At the extra session of the General Conference, held at Battle Creek, Nov. 12 and 13, it was voted to revive this Society, with sister M. J. Chapman as treasurer. By virtue of his office the president appointed sister Chapman secretary.
The necessity of such an organization has been felt for years. It was organized at the session of the General Conference in 1874. A pressure of other matters and unavoidable circumstances have prevented this organization from receiving that attention which it otherwise would.
There are small companies of Sabbath-keepers in different parts of this country, also in Europe and other portions of the world, that are not connected with any Seventh-day Adventist Conference, and these, when they learn of us, are anxious to co-operate with us in the missionary work. There are also individuals who have never seen any of like faith, except it be their own families, who have embraced these doctrines and are observing the Sabbath of the Lord. A few words from those of experience are a source of encouragement to them. One object of this organization is to reach this class of individuals and such companies, and to link their interests with the cause of God in a special manner. Reading matter should be furnished them, and also such assistance as would build them up in the most holy faith.
Again, if there is a necessity of having organized churches unite in a State Conference, and the various State Conferences unite in one general Conference, that unanimity of action and a concentration of strength may exist throughout the body, there is far more necessity of consolidation of all our Tract Societies in one general head that will sustain the same relation to the various Tract Societies as the General Conference sustains to our State Conferences.
In short, we are one people. No rending schism breaks our ranks. We are a unit in faith. In Europe, Asia, and Africa, there is a union of sentiment which is truly wonderful among those who keep the commandments of God. This is attributable to the fact that God is the author of those truths which have characterized this people for more than a quarter of a century. There are companies who have embraced the views held by Seventh-day Adventists of America, in Spain, France, Italy, Prussia, Holland, Austria, and Africa; and in a number of these cases, these companies arose without any knowledge of the fact that there were any other of like faith in the world. Having learned of our existence, they extend their hands for sympathy and help. They are greatly encouraged by receiving a knowledge of the extent of this work, and by reading periodicals and publications treating upon these truths. There have been hundreds of dollars expended in sending publications and periodicals to different parts of the world by some of our Conferences. There has therefore arisen a necessity for a General Conference organization, supported by the various Conference Tract Societies, to extend that light and truth, which give hope and joy, and which we have so bountifully received, to those precious souls who are looking and longing for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We bid them a hearty welcome to our ranks, we invite them to participate in the joys and sorrows which are common to those who are waiting for the coming of the Son of man. No national caste should exist as a barrier to those whose hearts have been made to rejoice in present truth. All who revere God’s holy law can meet upon this one platform,—“commandments of God and faith of Jesus,” and wait for the salvation of Him who is the joy of their hearts.
It can be readily seen that there is no place so fitting for the headquarters of this organization as the headquarters of this work, where our publishing houses are located. It is to this place that our publications direct the inquirer after truth. There is no individual so fitting to be president of such a Society as the president of the General Conference. No person is so fitting to be its secretary as some one connected with the publishing house at Battle Creek. It is with such officers that this organization is revived, and we invite our friends, both in the Old World and in different parts of this country outside of the bounds of Conference organizations, to correspond with the general secretary, Mrs. M. J. Chapman, Battle Creek, Mich., or with the president, Eld. James White, Oakland, Cal.
There are companies in this country who have joined the New England Tract Society, having had their attention first called to the truth by that Conference, in the absence of this General Conference organization. Now their names will be transferred to the secretary of this general organization. Donations can be sent to her, as she is treasurer, and all business pertaining to the missionary work relating to such individuals and companies will be promptly attended to by her. This does not include scattered individual members of churches which belong to any of our Conferences. These can retain their membership, and labor as heretofore. But those who have become interested in present truth, and are desirous of reading matter, North, South, East, or West, or in any part of the civilized world outside of present Conference organizations, are invited to co-operate here.
This in no manner is designed to prevent individuals and Tract Societies from laboring to call the attention of as many as possible everywhere to these solemn truths as heretofore. There are scores to-day observing the Sabbath as the results of such labor, and far more might be accomplished in this direction than ever has been, would our friends generally take an interest in it. Our field is the world; and God’s providence has led the way far in advance of us, and bids us follow. We long to see the time when there will be a blending together, a hearty co-operation of every company of Seventh-day Adventists on this globe, including those Chinese who have in their houses the Lord’s prayer and ten commandments, which is the first that their children commit to memory. The prophet Zephaniah calls for a gathering together of all the meek of the earth “before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you.” Zeph. 2:1-3. We expect before the next session of this Society, which will be at the next General Conference, that we shall have a definite report from those co-operating with us in different parts of the civilized world. We invite all our Tract Societies to co-operate in sustaining this organization.
