WHILE canvassing in California fifteen or sixteen years ago, I was one day wearily plodding up a small valley. The day was one of the hottest of a California summer; add to this a very dusty road, long stretches of country between houses, and the fact that the people were not disposed to read books, much less buy them, and you can easily imagine my feelings upon this occasion.
Finally, with a sigh of relief, what was thought to be the last house in the little valley was reached, and the occupants were canvassed, but with no results. They were not interested in my book. This had been my experience throughout that little valley all day long, and I was glad that the day was near an end. However, the day’s work did not close at this juncture, nor in the disappointing way it promised, but rather with an experience to which I look back as one of the brightest of my life.
On turning to leave the last persons canvassed, by merest accident I caught a glimpse of a humble little cottage about a mile farther on, at the very head of the valley. With the discovery came a feeling of disappointment; for I had long made it a rule to pass none by. To all appearances, the tramp thither meant the prolonging of an unprofitable day. On inquiry I was informed that an Italian family lived there. This was received as good news, for it would excuse me from making the call; but the next words of my informant dashed such hopes to the ground,—“The man can read English, and is very intelligent.” So, saying “Good-by,” I started for the Italian home.
On arriving I was greeted at the gate by the owner, and lost no time in producing my book and beginning the canvass. As the prospect appeared so unpromising, and I was very weary, I was going through the book—“Prophecies of Jesus”—rather mechanically; but soon my interest revived, as there was something fascinating in the attention manifested in its contents by my hearer. However, the man did not interrupt me until I had finished the description. He then enthusiastically informed me that he had a book “very much like the one” I was showing. “It is not just the same book,” he added, “but treats of the same things. It is a wonderful book. I bought it about two years ago from a canvasser.”
“What book is it you speak of?”
“‘Great Controversy,’” he replied; “I will show it to you.” Going within, and bringing the book out, he said: “I have read this book many times; it is such a good book.”
“Yes, that is a good book. Do you believe what it says?”
“O, yes! every word.”
“I am glad you believe the book, for it teaches truth, and I hope you try to live what you believe.”
“I do try to live as it teaches.”
“I am glad to hear that. You ought to be a good ‘Seventh-day Adventist.’”
“I have never met any Seventh-day Adventists. I would be very happy if I could see even one who keeps God’s Sabbath.”
“My brother, I am a Seventh-day Adventist. I keep the Sabbath, and believe the Lord is soon coming to redeem his people.”
As I told him this, his joy knew no bounds. With tears of joy and words of thankfulness to God, he embraced me, asking me again to assure him that I was one of those who believed as the book taught. He then led me into the house, and introduced me to his wife.
On further inquiry I learned that this Italian brother, for such he is to-day, had begun keeping the Sabbath nearly two years before that time. What is still more surprising, when we take into consideration that he had been a Catholic, he was in harmony with every truth this people teach. As proof of this, he produced from a drawer a sack containing over a hundred dollars’ tithe, which he had saved up, “waiting for the true church,” as he explained.
The next thing this brother wanted to know was where there was a company of Sabbath-keepers and a minister; he desired to be baptized and unite with the church. I was glad to tell him we had a church only about a day’s drive away. Hither he drove the following Friday, taking his tithe with him. Elder William Ings was there that Sabbath, and he baptized the Italian without hesitancy. His wife also united with this church a little later.
This Italian brother went as our first missionary to Italy. He was not sent by the Mission Board, however, but paid his own way; for though he had a very humble home, he was a prosperous gardener.
This is only one of many like instances that could be told of results of the circulation of our books. The canvasser who sold the “Great Controversy” may never know, in this life, of the good accomplished through his work; and though I took only one order for my book that day, the one given me by the Italian, I felt compensated for my labor.
W. C. THOMPSON.
Fruit of Bible Work
By W. W. Wheeler
As the result of Bible studies, a telegraph operator here has begun to keep the Sabbath. He is a young man about twenty-six years of age, with a good education. He has some knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, having been taught from the Bible by the archbishop of Quito. The Sabbath question has been in his mind ever since he found, when studying, that the blessing was placed on the seventh day. Now he is rejoicing in the clearness of the Bible teaching on many points.
