Earlier text: Branch Sabbath Schools— There is danger of a race war in southern Indiana, around West Baden and Frenchlick. — Grain and fruit crops in France and Austria are reported to have suffered enormous damage from cold and rainy weather. — Five railroad employees were killed in a train wreck at Middlesex, Vt., June 15, the accident being due to a washout which followed a cloud-burst. — The Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho was opened for settlement at noon on June 17, the appointed hour being marked by a rush of 1,300 men and boys, mounted and armed, across the line into the coveted territory. — Congress has enacted a new pension bill granting twelve dollars a month to all persons who served one year in the Civil War, and thirty dollars a month for disability. This will add $1,313,000 to the yearly pension bill. — No small disturbance has been caused in London and throughout Great Britain by reports of the illness of King Edward, which were of an uncertain character, the real truth of the situation being known only to a few. One report says that the sudden seclusion of the king was due to the discovery of a plot to assassinate him. — The revolution in Venezuela still continues, with varying fortune for the opposing forces. The town of La Guaira was bombarded by the revolutionists on June 7, a number of the inhabitants being killed, and the telegraph and cable wires were cut. Later the revolutionists were driven away. It is reported that Caracas is preparing for a siege. — The bodies of seven United States soldiers who were recently captured by Filipinos in Luzon, were found some time afterward in a dismembered condition, some of them so mutilated as to be unrecognizable. It is argued by some that the soldiers of civilized America are justified in imitating the savagery of the barbarians whom they are sent to conquer. — The striking miners in the anthracite coal region are resorting to the boycott. A Wilkesbarre lace factory was closed, throwing one thousand persons out of employment, because five girl employees in the factory had relatives who had taken the place of strikers in the mines. There is a prospect of a general strike of miners throughout the country, involving 360,000 men. — Six young men of Jersey City who were recently brought before Police Justice Murphy in that city, charged with having played baseball on Sunday, were discharged by the justice, who in releasing them made the following observation: “This court will not discriminate against baseball in the matter of Sunday law violations. This alleged violation of the law is no more of a violation than walking the streets for recreation on Sundays. Young men should have a little recreation. It keeps them off the street corners, away from evil resorts, and does them lots of good physically.” The men had been arrested on complaint of members of the Epworth League. — Earthquake shocks are reported from France along the northern slopes of the Pyrenees. — The number of Boers who have surrendered since the arrangement of peace terms in South Africa amounts to about 17,000. — An appeal for 6,000 harvest hands comes from Kansas. The railroads will make a special rate of one-third fare to persons coming to supply this demand. — Cholera prevails at Shanghai, China. About thirty foreigners have been attacked by the disease, and there is a heavy daily mortality among the natives. — Mayor Ames, of Minneapolis, and the chief of police and five detectives of that city, are under indictment by the grand jury, charged with attempted bribery. — Roman Catholics in the United States are protesting against the public school system being introduced by the United States in the Philippine Islands which they declare is under the management of Protestant ministers, who are employing it to the detriment of the Catholic religion. — A “Christian-nation” government in miniature may now be seen in Zion City, on the lake shore a few miles north of Chicago, according to reports which appear in Chicago papers. Zion City is the community of the adherents of John Alexander Dowie, organized into a municipality, and governed by municipal laws like any other city, the law-making power centering in Dowie. The community is governed strictly according to the “will of God,” Dowie being the sole interpreter and definer of that will. We cannot vouch for all that is reported touching the strange regulations enforced in Zion City, but doubtless an impressive object lesson illustrating the quality of this kind of government can be had by the observer in that place. — A Cincinnati telegram dated June 16 tells of the vigilance of Rev. W. F. Crafts in behalf of Sunday legislation in connection with the St. Louis world's fair. A meeting of Methodist ministers was in progress there, at which one clergyman, the Rev. E. P. Edmonds, rose and spoke of a telegram having been sent by Mr. Crafts to the secretary of the Reform League of Cincinnati, asking all ministerial associations of that city to send separate telegrams at noon of that day to President Roosevelt, calling upon him to see that none of the money voted by Congress to the exposition was turned over to the managers without an explicit promise from them that the Sunday-closing agreement will be