For several years various branches of the Lord's work have been languishing and dying; not because there was not abundance of work to do, but from the fact that there was a dearth of workers and means to carry it forward. But of no other branch is this statement more particularly true than that of the evangelistic canvassing. This line of work, to a great extent, has been neglected in all parts of the field, particularly in the east and north central States, where is found the most dense population of this country.
In visiting our churches, we frequently have occasion to ask, “What has become of the young people who should be seen in the audience; whose voices should be heard in songs of praise, and whose interests should be connected with the missionary operations of the church?” To this query the reply is too often made, “They are engaged in this branch of business, or in that trade, or in this or that profession.” What is the cause of this indifference? and who will take the responsibility upon themselves to render an account at the judgment bar of God, not only of the loss of these young people, but for the fruit they might have borne, as the result of their labors, in the kingdom of God, had they been trained to work for the Master?
Missionary operations must and should begin in the home, around the family fireside; and from there should be carried to the missionary meeting, and from the missionary meeting into the church. This would make a live, active church, and the church is the school in which God is training individuals to go forth as workers into the various branches of labor which are established for the enlightenment of the world in regard to the time in which we are living. All hearts should be aglow and sparkling with the light of truth for this time, and when a call from the conference is made for workers in the various departments of conference labor, scores would respond to the call.
But to-day the order of things is reversed, and to secure one laborer it requires scores of calls and appeals to cause individuals to cut loose from their homes and pleasant surroundings, and the pleasures of this life, and leave them all to engage in the Master's work, but God is calling for consecrated men and women who will dedicate their services to the circulation of the printed page.
“God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light contained in our books, and canvassers should be impressed with the importance of bringing before the world as fast as possible the books necessary for their spiritual education and enlightenment. This is the work that the Lord would have his people do at this time.” Will we do it? Will his people do the work, or will they, like Jonah of old, take a ship to Tarshish?
We are told that where there is one canvasser in the field there should be one hundred. This means that God is impressing upon the hearts and minds of individuals a duty and a responsibility, and these individuals are not responding to the call, and if they do respond, it is to go in an opposite direction from that in which the Lord has called them. May God help us one and all, to whom is extended the invitation to labor in his vineyard, to do that gladly, that when we come to the great judgment bar, the blood of souls, whom we might have been the means of enlightening in regard to the truth, but do not, and who are lost, will not be found upon our garments.
Time is short. The signs that foretell the Saviour's second coming are thickening around us day by day. The wars and rumors of wars, the gathering and marshaling of land and naval forces in the East indicate where we are in this world's history. Then a glance at the political and social condition of the world is another reminder of the fulfillment of prophecy. At the present time, prosperity, such as has not been experienced in this country for years, is abounding on every hand. The iron and steel works, woolen mills and factories, coal, iron, and copper mines, and, in fact, every line of industry, are crowded with work to their utmost capacity.
During the last few years farmers have enjoyed bountiful harvests, and their products have netted them large profits, paid off their mortgages, and placed them in possession of handsome bank accounts. Now is our opportunity, while the farmers, mechanics, and laboring people have abundance of means, with which to purchase our books, papers, and tracts, to scatter them as the leaves of autumn.
If every family will take up the tract work with their neighbors and friends, circulating such leaflets as “Coming of the Lord,” “The Way, the Truth, and the Life,” “Reign of Righteousness,” “Open Letter and Answers to the Open Letters,” “Hypnotism: What Is it?” “Seven Last Plagues,” to revive the missionary spirit in the home and awaken an interest and demand, and make necessary the weekly missionary meeting, it will give the members a new experience that will be to their souls like refreshing showers in a desert land. With each member of the family doing missionary work, and an active missionary meeting each week, our churches will revive, and our young people become missionaries.10
Let the leader of the missionary society plan and arrange for each member to engage in the sale of some of our small books, such as “Looking unto Jesus,” “Steps to Christ,” “Easy Steps in the Bible Story,” “Best Stories from the Best Book,” and thus every member of the church will be employed, and will be actively acquiring an experience that will give him a training and education to engage in the sale of our larger books, such as “Great Controversy,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Daniel and Revelation,” “Desire of Ages,” also the health books, “Home Hand-Book,” “Ladies' Guide,” “Man the Masterpiece,” and others on health topics, that should be in the homes of the people throughout this country.