W. W. WHEELER.
Ecuador
By W. W. Wheeler; John Osborne
THE work of the Lord is going forward in this country. We have just returned from a short trip to the coast. We heard of a brother in Machala, but had been unable to get direct word from him, to know his standing. On our way our train stopped overnight at Riobamba. We made several visits in the evening and had one Bible study. While waiting for a steamer, we sold some copies of Salud y Vida, and also took a few subscriptions for it in Guayaquil. We held one meeting with English-speaking Negroes from Jamaica, in the railroad town of Duran, also selling them many copies of the Watchman.
We found the brother at Machala faithful and working, though needing Bibles and other publications with which to work. He had written to us three times, but we had not received his letters. Just before we reached Machala, he had been praying to the Lord to send him help, and was sure that our coming was in answer to his prayers. Some points of the message were new to him; but as we studied the Bible together, he received them readily. He has been rejoicing in the message, as far as he understood it, for some four years, and will be ready for baptism soon. After holding Bible readings with his wife and mother for a long time, he succeeded in leading them both out of Catholic superstition into the glorious liberty of Christ. They had died about three months before my visit, and he felt sad because they had not been baptized.
We telegraphed for more papers, but our telegram was not correctly read. This, together with other circumstances, necessitated our return home. We held two Bible studies nearly every evening we were in Machala, one in Spanish and one in English. As soon as we attend to some other pressing matters, we hope to return, better armed with Bibles, papers, and books, and continue the work begun.
On our return, an editor at Riobamba, hearing that we were in the place, hunted for us. The next morning he found us at the railroad station, about an hour before train time. He is searching in earnest for Bible truth. He asked us to let him know beforehand the next time we were to be in Riobamba, as he wanted so to arrange his business as to have several days for Bible study. He desires some of our papers to read in the meantime.
On reaching home we found letters from the north, calling for more light. We had received one or two requests for help from the same direction before. We now plan to take the next train for that part of the field, so that the gospel in its purity, with the present-truth message, may be set before these people while they are eager for it.
W. W. WHEELER.
JOHN OSBORNE.
Annual Meeting of the Wales Conference
By Guy Dail
THE second annual session of the Wales Conference was held at Newport, September 29 to October 2. God richly visited the workers and delegates, and all who were able to attend, by a gracious outpouring of his Spirit. There was not a discordant note heard in the meeting from first to last. Backsliders were reclaimed, and ten persons were baptized.
Evening after the Sabbath, opportunity was given for the brethren to demonstrate in a practical way the genuine effect of the blessing they had been permitted to enjoy. A collection was taken, amounting to about twenty pounds, to be applied on the educational fund for the training of workers in the Russian, Latin, and Levant unions. Fifty-one pounds was also pledged on their local tent fund.
The Welsh-speaking brethren were especially encouraged by the publication of “Our Paradise Home” in their native tongue. As to progress in the Wales Conference, we are thankful that there are evidences of God's blessing. The membership has been quadrupled, increasing from sixty-four to two hundred thirty-three. Two new churches were organized during the year.
One of the pleasing features of the conference was a program rendered by the Missionary Volunteer society on Sunday afternoon.
The president of the conference, Elder H. E. Armstrong, plans to conduct aggressive field work this season, in addition to giving the time and attention demanded by the churches. This plan is one which we feel is worthy of consideration in many fields,—that conference presidents, ministers, licentiates, and Bible workers unite in opening new territory, imitating in this respect the great apostle, whose ambition was “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond.”
This field has about two million inhabitants. Two ordained ministers, one licentiate, four Bible workers, and eleven canvassers were granted conference papers for another year. They all gave go to their labors of better courage and with a brighter hope than ever before.
GUY DAIL.
Canvassing Chinatown
By Clarence E. Moon
OUR party of three began canvassing Chinatown, San Francisco. The first few stores refused to buy; but the Lord gave us success, and we were soon working our way into the heart of town, selling at almost every store. Often the people would run out of their stores, holding out their dimes to buy the papers.
We passed on from the park up to an alley called Waverly Place. Here we had to feel our way along the dimly lighted street, and go down into the opium-dens, and climb long flights of stairs, where we found the Chinese slave girls behind barred windows and doors. These girls passed out their dimes for Chinese papers, and I thought, What opportunity have poor beings like these for God's light? But God will find a way for every one who will call upon him in truth.
