presidents, State Secretaries, Directors, and District Secretaries, of all the Tract and Missionary societies in the various Conferences. Address Mrs. S. H. Lane, Battle Creek, Mich. M. L. Huntley, Sec. Gen. T. and M. Society. Assistant Secretary of the New England Tract Society
Ass't Sec. of N. E. Tract Society.
—An old farmer’s son returned from college. He talked finely about the dignity of labor and the chemical constituents of the soils. Spring wore into summer and summer into autumn, and no useful result came from his dissertations. One night at family prayers the old farmer exclaimed: “O Lord! Thou hast given John a power of book learnin’, but, we pray thee, give him a little gumption, too.” —It is related of Mr. Webster that he was once accosted by a backwoodsman, who asked, “Is this Mr. Webster?” “Yes, sir.” “The great Mr. Webster of Massachusetts?” “I am that same Mr. Webster of Massachusetts.” “Well, sir, I heard that you were a great man,” quoth the stranger, “but I don’t think so; I heard your speech, and understood every word you said.” Books, Pamphlets, and Tracts,
Issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and for sale at this Office. Hymn and Tune Book. 586 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.00. History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. By J. N. Andrews. 528 pp., $1.25. Life of Wm. Miller. By Eld. James White, 1.00. Thoughts on Daniel. By Eld. Uriah Smith, 1.00. Condensed, and put up in paper covers, 85 cts. Thoughts on the Revelation. By U. Smith, 1.00. The Nature and Destiny of Man. By U. Smith, 884 pp., 1.00. Paper covers 40 cts. The Constitutional Amendment: A Discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. Bound, 1.00. Paper covers, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts. The Spirit of Prophecy: or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, in three volumes, by Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Rev. 20. Vol. I. OLD TESTAMENT FACTS TO CHRIST. $1.00. “ II. LIFE AND MINISTRY OF CHRIST. $1.00. Sabbath Readings. Compiled by Mrs. E. G. White. 60 cents. The Game of Life (illustrated), Satan playing with man for his soul. 50 cts. A Word for the Sabbath: or False Theories Exposed. (A POEM.) By U. Smith. Muslin, 30 cts. Poems on Bible Subjects. By Mrs. R. Smith. Muslin, 50 cts. The United States in Prophecy. By U. Smith.—Bound, 40 cts., paper, 25 cts. Progressive Bible Lessons for Youth. 50 cts. “ “ “ “ Children, 35 cts. The Advent Keepsake. 25 cts. Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular History of the Sabbath for 6000 years. Paper covers, 25 cts. Solemn Appeal relative to Spiritual Vice. 50 cts. The State of the Dead. By U. Smith. 25 cts. Sabbath Discussion between Elds. Lane and Barnaby. 25 cts. Facts for the Times; a Collection of Valuable Extracts from Eminent Authors. 30 cts. Miraculous Powers. 20 cts. Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Second Coming of Christ. 20 cts. Refutation of the Age to Come. By Eld. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts. The Atonement. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts. The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism By J. H. Waggoner. 25 cts. Sabbath Discussion between Grant and Cornell. 20c. Review of Objections to the Visions. 20 cts. The Ministration of Angels: and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. 20 cts. The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First-day. 15 cts. The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-Horned Beast. By J. N. Andrews. 20 cts. The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. By J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts. Life of Christ, in four Pamphlets. By Mrs. Ellen G. White. No. 1. HIS FIRST ADVENT AND MINISTRY. 10 cts. “ 2. HIS TEMPTATION IN THE WILDERNESS. 10 cts. “ 3. HIS TEACHINGS AND PARABLES. 15 cts. “ 4. HIS MIGHTY MIRACLES. 15 cts. The Morality of the Sabbath. 15 cts. Both Sides on the Sabbath Question. 15 cts. The Ancient Sabbath—Forty-four Objections Considered. By D. T. Bourdeau. Price, 15 cts. The Two Laws. By D. M. Canright. Price, 15 cts. Review of Rev. R. S. Wylie's Two Sermons on the “Christian Sabbath.” By J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts. The Saints' Inheritance, or, the Earth Made New. By J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts. Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mead, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts. The Truth Found on the Sabbath. 10 cts. Brown's Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts. Vindication of the True Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts. The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9. 10 cts. Matthew Twenty-Four. By James White. 10 cts. Christian Baptism. 10 cents. The Hope of the Gospel: What it Is, and When it will be Consummated. 10 cts. An Appeal to the Baptists, for the Restoration of the Bible Sabbath. 10 cts. The Two Covenants. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts. Milton on the State of the Dead. 5 cts. Prophetic Chart, in Miniature with explanations. 5c. Brown's Experience: Entire Consecration. 5 cts. Four-Cent Tracts: Celestial Railroad—The Two Covenants—The Seventh Part of Time—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—The Present Truth—The Second Advent—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones, Representing the Kingdoms of Grace and Glory—Spiritualism & Satanic Delusion.—Seventh-day Adventists, their Origin, Progress and Principles. Three-Cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost-Time Question—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture References—Who Changed the Sabbath?—Argument on Sabbaton. Two-Cent Tracts: Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined—Sabbath by Elihu—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Judgment, or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—Spirit of Prophecy—Two Laws. One-Cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Sign of the Day of God—Geology and the Bible—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—The Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day, and God's Answers. Charts. The Prophetic and Law of God, each $1.50. The Association also publishes, monthly, The Youth's Instructor, 50 cts. per year, the Advent Tidende, Danish, $1.00 per year, the Svensk Advent Herald, Swedish, $1.00 per year, and several of the above-named works translated into the Danish, Swedish, French, German, and Holland languages. Any of the above-named works sent anywhere in the United States post-paid, on receipt of price. **Address REVIEW & HERALD, BATTLE CREEK, MICH. THE REVIEW EXTRA.
