WHEN the plan of increasing the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES was considered at Battle Creek, last winter, the Review Office made the very liberal proposition of furnishing the 'Sunshine at Home' at greatly reduced rates. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES also proposed to unite in this move and furnish the SIGNS at reduced rates to the tract societies which take them in large clubs to remail to the subscribers who purchase 'Sunshine at Home.' When the presidents of some of the large Western societies agreed that they were not prepared to remail the papers from the State depositories, it was suggested by Bro. W. C. White, that for a few months the SIGNS Office would mail the SIGNS to the individual subscribers, for the societies, at the same price. This was very liberal to the tract societies, on the part of the SIGNS Office, as it would save them two cents a pound, the publishers' rates of postage, and also the labor of remailing.
Where our tract societies were straining every nerve to pay for as many publications as they could to use in the missionary work, they felt to appreciate this favor. Notwithstanding the financial help this was to our tract societies, there are some reasons why it was not so good in other respects. We wish to mention some of the advantages which we think will more than compensate for the trouble and expense of remailing the papers. We are in need of laborers all over the country, both men and women who feel a burden for souls. And by remailing the SIGNS to weekly subscribers, and corresponding with them, there are many who can educate themselves to be successful missionary workers. If this is entered upon heartily, realizing that it is the work of God, it will discipline the mind to take and bear other responsibilities in the cause of God.
There are those of our sisters who can do this work. By remailing the SIGNS weekly they keep constantly upon their minds the individuals to whom the papers are sent. Frequently while remailing the papers they will be impressed to mark certain articles and then drop a postal card to the subscribers and call their attention to the article thus marked. This will oftentimes open up a correspondence, and awaken an unusual interest in the individuals for whom they are laboring. In this manner their minds are drawn out and educated to take an interest in those who are reading the SIGNS weekly, then at the end of the term of their subscription they will be specially interested to have them renew and obtain other publications. If the subscriptions are sent to the SIGNS Office, and those in the State have no further thought or responsibility in the matter, they will gain none of the experience we have mentioned. We therefore think that educating workers and arousing a living interest in the cause in the respective Conferences, the results would be far better to mail their papers from the depositories; and the experience thus acquired will far more than compensate for all the cost. This will also give character to the work in their respective Conferences, and more intimately connect the secretary and tract workers with the individuals for whom they labor. In this way their attention can be called to the camp-meeting, and special invitation given them to attend. Also notices of new works which are published from time to time, can be sent to these individuals with the prospect of securing the sale of the books. A number of our Conferences have adopted this plan retaining their subscriptions, and with the aid of the colporter as he recanvasses, have labored directly for each individual subscriber. Such Conferences sell a larger number of Vol. 4, and take a more active interest in the recanvass.
There is no book published by our people that is more important and calculated to accomplish more good than Vol. 4 of 'Great Controversy,'3which is to follow the 'Sunshine' canvass.
There is no article in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES that is calculated to create more of a general interest than the writing on the first page. As this is followed with Vol. 4, the reader cannot fail to get an idea of what we are, as a people, and what we believe. What we need among our people is to get the spirit and burden to labor for the souls that are around us. Any arrangement that will accomplish this is of more value than dollars and cents. Besides the expense and labor of mailing, the SIGNS is not as much as it at first might seem. According to the late postal law which takes effect the first of July, the postage for remailing the SIGNS will cost but one cent per pound. This is only one-half what it has cost heretofore. The expense therefore will be less than four cents a year for remailing the SIGNS, and only one cent a quarter for each subscriber. With Dick’s mailing machine, which can be purchased for $10, 1,000 copies can be mailed in an hour. However, this would not be practicable for our small societies, as it involves expense of type, etc. One person can address by hand from two to four in a minute, or from eight to twelve hundred in a day. If the depository is located where there is a missionary society or a church so that the sisters can come in and assist in the work, the labor of mailing will be but a trifle.