strictly enforced. The Rev. Dr. Young, pastor of the largest M. E. congregation in the city, said he thought such a telegram to the president would be an insult. — The city of Paterson, N. J., was the scene on June 18 of one of the worst riots that has taken place in this country in recent years. The striking silk mill employees, to the number of 3,000, led on by an avowed anarchist and inflamed with anarchistic sentiments, attacked the mills, waving red flags, hurling stones through the windows, and driving out the employees at work. The police appeared to be powerless to cope with the mob, and a pitched battle was fought in the streets, in which many shots were fired, quite a number of which took effect. Ten persons suffering from bullet wounds were received at the hospital, and as many more are believed to have received injuries. The majority of the rioters were Italians. Paterson is the center of the anarchist element in this country, and the affair appears to have been more an outburst of anarchy than a demonstration by working men. The mills were reopened the following morning under police protection. — Is the savagery which has been practiced abroad under the imperialist spirit already coming home to make victims of the Anglo-Saxon race? What, if not this, is the meaning of the statements vouched for by soldiers of the Third United States Infantry, telling of the administration of the “water cure” to a civilized white man, a soldier, by the lieutenant of his company, as a means of military discipline? The report, which comes from Cincinnati under date of June 18, also states that a private named Roff was compelled to drill double time on an extremely hot day, as a punishment for not drilling well when he was ill, the result being that he fell unconscious on the drill ground, and was taken to the hospital in a critical condition. Stories of harsh military discipline are common, it is true, but the infliction of the “water cure” torture upon a civilized Anglo-Saxon by another person of the same race, at this time, is an incident full of significance. — “National reform” effort at the national capital has succeeded in bringing before congress the following proposed Sunday law for the District of Columbia:— “Be it enacted, etc., That it shall not be lawful for any person to keep open any place of business, or maintain a stand for the sale of any article or articles of profit during Sunday, excepting vendors of books or newspapers, and apothecaries for the dispensing of medicines, and undertakers for the purpose of providing for the dead, or others for the purposes of charity or necessity; nor shall any public playing of football or baseball, or any other kind of playing, sports, pastimes, or diversions, disturbing the peace and quiet of the day, be practiced by any person or persons within the District of Columbia on Sunday; nor shall any building operations or work upon railroad construction be lawful upon said day; and for any violation of this act the person offending shall, for each offense, be liable to a fine of not less than five dollars nor more than fifty dollars, and in the case of corporations there shall be a like fine for every person employed in violation of this act laid upon the corporation offending. “SECTION 2. That it shall be a sufficient defense to a prosecution for labor on the first day of the week that the defendant uniformly keeps another day of the week as a day of rest, and that the labor complained of was done in such a manner as not to interrupt or disturb other persons in observing the first day of the week as a day of rest. This act shall not be construed to prevent the sale of refreshments other than malt or spirituous liquors, or to prevent the sale of malt and spirituous liquors as now provided for by law, or tobacco, cigars, railroad and steamboat tickets, or the collection and delivery of baggage.” A Call to Service
By Nellie M. Palmer
FROM every corner of the earth calls are coming for workers,—workers who are willing to give up everything for the Master. Jesus, the Son of God, has set us an example that we should follow in his steps. He left the glory of his heavenly home, parted from his Father and loving associates, to seek and save the lost. What caused him to be willing to lay aside his royal crown to take upon himself our weaknesses?—It was love. It is impossible for us to comprehend such love as this; but if we will consecrate our lives to him, he will fill us with this same love, so that we shall want to tell others of this Saviour who gave his life for them as well as for us. Whosoever will, let him come. Many there are who have never heard this invitation. Many there are who have never heard of this loving Jesus. Hundreds, yea, millions, are passing into Christless graves who have never heard this name. Who is to carry the good news of salvation to such as these? Are we to stand back, and say, “I am not going. Others are better fitted than I. Let them go. This call cannot mean me”? To such a one let me say, Is the voice of God calling you? If so, “ask not to be excused; there’s danger in delay.” Listen to that voice, trust and obey. We all are frail creatures. Not one of us can in our own power do even one good thing; but Jesus