The New England Conference has to some extent, although under great disadvantages, tried systematically to prosecute this work. For this purpose they organized a Vigilant Missionary Society, and they rejoice to see some fruit of their labor. Now they cheerfully unite their interest to sustain this general organization. They have raised a fund for this purpose, and now from its limited treasury they donate $50, and invite our sister Conference Tract Societies to do in proportion as God has blessed them.
S. N. Haskell.
NOTES OF THE DISCUSSION IN KANSAS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
FOURTH SESSION.
In this session I made a lengthy argument upon the two laws. This point, well sustained, takes the heart right out of the no-law position. I here give a synopsis of what I proved concerning the two laws.
The moral law I will term, Law Number 1, the typical law, Law Number 2. I showed as follows:—
THE TWO LAWS COMPARED.
1 { Number 1—Existed in Eden, before the fall.
Number 2—Was given after the fall. }
2 { Number 1—Was violated in the transgression which caused the fall. Gen. 3:6.
Number 2—Was given in consequence of that transgression of No. 1. Gal. 3:19. }
3 { Number 1—Relates only to moral duties. Ex. 20:1–17, etc.
Number 2—Is wholly ceremonial, pointing to the promised seed. Heb. 9:10. }
4 { Number 1—Was spoken by God from Heaven. Deut. 4:12.
Number 2—Spoken by Moses. Deut. 1:1–6. }
5 { Number 1—Was written by God. Ex. 31:18.
Number 2—Was written by Moses. Deut. 31:9. }
6 { Number 1—Was engraved upon stone. Deut. 4:13.
Number 2—Was written in a book. Deut. 31:24. }
7 { Number 1—Was placed in the ark. Deut. 10:5.
Number 2—Was put in the side of the ark. Deut. 31:26. }
8 { Number 1—Was “right,” “true,” and “good,” Neh. 9:13.
Number 2—Was not “good.” Eze. 20:25. }
9 { Number 1—Was a law “which if a man do, he shall even live in” it. Eze. 20:11.
Number 2—Was a law whereby they should “not live.” Eze. 20:25. }
How could these possibly be the same law?
10 { Number 1—Was perfect. Ps. 19:7.
Number 2—Made nothing perfect. Heb. 7:19. }
11 { Number 1—Christ did not come to destroy. Matt. 5:17.
Number 2—He abolished. Eph. 2:15. }
12 { Number 1—Is to endure while heaven and earth stand. Matt. 5:18.
Number 2—Passed away when the seed came. Gal. 3:19. }
13 { Number 1—Is “the law of liberty.” Jas. 2:12.
Number 2—Is a “yoke of bondage.” Gal. 5:1. }
14 { Number 1—The apostle delighted in. Rom. 7:22.
Number 2—Was a yoke which could not be borne. Acts 15:10. }
15 { Number 1—Is not abolished, but established, by faith. Rom. 3:31.
Number 2—Was abolished by the cross. Eph. 2:15. }
How could the same law be abolished, and not abolished, at the same time?
16 { Number 1—Is “spiritual.” Rom. 7:14.
Number 2—Is “carnal.” Heb. 7:16. }
Can the same law be both spiritual and carnal at the same time? Yes; if white is black, and black is white.
17 { Number 1—Is “holy,” and “just, and good.” Rom. 7:12.
Number 2—Is called “the enmity,” “that was against us, which was contrary to us.” Col. 2:14. }
18 { Number 1—Contains the whole duty of man. Eccl. 12:13.
Number 2—“Stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances.” Heb. 9:10. }
19 { Number 1—Was written by nature in the heart of the Gentiles. Rom. 2:14.
Number 2—Was a wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles. Eph. 2:14, 15. }
20 { Number 1—Was “the royal law.” Jas. 2:8.
Number 2—Was the law of Moses. Acts 15:10. }
21 { Number 1—Jesus came to magnify and make honorable. Isa. 42:21.
Number 2—He disannulled. Heb. 7:18. }
22 { Number 1—Is to be kept with the faith of Jesus. Rev. 14:12.