We have had many good experiences in Chinatown, and have sold over one thousand Chinese Signs of the Times. We find some who are interested in the Sabbath, but as we can not speak the language, we can only continue to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send native workers to reap what we have been sowing.
We have averaged all the way from one to five dollars apiece, each trip we have made. I hope others will try the same plan in their home Chinatown.
CLARENCE E. MOON.
Arizona Conference
By Clarence Santee
THIS meeting was held at Phoenix, November 8-13. The laborers from outside the conference were Brethren P. J. Laird, recently from China, A. Cone, J. J. Ireland, and the writer.
The conference business was hastened through during the first part of the meeting, giving the time later largely to the spiritual interests of those who attended. The conference sessions were marked with freedom in considering matters, and perfect harmony and a general feeling of courage characterized the deliberations. Not being present when the finances were reported, I will leave mention of them to others, except to say that I learned from the secretary that the past year had been one of special growth in the material prosperity of the conference, the tithe amounting to more than twenty-one dollars per capita. The offerings were also good.
Elder H. G. Thurston was unanimously elected president for the coming year, and but one change was made in the committee.
The outside attendance was not large. This was partly due to the many attractions of the State fair. For this reason the instruction was largely along practical themes of Christian duty. An earnest spirit of seeking God was manifested, and on the Sabbath a general response was made to an invitation to seek God, but three or four remaining in their seats.
On Sabbath, following the morning service, Brother George G. Sims was ordained to the gospel ministry, Elder Thurston offering the prayer, and the writer giving the charge.
I feel sure that this good meeting will mark a permanent advance in the spiritual growth of the conference. One thing that added to the blessings of this season was that the committees were so arranged that the members could attend most of the meetings. I believe there is a great advantage in this, both to the committees and to the general interest of the meeting.
An important question before the conference was the opening of a conference school at Phoenix. These believers are far from any of our higher schools, and the step seems a necessity. Elder H. F. Courier is now conducting a successful school there; and at no large expense, changes could be made that would accommodate older students. Another reason why the present seems a favorable time to open such a school, is the opportunity presented to work among the Indians, some of that nationality having expressed a desire to obtain a preparation in our school for labor among their own people.
Arrangements were made for a conference wagon to travel among the scattered settlers. It is hoped in this way to reach many to whom the regular canvasser can not go on account of the distance between settlements and the lack of means of transportation.
The great irrigating dam, now nearing completion, is expected to bring in many settlers, and the brethren see the advantage of being ready to meet them with the saving truths for this time, before they are entirely absorbed in the mania to get rich, which takes possession of so many in a new country. All returned to their homes with added confidence in the success of the message.
CLARENCE SANTEE.
What Older People Can Do to Get Younger People Into Service
By M. E. Ellis
1. They can live. Men and women who are Christians are never too old for service; it is Satan's scheme to persuade them that they are. All the “successful careers” of a thousand great men will not have as much influence to incite to service as a homely, Christian life, strongly, honestly, actively lived for God and man. That does not refer to the kind that is long in the prayer-meeting and short in measuring potatoes, nor even the kind that professes to love its neighbors as itself, but has hardly a pleasant look for its immediate family; but rather to the home religion having the traits mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13.
2. They can remember. The minds and hearts of some people have atrophied until they positively can not remember how they felt when they were young. They show this in their actions, and are correspondingly disagreeable in their lives. The elder members having a desire to inspire service in the youth must not be so. The continual impulse of the spiritual life is activity — growth. There is coupled with this, in every healthy spiritual life, the charity that calls to mind the fact that there are differences in age, development, and mental traits of the persons met with daily, and that growthless perfection is no more to be expected or desired of each of these than it is of any other half-grown thing that we are very anxious to see develop.
3. They can sympathize. “Acquaintance awakens sympathy, and sympathy is the spring of effective ministry.” Many who are aging faster than they have any right to, have scant sympathy for the youth and children, because they know them so little. This is as true of the parents themselves as of any one else — often more so. A wise teacher, who realized a great lack in our social economics, said, “Come, let us live with our children.” There are thousands of children with living parents who are the most pitiable of orphans, because “home” means nothing to them but a place to eat, sleep, and work.