Every church should select one or more of their number to engage in evangelistic canvassing. From the foregoing quotation from the Spirit of Prophecy, it will be seen that this is the work the Lord would have his people do at this time, and if we fail to do the work the Lord calls for, we shall certainly fail of the reward of the faithful. May God put it into the hearts of our church elders and leading brethren to take hold, and to set before their church members the importance of the evangelistic canvassing work, and to encourage suitable persons to engage in this work. They should send the names of such persons to their district or State agent. Thus our churches will become working churches, and a working church is a live church, and a live, active church will be a blessing to thousands and a beacon light to the community in which it is located.
E. P. Boggs,
District Agent L. U. C.
REVIVE THE OLD-TIME MISSIONARY WORK.
By Mrs. H. J. Farnum
In the early days of the message, the work of sending out our papers and tracts, and writing letters to each one receiving them, was an important factor in bringing the light of truth before many people. This has also been the means of opening the way for many of our missionaries in foreign lands to enter and establish churches. This was also true in the home field.
It has been God's plan since the introduction of sin into the world to enlist his people in the work of saving their fellow-creatures. He intended every member of the church to have a part in the work, for God gives to “every man according to his several ability,” and “to every man his work,” “commanding all to watch.” These words have been especially given to those looking for the coming of the Lord. See Matt. 25:15; Mark 13:34, 37.
When I first received the message, one of the first things taught the believers was to organize tract and missionary societies, and to get everyone to work scattering literature and corresponding with their friends. In this way the churches were kept alive, and those who could not go out into the field to work, could work from their homes. Many times the interest they awakened was so great that a minister had to be called to their assistance. This often resulted in raising up new churches. Why should this plan of work be neglected?
For the encouragement of those who are obliged to remain at home, but who may become a blessing to others by this kind of work, I will give a few extracts from letters received in missionary correspondence.
I received your letter this morning, and I am very much obliged to you for your kind offer, and would like to have more papers any time you please to send them. My thoughts are very deep on the Sabbath question, because I know that we are not keeping the Lord's day. I have “Steps to Christ,” and have read it through; also the “Desire of Ages,” which I take great pleasure in because it is so plain. My education is not good, but I can understand the meaning of it.
I received your letter, and was glad to know that I had found such a friend. I received the Signs, and a little tract about the Bible Sabbath, and was very thankful to you for sending them. You spoke about “Steps to Christ.” Yes, I have it, and it is a precious little book. I would be glad to get a letter or paper from you at any time. I hope God will spread your gospel around the whole world, because I believe you are keeping God's commandments, which is more than we are doing.
I received your letter, and was glad to hear from you. I have the books “Desire of Ages” and “Christ Our Saviour.” They are something grand to read. I read them often to my husband, who can not read, and they are the only company we have. I have loaned the books to some people who give them a grand name. I would be glad to get more of the papers.
From the above extracts it will be seen how much our reading is appreciated, and also the work of the home missionary. Why should this work ever be allowed to fall in the background, especially the work of sending out reading-matter, and correspondence? By this means the worker may gain much valuable experience and many souls may be garnered into the church of Christ. It has often been asked, How can the work of the canvasser be followed up? It seems to me that the question is answered in the home correspondence11and missionary work. This will give the readers of our books a chance to ask questions on any points about which they wish more information, and also make the home workers industrious students and intelligent teachers, which all should be. Why not revive this good work? MRS. H. J. FARNUM.
EARNEST WORKERS.
By O. E. Cummings
The Nebraska Canvassers’ Institute at College View opened March 8 and closed March 24. All were present from the first, and applied themselves to the work before them in a way that was most commendable. There was manifest a spirit of consecration and deep devotion to the work of missionary canvassing. Union and harmony prevailed throughout the entire institute in a remarkable degree. This is as it should be. Christ is the center, and as we press close to him, we will come close to each other.
The canvassers go to their fields of labor full of faith and courage in Him who goes with them as the chief worker.
The Bible instruction was furnished by Elders Nelson, Hill, and Thompson. Subjects were presented which would be of most value to us as pioneer workers. At the close of the Bible study, thirty minutes were devoted to a social service, as was also Sabbath evening of each week. It was a feast to the soul to hear these faithful workers relate their experiences in scattering the printed page “as the leaves of autumn.” They seemed to have caught the spirit of the seventy, who returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.”