Number 2—Is superseded by the faith of Jesus. Gal. 3:19–25. }
23 { Number 1—Must be kept as a condition of entrance into eternal life and paradise. Matt. 19:16–19; Rev. 22:14.
Number 2—Is not a standard of character. Rom. 2:25–27. }
This list might be greatly extended, but the above points of contrast are sufficient to show that all inspired writers have recognized and noted the distinction between the two laws, the moral and ceremonial.
[Our preachers may find it convenient to cut out this table and keep it for use in lectures.]
Scarcely one of these arguments was answered by the Elder. Most of them he never touched at all. I find that it is a good thing in a debate frequently to give a summing up like the above. It presents it in a small compass, and generally makes a strong impression upon the audience.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
(To be Continued)
Bad Bargains: Lessons from a Sabbath School
Once a Sabbath-school teacher remarked that he who buys the truth makes a good bargain, and inquired if any scholar recollected an instance in Scripture of a bad bargain. “I do,” replied a boy; “Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage.” A second said, “Judas made a bad bargain when he sold his Lord for thirty pieces of silver.” A third boy observed, “Our Lord tells us that he makes a bad bargain, who, to gain the whole world, loses his own soul.”
WISCONSIN
By H. W. Decker
From Dec. 26 to 31, I held meetings with the Mackford church. The attendance was small. There were but two present besides the Mackford church. This was discouraging, as I had expected to meet all of the brethren in that vicinity. There must be a great lack of interest when our brethren are not willing to go a few miles to attend these important meetings. Unless they manifest more interest, I fear they will fail to meet in the last great gathering of God’s people. The brethren of Mackford were laboring under some discouragements. There was a lack of union among them, which made them weak.
During the week, I spoke on the promises of God and the nearness of the Judgment. On the Sabbath I gave two discourses on Christian duties. After the second we had a social meeting, in which nearly all took part. It was a general time of confessing wrongs. Some, in their anxiety to make thorough work, spoke twice, and with many tears confessed their mistakes. A good work was done, and the Spirit of the Lord was there to witness to it.
Sunday was given to business. Systematic Benevolence was re-organized, and increased $69. All voted to add one-third to their S. B. pledges, to be paid quarterly for the use of the T. and M. Societies. Sixty-nine dollars and seventy-three cents were pledged for the tent and camp-meeting fund. This district will send out four or five canvassers for the SIGNS and REFORMER. All testified that they were greatly encouraged. The outside interest was good.
H. W. DECKER.
Fremont, Jan. 7.
WISCONSIN
By C. W. Olds
HIXTON.
Here Bro. Hegg and I had a tent-meeting last summer. As the result, a little company was led to reverence God’s holy law. After having been absent two months, I visited them again, and was rejoiced to find them all holding on firmly. I staid with them one week, holding meetings and visiting from house to house. This company have kept up meetings every Sabbath since we left them in October.
December 24th they came together to consider the subject of organization. An elder and clerk were chosen. After giving some explanation in regard to the Bible method of S. B., they all voted to enter upon this good work also. May the blessing of the Lord ever be with this vine of the Lord’s planting. The 24th of December we went to
TAYLOR,
and commenced meetings the same evening. Here we also held a meeting last fall after the close of tent labor, when a dozen or more started in the good work of the third message. I found them all holding to the Sabbath, but they had not made much advancement, as they had not kept up their Sabbath meetings. I staid with this company one week, and the Lord helped us in speaking the word. The brethren were strengthened, and they resolved to do better in the future in keeping up their Sabbath meetings, and to strive for the overcomer’s reward. My prayer is that the Lord will bless this little company, and help them to walk in the light.
C. W. OLDS.
IOWA AND NEBRASKA T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By George I. Butler; C. G. Johnston
PURSUANT to call of the president, the Iowa and Nebraska Tract and Missionary Society met in quarterly session at Knoxville, Iowa, on Dec. 31, 1876, and was called to order by the president, and opened with prayer by Bro. G. V. Kilgore.
The minutes of the last meeting, being called for, were read and approved.
The report of labor since last meeting, being called for, was read by the secretary, which, condensed, is as follows:—
No. of families visited, 262; letters written, 215; new subscribers for REVIEW, 22; INSTRUCTOR, 77; REFORMER, 19; TIDENDE, 22; SIGNS, 14; HERALD, 2. Reading matter sent to friends, REVIEW, 65; INSTRUCTOR, 2; REFORMER, 5; SIGNS, 2. Periodicals distributed, 1,282; Almanacs, 635; tracts and pamphlets, 178,317, pp.; books furnished to libraries, 109.
