Earlier text: Medical Missionary Work in Nashville, TennesseeA Hasty Trip to the Pacific Coast
By George I. Butler
MAY 11. I took the train for a brief visit to St. Helena, Cal., and the Pacific Coast. A week before I had not a thought of making such a visit, but a crisis seemed to confront us in our work as officers of the Southern Publishing Association; a financial stress was upon us, and we knew not what else to do to meet it successfully. Our dear brethren and sisters had been appealed to by Sister White especially, and also by others, for means to establish an office of publication in Nashville, Tenn. This city is an educational center for both white and black, as well as a center of great political prominence and influence in this great Southern field, and the providence of God, as well as the Testimonies of his Spirit, designated it as, on the whole, the proper place for the establishment of our work in that field. Our people had furnished means for a convenient building. It had been rapidly erected without involving the cause in any additional debt. But a building alone is not a printing office. The cause in the South was weak and poor. A great field for our work was opened up. But the office was not properly equipped to do its work. The stock of paper and other materials at the command of the board of management was very meager. Only a small amount of ready means was in sight to carry on the business, barely sufficient to meet the demands of the weekly pay roll, and do the work in an inefficient manner; and there was little prospect, as far as we could see, for anything better in the near future. The officers of the association were put to their wits' end to know what to do. To be sure, the property was there, the building erected, and we had a portion of our equipment. Our people stood back of the undertaking, and they have never yet in a single instance failed in the end to stand by any of our young institutions. I have never had a single fear as to the ultimate outcome of this new institution; for I have too great confidence in the integrity and good business sense of our people to believe for a moment that this most important field would in the end be neglected. But our anxiety was for ready means with which to push forward the work already too long delayed. We knew of one whose interest in the great Southern field for long, weary years in the past had never slackened and never failed,—one whose testimonies had rallied our people to help in this important field heretofore. Hardly knowing any other source to which to look for relief, we thought we would make this dear, aged servant of the Lord a visit, and see if she had not some encouragement for us. We reached St. Helena, Friday, May 16, and found Sister White very glad to see us, and greatly interested in the work which was of such special interest to us. We soon learned, moreover, that she had already written the very documents we needed with which to call the attention of our people to the great needs of the Southern field, especially to the necessities of our publishing association. This fact was of great encouragement. Soon that important “Appeal to Our Churches in America” was on its way to the REVIEW AND HERALD for publication. This appeal no doubt has been read by the thousands of our people in America. Knowing, as we do by long, personal acquaintance with many of them, their interest in this great work to which long ago my life was consecrated, we surely expect our people will not pass by our great needs with indifference. Many other important documents relating to the cause in the South were placed in our hands to be an assistance to us in pushing the work forward in every way possible. Sister White made a very emphatic statement of her deep and abiding interest in the work in the South. Indeed, as far as I could judge, scarcely any branch of the work was of more interest to her. She evidently feels that many of our people have failed in their duty to help in this great portion of the Lord's vineyard. She was, as far as I could discern, much rejoiced that others of us were greatly interested in the prosperity of the work there. Our visit was a great encouragement to us in many ways. Having known Sister White intimately from even my boyhood, as early as 1850, when she with her husband came to my father's house in Waterbury, Vt., about the time when they first began to keep the Sabbath of the Lord; and having been most intimately associated with her and her husband while he was living, and with her son, W. C. White, since; attending many scores of camp meetings and other gatherings with her, and having long known and most highly appreciated her arduous and earnest labors in this work, it was a great privilege to me, after being so long retired from the work, to have the opportunity of again meeting her at her pleasant, comfortable home. Though bearing the burdens of many years of incessant labor, and long ago old enough in years to retire from the many cares and perplexities of the work, she never seemed more interested in it. I was glad to find her health considerably improved since the Nashville meeting held in January last. Then she was much worn and very feeble. Now she is able to be about, and her mind never seemed clearer. May God, in his infinite love and pity and care for his children, still spare to us this servant of his; for her labors are still greatly needed among us. It was my intention to return to Nashville the following Monday; but as Sister White and Brother W. C. White urged me