It is sometimes a good thing to look backward. The lives and deeds of men, both good and bad, were written for us upon whom the ends of the world are come. From the heroism of those who have gone before, courage and faith may oftentimes be drawn to nerve us for the battles of to-day. It is God's plan that it should be so.
Looking backward over the period of time which has elapsed since the work with “Christ's Object Lessons” first began in the early days of 1900, much can be seen which, if studied, will inspire not only holy faith and joy, but loyalty and perseverance until the victory is won.
The history of the work with “Christ's Object Lessons” has been an interesting one from its inception.
The gray dawn of the first days of the closing year of the nineteenth century20arose upon our cluster of denominational colleges and academies, sitting in sadness and despair, with debts aggregating three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and ever-increasing interest, amounting to sixteen thousand dollars per annum, threatening to terminate their existence contemporaneously with the ending of the century.
The debt question was an old one. The Battle Creek College, our first educational institution, had come to its birth in debt. All her sister institutions—South Lancaster Academy, Union College, Walla Walla College, Keene Industrial School, Graysville Academy, and the Huntsville School—had also been born with a cloud of debt hanging over them. Each year things were growing worse and harder; the end, apparently, was growing nearer. All who understood the situation knew that it was only a matter of time until relief must come or the schools must close their doors.
When brethren had talked with brethren over the debt question, no one had ever proposed a feasible plan for the payment of those debts. The denomination was fast settling down into a belief, almost amounting to a faith, that these debts never would be paid,—that they never could be paid,—at least not until the days of the loud cry of the third angel should come, bringing the merchant princes of the world, with their hoarded wealth of gold, into the fold of the remnant church. Then it was thought deliverance might be wrought. But the blessed time seemed far away, enveloped in the mist of the future. With us, that gave but little comfort, for the creditors were pressing their claims closer and closer, and no signs of relief were gladdening the horizon.
I well remember, one dark winter evening, of sitting in the office with the manager of the Review and Herald. We had been talking over the large sum which the Battle Creek College owed the publishing house. “Do you really expect that debt will ever be paid?” I asked. “No, I do not,” was the reply, “unless some windfall comes to the college some day; that is the only chance.”
It was only a few weeks after this when the unexpected happened. Out of the cloud God spake, and gave the plan of “Christ's Object Lessons” for the relief of the schools.
At the present time, with more than half the books already sold, it is comparatively easy to see what a wonderful plan this was, and the great things it is destined to accomplish. We have seen thousands of people who had never sold a book, go forth in the name of the Master, and succeed in this work. We have seen the sick, unable to leave their beds of pain, presenting this God-given volume to friends and neighbors who came to comfort them in their affliction, and thus the afflicted ones brought light and peace to those who had come to cheer them.
We have seen the blind and the maimed taking the precious pages of “Christ's Object Lessons” to those in their communities, rejoicing at the opportunity to carry the gospel of Christ. We have seen church after church sell its entire quota, some even having done this two or three times. We have seen at least two conferences practically complete their entire work. We have seen peace and union come into churches where before there had been naught but enmity and strife. We have seen scores upon scores of men and women who never knew before that they could do anything for the blessed Master, now fired with a spiritual passion to give their lives to scattering the literature which tells of the return of our Lord to earth. We have seen little children praying to God to give them grace to help in this work, and then we have seen them going from house to house, angels attending their little footsteps with success, they meanwhile touching, as could nothing else on earth, the hearts of those with whom they came in contact.
All these things have occurred during the two years now past of the work with “Christ's Object Lessons” for the relief of the schools. They are not isolated and uncommon happenings, but events of common occurrence all over the land. Our eyes have seen and our ears have heard these precious things. We have looked upon them; our hands have handled them, and we bear witness that this work is a part of the precious Word of Life which was with the Father, and which has been made manifest to us. And, as it was written once of old, so let it be written again: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
But in the beginning it was not so. The dawning of “Christ's Object Lessons” was the ending of a long, dark night. Long years before, our brethren and sisters in the churches had lost the spirit of work with our literature. At one time the scattering of tracts and pamphlets by the church members had been an important and flourishing spiritual industry; but by 1900 this work had dwindled and decayed until there was but little left of it. Ten years earlier, in 1890, there had been a great interest awakened in the regular canvassing work. But this, too, had gradually died down, until but few continued in the field.