Money received on membership, $94.00; by donations, $156.25; on book sales, $34.67; for new subscribers, $50.20; Widow and orphan fund, $11.00. $346.12.
The financial report, being called for, was read and approved, and the balance of the session was taken up by timely and appropriate remarks from a number of the brethren, when at 2 o’clock the meeting adjourned to 4½ o’clock P. M.
At 4½ o’clock P. M., Dec. 31, 1876, the directors met in business session.
Reports of committees being called for, the committee appointed at last meeting to redistrict the State reported their work completed.
On motion, The report was adopted, to take effect at the commencement of next Conference year, and is as follows:—
Dist. No. 1, to consist of the following counties in Iowa: Allamakee, Fayette, Winneshiek, Howard, Chickasaw, Mitchell, Bremer, Floyd, and Butler.
Dist. No. 2, Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan, Black Hawk, Cedar, Benton, Linn, Jones, Jackson, and Clinton.
Dist. No. 3, Scott, Muscatine, Johnson, Washington, Iowa, and Keokuk.
Dist. No. 4, Louisa, Des Moines, Lee, Henry, Jefferson, Van Buren, Wapello, and Davis.
Dist. No. 5, Mahaska, Poweshiek, Marion, Jasper, Warren, and Polk.
Dist. No. 12, That part of Nebraska lying between the Platt River and the second tier of counties on the South line, except Otoe county.
Dist. No. 13, All of Nebraska north of the Platt River.
Dist. No. 14, The second tier of counties in Nebraska and Otoe county.
Dist. No. 15, Dakota Territory.
Committee on blank reports reported a form of blanks, which, on motion, was referred to the secretary and treasurer for revision, and to report at the next meeting.
A resolution, that each district pay its own freight on all matter received from the Publishing House and twenty-five per cent. additional for all matter received at the camp-ground, being offered, was on motion, adopted.
On motion, Dist. No. 3 was credited with one-half of the $170 forgiven by the Publishing House, and the balance was credited to Dists. Nos. 8 and 11, in proportion to their respective amounts of indebtedness.
On motion, A surplus of books in hands of Dist. No. 3 was accepted by the Society, and said district credited with the same.
On motion, It was ordered that all names of subscribers for periodicals shall be sent directly to the Publishing House, by the directors, and the money paid in quarterly to the State treasurer.
On motion, The president was authorized to appoint the time and place of next meeting.
On motion, Ordered that the proceedings of this meeting be published in REVIEW.
On motion, Adjourned,
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.
C. G. JOHNSTON, Sec.
“CRUMBS OF COMFORT.”
By Charles P. Whitford
TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORKERS, read the following and then take courage.
The following letter is just received from a young man who was induced to read THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, but who had not interest enough to subscribe and pay for it himself:—
“DEAR BROTHER, After several months of study and investigation upon the Sabbath question, I have become heartily convinced that the day of rest, instituted by Almighty God, and sanctified for the use of mankind, is the Sabbath taught and observed by S. D. Adventists, and the only23one that Christians are commanded to keep; and, furthermore, that the great truths embodied in the third angel’s message are of too great and solemn importance to be disregarded just as we are entering the closing scenes of this world’s sad history; and for one, I want to be among that number who are redeemed from the earth, to unite with the hosts of Heaven in singing the joyful song of nature’s re-creation.”
“I am glad that the light of the sure word of prophecy is breaking forth amid the darkness of error and unbelief, and that God is preparing a people to stand the test of the final judgment scenes of the last great day of God Almighty. The crisis is rapidly approaching; and may you and I, my dear brother, be able to stand in our lot and place with the wedding garment on, and hear it said, Well done, is the prayer of your unworthy brother in Christ.”
Another writes as follows:—
“Your kind letter is received. Many thanks for the same. I have perused your books with pleasure, and I trust with profit. The Sabbath question is so completely cleared up that I should not dare contend with you, without a ‘thus saith the Lord,’ and you have them all on your side.”