quite strongly to visit the Healdsburg, Oakland, San Francisco, and Fresno churches, and present to them the needy condition of our great Southern field, I reluctantly consented. I felt reluctant because of the work that needed my attention at Nashville, Tenn. I spoke twice at the Crystal Springs (Sanitarium) church, three times at Healdsburg, once at San Francisco, three times at Oakland, and four times at Fresno. Eighteen hundred dollars was raised in pledges and cash. Most of it24 was for shares of stock in the Southern Publishing Association. Some of it was donated. The Crystal Springs church pledged five hundred dollars. For the size of the church this was very liberal. The Fresno church pledged six hundred and forty dollars, a very liberal gift indeed. Doubtless much more would have been received from the other large churches than they pledged and gave, but for the fact that they had recently made large subscriptions for other enterprises. We feel indeed grateful for this assistance from these churches in California. They have set a noble example to our people in all parts of the field. The meetings held in these large churches were a great surprise to me personally, and will not soon be forgotten. I was astonished to find such great evidences of cordiality and personal regard toward one so long retired from the work. The Lord gave some degree of freedom in speaking, and many expressed themselves as greatly encouraged, and very thankful for the privilege of once more hearing my voice in the closing message. I had an opportunity of renewing my acquaintance with many dear friends. Such privileges seem almost like an oasis in the desert in life's weary pilgrimage. How precious will be the final gathering when all the loved and lost ones “meet ne'er to sever!” May the dear Lord hasten that glad day. The cause on the Pacific Coast has made a wonderful growth since the Oakland General Conference, about fifteen years ago, when I was last on the coast. The church membership has greatly increased. Our institutions located there bear many evidences of prosperity. It was my privilege to observe carefully the improvements made at Healdsburg in the school work, and to speak to the pupils. The Lord blessed my feeble efforts by his Holy Spirit. I was informed that the average attendance is one hundred and fifty, or more. I was much interested in the various forms of manual labor there in operation, designed to furnish pupils with needed exercise, and give them useful employment, to help needy ones to secure an education, and to train the hand as well as the intellect. Among the industries carried on are the following: the cutting of wood in large quantities for use and for sale; the manufacture of tents for sale and for conference use, at a profit to the institution of several hundred dollars a year; broom making; blacksmithing; wagon making; caring for fruit trees, flowers, etc.; canning fruits and vegetables for sale and for the use of the school. I had never seen so many successful enterprises of these kinds in operation before. It was also my privilege to spend several hours with Brother Sadler in San Francisco, in visiting the various enterprises there set in motion for the good of our fellow men. There we saw a health restaurant in very successful operation. Eighteen persons are employed constantly, and hundreds daily partake of the refreshment put before them in a most tasty manner. Many are constant patrons. This work is under the charge of Brother Fulton and his wife. It pays well financially. We visited the mission, where meetings are held each evening and on Sunday with success. Souls are rescued from the thralldom of appetite and sin. This work and its agencies were of interest to me. We visited also the health food store, which is kept in a most neat and tasty manner, and were happily surprised at the amount of business transacted there daily. We also visited the branch sanitarium established in San Francisco, which is also well patronized. The Pacific Press, established in Oakland, is a wonderful hive of industry. It employs one hundred and seventy-five helpers. Altogether, the cause on the Pacific Coast is onward. It was told me that five or six thousand Sabbath keepers live in the California Conference, and about ten thousand are found on the great Pacific slope. I well remember when Brethren J. N. Loughborough and D. T. Bourdeau started with their tent for the first ministerial visit our people fitted out for the work in California. Then the believers on that slope were a mere handful. Surely God has wrought in that great field. May he ever work there, and also in our great, needy Southern field. A New Medical Missionary Center in Milwaukee
By David Paulson
A WELL-EQUIPPED hygienic restaurant and treatment rooms have recently been opened in Milwaukee by our Wisconsin brethren. The location is a most admirable one, being just opposite the city postoffice. Dr. Livingston and his wife have charge of this enterprise, under the general supervision of Brother Dowsett. Although this institution was opened only a few weeks ago, yet both dining and treatment rooms are well patronized by some of the best citizens. The laborers are taking hold of the work energetically and in the spirit of unity; and if they continue to follow up God's opening providences, there will certainly be a great work accomplished in this city. It is difficult to conceive of better opportunities than are afforded by such institutions when they are conducted on an elevated plane. None but those who have labored in such institutions can appreciate the constant tendency to allow such enterprises to degenerate into the weary treadmill of cold commercialism. Those who wish to prepare themselves to enter our large cities and organize such enterprises, ought to know that they have a firm, abiding Christian experience, that will not be disheartened by failures, nor puffed up by success. Palestine