It is still the privilege of our tract societies to have the SIGNS Office send out the paper to the individual on the short term subscription if they choose. But from the experience it gives and the influence of it, which we have seen upon our societies, we think it would be better for the societies to take the work in their own hands. Our souls are pained when we see so many of our people take so little burden of the work. There is danger of the missionary work becoming mechanical and formal. We are laboring for souls; this is our work. And whatever plan that can be devised, or whatever means can be adopted that will lead us to feel for our fellow-men around us, and thus labor for their salvation, will be more profitable than gold and silver. The question is not what is the easiest way for ourselves, but which is the most effectual plan. Not, how we can save the most money in the operation, but how it will tell the most directly for the salvation of souls. We should study, not to please ourselves but Him who died for us.
The Tract Distributors.
By Stephen N. Haskell
THE question of placing tract distributors in public places has been discussed at our general annual meetings for a number of years past. Those of our brethren who have used them, and noticed the effect of the reading matter thus distributed, have spoken highly in their favor, while those who have had the least experience with them have been more reserved. Formerly, we have been of the more reserved class. But from what we have seen and known of the effect of them, we have become convinced of their utility.
At the International Society held at Battle Creek, Mich., last winter, the following preamble and resolution were passed:—
WHEREAS, each year's experience gives us more confidence in the efficiency of missionary work done on ships and railroad lines; therefore,
Reso'ved, that we recommend a more general effort in this line, and especially the placing of tract and periodical distributors in railway depots, and on ships and steamers; these distributors to be kept in place only as long as it is evident that they are useful, and arrangements can be made to keep them well supplied with reading matter.
At a subsequent meeting of a committee to consider the general interests of the cause, the distributors were highly recommended, and W. C. Sisley was appointed to see to supplying the various tract societies with them. There are two kinds of distributors used. One, simply containing nothing but our reading matter; while there is another kind used largely in depots in the Western States which have in the center a space large enough to hold a railway table, with pockets for our publications beneath and on each side. This secures a protection of them by the railroad officials, as their own advertisement is in the center. We see no objection to this, where it is necessary thus to protect our property.
There are about five hundred of these in active use in this country. Two hundred and seventy-five of these are on the Pacific Coast, while there are a few on the island of Honolulu, and on ships. Many of these are supplied each day; others twice a week, while those in rural districts once a week. The cost of supplying them averages about $12 a year each. Where they are filled once a week upon the Pacific Coast, the SIGNS, Review, and tracts are placed in them. The average cost of the 160, allowing them to be filled twice a week, which is a low estimate as many of them are filled each day, would amount to the sum of not less than $3,840 per year; and the total cost on the 275 used on the Pacific Coast would be $5,600. And there is no portion of the country where our brethren are more enthusiastic over the tract distributors than on the Pacific Coast. Our friends have watched them as the readers came in and took from them reading matter.
It has been ascertained that in many instances there are regular readers to the periodicals placed in the distributors. In one instance at the Oakland pier, in California, when a satchel of papers was brought in to supply the distributors, a lady requested the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and she was handed an old paper. She remarked that she had read that. The attendant gave her a later number, and as she took it she said she had also read that; he then handed her the latest number, for which she thanked him, and said she had not seen that number before. It was evident that she was a constant reader.
It is observed that tracts are the last things taken from the distributors; periodicals are invariably used first. Many interesting instances were related similar to the above in the late State quarterly meeting in California. In one town there are three families known to be observing the Sabbath as a direct result of the reading matter found in the distributors; in another place one family; and thus they are more or less to be found where the distributors are used. There is no doubt that in some cases the publications are wasted, but the amount, where it is so, is far less than might be supposed. Some have been seen to take out the papers and, after reading them, do them up in wrappers and address them to send by mail.
It is one of the effective means of scattering the truth among those who are unacquainted with it. When our brethren wake up to the importance of giving the light to others, there will be twenty used in this country where there is now one. The question may be asked, If it costs so much to supply them, would it not rob other branches of this work? This has not been the result in any case which we have known, but the result proves the same as in other respects where the spirit of the missionary work is manifested. Those tract societies that take the largest number of SIGNS to use in their missionary work, pay the largest tithe, and are more liberal in every other branch of the cause. It is the same with the tract distributors; those societies where they are mostly used do the largest amount of missionary work in other respects. The same spirit that inspires them in one phase of the work will lead them to adopt any means by which the cause of truth can be advanced in other phases. Recently the SIGNS Office has received quite a number of orders for distributors to be sent across the mountains. They have invariably been referred to Battle Creek, Mich.