Classes met daily for the study of “Desire of Ages,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Great Controversy,” “Daniel and Revelation,” “Heralds of the Morning,” “Coming King,” and “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Early in the institute an hour was devoted to the consideration of the canvassers’ attitude toward “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and after an earnest address by Elder Nelson, the canvassers unanimously voted that they would receive no commission on these books sold by them during 1901. Yet all desire a part in the good work to which this book is devoted, hence will carry it as a help.
The importance of giving more attention to the circulation of our publications on health was presented, and while none felt impressed to engage in the sale of these books exclusively, yet all are planning to use them as helps.
The advisability of experienced workers’ handling the larger books was appreciated, and it is gratifying to see so many taking up the sales of books long lying unread upon the shelves. Seven canvassers now go forth with “Desire of Ages,” and the same number for “Daniel and Revelation.” Four will work for “Great Controversy,” two for “Patriarchs and Prophets,” one for “Coming King,” and nine for “Heralds of the Morning.” This however, is not the entire force of canvassers, there being three now at work in Wyoming, and others who will take up the work in the near future.
Brethren, as you pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest, also pray for those who have already gone forth, that they may be kept in the hour of trial and temptation, as well as in that of success and victory. O. E. CUMMINGS, District Agent N. W. U. C.
BOOK SALES IN AUSTRALASIA.
By E. R. Palmer
This statistical table, and the items following, pertain to the canvassing work in Australasia during the six years ending Dec. 31, 1900:—
Value of health books sold.
Value of religious books.
Total value of books sold.
1895
$18,327.75
$25,041.00
$43,368.75
1896
17,717.75
23,415.00
41,132.75
1897
26,100.50
11,576.25
37,676.75
1898
27,091.00
21,505.75
48,596.75
1899
44,975.50
20,380.25
65,355.75
1900
53,885.75
27,950.00
81,835.75
Total
$188,098.25
$129,868.25
$317,966.50
ITEMS.
1. The population of Australasia is about 4,500,000.
2. The number of Seventh-day Adventists is about 2,000.
3. The number of canvassing agents has varied from 20 to 70.
4. The sale of large subscription books has amounted to a little over ninety per cent of all the books sold.
5. The number of religious books sold has more than equaled the number of health books; but the high prices of the health books has made their value greater than the value of the religious books. This fact applies particularly to the last three years in the above table when Home Hand-Book has been selling so freely.
6. The health and religious books have been pushed by the tract societies with equal energy and with gratifying results. If one large religious book follows another quickly in the same territory, the first is likely to injure the sale of the second. We have12found it advantageous to follow a religious book with a health book, thus lessening that difficulty. We see many advantages in running both lines together under one management.
7. The highest record made in this country during the past six years was by a lady canvassing for “Ladies’ Guide.” Her sales for one month amounted to $1,120. The highest record for one week was made by a brother canvassing for “Home Hand-Book.” His sales amounted to $345.
8. For over fifteen years these large subscription books have been pushed in Australasia, and the last year was the best thus far. The times are hard, the droughts are severe, and the population is widely scattered, and yet the work goes on. As long as the agents can keep the droughts and hard times out of their own hearts, they get on very well.
9. A good harvest is sure to follow such seed-sowing. In one of our colonies during the past year fully twenty good souls have decided to obey the truth as a direct result of work by our agents and their books.
E. R. PALMER,
General Agent.
HOW SHALL I SPEND VACATION?
By O. E. Cummings
As vacation approaches, the question arises in the minds of teachers and students, How shall I spend my vacation? When considering this question, let each earnestly inquire, “How can I best spend that period of time?” In what way can I be of most service to God and to my fellow-men?
The capital of most teachers and students consists of time rather than money, and it is as sinful to squander time as it is to squander money. As strict an account must be given of our moments as of our means. All our people should plan to spend their time to the honor of the Lord, and the furthering of the third angel’s message in the earth.
Those who go home, and spend their entire vacation visiting relatives and friends and having a so-called “good time,” are never so well fitted and prepared to take up school work as those who find their highest enjoyment in enlightening others by carrying the printed page from house to house. No line of missionary work presents more opportunities for doing good than does that of canvassing. Just as much as we seek to help others are we blessed ourselves. Many workers think God has called them to the work merely to enlighten others, forgetting that the Lord is by this means training and developing his servants for greater responsibilities and broader fields of usefulness.