By Editor
It may be proper here to state something with reference to the object of the EXTRA, its mission, how often it is to be issued, how it is to be sustained, etc. Those having the burden of the missionary work have long felt the need of a sheet published in behalf of the Tract Societies. Many things should be said from time to time in reference to the system of the tract work, and particulars relating to its minute workings should be given, which would be more fitting in a sheet devoted to that purpose than in the REVIEW. Then the REVIEW is becoming crowded with other matter of interest and importance, and will become more so as the work increases. Therefore, it has been thought best to issue an extra, quarterly or oftener, as the interests of the cause may require. It will contain reports of tract meetings, incidents, extracts from letters received by missionary workers; questions will be answered, members will be told how to work, etc., etc. How it should be sustained was a question for much thought. At first it was suggested to have a subscription price, and to send it to regular subscribers; but our experience with THE TRUE MISSIONARY proved this plan not best; for those we most wished to benefit, had not interest enough to subscribe, and therefore did not see it at all. Then, too, as the laws of postage are at present, it would be better to send it as an extra. It was therefore decided to send it out in this manner, for the present, the expense to be borne by the General Tract and Missionary Society; and as this Society, like the General Conference, takes an oversight of the tract work generally and especially in fields outside the labor of other organizations, it should be sustained by the various Tract Societies, and by individuals making donations to it. We speak for a liberal support. The object of this society, the manner of its operation, the use of means, etc., will be more fully explained hereafter. THE ONE-THIRD, AND MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PLAN.
The plan of raising means for the tract and missionary work has been formerly by donations. These pledges were usually made as the result of earnest appeals at quarterly meetings, camp-meetings, etc. It was found that great inequality resulted from the plan. (1) Many of our brethren who were able to pay liberally would not be at the meeting. (2) Often the most conscientious, under these stirring appeals, would go beyond their ability, and thus distress themselves, while the more able would fail to do what they ought. The apostle taught equality, “I mean not that other men be eased and you burdened, but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” 2 Cor. 8:13, 14. This matter was considered at the General Conference, and after much prayerful consideration it was recommended, first, that all our brethren and sisters come up on the Bible plan of Systematic Benevolence, which is based upon giving as God has prospered them. 1 Cor. 16:2; Deut. 16:17. This calls for one tithe of a man's increase and income. Lev. 27:30; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42; Gen. 14:26; 28:22; Heb. 7:4, 8. Secondly, that each member pay a sum for the tract and missionary work equal to one-third of his s. B. Hence the one-third is no part of the Systematic Benevolence. The s. B. is paid for the support of the ministry. The sum equal to one-third of the amount of the s. B. is a free-will offering in addition to the s. B., which each individual is recommended to pay during the year for the support of the Tract Society. The resolution relating to the one-third, passed at the General Conference, Nov. 12, 1876, is as follows:— “Resolved, That this Conference recommend to the several State Conferences that each individual raise a sum equal to one-third of his s. B. pledge for the year, to meet the demand for means to be used, as far as necessary, in the proposed increase of the circulation of the SIGNS, the REFORMER, and other publications; this offering to be paid Jan. 1, 1877, or, if more favorable, in four installments; the first to be paid Jan. 1, the second, April 1, the third, July 1, and the fourth, Oct. 1, 1877.” The church treasurer should collect the one-third, and pay it to the librarian of the Tract Society, who, in turn, pays it to the secretary of the district, and he to the State secretary. It is the duty of every Conference Tract Society to see that the above is carried out in all our churches. It should be a special point with the directors and ministers laboring with them to bring our brethren up to the Bible standard of s. B., and the one-third. Were this fully adopted, there would be means sufficient to carry forward the tract work and to support the ministry. But many of our brethren are not where they should be on their s. B. figures. Some do not pay their one-third, and many of our tract societies are indebted at the REVIEW Office, and were they to limit their missionary work to the income of the one-third, under present circumstances it would greatly cripple their efforts. Any church has the privilege of using the one-third in the missionary work in any manner they see fit. If they choose to pay part or all for several copies of the SIGNS sent to one address, to be used exclusively in the missionary work, in monthly installments outside the one-third, it is their privilege. Many of our churches in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Michigan reasoned thus: “We will pay s. B. according to the Bible plan; we will also pay a sum equal to one-third of our s. B. for missionary work; but now we have not sufficient means to carry forward the missionary work and pay for the SIGNS; consequently, according to our ability, we will pay a monthly installment for the SIGNS, in addition to the one-third.” As this was not sufficient in a number of instances, some good brethren would say: “Send for your SIGNS. Here are a hundred dollars to pay for them.” And we are sure there is not an enterprise in the world that will pay so large interest as this. THE FAMILY HEALTH ANNUAL FOR 1878.