By S. Jespersson
JERUSALEM.—The medical mission here is doing well at present. Our patients are people of the better classes. Even physicians and pharmacists come for treatment. One pharmacist, who was suffering from stomach trouble, was cured in a short time after coming to us. He now recommends our establishment to his customers, and does what he can for us. So far the weather has been pleasant. The days are agreeably warm, and the nights cool. This is a hard field, and the people have been spoiled through the many missions; but we hope, work, and pray that we may find some sincere souls among the different nationalities of Jerusalem, who will accept the truth for this time, and so have a place with us in the heavenly Jerusalem. August Study of the Field
1. LOCATE Chile. Describe the physical features of the country. What are some of the products? Tell what you can of the inhabitants. 2. What can you say of the religious condition of this country and of the progress of the closing message? 3. Tell something of the experience of our workers in Turkey. 4. Describe our mission work among the Santals. 5. What progress is reported from the mission in Basutoland? Mention the several lines of work begun, and the needs of this field. 6. What message does the experience of our workers in St. Vincent in these trying times, bring to us? 7. What appeal comes from the Gold Coast, West Africa? Give a summary of the items of progress and the urgent appeals from the regions beyond which have appeared during the month. How many fields have reported? Locate these on your map, and do not fail to study each appeal in the light of personal obligation. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” should be the basis in all our study of the vast field to which the message is due. The Way to Him
By Phoebe Cary
Is there no way to him at last
But that where his bleeding feet have passed?
Did he not to his followers say,
I am the life, the light, the way?
Yea, and still from the heavens he saith,
The gate of life is the gate of death;
Peace is the crown of faith's good fight,
And the way of the cross is the way of light!
— Phoebe Cary. The Sanitarium in Calcutta
By Olive P. Ingersoll
The month just past has been a busy one at the sanitarium. The house has been full of patients, and on account of the extra work as the result of important surgical cases, we were obliged to call Sister Whites to help us. These patients are all doing well, and some of them may have gone home. Brother Hansen has been very busy with the improvements in the treatment rooms and in giving treatments. Our patients are now favored with such luxuries as electric-light and Russian baths, besides all the treatments which we were formerly able to give. For the perfection of our Russian bath, we have to thank an enthusiast of the institution — Brother Guinness — for the gift of a practically new boiler. This was a very timely present, as our old water heater was worn out, and this one can be used for a much greater variety of purposes. The native treatment rooms are beginning to be known, although we have no sign up yet. About thirty persons have been in during the month, many of whom have come several times for treatment, making an average of about three or four treatments daily. This we think is encouraging, in spite of the fact that the financial returns have been small. The Lord is gradually opening the way into the homes of the native people, for which we thank him. Prompt Submission of Reports
By Editor
WE are sorry that so many reports for the June work failed to be sent in this month. As announced some time ago, only reports for the month previous to the issuing of the Publishers’ Department in the REVIEW will be published. This department of the REVIEW is expected to be issued on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Sometimes we have postponed its publication in order to receive full reports, as we did this month. We hope our general agents will do all they can to have full reports in promptly by the twelfth of each month, so that there may be no future delay in the issuing of this department. Canvassing with Patriarchs and Prophets
It is truly encouraging to see our State agents taking their prospectuses and going forth into the field as regular canvassers, and demonstrating their ability to sell books. It would be a good plan for our State agents to follow the example of the Illinois State agent in testing the demand for “Patriarchs and Prophets” in connection with the International Sunday-school Lessons. He proposed to see for himself whether this book could be successfully sold at this time as a help in the study of the Sunday-school lessons. So he took his prospectus and went out to test it. His own words will tell the results:— I am doing some canvassing these days with good success. I went out yesterday to see what I could do with “Patriarchs and Prophets.” In ten hours I sold $17.50 worth. This was my first experience with that book. A special effort should be made in every locality to place this book in the homes of the people while they are interested in the study of the subjects upon which the Lord has given great light. While the Bible-studying people of this nation are studying the Sabbath question, we should not fail to place in their hands a book that will lead them to the truth on this important question. “Patriarchs and Prophets” is published in the English, German, Danish, Swedish, and Holland languages. The principal nationalities in this country can be supplied with this important work. Not to Be Ministered To