For the encouragement of our missionary workers everywhere, we wish to say that both of the above writers are keeping the Sabbath and rejoicing in the truth. We might give many more extracts from private letters showing good accomplished as a direct result of T. and M. work; but we forbear for want of space. Suffice it to say, we now begin to see souls embracing the truth as a result of this kind of labor, and this should give an increase of courage, and stimulate us all to greater faithfulness in connection with this important branch of the work. CHAS. P. WHITFORD.
RESTING IN GOD.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”
This rest is not the brief release
That only lasts while tempests cease,
A transient and uncertain peace;
Nor yet the long, untroubled sleep
In coral groves beneath the deep,
That knows not when the whirlwinds sweep.
It is that constant, changeless calm
That midst the billows’ worst alarm
Holdeth its faith, nor feareth harm;
A rest, not on, but “in the Lord”—
Ah! could another human word
Such sense of restfulness afford?
As if, encircled by his love,
On either side, beneath, above,
The soul lost all desire to rove.
—Christian Weekly.
LANCASTER, N. Y.
By B. L. Whitney
AFTER a continuous stay of nearly six months at Rome, N. Y., I am in the field again, to try as best I can to encourage the brethren to more activity in the tract and missionary work. I feel very anxious that the present season shall not pass without our being able to note a marked improvement in this direction. Brethren, with the help of the Lord we are able to do very much more than we have ever done in scattering the precious seed of present truth, and thus helping forward the work of the third angel’s message. Will we not resolve in the strength of God to do this, and then set ourselves to laying plans for the accomplishment of the work?
I spent Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 7, with the church at Lancaster, Erie Co. I am glad to report that some of those who have been longest engaged in the work here are still holding on, and to report a good degree of success attending their efforts. Others, I am sorry to say, do not seem to manifest so lively an interest as heretofore, while there is another class, who, it would seem, have never caught the spirit of the work, and are standing idle, while the fields are, day by day growing whiter, and God by his providence is so loudly calling for laborers.
This state of things led us seriously to reflect upon this question. Will the Master have a reward for those who can find no place to fill, in the work here? We hope from the good resolutions expressed that an improvement will be seen in future, and that the brethren here will take hold of this work with more energy than ever before.
The friends here are exceedingly anxious that Bro. Canright should visit them, and pledge themselves to make a thorough effort to have, not only a full attendance of the brethren and sisters, but also of such outsiders as they hope might be benefited by the meeting. I think this the proper place for a general meeting for western New York, and hope Bro. C. may be able to visit them, as in some respects they very much need his labors. From here I go to East Otto, Cattaraugus Co.
B. L. WHITNEY.
Buffalo, N. Y., Jan. 8.
MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By George C. Tenney
I was engaged during the month of December holding meetings in Bro. Farrar’s neighborhood. The attendance was good when the weather was favorable, which was not a large portion of the time. Three embraced the truth, and are waiting baptism. Sabbath meetings and Bible class have been started. The truth could make no general impression there, as the people have had it before them more or less since Bro. Waggoner and others were in that vicinity twenty-five or thirty years ago.
I came to this place Dec. 27, where an interest had been raised by circulating tracts, and seven or eight had begun to observe the Sabbath. Several have since begun to obey, though we have not yet reached that subject; so that there are now nearly twenty observing the Sabbath of the Lord, where but a short time ago there were but four or five. This is good evidence of the usefulness of our Tract organization.
We are holding meetings in a hall in the village, where the interest is not very good, but the people from the surrounding country attend well. We think the truth will reach some hearts; and, through the blessing of the Lord, we hope to see a church raised up here. Bro. Enoch and wife are here assisting.
GEO. C. TENNEY.
Black Creek, Jan. 8, 1877.
SLASH, IND.
By Wm. Covert
I have held twenty-eight meetings at this place up to this time. There is some interest that is not yet decided, and we continue at least a week longer. Our meeting last Sabbath was good. The Lord blessed. Seven are keeping the Sabbath as a result of our meetings so far. We hope for others. We desire the help of the Lord, and hope to labor to his glory.
Wm. Covert.
Jan. 4.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
Having been hindered for several weeks from holding meetings, owing to bad weather, with no prospect of improvement before spring, I counseled with the brethren regarding exchanging the mud of the country for the pavements of city or town. They decided that nothing could be done in the country until spring opens; and hearing of several Sabbath-keepers at Nashville, who were unorganized, they counseled me to visit them at once, and provided me with a horse with which to make the journey. Three days later, I reached Bro. Richardson’s, where I met Bro. G. K. Owen. Here I was informed that some of the Sabbath-keepers of Nashville had moved to another locality, and I could not learn the address of any of the rest; so the way seemed closed up before us.