By Stephen N. Haskell
Owing to the prejudice that exists against purchasing, and the repugnance many have to selling, an almanac, it has been thought best to substitute the name Health Annual. The Annual is circulated for the information it contains on the subject of health. The almanac proper is put in it to make it desirable in every family. We speak for a circulation of not less than 200,000 copies this year. That number of families should be furnished with the Health Annual for 1878. Five Conferences have already sent their first orders, which are as follows: Michigan, 14,000; Wisconsin, 10,000; New England, 10,000; Illinois, 6,000; Vermont, 2,000 (Vermont, will increase her order not less than 3,000, Michigan about 5,000); then the number ordered will amount to 50,000. When the other Conferences do as well in proportion 200,000 copies of the Annual will start on their mission to as many families. Says the president of the Wisconsin Conference, “Count us second to no Conference, except Michigan, in any enterprise that helps forward the third angel’s message.” If our friends in Wisconsin stand by their president in this statement, and Iowa takes advantage of her strength over Wisconsin, which is more than one-fifth, in ministers, licentiates, churches, membership, and finances, the Wisconsin Conference will have to advance a few thousand on their order for Annuals. Then there is the Old Empire State, with her well disciplined force of tract-workers. We have become considerably interested to know which of these three will rank second to Michigan. Orders should be sent in immediately, and advantage taken of the months of October and November, before the rush of drug almanacs. There is no time to lose. Let us “be as wise as serpents,” in this matter. THE HEALTH REFORMER.
By S. N. Haskell
THE question of temperance and a reform in diet is agitating the public mind as never before. The old “blue pill” theory and the practice of bleeding patients is becoming questioned about as much as the old orthodox theory of “hell being lined with infant skulls.” It therefore becomes the duty of all Seventh-day Adventists to use their influence to direct the public sentiment in the right channel. If God has given light upon the subject of health reform, we should not hide it under a bushel; but let that light shine. THE HEALTH REFORMER ranks as a number one scientific health journal, having the largest circulation of any journal of like character in the world. Experience has taught us that the most successful method to extend its circulation is by obtaining paying subscribers. We should calculate on a permanent increase yearly on our subscription lists of not less than 10,000; and if our brethren and sisters generally would wake up to this work of canvassing with premiums as some are waking up, 25,000 names of paying subscribers might be obtained yearly without neglecting other branches of the missionary work. I am acquainted with a number of canvassers, who, when they have devoted their time to this work, with premiums for the REFORMER, have obtained, as their smallest average, twenty subscribers per week. This has been done in the summer months. One hundred such canvassers would obtain 2000 subscribers per week, 100,000 per year. These individuals make canvassing a paying business. If this can be done in the East, where you cannot step out doors, in a store, in a depot, on the cars, or anywhere else, but you will meet a canvasser with some attractive health publication, religious newspaper, or something else, and where the name canvasser has become obnoxious to the public, it can be done anywhere in this country. There are those of our people that have in the past obtained subscribers for books and magazines, and can sell anything from a sixpenny toy to a thousand dollar piano, and that, too, where these articles are neither needed nor wanted. We want these men and women to consecrate the same talent, energy, and devotion to obtaining subscribers for this, the best health journal in the world. To some it seems a virtue to lose all their zeal and energy in the cause of God, when if they had a patent right to sell, they would make a success three times out of five. This is a sad mistake. If there is one thing more than another where earnestness, energy, and close planning are justifiable, it is in obtaining subscribers for those periodicals which contain the solemn truth adapted to the time in which we live.2 It is a shame that we have not twenty devoting their time to canvassing for the HEALTH REFORMER where we have one engaged in this work. Young men out of employment, young ladies who have nothing to do, have you tried