By Maltbie D. Babcock
O LORD, I pray
That for this day
I may not swerve
By foot or hand
From thy command,
Not to be served, but to serve. This, too, I pray,
That for this day
No love of ease
Nor pride prevent
My good intent
Not to be pleased, but to please. And if I may,
I’d have this day
Strength from above
To set my heart
In heavenly art,
Not to be loved, but to love. — Maltbie D. Babcock, D. D., in the Christian Advocate. The Canvasser Makes the Exhibits
THE canvasser makes the exhibits and solicits the orders; the Lord makes the impression and sells the books. The blessing of giving is often lost through our struggle with selfish conceptions and philanthropic demands. Swedish Canvassers Go Forth With New Power
WITH Sweden's report of work done, comes the encouraging news that the canvassers have just gone out from their annual conference full of hope and courage, and in the possession of a new power. Central Union Conference Book Sales
THE general agent of the Central Union Conference reports that all the agents in his territory are having good deliveries. We call special attention to the tabulated report of this union conference for their June work in book sales. The Lord Calls Busy People
SOMETIMES people excuse themselves from various calls to the work, on the plea that they are very busy with legitimate and personal obligations outside the special work of carrying the message. These people should not overlook the fact that the Lord never called an idle man to his work. The instances recorded in the Scriptures furnish the evidence that it is always the busy people whom the Lord calls to his special service. Hence busy people should be careful to discern the Lord’s call, and stand ready to enlist wherever his providence directs. Lessons From Canvassing Christ’s Object Lessons
The work in behalf of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is demonstrating some important facts. In the first place, it has been proved over and over again that canvassing territory does not render that territory valueless for future work, even with the same book within the same year. Many instances have been reported where the third canvasser has taken more orders than the first two. This being true with “Christ’s Object Lessons,” why may it not be profitable to recanvass territory for other books? Another important lesson which the people are learning from this work is that canvassing for our books brings blessings through the reviving of the advent spirit in all who engage in this good work. Nonbelievers Applying as Book Agents
Of late many applications have been made by those not of our faith for agencies for our subscription books. The majority of these seem actuated by an appreciation of the contents of the books, and impelled by a strong power to engage in their sale, instead of continuing with the books for which they have been working. Most of the applicants have had years of experience as agents. We have wondered what this could mean. We have thought of the great dearth of canvassers among those who profess to believe the message, and we have wondered whether the Lord was not calling others to sell the books containing the message for this time. “The call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man.” These men are coming, and we do not see why God cannot use them as easily as he could cause the very stones to cry out when his own people refuse his calls to service. A Favorable Time for Literature
It would be impossible for a more favorable time to come for the circulation of our literature than the present. Times are unusually good; money is plenty; crops are generally good; business is prosperous, and the people everywhere are in good spirits. Conditions are favorable for the placing of good books bearing the message intrusted to us in the homes of the people. Just such prosperous times as we are having now will prove the faithfulness and devotion of God's people to the work of giving the message to the world in this generation. In the whirl and confusion of increased opportunities for employment and business investments, the real spirit of men and women is tested. If the message is not first in their affections, the temptations coming as the direct result of prosperity will lead them into selfish ambitions, and so they will feel no burden for the advancement of the message and the salvation of souls. They will be content to go on year after year in a formal observance of the Sabbath, and a mechanical discharge of the ordinary church privileges. The shaking time, so long looked for, may come upon us in the form of prosperity, and our hearts be weaned from the love of the truth through worldly cares. The love of souls and devotion to the message for this time ought to be strong enough to fill all who profess to be looking for the soon coming of the Lord with a desire to go forth at this most favorable time, and do all in their power to enlighten the world, trusting in Christ's own word that he will pay them whatever is right. Publishers' Book Department
By Editor
Issued monthly in behalf of the Circulation of Our Denominational Literature