In large depots and thoroughfares, where the people are traveling from one part of the country to the other, and will frequently have to wait an hour or two for the cars, is a very fitting place for the tract distributors. "Sow beside all waters" is the injunction of the inspired penman. The truth is to fall like leaves of autumn wherever there are people to be warned of the coming Judgment. God holds his people responsible for his work, and every lawful means by which it can be accomplished. It is duty for all to avail themselves of every providence that will accomplish God's design in giving his truth to mankind. It is not only important that these distributors be placed in public thoroughfares, but that they should be attended to. In every case, responsible persons should see them supplied, and provisions should be made for the reading matter. Individuals or local societies can do this without affecting the State treasury. There are many who could give $12 or $25 a year for this purpose. Then there are individuals living in the vicinity where the distributors are located who could attend to supplying them regularly. This is as important as it is to have the distributors. God's providence is over this work, and his hand is in it. This feature of missionary work will yet prove to be one of the greatest means of placing the truth before the people.
S. N. H.
Rivulet Missionary Societies.
By M. K. White
“Just as the twig is bent the tree’s inclined,” is a saying as familiar as it is true. It follows that if we want our children to grow up into noble, efficient missionary workers, we must begin early to teach them how to work. And we know of no better way to do this than to organize them into regular missionary societies, and let them work with the Instructor just as older ones work with the SIGNS. This has been successfully done in many places in the East, and within the last six months similar societies have been organized in Oakland, San Francisco, and Healdsburg, and we are glad to know that they are contemplated in many other places. Experience is said to be a hard school. In view of this fact, a few hints drawn from personal experience in the organization and working of such societies may be profitable to those who are thinking of leading out in the work at home.
In Oakland a meeting was first called by a few of the primary Sabbath-school teachers. After a chairman and secretary for the day had been elected, the constitution used in similar societies in the East adopted, and a nominating committee appointed, each of the children was given the name and address of one to whom he was to send the Instructor. After a few suggestions as to the nature of the letter which was to accompany the paper, each was requested to write a letter and bring it to the next meeting.
At the second meeting the officers were elected, the letters collected and examined, and the best read without giving the writer’s name. (Care should be taken to see that at least two or three good letters are written, and that those that are good are highly commended; but in no case should they be given to the children to copy.) After kindly criticising and suggesting, the letters were all handed back, with the request that they be carefully rewritten, and brought again the next week, stamped and addressed ready to mail. Instructions were then given about wrapping and addressing the papers, and each was requested to bring one to the next meeting, addressed the same as his letter.
At the third meeting the letters and wrapped Instructors are carefully examined, and the mistakes pointed out before all. If the work has been well done, the letters and papers can be mailed, or left with the secretary to mail. A new name is then given to each, and at the next meeting he brings a new letter and two Instructors neatly addressed; at the next he brings a new letter and three papers; and at the next a new letter and four papers. The first name is then dropped before the fifth is taken; and after that a new name is taken and one dropped each week, so that each member writes a letter and mails four Instructors each week. Thus the work begins gradually and systematically, and after the first four weeks a regular amount is done.
Too much pains cannot be taken with the letters. With a few suggestions at first, the children will be able to compose them themselves. In no case should they be allowed to copy the letters of one another, or even to write all their own letters alike. If they were to do this they would soon stop thinking, and consequently would lose their interest. The following are copies of letters that have been written by the children, showing a few of the many ways in which the letters can be varied:
“DEAR FRIEND: I am going to send you the Youth’s Instructor for a little while. It is the paper that we get in our Sabbath-school. The children in our school have a little society. The name of it is the ‘Rivulet Missionary Society.’ We have about twenty members. One part of our work is to interest children of our age in good reading. I am ten years old. If you know of any other little girls who would like to read the paper, send me their names, and I will send them a few numbers. “Sincerely yours.”