At the time when the work for “Christ's Object Lessons” was first proposed, the canvassing work, in every form, was at a low ebb. Many who had once been enthusiastic in it had, on account of lack of success, or for other causes, become disheartened, lost their first love, and given up. A general feeling of dislike for the book work existed everywhere. The sales of the canvassers were getting smaller and smaller; the agents in the field were growing fewer and fewer.
Thus, it was argued that, if canvassers, with all their training and advantages, could not sell books, how would it be possible for people to do so who had never received any training and had had no advantages.
In short, the whole idea that the debts of our schools could be paid by the sale of a book, and that by the common people, without the aid of the regular canvassers, was looked upon as a fanciful daydream, impossible of accomplishment.
Nevertheless, in simple faith the foundations of the movement were laid, and the machinery for the organization of the work put in motion.
The first thing was the appointment, by the General Conference Committee, of a committee for the relief of the schools. That committee consisted of Brethren G. A. Irwin, S. N. Haskell, L. A. Hoopes, J. E. White, W. C. Sisley, and the writer.
The matter was laid before the board of trustees of the Review and Herald. On this board was one earnest and warm friend of the movement, W. C. Sisley, who was then manager of the institution. The undertaking was a serious one for the publishing house. The Battle Creek College was already owing it over fifty thousand dollars, and it was a question whether or not, even if the books were made and given to the schools, they could be sold, and if they were sold, whether the money would really be used for the proper purposes, or whether it would be expended, not to pay the debts, but to add building to building, and facility to facility.
For a long time the publishing boards of both the Review and Herald and the Pacific Press wrestled with the question. The publishing houses were none too rich themselves; they had carried heavy burdens for the general cause, and did not feel competent to do much more.
At last the publishing houses decided to do their part, and to join the author in making a gift to our schools, by donating the work of manufacture on three hundred thousand copies. They proposed to the Relief of the Schools Committee that it should raise sufficient money to pay for the type setting, plate making, illustrating, the paper and the binding material, and enough to carry on the ordinary expenses of conducting the work.
Then the Relief of the Schools Committee held its first important meeting. One thousand dollars was needed for the artist's work on the illustrations. Many felt that the money never could be raised. But the Relief Fund has been blessed of God, and instead of raising merely one thousand dollars, over forty-six thousand dollars have been paid into its treasury and expended in the work.
At first no one had any clear conception as to what would be proper plans for the selling of the book. It was a question then whether the ministers should be taken from their regular work to assist the people in getting started. It was a question whether or not the people would agree to sell the book, without a commission of forty or fifty per cent. It was thought that various financial inducements must be offered to the brethren and sisters in the churches in order to get them to take hold of this enterprise.
At the camp meetings the matter was presented, and while it met with favor, no one had much of any certainty as to what could be accomplished.
During the summer of 1900 a number of books were pledged for, at the different annual gatherings. Then the question arose as to whether or not they would really be sold and paid for. With the fall of the year a definite campaign for the sale of the book began. The first strong movement was made in the State of Iowa, which was divided into districts, which were given in charge of the workers, and a serious campaign was afoot.
Things were now assuming a more definite and tangible shape. Sales began to be made, and courage took possession of many hearts. Other conferences, all over the land, followed the example of Iowa, and by the spring of the year at least forty-six thousand volumes had been disposed of. Deep inroads had been made into the debts of the various schools, and hope and joy were instilled into the hearts of not only the people who were doing the work, but the managers of the different schools, who began to see relief.