Take Courage
By Nellie M. Palmer
As canvassers, never allow yourselves to become discouraged. Satan does not like to see you in this work, and will do all in his power to make the way as difficult as possible; but keep close to Jesus, your Captain, and he will brighten the path, making the labor sweet. Remember that he has conferred upon you a higher honor than any earthly ruler could give, in calling you to be his representative. Be faithful to the trust that he has committed to you; sow the seed in love, never tiring, and you will soon experience the joy of meeting souls saved as the result of the literature that you have placed in their hands. The following are extracts gleaned from letters written by canvassers and workers located in different parts of the field:— “There is but one thing that will hold you to the work when difficulties arise—the love of Christ.” “One sister, writing of her first week’s work, says: ‘I canvassed three and one-half hours, taking five orders for “Ladies’ Guide,” and had some grand talks with several persons. I came home so full of love and gratitude to my Saviour that I could not keep from telling what a blessed privilege it is to work for him.’” “I have had a good time the past week,—no trouble to get meals or lodging, no refusals to look at the book, no complaint of hard times. I went into a store and began canvassing a man for “The Coming King.” Soon I had the attention of the whole crowd. Even the clerk and his customer stopped to listen. I took three orders, two of them from preachers.” “I want to praise the Lord, first, for what he is doing for me; and, second, for what he is doing for the work I represent. I have loved the canvassing work ever since my connection with it, about five years ago, yet that love grows day by day, and I believe that I can truly say that I love it more to-day than ever before; and I want to engage in it until Jesus comes, not only because I love it, but because I believe it to be one of the best ways of spreading the truth, and thus hastening his coming. May the Lord help us to make a ‘long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together’ to advance this important work.” “Crops are good, and there will be a large demand for help, and wages will be very tempting as harvest draws on. Satan will take advantage of this to coax the canvassers from the field. Let us not allow him to influence us in this way, but let us reason thus: ‘Crops are good, and money is plentiful this year; therefore we must take every possible advantage of it, and get as much reading matter before the people as possible; for we know not how soon there will come a crash in business, and times become harder than we have ever known them.’ As I think of these things, and see such remarkable signs of the nearness of the end, as it seems to me I do see, I can scarcely rest day or night. O that God’s people would look for large blessings at his hand! Self-sacrifice is the thing that wins in God’s cause. It has been so in all ages, and will be so until the work is finished.” “The time is short; the task is great; the workers are few; fidelity is rare; eternity hastens; angels help; souls perish; Satan rejoices; death triumphs; therefore, O servant of God, ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’” “This past week I have been canvassing on one of the best streets of the city. Several times I had determined to canvass this street, but did not have courage enough to go to the houses, so would canvass where the houses were not so large. But Tuesday afternoon, after asking the Lord to go with me, I started out, and at the first house to which I went, the servant invited me in, and I waited in the parlor about ten minutes for the lady to come. After she had looked the book partly through, and even before she knew the price of it, she said that she would take it, and that she wanted it the next day if I could bring it to her. I took four other orders during the afternoon.” “God reckons all the loyal inhabitants, both in heaven and on earth, as one family, thus connecting us with heaven and heavenly power. The canvassing work is one of these family interests; and no difference how great our interest may be, that of heaven is still greater. The holy watchers from the throne of the Father of the whole family are ever by our side. The younger members of the family are manifesting an interest in this work. This is a most hopeful sign of a revival of the work. Some years ago when so many books were being sold, the work was nearly all done by these younger members, and we hail with joy the time when they shall take hold of it again with all their youthful vigor and enthusiasm. If the younger ones do take hold of it, surely the older ones will not lose their interest. And be sure the interest of the angelic members will never lag. Let us have courage, then, and go steadily forward in this work. If we are beset with trials and apparent defeat, the Father knows it, and we still have the heavenly ones by our side.” “God has a canvassers’ institute in which all are to receive instruction from him. It is a grand and noble work. If any work is of more importance than another, it is the canvassing work. Yet it is not separate from the other departments of labor, but is in direct sympathy with them, and opens up and prepares the way for other missionary work. God alone knows how soon this ‘everlasting gospel’ might go to the world if all would take hold with a will. There is a call to action. May the love for souls take deep root, and