“DEAR FRIEND: I suppose you will be surprised to receive a letter from a stranger in a distant place; but I received your name from a friend of mine, and take the liberty to send you a copy of the Youth’s Instructor. We have taken the Instructor about nine years, and find it a very good paper. It is used in our Sabbath-school. I hope your parents will notice the lessons on the third page. These are for the older members of the school. I am twelve years old and study in a little book called ‘Bible Lessons.’ My last lesson was about Samuel. Do you go to Sabbath-school, and what do you study about? I will be very glad to receive an answer from you, telling me how you like the paper. I remain, yours truly.”
“DEAR FRIEND: I am a little girl eight years old, and like very much to read good books and papers. I have one paper called the Youth’s Instructor which I like very much. It always has three or four good stories, and much besides that is instructive. I will mark the pieces that I think the very best of all. When you have read them, please write and tell me how you like them. Your friend.”
Four papers are sent to each address, a letter accompanying the first. If no answer is received, the name is then dropped. If a letter is received, three or four more Instructors are sent. By this time the one who received the letter, or, if thought best, the corresponding secretary, is ready to answer it. With this letter he sends a copy of the SIGNS, with the statement that it is for their parents to read, and requests that they write and tell him how their parents like it.
One little girl, in answering a letter of this kind, said: “I received your kind letter and papers. Mother thought the paper, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, very good, especially the two stories, ‘Christ’s Second Coming’ and ‘Evil Effects of Tobacco.’ It is the same opinion that she has had about tobacco-using. Father thinks the papers good. Yes, they would read more of them. You wanted to know if I had looked at the lessons in the Instructor. Yes, and think they are very nice.”
Another little girl said that her father and mother had seen the SIGNS before, and they did not agree with the Seventh-day Adventists in regard to keeping the Jewish Sabbath. She then wisely quoted Col. 2: 16 and Rom. 14: 5, to show that it was not necessary to keep it. In answering this letter, one text was explained by copying a brief extract from “History of the Sabbath,” and the other by sending a marked copy of the SIGNS which treated on that subject. The result is yet to be seen. Certainly the parents are investigating the subject, and this is what we want.
The number of letters received by the society has been larger than expected. During the last quarter one was received to every three mailed. These have without exception spoken in high terms of the papers received, and almost every one has contained from one to ten names of other children to whom they would like to have the Instructor sent.
One little girl wrote that she was a member of the “Band of Hope.” A copy of the Good Health was sent to her, and in reply she says: “I received your kind letter a few days ago, also the temperance book. I like it very much. Perhaps after a while I can get the Youth’s Instructor into the Sunday-school. They have papers now, but after a while they will take it. They are all Methodists here.”
When the letters that have been received are read in the society, suggestions are made as to how they shall be answered. And in no case are the answers mailed before they have been brought to the society, carefully examined by the proper persons, and sometimes read before the society for the benefit of others.4
At first the only Instructors the children had to work with were what clean ones they could gather up in the church. But this fund was soon exhausted, and they began to plan how they could raise money to pay for a club of new ones. One girl arranged to earn a little money by caring for a neighbor's child an hour or two after school, another did some crotcheting for a friend. One little boy caught and sold some fish, and engaged to pump water for a neighbor twice a week. Another owned two hens, and agreed to give all the money he could get for the eggs. Several have planted gardens, and expect to sell a portion of the vegetables raised. It may be questioned by some whether a market can be found for these. But not so. At least one of the boys has already sold his crop. He has a standing offer of five cents apiece for all the cucumbers his garden will produce. A week or two before the holidays, most of the members went after school and canvassed for 'Child's Poems,' receiving five cents for each book sold. Most succeeded well; some not so well. One boy eleven years old sold eleven copies in one day.
A part of the first money earned was spent in obtaining stationery, also pass books in which is kept a full record of all the work done. Each one then pledged from five to twenty-five cents a month, according to what he thought he could earn, and a club of one hundred Instructors was ordered.
The question has been asked, How old must a child be in order to become a member? That does not depend so much on the age as on the ability to write, and the willingness of the parents to encourage. If the parents will take a little interest, a child can join just as soon as he can write or print neatly. One of our best workers is only eight years old, and some are even younger.