During the summer of 1901 there was21a lull in the work. Plans were, however, laid to open the campaign again in the autumn. This plan failed of realization. For some reason nothing was done until January of the current year. Then a far more thoroughly organized effort, an effort productive of far greater results, was set on foot by the president of the General Conference. It soon spread to almost every State and Territory in the American Union.
In England, Germany, and Australia the work was also opened up. Faith had blossomed into sight, and almost every one was now convinced that God indeed had given a wonderful plan, not only for the relief of the schools, but for the reviving of the spirit of work and spirituality in the hearts of his people, the unifying of the churches, and the adding of many believers unto the Lord.
All these things breathe hope and courage, and nerve us for the battles of the future.
We are now about to begin the third, and we trust the last, campaign for the relief of our schools. The past will suffice to inspire us with hope and courage, but the God of the present alone can render the help needed in order to make the work a success.
And now we must never, never, allow this movement to degenerate into one of carnal activity. With the spirit of Martha, who ministered to her Master, must go the prayers of Mary, who sat at the feet of her Lord, listening to his words. This is the better part, which all must have in order that a real success of heart, as well as of work, may be enjoyed. It is not enough simply to sell books and bring financial relief to the schools. This is but a small part of the promised blessing. We must humbly seek Jesus for an inflow of his Holy Spirit, so that the flame of the Spirit of God may be kindled in many hearts which now sit in darkness. This is the all-important, the all-absorbing work of the hour. If the work for the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” does not accomplish this, both in the heart of the canvasser and in the heart of the one canvassed, the work will not be a success.
Let the spiritual side of the message be ever uppermost in our minds; and while we work as if all depended upon us, let our prayers ascend to God above, with a realization that all depends upon him.
Then the work will go forward in its fullness; books will be sold; the school debts will be paid; men and women who hitherto have known nothing of the sweets of working in the Master's vineyard will receive a blessed experience, and souls will be garnered to the fold of Christ.
P. T. MAGAN.
Field Notes
A CHURCH of fourteen members has recently been organized at Fredonia, N. Y.
THE church at Lynchburg, Va., have secured a permanent place of worship, by the purchase of a beautiful little church building on Park Avenue.
ELEVEN Protestant denominations are now engaged in missionary work in Cuba. Already there are over 2,000 members of the Protestant churches, and over 3,000 children in the Sunday schools.
BRETHREN B. L. HOUSE and W. W. Miller report that five adults have accepted the truth under their labors with the tent at Coshocton, Ohio. The attendance at the meetings is regular, and some are deeply interested.
IN India there are 669,000 widows under twenty years of age. Of these, 79,000 are under nine years of age; 237,400 are between the ages of ten and fourteen. Of all ages and castes there are in India almost 27,000,000 widows.
TENT meetings at Scranton, Pa., which have recently been concluded, have brought six earnest souls into the truth, and left others in a hopeful condition. Seven persons from Honesdale and Hawley have been baptized since the June camp meeting.
BROTHER J. B. BECKNER, writing from Jamaica on the anniversary of his arrival there one year ago, says that the year has not only passed quickly but pleasantly. He rejoices in the privilege of engaging in the work in that field. Twenty have recently taken their stand on the Lord’s side. Another church is now being erected.
Two miners, heads of families, who not long ago began keeping the Sabbath at Mt. Kembla, Australia, were refused further work in the mines at that place because they would not give up their convictions of right and work on the seventh day. They left Mt. Kembla, and scarcely were they settled in a neighboring town when a fearful explosion wrecked the mine they had left, killing ninety men. Thus was godliness “profitable unto all things” to these brethren.