says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” And again, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.” Let us move forward in faith, and say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” God is calling for a variety of workers, but for no class is there a greater demand than for canvassers. He wants consecrated canvassers, active canvassers, canvassers26 whose hearts are so filled with love for him that they have something to tell. They are to be witnesses for Jesus. They are to raise the standard high, pointing souls to him as the only one who cleanseth from all sin. God is calling for such workers as these,—workers who are alive and in earnest, who are willing to give up everything for him. He wants to see such workers as these going up and down the streets in every corner of this earth, carrying our literature to the people. The canvasser is called to be Christ’s representative. From his face is to shine forth light from the Sun of Righteousness. In order for this light to shine forth, it must first be imbedded in the heart, permeating the whole being. Here again we see the need of consecrated workers. The world is reading, is taking note of, our every word and action, to see whether or not we live up to our profession. What are we telling such about Jesus? How are we representing him? Do they see by observing us that there is something attractive in the religion of Jesus Christ? God is calling us to-day to awake to our duty. If found standing idly by, we shall be without excuse. Let us say from the heart, Here I am, Lord. Use me to thy glory wherever thou wouldst have me. Every power of our being should be used for the advancement of the third angel’s message. We possess no power of our own. All power comes from above. We do not even belong to ourselves; for we have been bought with a price. Time is short. The moments are rapidly passing. How is our time being improved? Are we willing to meet the record of these hours in the judgment? Many are hungering for the truths that we hold dear. Are we ready to face these souls before the bar of God? Crowns of glory are awaiting the faithful workers, crowns bright with beautiful stars. Do you want to wear one of these? Remember that it is only the consecrated worker who will be presented with a crown. PUBLISHERS’ BOOK DEPARTMENT
By Editor
ISSUED MONTHLY IN BEHALF OF THE CIRCULATION OF OUR DENOMINATIONAL LITERATURE
“I HAVE come to the Fountain of love,
He fills all the springs of my heart,
Enthroned all others above,
Our friendship no power can part;
And so long as the fountain is full,
The streams without measure must
flow,
And the love that he pours in my soul
To others in blessing must go.”
ON account of our issue of May 13 being too early in the month to receive the April reports, we include them in our summary for the month of May. Hereafter it is expected that the Publishers’ Book Department will be issued regularly on the fourth Tuesday in each month, and only reports for the month previous will be published. The next issue will be on July 22. All the reports for June must be in as early as July 15. IN the report from Norway, it will be noticed that the Christiania church held a special season of prayer for the canvassers. This is an act worthy of imitation. If all our churches will do likewise, there will come to our book work a marked change for the better. It would greatly encourage our faithful workers, and would bring blessings upon the members of our churches. Every morning the Review and Herald Publishing Company calls all the employees together in their respective departments, and devotes fifteen minutes of the first part of the day to prayer, and on Sunday mornings the entire force assembles in the Office chapel, and spends thirty minutes in worship. In all these prayer meetings, the canvassers and the canvassing work are never omitted in the prayers. This we believe is the practice in all our publishing houses, and we are glad to know that the churches are joining us in special prayer services in behalf of our canvassers and their work. “Patriarchs and Prophets” and the Sunday-School Lessons
IN some respects “Patriarchs and Prophets” is one of the most important books we publish. It treats upon the themes of the Bible history. This sacred history has been recorded for the benefit of man. It reveals the character and purposes of God, and makes manifest the wiles of Satan. The revelations in this book bring to view the true character of God through his dealings with man. By revealing the weakness of the human character, and setting forth how the grace of God has enabled man to conquer in his struggle with sin, it is of great importance at this time when the world has forgotten God as a helper in a time of need, and has surrendered to the power of sin through lack of confidence in God. The very principles set forth in this inspired history are essential to prepare the people for the reception of the message at this time. It so deals with the great truths of the Old Testament Scriptures, and breathes forth the spirit of Christ, that it never fails favorably to impress every one who reads it. It never leaves prejudice where it is placed. All the important truths of the Old Testament are treated in a way that inspires