What common interests do we have with our children? What books do we read together? What projects are we carrying out together? How much do we fathers know about the lessons in school? When last did we all go to the woods together for an outing? Is it easy to talk with our boys about Jesus? If not, why not? Is there any practise of ours that persistently obtrudes itself in the mind when we think of talking seriously with the children about their spiritual welfare? or do we have our consciences so well trained that these practises do not bother us so much as they do the children? Is it hard for us to beg their forgiveness when we do wrong or are in the wrong?
O, our children and young people are far too precious a heritage, and too valuable a help in finishing our work, for us to be warranted in failing, by precept and example, to inspire them with a love for service! If our children are lost to the truth, and fail of eternal life, it will be, first of all, because their parents did not lay hold of God mightily in their behalf; because mother's heart was not large enough to hold them, and father failed to “command his household after him.” And should they be rescued, trained, set to work, saved in the kingdom of God, will others wear the crowns the parents should have had?
M. E. ELLIS.
How the Workers View the Work
This is a continuation of the good words received from Missionary Volunteer conference secretaries concerning the young people's work. The first of this series appeared in the Review of November 24.
Southern Illinois
A working band will be a growing one; hence, we are always climbing to some goal. This quarter our donations will send a Fijian student to school. Each society takes a club of magazines every month. The quota is three magazines a member, but most of the societies take more. Our Reading Course band has passed the fifty mark. Work was started at camp-meeting, where many signed the pledge. At camp-meeting a sample lesson was given from the Morning Watch, and in less than an hour our supply was exhausted, and we were left to regret that we did not order more. I thank God for the Missionary Volunteer work. It not only aids in keeping our young people in the truth, but it provides a training for workers in this message. In our conference, we are few in numbers, but the Lord's blessings are many. Pray for our advancement. EDITH SHEPARD.
Southern Union Conference
I believe the Missionary Volunteer work is helping to hold and train our young people. Some societies are taking a real interest in the themes making up the Reading Courses, and are deriving great benefit from their study. I am doing all I know how to do to increase the interest of our conference and local societies in the object and value of these courses of study, and trust that a more universal and deeper appreciation of the need of being thoroughly grounded in the knowledge of the Word will soon take hold of us, and lead us to utilize the various means provided for that purpose. We had a good sale of the Morning Watch Calendar last year. Our correspondence indicates that many have derived real and lasting benefit from it. One young sister told me she would not part with her booklet for five dollars, if she was unable to secure another. We are of good courage, and mean to push this branch of the work as far as our strength will permit; and the Lord will, I know, bless our efforts. MRS. M. H. CROTHERS.
Atlantic Union Conference
The Missionary Volunteer work helps to train our young people by its educational and practical work. The Reading Courses assist in directing the young people's study in lines that are helpful to their Christian experience and in their fields of labor. The Morning Watch encourages Bible study and prayer, and thus aids in building up spirituality, fortifying against temptation, and strengthening the mental and moral powers. Some of the young people are converted in the special services at camp-meeting as a result of the seed thus sown during the year. F. M. DANA.
Northern Illinois
Three years ago I visited, for the first time, a Missionary Volunteer society. In it were three lads just entering young manhood. Full of energy and mischief, they were trying to get out of the meeting all the sport that the time and place would afford. Some one saw possibilities in their young strength, and had faith in it, and so set them to work. I have watched these three boys since then. Their responsibilities were small at first; but they grew little by little, until, instead of being a terror to the society, they came to be a help in it. After they fell into the habit of being useful, they liked it so well that they wanted to keep on being a help. Within a year, two of them had been successful leaders of the society. Next they decided to get some training for work; and, after a record-breaking summer in the canvassing field, they entered college, where they are still working. And this year the third has resigned his leadership of the society to enter school. This is the story of three boys who might have gone wrong, but who fell into the habit of going right in a Missionary Volunteer society. Let us put more misdirected youthful buoyancy to work in our societies. NELLIE D. PLUGH.