The names to be used by the society are gathered from ministers, school-teachers, canvassers, friends, or any one else. A copy of these names is kept in a large blank book, with the names of those from whom they are received and to whom given. The age is also specified, and each name is given to a member about the same age.
The meetings are held once a week, and are enlivened with singing, instruction from the blackboard on letter-writing and keeping the pass books, and by the reading of good missionary stories. When suitable stories cannot be obtained, we have found the interest equally good in a brief extract from 'Early Writings,' or 'Great Controversy, Vol. 4,' accompanied by occasional questions and explanations. It is surprising to see with what eagerness children will listen to a description of some of the events yet to transpire on the earth, and also to some of the author's early experience. Children whose parents have kept the Sabbath for years are often the most ignorant in regard to these things.
In all the exercises the aim should be to lead the mind to God, and to fill the children with such a strong love for the truth that when the temptations of youth come upon them they will not be carried away with the love of pleasure and society, but will be willing to do or suffer anything rather than renounce the truth. It was this principle, planted deep in the hearts of the youth of the Piedmont Valleys, that enabled them to stand firmly for right when persecutions came. And it is this principle, and this alone, that will enable the children and youth of our day to stand amid the trials that are soon to come upon God's people. Who is not willing to aid in implanting this principle in the hearts of at least a few of the children? The blessing of the Lord will surely attend such efforts, if put forth untiringly in his name and strength.
Testimonies on Sabbath Truth
By Editor
A SEA-CAPTAIN writes from Charleston, S. C.: "Inclosed please find money-order for $2, to pay for my subscription to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for one year. Having a number of copies sent on board of my vessel, I have read them carefully, and believe you are right in your teaching of the Scriptural truths of the Sabbath, and immortality through Christ. And being an elder in the Reformed Church, it is my duty to see that Scriptural truths are taught. I am specially interested in the series of articles on 'Constantine.'"
A lady who was previously a member of the Congregational Church at Windsor, Mo., says:
"DEAR SIGNS: One year we have had, through the kindness of some friend, weekly visits from you, which have been a source of much spiritual strength and benefit; and, with other writings on the subject, have confirmed myself and greatly influenced my husband in the belief of the seventh-day Sabbath. I have just started out to keep it holy, and I hope if faithful in prayer, walk, and words, that before long my whole family of seven will be keeping the Lord's Sabbath. Inclosed find subscription for the SIGNS. I read them all and then send to friends and neighbors, for I feel it is sowing gospel seed. And though I cannot yet fully believe all your doctrines, I do believe that Christ is coming soon; also that God's commandments are unchanged by him, and to keep them all is essential to salvation. I am sincerely yours in Christian friendship."
What the "Signs" Is Doing.
By Editor
A LADY in Waverly, Iowa, writes: "Inclosed find money to pay for 'Thoughts on Revelation,' and SIGNS OF THE TIMES. An uncle has kindly sent me the paper occasionally, and I like it so well that I want it to read every week. I am not professionally one of your 'Band,' yet I believe very much as you do, and want more light."
A young man of Williamstown, Australia, writes: "I am a poor fatherless boy, the sole support of my mother. I am working in a printing office. I am reading your papers and find great comfort in them, and am showing your letter to many friends."
The secretary of the Y. M. C. A. of New Zealand writes: "I have received the SIGNS OF THE TIMES you so kindly sent me. Please accept my best thanks for the same. We should be most happy to receive a copy of the paper for our reading-room. I feel confident that your paper would be highly appreciated."
A lady of Virginia writes: "I thank you sincerely for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES sent me. I think it an excellent paper. It has more purely religious reading in it than any paper I know; and less advertisements and light reading than any paper I ever saw. Our religious papers of to-day are filled up with advertisements, etc., to far too great an extent. Some of them are nothing less than advertising columns."
A lady in Mississippi writes: "I thank you for the papers sent; I have read them carefully. Their teachings prove conclusively to my mind to be in harmony with those of our Lord. Every page of the SIGNS seems to breathe charity, holiness, and consecration to the service of God. I regard you as a people peculiarly taught of the Holy Spirit. You are obeying the divine command, and your light is not hidden. Its rays penetrate to the very hearts of all who earnestly desire and seek light upon this important and glorious theme."