confidence in God and faith in his Word. The manner in which the Sabbath is brought out is such as to carry conviction. The great center of all truths—the sanctuary and its services—is, through the Spirit of God, set for the people of this generation, that they may not be overtaken with the false conceptions of the ministry of God that are to flood the earth before the return of our High Priest. The chapter on Satan’s enmity against the law is due the people of this time. They should have had it years ago. Many honest people would be living in obedience to God’s law to-day could they have had this chapter alone. The experiences of the children of Israel, which were kept on record for those upon whom the end of the world is come, contain enough of the present truth to prepare the people for the reception of the whole message. The entire contents of the book is of great importance, and now that a most favorable opportunity is presented for the introduction of this important volume, we should not fail to make good use of it. On July 6, and continuing on through the remainder of the year, the International Sunday-school Lessons will be upon some of the principal subjects in connection with the exodus and the general history of the children of Israel. The great masses of the people who study these lessons being especially interested in the study of the topics which embody a large portion of “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and on which there is given special light through the spirit of prophecy, renders the remainder of this year a remarkably favorable time for the sale of “Patriarchs and Prophets.” Whether they need it or not, it has become quite common among people to seek “a help” in the study of any subject. Our scholars have established this practice among the common people. When these wise men set about to investigate a matter, they at once supply themselves with all the books they can procure on that particular subject. This practice will make it easy for our people to introduce “Patriarchs and Prophets” as an essential commentary upon the topics of the International Lessons for the third and fourth quarters of 1902. There should be a special effort 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 upon 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. New York to Liverpool
By E. R. Palmer
R. M. S. “OCEANIC,” MID-OCEAN, May 6, 1902. DEAR FELLOW WORKERS: Our good ship is rapidly plowing her way through the waves, bearing our company of delegates and canvassers, twenty-five in all, away from the home land, at the rate of nearly five hundred miles a day. During these few days of monotonous sailing, we have thought many times of the work in the United States, and, one after another, have called to mind the general agents, State agents, and tract society secretaries whom we have had the pleasure of meeting during the recent union conference meetings. I would enjoy writing a personal letter to you each, but must delay that for the present, and write these few words to you all. First, I must tell you about our voyage. Kind providence has favored us with as fine weather as I have ever seen at sea. We are also blessed with the privilege of making our journey in one of the best ships that sails the seas. She is seven hundred and four feet long, sixty-eight feet wide, and when loaded to the water line, draws thirty-five feet of water, and her weight, or tonnage, is 17,040 tons. She carries 1,813 passengers, and a crew of nearly 900, of whom there are six officers, 26 engineers and mechanics, 480 stewards, and 120 stokers. I have not been able to ascertain the number of sailors and cooks. The speed of the ship is from twenty to twenty-five miles an hour. She has ninety-six furnaces, which burn four hundred and eighty tons of coal a day. It requires forty men, working constantly, to shovel the coal into these furnaces. Each set of men works eight hours a day, in shifts of four hours each, thus requiring the one hundred and twenty stokers mentioned above. Although no boat has yet been built which is able to ride the ocean waves without pitching and rolling, this fine ship is able to resist the influence of the waves very largely. It was built and furnished at a cost of four and one-half million dollars, and is really a floating palace. She is built in fourteen water-tight sections, so that in case of collision, if a rent were made in her, the damaged section could be closed up water-tight, so that only a portion of the ship would fill. Some one has remarked that there is no safer place in the world to-day than on a first-class ocean steamer like this. Our company has been troubled very little with seasickness. Nearly all have taken their meals quite regularly, and are in good spirits. We are thankful that we have been thus favored. As we have had the privilege on this journey of becoming personally acquainted with the canvassers whom we have selected for the English field, we have been more and more thankful that the Lord has enabled us to select such earnest, able men as they all seem to be. They are about to enter upon a great work, and we trust that they will have the prayers of their fellow laborers at home. We know they will be greatly missed in the fields from