Ohio
Some time ago the writer held membership in what was then called a young people's society. Special efforts were made to draw forth the latent talent of apparently unpromising youth, by giving them some definite work to perform. Many of these first attempts were undertaken with fear and trembling. The years have flown swiftly by; and to-day those who were faithful in doing the work are taking up the burdens of older laborers. To my personal knowledge two are in the ministry, one is a member of a conference committee, one is director of the normal department of a college, while another is doing efficient work as a conference tract society secretary. The full extent of the influence of that society only the day of judgment will fully reveal. W. C. MOFFETT.
Southeastern Union Conference
Eternity alone will reveal the great good the Missionary Volunteer Department is doing for the young people of our denomination. I hope the time will soon come when its influence will be more greatly felt for the good of the young people not of our faith. The Reading Courses are creating a thirst for higher knowledge and the best and noblest purposes in life. Our special endeavors in behalf of the young people at our camp-meetings yielded much fruit. In one instance all who were baptized were young people. We are pushing the work of the Standard of Attainment. I feel that no Seventh-day Adventist, either young or old, should rest satisfied until this knowledge is obtained. Before closing I wish to speak a good word for the Morning Watch for 1911. Do you desire to begin every day of19next year right?—Of course you do. Then get a copy of the Morning Watch Calendar, which has been prepared to help you to do this. Let us remember that the “silent time” in the early morning will make a blessed time all day. MRS. HELEN DOWSETT.
Young People's Work
By M. E. Kern; Matilda Erickson
Conducted by the Young People's Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference
M. E. KERN — Secretary
MATILDA ERICKSON — Corresponding Secretary
Seed Sowing
By John Orr Corliss
Interesting Incidents in Pioneer Work
(First reading)
When in 1885 the first missionaries went to Australia, they received by each monthly steamer arriving from America four thousand copies of the weekly Signs of the Times. In those days we knew little about selling papers, and, lacking this experience, these papers were handed to people on the streets. In time, when the missionaries were seen with the Signs under their arms, people would cross the street to secure a copy of the paper, because they were so much interested in its contents.
One day, however, the writer, in company with Brother Henry Scott, having finished giving out the papers in the city of Melbourne, one paper was left in our hands, and was placed in the paling of an iron fence surrounding the park near the public buildings. On this paper was placed the address of the mission rooms. Little was thought of this at the time; but the following Sabbath, when our meeting was in session, there came a knock at the door. Upon opening it, a man presented himself, saying that he had learned of the address of that house by taking a paper from the fence near the public buildings in Melbourne.
He was invited into the meeting, and bore an excellent testimony to his love for the truth, and his desire to know more of this people, saying that he had found in the paper that we kept Saturday for the Sabbath. He was asked if he believed what he had read on this point. He replied that he did, for he saw that the argument was clear and plain. He then added: “I am a man of some means, and am not obliged to work for a living. I do not know why I can not keep that day for the Sabbath as easily as the first day of the week.” At the close of the meeting I had a talk with him, and learned that he was a member of a church in South Melbourne.20
What One Paper Accomplished
However, not knowing anything of the man or what dependence might be placed in him, the incident was forgotten for the time being; but upon the following Sabbath he returned, and, at the close of the meeting, invited me to attend a mid-week meeting in the vestry of the church of which he was a member, saying that it was the Young People’s Improvement Club, and that, at the previous mid-week meeting, when a question was demanded for discussion for the following week, he had proposed “The Change of the Sabbath.” He said: “I am to be the first speaker, and I know little or nothing about the question, and I would be pleased to have you attend that meeting, and take my place as the first speaker.” We were then informed that after the discussion upon the points brought out in the first speech we would have the opportunity of closing the discussion. I complied with his request; and, after a brief discussion as to the propriety of letting a stranger speak, I was accorded the privilege; and, in the time allotted, set forth, not that I was a seventh-day keeper, but that I had learned, from reading the Bible, that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and that from history I had also learned that the Sabbath was changed by human authority. A lively discussion followed, and the common arguments for keeping the first day were strongly set forth. It was then voted for the first speaker of the evening to close the debate. This was done in a way not to offend, but in a way also to set forth the truth in as clear a manner as possible.