One of the most important lessons to be learned is that of dependence upon God, and nowhere will this lesson be so quickly learned as in the canvassing field. The canvasser has no human friend to whom he can take his troubles and difficulties, and this drives him nearer the Lord. The promise, “Lo, I am with you alway,” becomes precious to him. He remembers the Lord has said, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
At the general meeting of conference presidents and leading brethren held in Battle Creek, Mich., last October, it was recommended “that our colleges13and academies everywhere, being beneficiaries of the gift and labor of Sister White, of our conferences, and lay members, do put forth their utmost efforts to secure and train a large corps of canvassers to sell the book ‘Christ’s Object Lessons;’ these canvassers to go out from the schools as soon as they have sufficient training to do the work; and we further recommend that the presidents, professors, and teachers of our schools, during their summer vacation, canvass with the students for this book.”
Substantially, the same recommendation was passed by the last General Conference. Our conferences and lay members have done nobly in selling this book, yet very much remains to be done, and now during vacation is the opportunity for the presidents, professors, teachers, and students to take hold of this work, and as they engage in it, heart and soul, our whole people will be inspired and encouraged to redouble their efforts another season.
May the Lord move upon the heart of everyone to engage in this work.
O. E. CUMMINGS,
General Agent, District, N. W. U. C.
A MINISTER’S GOOD EXAMPLE.
By M. C. Guild
A LITTLE of my experience here with our literature may be of interest. For the past six months I have used a club of fifty Signs, and have had subscribers for nearly all of them. Through using the Signs I have found some who became interested, and embraced the truth. In many instances our literature opens the way to the homes of the people for Bible work. The mayor and a number of the lawyers and justices here take the Sentinel. I am using a club of ten among them, which they pay for at the rate of ten cents a month. Nearly all keep up their subscriptions, and often I hear a word from them in praise of the Sentinel.
I believe if our laborers in cities would use a club of Sentinels, and take from one to three months’ subscriptions among business men and lawyers, much good would be accomplished. Most of them readily subscribe. Since coming here last June, I have disposed of about $100 worth of books and tracts, at wholesale. I am now taking orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons” in connection with my other work. That book creates a good impression wherever it is shown. A short time ago I had an interesting experience. I have always dreaded to canvass my near neighbors, and ask them to subscribe for a book or paper, but finally decided to try it here. All of them, except one, subscribed for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and within two hours I secured five orders.
I keep a reading-rack in the depot supplied with papers, and it is well patronized. We endeavor to follow up with personal labor the interest created by our books and papers. We enjoy the work here very much, and praise the Lord for his goodness and for a part in this grand work.
M. C. GUILD.
Alpena, Mich.
MINISTERS CAN SELL BOOKS.
The following, received from one of our Southern ministers, shows conclusively that our ministers can dispose of a large number of books while engaged in their regular work:—
One year ago I came to Columbus, Miss. Since then, except when holding meetings or engaged in some other work that occupied my time, I have been selling our books, principally “Steps to Christ” and “Gospel Primer.” Up to the present time I have delivered 298 “Steps to Christ,” 391 “Gospel Primers,” 3 “Desire of Ages,” 2 “Healthful Living,” and have orders now for 39 “Steps to Christ,” 45 “Gospel Primers,” and 38 “Christ’s Object Lessons.” I have worked eight days with “Object Lessons,” taking “Steps to Christ” and “Gospel Primer” with me. In this time I took orders for 37 “Object Lessons,” 37 “Steps to Christ,” and 42 “Gospel Primers.”
The Lord has truly blessed my efforts to get these good books before the people. I have been surprised at the way people have taken “Steps to Christ.” They seem, many of them, to be captivated with the book as it is described to them. Young and old, rich and poor, have seemed carried away with its teachings. I think one thing that affects the people is that they are impressed that its teachings are a living reality to the one describing it. I verily believe this is as it should be. I do not want to canvass in any other way. I expect to continue with “Object Lessons” indefinitely, taking the other books with me, and if possible leave something at every house. In several cases I have sold all three of these books; in others two. In 48 calls, I sold 71 books to 38 families.
In nearly every house I left a tract. In a number of cases I took up the tract when I made my delivery. I have spent but little time visiting with the people. I consider a good canvass for either “Steps to Christ” or “Object Lessons” as good visiting as I can do. I have prayed with them in a few instances.
H. W. PIERCE.
GRAND RALLY IN VERMONT.
By J. W. Watt
(Extract from Personal Letter.)