be manifested in corresponding efforts. May every soul now unite in the effort to push the work of God. Step in line, my brother, my sister. God calls you. Have you heard his voice?” “Satan is constantly leading both the youth and those of mature age to be charmed with worthless stories. Could a share of the books published be consumed, a plague would be stayed that is doing a fearful work in weakening the mind and corrupting the heart. All this trashy reading should be resolutely discarded. We have books containing saving truths. Now is our golden opportunity, and ‘this is the very work the Lord wants his people to do at this time.’” “This season’s drought following the general drought of last year, has made it very trying on the canvassers in some localities. But in the face of these difficulties nearly all have remained loyal to the work, and the Lord has manifested his appreciation of their faithfulness by showering his blessings upon them. But now copious rains have fallen over a large part of the State, assuring the cotton crop, and brightening prospects generally. We are under renewed obligations to the Giver of these blessings to push the work with greater earnestness, zeal, and perseverance. So just now is a favorable time to enter the canvassing work. I know that many of our people are planning to enter the work some time, but why put it off? Now is the time to be gaining an experience that will fit us for further usefulness in the Lord’s vineyard.” “I know that canvassing is an important factor in spreading the truth, and I am glad that I am in this work. Although I have encountered circumstances in canvassing that are not the most pleasant I could wish, yet some of the rough edge which appeared to me before and just after I began, I find was simply a production of my imagination. Perhaps there would be more young canvassers in the field if it were not for their exercising this particular power of the mind in that direction to such an extent.” “The Lord has helped us in our deliveries. We have much for which to be thankful.” “The Lord is indeed blessing us in our deliveries. The Lutheran minister had told the people not to take the books, and they had agreed among themselves that they would not. However, the Lord has helped us to deliver nearly all thus far. We are having some interesting experiences. How good it is to be able to let the Master work for us, while we stand by and see the victory. I realize that the more we let the Lord do for us, the greater will be our success.” “The Lord is blessing in his work, and we know that the work done in the name of God is not in vain. The end is surely near. Signs are fast fulfilling around us. May God help us to prove true to our high calling in Christ Jesus.” “I am glad even when we meet with difficulties; for when we are in trouble, we cry unto God from the bottom of our hearts, and then he can hear.” “A glance over the few months of this season that are past, shows much of God’s blessing upon the canvassers, notwithstanding the many difficulties that have arisen. A little over two months still remains before the October delivery, and I hope that every loyal worker will remain in the field. We shall meet with difficulties on every hand, but such experiences mean strength and development for future usefulness to those who go forward trusting in God. Gideon’s large army was tried again and again, until only a small portion of those who started remained; but victory depended not upon number, but upon God. So with our work; we may look for success regardless of our number, for the God of heaven is with us. Let us all join in earnest prayer for success in the book work.” “My little girl, Georgia, aged ten years, has been canvassing for ‘The House We Live In,’ and has taken seven orders in three half-days’ work in the country. She expects to canvass still more, and I trust that she will be an agent.”27 May God bless the children, and put into their little hearts a love for this good work. Let us each consecrate our lives more completely than ever before to the service of the Master, that we may have a part in making known to others the truths that he has revealed unto us. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” This does not refer to the harvest of wheat, barley, oats, and rye, but to the harvest of souls, which is ‘white already to harvest,’ and ‘he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.’ May God impress us all with the need of consecration to him and his service, that we may go as he leads, regardless of financial loss. ‘Fruit unto life eternal’ is what we are seeking.” “Our books are doing a great work. Wherever they have been scattered, we find some who are interested in the truth. A few days ago I visited a house where a copy of ‘Daniel and the Revelation’ had been sold. The family had read it, and had loaned it to their neighbors to read. The book was well worn, and had lately been brought back home to be studied more. A number of years ago a copy of ‘Prophecies of Jesus’ was sold in Colorado. It was brought to Kansas, and fell into my hands about five years ago; and as a result, I am to-day rejoicing in the truth. “Now do you think that those who scattered those pages of truth will have their reward? They certainly will. They may not as yet have seen any results from their work, but they will rejoice when we reach the other shore. So, dear workers, ‘Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’” “Do you ever feel discouraged? If so, then remember that the Lord still lives, that