which they have been taken, yet no one will wish them back, for they are going where the needs are many times greater. There is no more cheering omen in our work at the present time than this strong spirit which is being awakened everywhere in behalf of foreign lands. This company of canvassers on their way to England is, we trust, only one contingent of a great army that will, in the future, go from the United States to the great, needy countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The delegates who are on their way to the European Union Conference are not going for a visit of inspection; they are the scouts, or advance guards, who are going to these countries to stand face to face with their needs, and then with broad, intelligent ideas of them, will return home for men and means. We trust that the day is rapidly passing when nine tenths of all the workers will circle around in the home conferences of the United States, and nine tenths of the tithes of the people be regarded as the proper proportion to retain at home, while only one tenth, with a few donations, is divided into little parcels and distributed among the great nations of the earth, some of whom are larger than our own. I wish to say to you who are engaged in our book and tract society work, that my heart is indeed with you in the effort you are putting forth to re-establish and build up this department. You have a great work to do, and it ought to be done quickly. The Lord needs real generals,—men who will not dally along year after year with this work, and be satisfied with little success. Surely the time has come when it will please God to work through the men who have the courage of their convictions, and who have the strength of faith to work out great things in spreading the gospel truth. Hundreds of men are needed for foreign lands, but they must be trained at home. A strong work at home will mean a strong work abroad. Our State agents, tract society secretaries, and conference executive committees should unite in studying the present situation, and devise plans, upon a strong, broad basis, which will cause a general awakening in every State, and enlist a great army of workers for this blessed service. The Canvassing Work in Minnesota
By F. A. Detamore
Our canvassers' institute was held at Anoka, Minn., in March, and lasted three weeks. We had an attendance of about thirty. Nearly all were in preparation for the work this season. A goodly number started out April 1, and others went later. There are still some who intend to begin the work soon. God has set his seal to the work done thus far. We have had some difficulties with which to contend, but we have been able to see the guiding hand of Providence all the way. Wet weather has been a great hindrance to some, and sickness has taken a few out of the field; but most of those who went out are having good success in selling books, in meeting the people, in giving them the truth by way of Bible study and by the influence of a godly life. In many places the great prejudice that once existed against Adventist literature has passed away, so that now we find a demand for our publications. Not infrequently when asked if it is an Adventist book, and the reply is given that it is, persons say, “I'll take one. I like those books.” This is as it should be. These are the books that have the message for this special time. Many are greatly exercised regarding27 the appalling disasters that are taking place in so many parts of the world. The great volcanic eruptions have served to call the attention of many to our work. In our own State we have been visited with cyclones, and lives have been lost. Our books are selling in these sections, and people are inquiring into the truth. Thus we see the fulfillment of a statement on page 332 of “Christ's Object Lessons:” “Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.” God is ruling circumstances, and however discouraging they may seem, they may be used as “helpers” when rightly appropriated. The great need of this age is men. Men of strong character who possess faith in God and this last message, are needed now to carry to the people the only saving truth in the world. Where shall they be found? Many of them are engaged in other pursuits. God has workmen, and many of them are being impressed with their duty to enter the canvassing field. Some are yielding to the impression. Others are still faltering. May it not be that the great movement now on foot with “Christ's Object Lessons” will help many to see what they may do in this noble work if they but surrender all to the Master and follow the leadings of his Spirit? “As long as probation continues, there will be opportunity for the canvasser to work.” F. A. DETAMORE, State Agent. G. P. GAEDE
By G. P. Gaede