OUR institute was good. Eleven persons were present who expect to canvass. I have attended a great many special meetings among this people, but I do not think that I ever attended one where the presence of the Holy Spirit was felt and appreciated more than at this little institute. Two of our brethren who were in attendance had a marked experience, and feel that the Lord has given them a direct call to the canvassing work. One of these is an elder of a church; the other a man about forty or forty-five years of age. When the Lord lays the burden of canvassing upon men, and they answer the call, if they remain humble, so that God can use them, something will be done.
I feel to thank God that the canvassing work in Vermont is reviving. Two years ago when I came to this conference, there was nothing doing in the book line, and it has taken quite a hard pull to get it started again, but we shall continue to work and pray, and hope that the Lord will still lay the burden upon those whom he can use.
J. W. WATT,Pres. of Vermont Conf.
A GOOD WORD FOR “GOSPEL PRIMER.”
“Gospel Primer” has had a wide sale. The following words of commendation from the pen of Brother Herman Rose should encourage many others to engage in the sale of this most excellent book:—
I am canvassing for the “Gospel Primer,” at the present time. It is a book that can not be outsold, as it sells on sight. It often takes the last twenty-five cents out of a poor man’s pocket. People hail me on the road to buy the book. An old gray-haired man told me that it was the best book for the least money he had ever read.
Blessings for Faithful Canvassers
“As God blesses the minister and the evangelist in their earnest efforts to place the truth before the people, so he will bless the faithful canvasser.”
FROM A YOUNG CANVASSER.
By F. E. Lane
I reached my place of labor on Sunday, and began my work Monday morning. At first I met with some hard trials, but remembered that it was God’s work and that he was able to lead me through. I know that the Lord has work for me to do. By the middle of the week I began to feel as if there was no one but myself in this part of the country. I thought if I could only have Brother Phillips or the State agent to work with me, it would not be so lonesome; but I said we are all working together, only in different parts of the vineyard; we are working for the same master. I am of good courage to press on, and with the help of the Lord I can do the work. Pray for the work in this section of the field. F. E. LANE.
[During the first week this canvasser labored, he worked 57 hours, took 23 orders, valued at $60, and sold $3.70 worth of helps. He is working for “Great Controversy.” He is a young man, and has had no previous experience. Surely this proves that our large books can be sold, not only by our old and experienced workers, but by all who go forth with the Spirit of the Master, and for the purpose of saving souls in the kingdom of God.—ED.]
IN THE CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS.
By H. S. Browney
My sales on “Bible Readings,” “Desire of Ages,” “Object Lessons,” “Daniel and Revelation,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Controversy,” “Steps to Christ,” “Early Writings,” “Glorious Appearing,” “Gospel Primer,” from January 22 to March 26, eight hours a day, five days a week, have amounted to $330.45. During this time I have given away over two hundred papers, and twenty-five thousand pages of tracts, and had a hundred gospel conversations, in all kinds of weather, surroundings, and experiences, and among all denominations, including English and German Roman Catholics.
These few lines will explain what I have been doing since coming into the field. Some days no sales, and from that to $19.75 a day and everything delivered, paid up to date. Only one book returned because of damaged condition, two orders postponed, everyone good. No losses. This is my personal work and experience. H. S. Browney.
Uncharitable Thoughts and Unkind Deeds
“UNCHARITABLE thoughts and unkind deeds will cause the wings of the soul to trail in the dust.”
CANVASSED THREE TIMES, BUT STILL GOOD TERRITORY.
By G. Phillips
I came to Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas, Sept. 13, 1900, and began canvassing for “Bible Readings for the Home Circle.” This territory had been canvassed three times before I came, but the Lord has greatly blessed the work here as well as in other parts of the State. We had good territory in which to locate one hundred canvassers this fall, but we had only a very few workers. All have done well. If anyone wants a good field in which to canvass, come to Arkansas. The people are kind-hearted, and nearly all of them take an interest in good reading. Anyone desiring to come here to work, will find our State agent, C. W. Hardesty, always ready to locate them in good territory.
I feel to praise God for his blessings to me. I have worked 348 hours, and taken 361 orders, amounting to $981.75; and have also sold $38 worth of helps. I begin delivering to-morrow, and hope that the blessing of God will continue to be with me. Jesus has promised to be with us always, even to the end. Thank the Lord for his presence here.