SIXTEEN church schools have been established in Minnesota, and five more are in prospect. The list, with names of teachers, is as follows:— St. Paul (English), Mrs. Lillian Stevens; St. Paul (Scandinavian), Anna Nelson; Minneapolis, Celia Tichenor; Dodge Center, Emma Collins, Mrs. Libbie Collins; Sauk Center, Mrs. Ella Dimond, Blanche Shaw; Drywood, Mrs. Iva Jackson; Eagle Bend, Martha Franklin; New York Mills, Thirza Mason; Moose Lake, Maude Detamore; St. Cloud, Frances Rew; Anoka, Mrs. Iva Catlin; Medford, Caroline Hopkins; Good Thunder, Elma Detamore; Wells, Andrew Gilbert; Hendricks, Mabel Dimond; Stewartville, Winnie Collins.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to Oct. 5, 1902, is $47,267.11
NAME
AMOUNT
Montana
$20 63
M. B. Colcord
1 00
Dora Powers
2 00
Mrs. L. Rumsey
1 00
Mrs. W. H. Smith (Pa.)
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. S. Gatten
5 00
Annie Kennedy
5 00
Eva Gregory
2 00
Lee A. Peck
50
A friend (Berrien)
2 00
David Pickering & family
3 00
Upper Columbia Conference
500 00
C. H. Garver
1 00
Mrs. S. Worick
1 00
Mrs. L. Boardet
2 00
G. McCafferty
2 50
O. E. Jones
5 00
James Adams
1 00
Moses Hunt
5 00
E. Squires
2 00
G. H. Cheek
5 00
Mr. & Mrs. A. D. Schlotthauer
5 00
W. H. Cox
5 00
Ella Chaffee
5 00
S. Yarnell
1 00
Clara Bair
60 00
New Harmony, Ind.
1 00
M. Bundy
1 00
L. H. Schick
10 00
Warren Latham
7 50
C. E. Rentfro
5 00
Nora B. Fleming
1 00
Oklahoma Tract Society
48 00
A. R. Folkenburg
1 00
John Wilson
5 00
J. D. Bradley
5 00
Susie M. Twiggar
5 00
R. Letterman
5 00
Rosalie Ferrell
50
J. C. Dorsey
5 00
May Heffner
2 00
H. A. Munson
1 00
J. R. Reed
1 00
M. L. Locke
5 00
May Rasmussen
5 00
Esther Smith
2 00
N. F. House
10 00
M. H. Young
10 00
S. C. Fairchilds
50
Della Jorgensen
15 00
J. S. Houseman
2 00
L. M. Bird
3 75
A. Jones
5 00
M. I. Reeder
1 00
A. A. McKay
10 00
John Eden
1 00
B. F. Bradberry
5 00
Current Mention
— New York City now leads the world in bank clearings, showing a total of nearly seventy-five billion dollars handled in business transactions for the business year ending September 30 last.
— The qualifications of recruits for the Chinese army, according to the London (England) Standard, are these: The candidate cannot be under twenty or over twenty-five years old; he must be four feet eight inches in height, at least; able to run a course of seven miles in an hour; and also strong enough to lift a hundred-pound weight with both hands to a position level with his chest. In addition to this he will not be accepted if he is not of good character.
— Belated news from Japan reports the loss of 1,500 Japanese fishermen in a typhoon off the Japanese coast last month.
— A decision just rendered by the supreme court of Nebraska, forbids the use of the Bible in the public school exercises of that State, as being contrary to the State constitution.
— John Kensit, a well-known Englishman who has been a leader in the anti-ritualistic movement in England, died October 8 from injuries inflicted by a mob at Birkenhead, some days before.
— The anthracite coal strike is seriously affecting the price of coal in Great Britain. A dealer on the coal exchange in London is quoted as saying that retail coal in that city may soon reach the price of ten dollars a ton.
— Five hundred Porto Rican “emigrants” to the Hawaiian sugar fields have appealed for relief from the cruelties which they suffer at the hands of the sugar planters, who whip and imprison them at their pleasure.
— The revolution in Venezuela is reported to be practically ended, the remaining government troops having agreed to surrender to save further bloodshed. The revolutionists have set a price on President Castro’s head.
— A ruling recently made in the United States circuit court at New York City, in the case of a native woman of Porto Rico who sought entrance to this country, says that the inhabitants of Porto Rico are not citizens of the United States.