“THY people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” Ps. 110:3. I find this truth demonstrated in Ohio, as well as elsewhere. We are in the day of God’s power, when he is going to make known his glory in the earth. The greatest need of the people to-day is a knowledge of the time of God’s power, and how to make use of it. We have but few canvassers in the field at the present time, but those who are at work know their need, and are depending upon God for the power of Elijah in their work. The next great need of the people is instruction. They need to know how to work, especially in the sale of our publications. Canvassers who remain in the field are doing well. We are now endeavoring to increase our laborers, and to educate them and send them forth fully equipped for efficient service. We intend to get an early start this spring, and through the blessing of the Lord we expect success during the year. Christian Delay in Gospel Work
DELAY, on the part of Christians, in carrying the gospel is as much against God and his work as are the rejections of the sinner. Lake Union Conference Items
By J. B. Blosser
THE Ohio State agent writes that he has just started three more canvassers to work. Others will begin soon. In a recent letter, the Illinois State agent says: “I went to the —— church to look after some to engage in the work. I found an intelligent Christian, about twenty-one years of age, who has a burden for the work. He will canvass for ‘Daniel and the Revelation,’ as he has studied that book considerably. Another man with a family will also engage in the work. He has been wanting to canvass for some time, but needed some one to put him at it. Both have ability, and a reputation as ‘hustlers’ in anything they undertake. I expect to stay with them until they are well started.” From Wisconsin comes the encouraging report that “all but one of those who attended the institute are staying in the field. . . . I secured a few good, solid canvassers since the institute, who will soon be in the field. Brother Johnson just completed a large delivery, in which he delivered over one hundred28 per cent of his orders. The Lord is blessing the work in the State, and I want to see the good beginning kept up until the momentum attained shall take in every capable man and woman in our ranks. My time is fully occupied in looking after the work.” Michigan reports that they have almost twice as many in the work as they had last year, and that the State agent will soon place ten more in the field. Indiana’s State agent is of good courage in the work, and is planning on a vigorous campaign the remainder of the summer, visiting the canvassers, and getting recruits, and doing some actual work in the field. J. B. Blosser. Life Service
By J. S. James
As we near the close of this message, we find Satan enlisting all his powers to divert the minds of those who are engaged in the work to that of some line of work outside the message. With all the subtlety of his evil nature, he presents before the eyes of God’s workers enterprises which are foreign to the message. He pictures them in glowing colors, and never fails to point out specifically the great possibilities wrapped up in such enterprises. This is especially true with the canvasser and his work. I might ask the question, Who among you have not at some time in your experience been led to believe that you could carry on some secular enterprise in connection with your regular work? In many instances where this has been tried, dire failure has been the result,—failure because the principle of the thing was wrong; failure because the work was not done in accordance with the light God has given us. Let us examine the subject more closely; for it is an important one. We have been told, and we believe, that the canvassing work is next, if not equal in importance, to that of the gospel ministry. We have been told that the canvassing work “should be conducted from a missionary standpoint;” that “as much care and wisdom must be used in selecting the workers as in selecting men for the ministry;” that “canvassers should be impressed with the fact that the canvassing work is the very work the Lord desires them to do. They should remember that they are in the service of God.” “The intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser should be respected, for he occupies a position equal to that of the gospel minister.” From these quotations, it is evident to all that the canvassing work should be conducted on principles similar to those of the ministry. Listen to the charge that was given to the apostle Timothy: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. . . . But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Tim. 4: 1–5. We cannot “occupy a position equal to that of the gospel minister,” and at the same time occupy a position in secular affairs. We cannot “preach the word” as an evangelist, and devote one half or two thirds of our time to plowing in the field. We cannot “do the work of an evangelist” and “make full proof of our ministry,” and have other work “on the side” to occupy our minds and take our energies from God’s work. “No man that warreth entangeth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Tim. 2: 4. When a man enters the service of the United States army as a soldier, he leaves his business behind him. Yea, more than that; he leaves father and mother, sisters and brothers, houses and lands, that he may render his entire time and service to the interests of his country. The commander-in-chief of the army would not accept anything less from him. His life, his time, his energies, every faculty of his being, must be devoted to the cause of his country. Dear reader, we are chosen to be