Our First Church in Australia
At the close of the meeting, I was invited to meet with this company at their next mid-week meeting, to discuss other points; but, thinking that it might cause friction in the church, I declined to attend. I said, however, that, if there were any families where Bible readings would be admissible or welcome, I would be glad to have an appointment at some such places. Invitations were given out for two or three places at that time, and so our Bible studies began from house to house. As a result, about thirty excellent young people of that vicinity accepted the Sabbath, and constituted the charter members of the first church organized in Australia. Had it not been for the one paper read by the gentleman alluded to, which he found in the fence, this result would not have been obtained. This one incident emphasizes the importance of using our literature in opening the work in a large city.
A Preacher's Saddle-Bags
Another incident will suffice. When I began work in the State of Virginia, I found my way to a small mountain town in the lower end of the Shenandoah Valley, and was entertained by a gentleman who kept a general store. Upon informing him that I was a minister who desired a place to preach, he secured a vacant storeroom, and placed seats in it for the evening; but I noticed a peculiar arrangement in the seating. It was seated quarterways of the room, and the stand from which I was to preach was placed in a corner, and a long seat directly in front extended from one corner of the room to the other.
I noticed also that this man and several others were seated on that seat, and that they were armed with revolvers. I asked the man after the meeting what that was for. He said there had been a suspicion that I was in the town for no good purpose. Only a few weeks before, a Mormon preacher had been tarred and feathered there by a mob, and it was suspected that I was connected with the same body of people; therefore, they had decided that I, too, should be served in the same way. My host and some other friends decided that I should be protected, and said that if I were taken from the room, it would be over their dead bodies.
My host, however, was not entirely satisfied regarding my mission. When I left the house next morning to go in search of a place for permanent meetings, I left my saddle-bags, well filled with literature, in the room where I had lodged, expecting to return at night. Upon my return, the gentleman came to me, and said that he had a confession to make,—that, not having entire confidence in me, he had intended to search my saddle-bags for evidence in the matter. “But,” he said,—
What One Little Tract Did
“I want to assure you that I did not go through the bags; for lying on the top I found a little tract, entitled, ‘Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined.’ I was so struck with the title that I sat down and read the tract of sixteen pages. Being thoroughly convinced by the argument, I made up my mind that people ought to know what was in it; so I went into my store, which was well filled with people, and said to them, ‘Gentlemen, I have something I would like to read to you, in which you will be interested;’ and they said, ‘Go ahead.’ So I stood on a nail-cask and read, and all declared that the argument was clear-cut, strong, and convincing.”
Beginning of the Work in Washington, D. C.
From the reading of this tract, the gentleman accepted the Sabbath, and published in the papers that his store would not be open, from that day, on Saturday. He was tested severely several times by men coming for medicine in case of sickness; but he said: “Tell me what you need, and I will go in and get it for you, and give it to you; but you can not go into my store on this day.” Of course his business suffered, and in time he sold it out, and came to Washington, D. C., where he began regular work distributing literature from house to house. This in time created a demand for mission work, and a mission was opened on Vermont Avenue by Elder W. H. Saxby and wife. This was supported, at least in part, by this brother, Reuben Wright. In due time, a church was organized in a hall on Fourteenth St., N. W., and additions were made until there are now five churches in Washington and its suburbs. That one seed taken from the saddle-bags grew into a large tree, which has borne fruit that eternity alone will reveal.
Let the periodicals and other publications be circulated freely in behalf of home missionary work; and, in the great harvest home soon to be sung, there may be surprises as to how fully the work has prospered in our hands.
J. O. CORLISS.
To the Elder or Missionary Leader
By A. J. S. B.
(Not to be read publicly)
Monthly Report
The church missionary secretary should faithfully report the work of the church to the conference tract society secretary, who will gladly supply blanks for that purpose. The statistics gathered from the slips passed to the church-members, November 26, should also accompany this report.
How to Buy Tracts
The most economical way to secure tracts for envelope distribution is to buy them from your tract society in large packages, selling for 50 cents, $1, and $5. A liberal discount from the retail price is allowed on these packages. They are also accompanied by a sufficient number of large printed envelopes for use in house-to-house package work. Let the members work the territory thoroughly as far as they go.
The "Review" in Every Home
The best foundation that can be laid for a working missionary society is to secure each family's subscription for the REVIEW. As a rule, the REVIEW readers constitute the working force of the missionary society. They are intelligent in regard to the plans of the denomination, and in sympathy with every forward movement. Help to place your church upon the Roll of Honor containing the names of all the churches in your conference in which every family takes the REVIEW.