— Nonconformist church bodies in England are challenging the government to enact the education bill, which discriminates in favor of the established church, the prospect being that such a step by the government will precipitate a revolt against tax paying.
— A recent test made in Chicago shows, says the Tribune of that city, that of 500 people subjected to the test, 366 showed that they were superstitious; the test being that of willingness to pass under a painter’s ladder, this act being believed to bring “bad luck.”
— A serious strike of street-car motormen prevails in New Orleans, the local police being unable to afford protection to non-union motormen on the cars, or to disperse the mobs that collect around the cars. It may be necessary to obtain help from the State militia.
— Gangs of “ladrones” are making much trouble in some of the smaller islands of the Philippines. The island of Guam, some distance east of the Philippines, has been devastated by a succession of earthquakes. A census of the Filipinos is expected to be completed in May next.
— The Union Signal is authority for the statement that fully 150 Texas editors have entered into a compact with liquor dealers to sell newspaper space for the publication of alleged facts derogatory to the cause of prohibition, allowing the liquor dealers to make any assertions in the matter they may choose.
— A general strike of French coal miners was begun October 9. The miners’ federation in France controls 60,000 out of 162,000 miners. The aim of the strike is to secure some betterment of the conditions under which coal mining in France is carried on.
— Lady Henry Somerset, president of the English W. C. T. U., is quoted as affirming that more women than men are now arrested for intoxication in England, whereas but a quarter as many women as men were arrested for this cause only fifteen years ago.
— The tenth National Irrigation Congress began its session at Colorado Springs, Colo., October 6. The proceeds of government land sales in the arid States are now by act of Congress devoted to the development of systems of irrigation, and this fact has given a great impetus to the movement for which the congress stands.
— The anthracite coal strike which is causing so much trouble is not without its compensations, observes the organ of the W. C. T. U. “The strikers, it is said, from motives of economy and from a sincere desire to make the best showing possible for their cause, patronize the saloons very little, and there is no drunkenness. This feature of the strike is a great source of comfort to the women folk.”
— Mr. H. Gerald Chapin, editor of the American Lawyer, is despondent over the outlook for the lawyer’s calling in this country. The individual lawyer, he says, is being rapidly superseded by various business agencies which look after nearly all legal matters for a smaller price than the individual lawyer could afford to accept, about the only exception being that of the defense of criminals. “Within twenty years,” Mr. Chapin says, “the individual, or general practice, lawyer will be extinct save only in the remoter country districts.”
— The history of the coal strike the past week has been mainly a record of unsuccessful efforts on the part of President Roosevelt and others to end the strike. Both the mine owners and the miners refused to accede to the president’s plea in the matter, and efforts by Senators Quay and Penrose, of Pennsylvania, and Senator Platt and Governor Odell, of New York, to reach a basis for an adjustment of the trouble, were without results. The “coal famine” convention held in Detroit, October 9, which was attended by three hundred delegates from fifty-six municipalities in the United States, adopted resolutions of a radical nature, calling for immediate action by the State of Pennsylvania to condemn sufficient of the coal lands and coal-carrying railways of that State to insure a supply of coal to the public, the mines to be operated by the State; also calling for an investigation of all charters, stock books, and other properties of the coal-carrying roads, by a commission of Congress, to secure information for the use of the State in litigation over the mines; for immediate action by the attorney-general of the United States, in the form of criminal proceedings against the coal trust for violation of the interstate commerce law; and for the appointment by President Roosevelt of a receiver for the coal mines, who, pending action by the State of Pennsylvania, shall operate the mines for the public good.
Three Volunteers From Kansas
At the Kansas camp meeting the needs of foreign missions were presented with much earnestness by the General Conference laborers, and the camp was greatly stirred. Among the gifts made to missions, the most precious was the gift of three of the best young workers in the State: Arthur E. Bates, Will Shafer, and Ida Shafer offered themselves for the English field, and they were recommended by a unanimous vote of the congregation.