G. PHILLIPS.
SEVENTY “CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS” AND AT LEAST ONE REGULAR CANVASSER.
In a recent communication received at this office from Brother W. A. Ebert, Dundee, Ind., we take the liberty to quote the following:—
I realize that the canvassing work has been running at a very low ebb in our conference, as well as in many others, but I pray that the work now started will cause a general awakening among our people, and that many of them will engage in selling the books containing the third angel’s message. I have put my shoulder to the wheel, and trust that the Lord will give me strength to aid in this branch of the work.
Up to the present time I have sold seventy copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in connection with my other lines of work, and only five of them were sold to our own brethren. It is a pleasure to work with this book. Just as soon as this special canvass for “Christ’s Object Lessons” is completed, I think that it is intended that the Frankton church will start at least one regular canvasser in the field.”
Evangelistic Canvassing
“A GREAT and good work may be done by evangelistic canvassing.”
CANVASSING REPORT FOR MONTH ENDING APRIL 30, 1901.
STATE.
No. Can.
No. Rep't-ing.
Days.
Hours.
Orders Taken.
Value.
Helps.
Total Value.
No. of Books.
Value.
E. U. C. — Atlantic
E. U. C. — 1Maine
2
2
84
56
194 95
28 25
223 20
E. U. C. — 1New England
9
9
529
399
847 95
10 00
857 95
241 00
E. U. C. — 1Pennsylvania
14
14
408
2,159
1,273
1,877 70
771 20
2,648 90
1,325 20
E. U. C. — Quebec
E. U. C. — Virginia
E. U. C. — 2Vermont
5
5
76
507
330
352 15
12 00
364 15
3
2 75
E. U. C. — West Virginia
S. U. C. — 2New York
5
5
173
92
99 75
21 45
121 20
31
49 91
S. U. C. — 2Alabama
12
3
49
220
86
88 00
15 95
103 95
56 05
S. U. C. — 2Cumberland
4
2
4
45
22
23 25
2 75
26 00
1 90
S. U. C. — Florida
S. U. C. — 2Georgia
5
3
20
153
12
31 25
36 00
67 25
42 10
S. U. C. — 2Louisiana
4
1
12
86
40
50 30
50 30
112
94 60
S. U. C. — 2Mississippi
3
2
32
272
95
143 50
37 00
180 50
48 25
S. U. C. — 2N. Carolina
13
4
89
775
201
201 50
86 55
288 05
447 85
S. U. C. — S. Carolina
L. U. C. — 2Tenn. River
4
3
37
149
161 50
33 15
194 65
16 75
L. U. C. — Indiana
L. U. C. — Illinois
L. U. C. — Michigan
L. U. C. — Ohio
L. U. C. — 4Wisconsin
6
6
355
81
107 25
31 09
138 34
L. U. C. — 5Ontario
7
6
448
398
298 56
30 83
329 39
372
346 00
N. W. U. C. — Dakotas
N. W. U. C. — Iowa
N. W. U. C. — Manitoba
N. W. U. C. — Minnesota
N. W. U. C. — 5Nebraska
16
16
797
1,130 35
432 52
1,562 87
326 50
S. W. U. C. — Arkansas
S. W. U. C. — Oklahoma and Indian Ter.
18
17
774
355
909 50
114 60
1,024 10
64
59 42
S. W. U. C. — Kansas
9
9
676
265
184 45
184 45
277
209 00
S. W. U. C. — 2Missouri
19
19
854
209
863 75
83 25
947 00
S. W. U. C. — Texas
S. W. U. C. — Colorado
A. U. C. — California
A. U. C. — North Pacific
A. U. C. — Upper Col'bia
A. U. C. — Montana
A. U. C. — Australia
59
59
2,497
11,055 00
11,055 00
G. E. C. — Norway
G. E. C. — 2Finland
14
14
2,371
1,585 98
1,585 98
367 07
G. E. C. — Great Britain
G. E. C. — Denmark
G. E. C. — 6Germany
50
49
1,779
11,407
350
291 58
3,595 71
3,887 29
G. E. C. — 7Cent. Eur.
8
8
1,611
1,198
683 44
683 44
Misc. — Jamaica
Misc. — Bahama
Misc. — Brazil
Summary. — E. U. C.
35
35
484
3,452
2,150
3,372 50
842 90
4,215 40
34
1,618 86
Summary. — S. U. C.