he loves you, and that this precious truth will soon triumph. Be of good courage!” “Let us make a strong effort, a pull all together as it were, to spread the printed page like the leaves of autumn. The truth will soon triumph, and how sweet to know that we have had a part in it!” “Our warfare thus far has been very successful. People wherever we go are hungry to hear the precious truth concerning the second coming of our Lord. We are kindly received, and listened to with great eagerness. In not a few instances have we seen those to whom we were talking, wipe tears from their eyes. O what a great privilege we have of knowing and teaching such grand truths! Let us put forth all our energies for the advancement of this noble cause.” “I am of good courage in the Lord’s work. I rejoice to know that the work will soon close.” “Canvassing is the work the Lord called me to do, and I desire to remain in it until the work is finished.” The following interesting report is from Brother Carscallan, who is canvassing in Ireland:— “I take pleasure in writing to you from my new field, in which I have labored a little over a week. We stayed three weeks in London, attending the European General Conference, where we heard of the needs of the Eastern world. Then Brother Hartford and I were sent to Belfast, where we expect to stay for a year or two. The brethren here said that we could not sell large quantities of books, but we knew that God could, so we started to work with ‘Home Hand Book,’ and he has abundantly blessed.
“We have found this to be a dark and needy field, but we enjoy our work, and hope that others will be impressed to ‘come over, and help us.’ This country is different from America in many ways and we have things to meet that are not known there, but there is one difference, for which we thank God—every Adventist is a worker.” The Need of Educating Canvassers
“CANVASSERS are to be educated and trained to do the work required in selling the books upon present truth which the people need. There is need of men of deep Christian experience, men of well-balanced minds, strong, well-educated men, to engage in this work. The Lord desires those to take hold of the canvassing work who are capable of educating others, who can awaken in promising young men and women an interest in this line, leading them to take up the book work and handle it successfully. Some have the talent, education, and experience which would enable them to educate the youth for the canvassing work in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now being done. Those who have gained an experience in this work have a special duty to perform in teaching others. Educate, educate, educate young men and women to sell the books which the Lord by his Holy Spirit has stirred his servants to write.”—“Manual for Canvassers,” pages 63, 64. This Testimony from the Spirit of God gives us definite instruction, which if heeded, will bring the canvassing work to the place God would have it occupy. The plan is simple, yet it is comprehensive. First of all, the canvassers are to be educated and trained to do the work required in selling books upon present truth. This is to be accomplished by those who have been educated, and who have gained an experience that qualifies them to train workers. It is perfectly plain to those who are familiar with the present situation of the canvassing work in the different parts of the world, that there is a great dearth of young men who have gained such an experience as is spoken of above, which qualifies them to be trainers, and renders them capable of educating others in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now being done. State agents are needed who not only can show the canvassers how to sell the books, but who are men of faith, and have ability to organize companies of canvassers, and who can interest the youth in this work. Trained men and men of experience are needed to act as leaders of companies, co-operating with the State agent in the work of training those who consecrate themselves for service. These leaders cannot be picked up from our ranks indiscriminately. They must be trained and tried. The selection and the training of these men constitute the first step in the building up of the canvassing work. The training of an army of workers will rest on those who have gained an experience. In “Gospel Workers” we are told that “there ought to be connected with our schools the best possible facilities for the preparation of laborers for both home and foreign fields.” Several of our schools are recognizing this, and are doing a good work in this direction. In those districts where the schools have taken an active interest in the training of canvassers, we see the work in a much better condition than where this is left to the State agents alone. It is from these districts that most of the leaders are found for regions beyond. I am glad to know that arrangements have been made for a course of training at the Emmanuel Missionary College during the fall term, beginning October 5, and lasting ten weeks. During this time attention will be given to those studies that will be most needed by the canvasser; namely, Bible, hygiene and simple treatments, reading, book study, and principles of canvassing. At least half the time will be spent in actual field work with capable leaders. This will give the students experience, and at the same time help in defraying their expenses for the term. For further information about this course, write to the undersigned.
Berrien Springs, Mich.