The Kansas Conference also undertook to raise three hundred and fifty dollars, the amount required to pay traveling expenses, and give some needed assistance. These workers expect to sail about the middle of October. And so may the missionary cause roll on until it has included all the people, and may the sound of the message soon be heard in every nation under heaven.
Bread That Returned
“CAST thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Years ago in one of our Eastern States a sister sent The Signs of the Times week after week to an address which had been placed in her hands. Although she received no response, she continued sending the papers. They went to the home of a poor family that lived in a wretched little cottage made of rough, uncovered boards. After reading the papers, the family used them to cover the walls of their rooms. In this way they immediately did some good by keeping out the cold and brightening the rooms. After a time the family moved away, and another poor family took the house. One day while the woman was at work, her eyes fell upon a few words in one of the papers on the wall before her. She stopped and read the article, and became so interested that she continued to read all the papers within her reach, and then took a chair and read those high up on the walls and on the ceiling. The result was that the whole family accepted the23truth. Undoubtedly God's watchful care is over every paper sent out by loving hands and followed by earnest prayers.
“The smallest bark on life's tumultuous ocean
Will leave a track behind forevermore;
The lightest wave of influence set in motion,
Extends and widens to the eternal shore.”
Saved to Serve
By El Nathan
GOING forth at Christ’s command,
Going forth to every land;
Full salvation making known,
Through the blood of God’s dear Son.
Serving God through all our days,
Toiling not for purse or praise,
But to magnify his name,
While the gospel we proclaim.
Seeking only souls to win
From the deadly power of sin;
We would guide their steps aright,
Out of darkness into light.
— El Nathan.
Silent Messengers
By Editor
Our Books, Tracts, and Periodicals
E. R. PALMER :: :: :: Editor
The Canvasser’s Living Epistle
“YE are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” 2 Cor. 3:2, 3.
THE canvasser’s manner of life before the people is to them the entering wedge of the gospel. He is “known and read of all men.” His deportment is a true index to his experience. The influence of his life, this living volume, will give direction, to a large degree, to the influence of the written volume which he sells.
OUR influence never rests; it “has no nights, and keeps no Sabbaths.” — Miller.
“An agent’s life is always the preface and introductory chapter to his book.” — F. Jenks, at Kansas camp meeting.
“A canvasser should be the third angel’s message in life,—the embodiment of the truths contained in his book.” — W. W. Prescott, at New York camp meeting.
These principles should be a guide in the selection of canvassers. Character and Christian experience should be made the primary test. A man with a rough exterior, and with little ability, except the ability to walk with God and live the truth, may do much good, and have success; whereas the polished man, with ability to talk fluently, and having many gifts, except the gift of grace, or the ability to be honest and true, would do much harm, and fail miserably.
South America
Editors Review and Herald.
DEAR BRETHREN: Inclosed please find a letter to me from Brother Thomann, of Iquique, Chile. He sent it to me in German, and asked me to translate it for an English paper. Brother Thomann is editor of the Señales. He has done the work reported, in addition to his editorial and other work. When writing to me, he was soon going to take a trip into Bolivia, in the interest of the paper, and to visit some who are reported as keeping the Sabbath. Thus the good work goes on. We have many reasons for thanksgiving in our South American field. The Lord is blessing.
As soon as I conclude my visit to Brazil, I will send a report of the work here.
Your brother in the blessed hope,
J. W. WESTPHAL.
DEAR BROTHER WESTPHAL: Very likely Elder Ogden has already written to you of my trip through the Pampas and to Tacna and Arica; but if not, then this is designed for that purpose.
I reached Tacna at ten o'clock on the evening after the Sabbath. On the following morning, I began to sell the paper Los Señales de los Tiempos in the business portion of the city. This day I sold sixteen copies. During the week the Lord gave me eighty-three annual subscriptions, besides the single copies I sold. Although I could not get as many subscriptions in the residence portion of the city, nevertheless, the following was a good week. Tacna has about seven thousand inhabitants, and I succeeded in securing one hundred and ten subscriptions. Brother Escobar secured twenty-six subscriptions. In Arica, Brother Escobar and I labored together. The city has about three thousand inhabitants, and we secured fifty-eight subscriptions. The Lord also blessed in other places. I thank him for his goodness.