this? Have you made it a business? Have you gone about it relying on God to help you? Would you get discouraged as easily in anything you were doing for personal gratification? We hope there are those who may read these lines, who will at once commence canvassing for the REFORMER, determined to make it a success. We want one hundred canvassers for the HEALTH REFORMER this fall and winter. Shall we have them? Men of piety and nerve, consecration and stability of character, are needed, who will enter the work at once. Premiums can be used as last winter. For particulars, consult your directors, or inquire at the Office of REVIEW AND HERALD. More particulars hereafter. S. N. HASKELL. [About seven hundred hymns and poems were submitted to the committee, and they were to select the hymn best adapted to the home missionary work, and to give the writer of it $100. To the writer of the best poem for the same purpose they were to give $50. They failed to select a poem, but unanimously agreed upon the hymn below as the best, on the whole, for the object proposed. But the writer of it required, as a condition of accepting the reward, that her name should not be given to the public, but that the hymn, if published, should be announced as by “a lady of Virginia.” The hymn which has been accepted, deserves, as it will no doubt secure, a permanent place in our American hymnology. We have great pleasure in laying it before our readers.] Saints of God! the dawn is brightening,
Tokens of our coming Lord;
O’er the earth the field is whitening;
Louder rings the Master’s word,—
“Pray for reapers
In the harvest of the Lord.” Feebly now they toil in sadness,
Weeping o’er the waste around,
Slowly gathering grains of gladness,
While their echoing cries resound,—
“Pray that reapers
In God’s harvest may abound.” Now, O Lord, fulfill thy pleasure,
Breathe upon thy chosen band,
And with pentecostal measure,
Send forth reapers o’er our land,—
Faithful reapers,
Gathering sheaves for thy right hand. Ocean calleth unto ocean,
Heralds speed from shore to shore,
Heralding the world’s commotion;
Hear the conflict at our door,—
Mighty conflict,—
Satan’s death-cry on our shore! Brood the shadow of our nation,
Eager millions hither roam;
Lo! they wait for thy salvation;
Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come;
By thy Spirit,
Bring thy ransomed people home. Soon shall end the time of weeping,
Soon the reaping time will come,—
Heaven and earth together keeping
God’s eternal harvest home:
Saints and angels
Shout the world’s great harvest home. VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
This name is given to the society organized in many of our churches where several copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES are sent to one address, and are systematically distributed. This society is generally conducted by those sisters whose household duties confine them principally at home, many of whom have good address, and can find time to send a few papers to individuals and to correspond with them. The plan is this: They organize by selecting a president, secretary, and treasurer of their own number. They then meet regularly once a week, have first a season of prayer for God to guide them in all their deliberations, and in their work. Secondly, they read the letters they have received during the week. Thirdly, if any special case comes up, after consultation they decide who shall write to such a person. Fourthly, after dividing up their papers, they conclude their interview with another season of prayer. During the week they send their papers to persons whose addresses they have obtained from various sources. When they find an interested reader, tracts are sent with the Signs. They also obtain addresses from them, so there is no end to names of persons with whom to correspond. One sister who has been engaged in this branch of the work for years has, during the past season, managed one hundred copies of the Signs alone, besides filling the office of State Tract Society secretary, S. S. treasurer and collector of a church of ninety members, and she has also a class in the Sabbath-school. Usually they do not send more than three papers before writing. Thus they connect labor and prayer in their efforts. And none but those who have been thus employed can tell of the inspiration and joy there is to those engaged in the work when individuals become interested, embrace the truth, turn missionaries, and work for others. Individuals and small companies in the West and South who have never seen the face of a Sabbath-keeper save their own company, and who one year ago had never heard of the truth, are to-day rejoicing in the light. They embraced the truth in the manner above described. Thousands of copies of the Signs are thus sent out each week, and hundreds of copies of the Tidende and Harold each month; while there are a goodly number of such societies formed both in Europe and America to distribute LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. We can but hope that this work will go on until every company of Seventh-day Adventists, whether French, German, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or American, will co-operate in this manner. Only think of it! Thousands of new families weekly thus receiving the truths of the third angel's message in six different tongues! May God speed the day.