A minister of St. Louis, Mo., writes: "I could no longer refrain from expressing my gratitude for the SIGNS. It is an excellent paper, and one in which others as well as myself are delighted. I hope to be able to obtain some subscribers for it soon."
A gentleman in Maryland writes: "I should be pleased to receive the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and will peruse it with care and pleasure. I consider it a very good paper, and hope it may live long to disseminate the truth of God."
A letter received from an M. D. of Nebraska, says: "The curiosity with which the first few copies of the SIGNS were examined was soon changed to deep interest. I look forward to its arrival expecting to find in each number real spiritual food."
A lady in Scotland writes: "I thank you very much for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I have been in receipt of it for two months. The paper is very interesting and contains many good pieces. I realize that we are truly living in perilous times. The SIGNS will be gladly received. It always affords me much pleasure to hear from Christians, and I trust the time is not far distant when all God's children shall meet in one home, and be forever with the Lord."
A gentleman of Georgia says: "I have received two copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES which were highly appreciated. This paper is always a welcome visitor to our home; and as I am on the literary committee in our missionary society, I have read several pieces in the SIGNS at our monthly meetings. I think the SIGNS a splendid paper, filled with pure, wholesome literature of a high grade; and coming as it does, almost across the continent, we receive it as a message of love from our brethren in Christ."
Republication of the Testimonies.
By James White
It is known to all our churches that it has for some time been contemplated to publish the "Testimonies for the Church" in four bound volumes. It seems absolutely necessary to the preservation of these important writings that this shall be done. They were first published in small pages, thin paper covers. Some of the numbers were published in great haste, to meet the wants of the cause at the large gatherings of the believers, that they might be taken by the brethren to the various parts of the field. And in some instances the editions were quite small. A second edition of the earlier ones was issued, but only of the earlier ones. Some have tried to preserve them by binding several numbers together, but this could not be successful for several reasons: the editions were not large enough to meet the general want; and the pages were too small to admit of permanent binding in books of any considerable size. In the meantime the first copies were being worn out, or virtually destroyed.
One fact was recognized by all: much of the matter which they contain is of the greatest importance, and all ought to have a wider circulation than it has had; and it ought to be put up in a form which will insure its preservation.
Accordingly it was decided to issue them complete in four volumes. Each volume will contain between 600 and 700 pages, and will be sold for $1.50, or $6.00 for the set. These will be among the cheapest books, according to their cost, which have issued from our presses.
They have been unavoidably delayed from various causes, yet more or less work has been done on them for some time past. But last winter it was decided that they should not be delayed for any consideration; and it was decided also that they should be issued from the Oakland publishing house, where the work could be under the supervision of the writer of the Testimonies. Notwithstanding there was a great pressure of work in our office, a certain portion of our experienced laborers was assigned to this work, and it has progressed to the satisfaction of all. They are so far advanced that it is confidently expected to have them ready for the camp-meetings this coming summer. People may send in their orders with the assurance that they will be soon filled, Providence still prospering our labors.
No. 32, just issued, has been put up in good, substantial covers, and all future numbers, if the Lord still vouchsafes more to us, will be well bound, so that all may be preserved together. We congratulate our churches that this desirable work is so near its accomplishment, and that soon they can have the Testimonies complete, in plain type, and well bound. And we hope there will be renewed interest in their reading and study. J. H. W.
The “Signs of the Times Supplement.”
By Editor
This is the name of a new, 4-page, semi-monthly, paper. It is designed for use specially in the tract distributors that are placed in the public reading-rooms, hotels, depots, and post-offices; and for the city mission work of visiting from house to house. This 4-page SUPPLEMENT contains about as much reading matter as a 32-page tract, yet we can print it in paper form at about one-half the wholesale price of such a tract.
Price per year for the SIGNS and SUPPLEMENT, together to single subscribers, $2.30. In clubs of five or more to one name and address, $1.80. The 4-page, semi-monthly, SUPPLEMENT alone in clubs of 100 and upwards will be furnished, post-paid, at $25.00 per 100. Twenty-five papers make a volume, thus in large clubs it only costs one cent a copy. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.