As you know, here in Iquique I at first was kept busy with the placing of the press, and the arrangement of our office; but as soon as I could, I went out. The first afternoon I took twenty-one subscriptions, and so I continued with good success. The least was four subscriptions one Friday afternoon. On an average, I took eight. One day I had seventeen, two days fourteen, etc. Thus far I have labored ten days, three and one-half hours each day, and have taken one hundred and fourteen subscriptions, and sold the same number of single copies. Thus in thirty-five hours I have taken in $124.40. I have good hopes of further success. With the Lord's help I expect to raise the subscription list here in Iquique to four hundred.
I would advise every one wishing to follow this work never to neglect prayer. And one should begin work in the business portion of the city. When people say “No,” it is necessary to be persistent; for many times they will take it if the importance of the paper is placed before them, and they become interested. If there are branches on the vine, they must bear fruit, if not in one way, then in another. The Lord has shown that this work pleases him, and if we do our part, he will continue to bless.
E. W. THOMANN.
Facts and Vital Principles
The call of the hour is a call to personal service.
God has given to every man his work, and neither angels nor men can do it for him.
Every Seventh-day Adventist should take some part, no matter how humble it may be, in the circulation of our literature.
“Where there is now one canvasser, there should be one hundred.” This would include every Seventh-day Adventist in the world.
As long as there is a message to give, there will be work for the gospel canvasser.
A faithful canvasser does not “burn over” his territory. He waters it. Territory improves by working, if the work is well done.
It is easier to sell a book to a man who has many books than to one who has none. Buying books is a habit, and a very good one; the more a man buys, the more he wants.
Every State is bristling with good canvassers, and we should hunt them out. We cannot find them by sitting in the office and reading over the church roll.
Let us push the large books. They can be sold as easily as small ones.
The belief that large books could not be sold has led publishers to bring out a great crop of little books of little value; and this has been one of the most fruitful causes of the present demoralization of the book work.
Helps may be a help or a hindrance according to the use made of them. They are a hindrance when they hinder the large book, or take the place of it.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand.” Make a long day, and do not be afraid to sweat. Work like the farmer, the carpenter, and the blacksmith.
The man who works for God will get good wages. Don’t worry about that. “Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” A “right” wage is all we want, surely.
If we walk on the highway cast up for the ransomed of the Lord, we shall be masters of circumstances, and shall triumph over difficulties. “Higher ground” is what we want.
Obituaries
“I am the resurrection and the life.”—Jesus.
LUCKEY.—Died Sept. 14, 1902, of spinal meningitis, infant daughter of F. B. and Emma Luckey. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. T. J. HICKMAN.
FUTHEY.—Died at her home in Golden, Colo., September 13, Rachel Futhey, aged 88 years, 9 months, and 15 days. About thirty years ago she accepted present truth. The glorious hope of the resurrection brightened her last hours, as it had done her whole life. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. S. F. SVENSSEN.
DETWILER.—Died at her home at Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 24, 1902, Mrs. Henry Detwiler, aged 70 years, 6 months, and 26 days. For twenty-one years Sister Detwiler was a believer in present truth. Funeral services were held at the home, and the remains were taken to Birmingham, Iowa, for interment. W. E. PERRIN.
ELLIS.—Died at her home, near Duffield, Mich., August, 1902, Sister L. B. Ellis, aged 76 years. In 1873 she united with the Seventh-day Adventist church at Oakland, Ill. She had many trials, but the hope of the soon-coming Saviour sustained her. She leaves a husband in feeble health, to mourn her loss. Funeral discourse was based on Job 19:25. L. G. MOORE.