Not knowing what to do, we gave ourselves to fasting and prayer; and as we humbled ourselves before the Lord and threw ourselves upon his promises, his Spirit came upon us in power, and light seemed to break in upon us. The way seems to be open for a course of lectures at the little town of Franklin; and Bro. Owen and I intend to begin the work there as soon as proper arrangements can be made.
ORLANDO SOULE.
Jan. 9, 1877.
FINANCES IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE.
By Smith Sharp
THE reports for the quarter ending Dec. 31, are all received excepting one. That one should be sent immediately. There can be no excuse as blanks were sent out several days before the expiration of the quarter, envelops properly directed for the return of the report were also sent.
The reports as received show a remittance to the treasurer from all the churches excepting one. That church contains more than twenty members. The S. B. treasurer in that church has done his duty in promptly returning a blank if he could not collect any money; but have he and the elder of that church done their duty in trying to have the members pay what they have pledged? Some one has failed, and it strikes me that all have, or a blank need not be sent.
One other church containing less than twice as many members as this one has paid more than all the rest of the churches put together. That church carries out the tithing system.
If every Seventh-day Adventist in Kansas would do this (and God requires nothing less), our Conference would not only be self-sustaining, but there would be money to put into the General Conference fund.
Brethren and sisters, do you not think if the apostle Paul were living in a Conference where there were eighteen churches, and one of them were to pay more than all the rest, he would say to it, “I mean not that other men be eased and ye burdened. But by an equality”? 1 Cor. 8:13, 14. When will we all do our duty?
SMITH SHARP, Sec.
CLINTON CO., PA.
By R. F. Cottrell
I AM in the interior of the “Keystone State,” on the West Branch of the Susquehannah River, in a German settlement near Lock Haven. There is but one Sabbath-keeper here. He had a little acquaintance with our people some years ago, in Iowa, and has had a few of our tracts to read and circulate.
I began meetings last evening (Jan. 7), in a nice country meeting-house belonging to the Evangelical church. The people are intelligent and well educated in English, especially the young, and are friendly and hospitable; and I earnestly pray, and desire the prayers of all believers, that this kind and religious people may receive the truth that God has prepared for our time, and that we may meet them in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. R. F. COTTRELL.
P. S. My address is Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Pa. R. F. C.
HOW SHALL WE PROCEED?
By L. G. Moore
As many are already engaged, and others are about to engage, in the work of canvassing for the Almanac and other publications, perhaps a word in relation to the way will not be out of place. Many no doubt are hesitating because they do not know how to take hold of the work. For the encouragement of such this article is written.
In the first place, take the whole business to the Lord and entreat him to bless his own work, and to give you as an humble instrument, wisdom and courage, for without these two essentials you will certainly fail. Study the publications until you have unlimited confidence in them. As you examine the Almanac you will see that it is worthy of a place in every family, workshop, and place of business in the land.
Let your deportment be such that you will gain the confidence of your patrons. If successful in this, your work is easy. Be so polished in your way and manners that if any are inclined to cast dust upon you, it will slide off and leave you unspotted.
Never descend to reply to the low and vulgar, but continually strive to elevate. I do not mean by this that you should hold yourself at a distance, oh! no, be friendly to all; but do not encourage low familiarity. Feel the importance of the work. Certainly you are engaged in as respectable a calling as if you were selling merchandise for the Stewart house of New York.
If you at any time give way to discouragement, think of the “well done” in a little way from this and of the untold benefits of health reform to thousands who now sit in darkness. Be energetic. When you enter a dwelling begin at once; if you do not the enemy will rapidly multiply the distance between you and the one you wish to benefit.
Perhaps it would be well to say after you enter, I am distributing a Health Almanac, and I desire to place one in every family, workshop, and place of business, in the city. To this end I cheerfully give my time; and as I am not advertising a patent medicine or drug establishment, I cannot afford to give them away. Then hold the book in your own hand, and turn the leaves, and explain briefly as you do so. Be thoroughly in earnest. They will catch the same spirit—and your work is done. Remember the first impression you make will tell nine, times out of ten, for or against you, therefore let your attire be clean and neat. Never take an old, dilapidated valise as your companion. Some may think this a small matter to speak of, but my experience is that people judge of the work very much by the condition of the tools.