Church Library
Plans should be laid for the purchase of a library of our standard books, to be loaned to the members, and by them to those not of our faith. A good assortment of tracts should also be on hand. Your town library should be presented with some of our large books, such as “Great Controversy,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” “Bible Readings,” etc., also with our leading magazines regularly. The fourth Sabbath donation will assist in providing for this library.
A. J. S. B.
The Missionary and Publishing Work
Notes, Plans, Reports, Statistics, and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature
Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference
E. R. PALMER . . . . . Secretary
N. Z. TOWN . . . . . Assistant Secretary
A. J. S. BOURDEAU . . . . . Missionary Secretary
Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service
(To Be Held Dec. 24, 1910)
OPENING SONG: “Jesus Is Coming Again.” “Hymns and Tunes,” No. 1330; “Christ in Song,” 929 (old edition, No. 720).
SECOND SONG: “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.” “Christ in Song,” No. 480 (old edition, No. 387).
FIRST READING: “Seed Sowing.”
HOW WE ACCEPTED THE TRUTH: Report of church missionary secretary (librarian) based upon information on slips of paper passed out November 26.
SECOND READING: “The Open Bible in Every Home.”
MUSIC OR SYMPOSIUM: By Missionary Volunteers and children.
THIRD READING: “How to Use Tracts.”
MONTHLY REPORT OF CHURCH WORK: Reading of interesting letters; verbal reports by members; etc.
FOURTH SABBATH COLLECTION for church missionary society. Individual report blanks may be dropped into the basket with collection. Librarian should explain object of collection.
PRAYER over collection and reports.
PLANS FOR WORK: Assigning of territory for tract distribution; announcement of topics for discussion at weekly missionary meeting; increasing church club of weekly Signs or Gospel Sentinel; handing out of names and addresses for missionary correspondence; following up parties interested through Harvest Ingathering campaign; first steps in magazine salesmanship; etc.
CLOSING SONG: “Saved to Serve.” “Christ in Song,” No. 474 (old edition, No. 431).
BENEDICTION.
Missionary Volunteer Programs for 1911
By M. E. K.
WHILE the program is only a small part of the society's work, it is a good index to its success or failure. A good program may be both a result and a cause of successful Christian effort on the part of the members. Every Missionary Volunteer meeting is an opportunity. It may be a source of spiritual, practical, and intellectual advancement, if thorough spiritual, practical, and intellectual preparation is made for it.
Since our young people's work has been organized, an effort has been made to furnish materials for helpful and inspiring society programs. The new plans for 1911 will, we believe, be productive of the best results yet obtained.
There will be, during the year, twelve lessons on “The Way to Christ,” eighteen on “Missionary Volunteer Methods,” and seven on “Mission Studies,” besides several special programs and a few meetings to be arranged for wholly by the local society.
Materials for these programs will be published in the Instructor as usual; but a leaflet has been prepared containing the outlines of all the suggested programs, with references and helps for their preparation. This leaflet will be invaluable to all officers, committees, and active members. With this list of the programs for the year in hand, and with the lessons appearing one week earlier in the Instructor, our Missionary Volunteer societies ought to do the most thorough and aggressive work they have ever done.
Let the youth be encouraged to plan their work ahead, and make thorough preparation. If a young person knows several weeks before that he is to take part in a program on India, he can read the books or other helps suggested in the leaflet, and thus be able to speak more intelligently, and in a more interesting way. And in the meantime he has become interested in one great section of earth's harvest-field. Such definite work is in itself a valuable part of the preparation of young people for usefulness. Let the older and more experienced members of the church encourage the youth to make the most of these valuable opportunities.
All who have responsibilities in the Missionary Volunteer work, and every member as far as possible, should have this leaflet. The price is five cents. Order from your conference Missionary Volunteer secretary, or the Missionary Volunteer Department at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
M. E. K.
Judge Not Without Knowing All Facts
“I OUGHT not to pronounce judgment on a fellow creature until I know all that enters into his life; until I can measure all the forces of temptation and resistance; until I can give full weight to all the facts in the case. In other words, I am never in a position to judge another.”—Hamilton W. Mabie.