45
18
243
1,551
605
699 30
211 40
910 70
112
707 50
Summary. — L. U. C.
13
12
803
479
405 81
61 92
467 73
372
346 00
Summary. — N. W. U. C.
16
16
797
1,130 35
432 52
1,562 87
326 50
Summary. — S. W. U. C.
46
45
2,304
829
1,957 70
197 85
2,155 55
341
268 42
Summary. — P. U. C.
Summary. — A. U. C.
59
59
2,497
11,055 00
11,055 00
Summary. — G. E. C.
72
71
1,779
13,018
3,919
2,561 00
3,595 71
6,156 71
367 07
Summary. — Miscel.
Totals.
286
256
2,506
21,128
21,276
21,181 66
5,342 30
26,523 96
859
3,634 35
Three months. Feb. and March. Feb. Since last report. Jan., Feb., and March. Jan. and Feb. Dec. and Jan. Two months.
GENERAL FIELD AGENTS.
Eastern Union Conference, E. E. Miles, South Lancaster, Mass.
Southern Union Conference, A. F. Harrison, Graysville, Tenn.
Lake Union Conference, E. P. Boggs, Battle Creek, Mich.
Northwestern Union Conference, O. E. Cummings, College View, Neb.
Southwestern Union Conference, G. Phillips, 18 W. Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.
Pacific Union Conference, S. C. Osborne, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS.
THE following will explain the abbreviations which are on the schedule page of the SUPPLEMENT:—
E. U. C. . . . . . . Eastern Union Conference.
S. U. C. . . . . . . Southern Union Conference.
L. U. C. . . . . . . Lake Union Conference.
N. W. U. C. . . Northwestern Union Conference.
S. W. U. C. . . . Southwestern Union Conference.
P. U. C. . . . . . Pacific Union Conference.
A. U. C. . . . . . Australasian Union Conference.
G. E. C. . . . . . General European Conference.
REAL MISSIONARY WORK, BY A FATHER IN ISRAEL.
By A. J. Scott
For eighteen years my field of labor has been in Missouri. Recently I have been actively engaged in distributing literature that pertains to the closing message. I have visited seventy-five families, and distributed 5,540 pages of Reviews, Youth's Instructors, Signs, Good Healths, and a few tracts. At nearly every visit I give Bible instruction, and have taken twelve orders for the Youth's Instructor and one order for the Review.
It was my privilege to spend the week of prayer with the Keenville church, which I helped to organize in 1874. My visits and work have been a season of enjoyment to me, as I have met so many who are hungering and thirsting after the truths that relate to the closing message. A. J. Scott.
The Missionary Idea in Canvassing
Just as quick as you put the commercial stamp on the canvassing work, you kill it. It needs the missionary idea, the soul-saving idea, the truth-of-God idea to make it a success.—O. A. Olsen, in a Speech at Canvassers’ Convention.
A GOOD RECORD OF A RESIDENT CANVASSER.
By Mrs. A. E. Bresinger.
One year ago I located in this place with the object of canvassing this county. I kept boarders all winter, but in the spring I started in to canvass, and the Lord has greatly blessed me.
“Great Controversy” and “Coming King” are the books I have used. I have also used “Gospel Primer” as a help, and have sold between five and six hundred of them. Before Christmas, I sold “Best Stories” with good success, one day, in five hours, selling twenty copies; another day, in three hours, selling ten copies.
Quite a number are deeply interested in our truths. One man and his wife are “almost persuaded,” and wish me to come and hold Bible readings with them every Sunday. They had left their church because they were not satisfied with it, and were seeking for light when I came. They purchased “Great Controversy” and “Coming King,” and say they are the most wonderful books they ever read. They are positive that the Lord sent me here, because I came at just the right time.
The canvassing work is dear to me. If there is one work above another, I think it is the canvassing work. It is such a good way to reach hearts. One lady with whom I stayed all night, when she found out I kept the seventh day, asked me a great many questions, and we sat up late that night, holding a Bible reading. Wherever I go, I find some hungry souls.
We have meetings in our house every Sabbath. However, we have no organ to help make our services more interesting, and if some of our people have an organ they would like to donate for missionary work, we would appreciate it very much. Probably someone may have an old melodeon not in use, which would be gladly accepted.
We meet with many trials and perplexities, but I have learned to cast them upon my blessed Master, and he bears them all for me. I am of good courage. May God bless the work and workers everywhere. Pray for the work here.