soldiers of the kingdom. We have an enemy to defeat, a victory to win. How can it be done? “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph. 6: 13–17. God does not call a man to do two things at once. We cannot engage in the canvassing work and render pleasing service to God, and be entangled “with the affairs of this life.” Dear reader, in what light have you regarded this subject in the past? How much time have you spent out of each week, month, or year, in active service for God? Stop and think a moment. Can a man serve God and mammon at the same time? Can we be increasing our worldly goods, gathering about us homes of comfort and luxury, and at the same time provide for ourselves “a treasure in the heavens that faileth not”? Can we spend seven tenths of our time (I should say God’s time) endeavoring to reap worldly gain, and devote the remainder of the time to the canvassing work, and feel that we have dealt justly with our Maker? Again we read the exhortation to Timothy: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” Never in the history of the message was there a greater need for men and women who will take up canvassing for a life work, and give themselves wholly to it. The canvassing work is as truly a calling as any other line of work. Why should it not be represented by life-long service, the same as other callings? The canvassing work is not a work for people to “try their luck” at, any more than the ministry. It is not the means of employment “during my vacation.” True, it has been used for that many times to good advantage. But it is not that. It is not to “make things boom for a few weeks before Christmas.” It is far above all that. It is God’s 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 very work the Lord desires his people to do at this time.” O that we might sense the importance of this message at this time, that we might be filled with a burning desire to tell it to others! Let us seriously consider these things before it is too late. May God help us to devote our whole life to his service, that when Jesus comes, we may “receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” Y. R. SINDKVIST
By Y. R. Sindkvist
WE are glad to have a part in this great work. Though scattered in all parts of the world, the work is one, and we have one common Leader. We are willing to co-operate in furnishing reports from this part of the vineyard. We now have thirty-five colporteurs. The books we sell here are “Prophecies of Jesus” and “Steps to Christ.” The circulation of the “Prophecies of Jesus” has just begun this year. Previously to the sale of this book, we sold about twenty thousand copies of “Sunbeams of Health and Temperance.” The Message Now Due
By A. F. Harrison
“WHEN the storm of God's wrath breaks upon the world, it will be a terrible revelation for souls to find that their house is being swept away because it is built upon the sand. Let the warning be given them before it is too late.” “The heart of God is moved. Souls are very precious in his sight. It was for this world that Christ wept in agony; for this world he was crucified. God gave his only begotten Son to save sinners, and he desires us to love others as he has loved us. He desires to see those who have a knowledge of the truth imparting this knowledge to their fellow men.” “Now is the time for the last warning to be given. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time; but how long will it continue?—Only a little while. If there was ever a crisis, it is now.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 16. Such words as these are calculated to arouse every true Christian to action. How can we stand by in a careless attitude, seeing nothing to do, in the face of such words from the living God, who has promised to give us special power in presenting the truth for this time? I know that this promise is true; for I have tested it. My life is devoted to the circulation of the printed page, and at present I am carrying it from door to door among the people, and the Spirit of God is not only with me, but it has gone on before, and prepared the way. God is anxious to do his part, but where are the laborers who are willing to leave all and follow him?29 My heart is burdened for this needy Southern field. How can we wait much longer for help? Think of nine large States with fifteen millions of people to warn, and in several of these there are but one or two canvassers in the field at work! When Gideon called for men to go out against the enemy, thirty-two thousand responded, and God found three hundred of that number full of faith, ready to face anything, and give him the glory. With this small number a great victory was achieved; and when Israel saw that the Lord was with his people, they rushed forward as one man to the battle. All were anxious to have a part in the closing work. So it will be with the third angel's message. Now is the time for men of courage and faith to move forward. Who will be the first to respond? I will promise with the Lord's help to go right out into the field, and work side by side with those who come into our territory. We make our call for workers. Who will have the courage to respond? A. F. HARRISON,
General Canvassing Agent,
Southern Union Conference.