SNYDER.—Died at his home in Lansing, Mich., Sept. 18, 1902, William K. Snyder, aged 58 years. In his earlier years Brother Snyder accepted the truth from reading, but in an evil moment doubts came in, and he gave up. In his last hours he found forgiveness, and died happy in the Lord. A companion and five children are left to mourn their loss. Words of comfort were spoken from John 11:11. L. G. MOORE.
CARR.—Died in Washington, D. C., Sept. 18, 1902, of heart failure, the effect of an accidental wound, R. C. Carr, nearly 60 years of age. He united with the Seventh-day Adventists in 1891, and at the time of his death was a deacon in the church. His wife and children and a large circle of friends mourn their loss, but not without hope. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Rev. 14:13. J. S. WASHBURN.
TWIST.—Died at his home, in Pleasant Hill, Mo., Sept. 20, 1902, after an illness of five months, Sanford R. Twist. The deceased gave his heart to God when seven years of age, and was a devout member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over fifty years. All who knew him respected him for his honest, Christian character. He leaves one daughter and three sons. Services were conducted by Elder Collins, of the M. E. Church, and also in the Methodist church at Butler, the place of interment. A FRIEND.
Business Notices
BRIEF business notices will be published in this department, subject to the discretion of the publishers. A charge of one dollar for one insertion of six lines or less, and of twenty cents for every line over six, will be made, though in the case of the poor who wish employment, the charge may be remitted. Persons unknown to the managers of the publishing house must furnish good references.
WANTED.—To hire good Seventh-day Adventist man for farm work. Good wages, steady employment to right man. Best references given and required. Address L. S. Drew, Lodi, Wis.
FOR SALE.—Fine apple orchard of 45 acres, in full bearing, situated in the beautiful Burrow Valley, in the foothills of Fresno County, Cal. Excellent climate, good school, and P. O. within ¼ mile. S. D. A. church building adjoining farm. A good home for any one, especially for family with children. Would exchange for good property in Battle Creek, Mich. For particulars address Wm. Dunlap, Burrough, Cal.
FOR SALE CHEAP.—Garden truck and fruit farm of 30 acres, just outside the bustling village of Urbandale, only 1½ miles from city limits of Battle Creek, along the interurban road, with horses, tools, and 40 tons of hay. Address J. E. Tobias, box 1540, Battle Creek, Mich.
WANTED.—Position as engineer. Capable of running sawmill or small electric plant. Best reference. Address Engineer, Box 232, South Lancaster, Mass.
FOR ADOPTION.—Boy, one month old. Seventh-day Adventist family preferred. Address E. B. Van Dorn, Supt. Life Boat Mission, 436 State St., Chicago, Ill.
FOR SALE.—Twenty acres of fine fruit land, very fertile, 5 miles from Lake Michigan, 2½ miles from R. R. Direct transportation by lake and railroad to Chicago. Just the place for fruit and poultry—$1,000. Address Emily H. Hafford, Fennville, Mich.
WANTED.—A Christian man to live in family and work on farm, capable of going ahead with work, chores, etc.; also a Christian woman capable of taking charge of work. Home privileges to right woman. State age, experience, wages, etc. Address L. Henry, Charlotte, Mich., General Delivery.
Some Grand Books. Let Us Push Them
“Patriarchs and Prophets.”
“Great Controversy.”
“Desire of Ages.”
“Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.”
“Bible Readings.”
“Home Hand-Book.”
“Man the Masterpiece.”
“Ladies’ Guide.”
Who Should Sell Our Books
WE are often asked if persons who are not Seventh-day Adventists should be employed to sell our books. A simple yes or no to this question might not be understood. A man may profess to be a Seventh-day Adventist, yet be very untrue to its principles; while, on the other hand, there are many who are lovers of truth, and live up to all the light they have, but they have never heard the third angel's message. As a general rule only those persons who have heard the truth, accepted its teaching, and have proved themselves as true as steel to its principles, are prepared to represent it.
