Timely Counsel BY C. H. WATSON President General Conference T MAY BE that in all places we should give unusual thought and care during 1931 to the distribu- tion of our literature. Of all the means that we have employed in our world field for the winning of souls, it is possible that none has contributed more success- fully than the literature that has been circulated through the years. In face of the very depressed conditions that prevail in almost every country of the earth, it will be advisable that our field leadership come closer to the men who are giv- ing their lives to this feature of the service. Financially the literature work is self-support- ing. Effectively it is abundantly fruitful. Evan- gelistically it is wonderfully direct and effectual, and it is to be observed that the men and wom- en who have been won to the movement by our literature are usually firm and satisfactory Sev- enth-day Adventists. � "Review and Herald." .0.1111111111111C1111111111111011:111111111CD1111111111111C1111111111111t111M1111111C.. 4.1.1111111111111L1111111111111C1111111111111LON11111111111Cli11111111111C7111111111111C.N. 1-413$.2-1 I � COLPORTEUR SPECIAL VOLUME XXVI � Hutchinson, Minn., March 3, 1931 � NUMBER 9 `i.,5111 1111i Diu 11)11 lip 1111 114 111 2 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER COLPORTEUR EVANGELISM By CHARLES THOMPSON President, Northern Union Conference In the program for "Greater Evangelism" lies the call for the laity to enter the colporteur evan- gelistic field. We are familiar with the counsel that there should be one hundred colporteurs in the field where we now have but one. We, therefore, send forth the in- vitation, and urge our believers to consider the appeal and walk out by faith into the opening provi- dence of God. Experience has demonstrated that no more successful agency has ever been used in preaching the gospel to man than has the printed page, no greater pastoral work for the upbuilding and establishing of the believers in Christ than has been and is the printed page. The world is living amid fulfilled and fulfilling prophecy. The ma- jority of the inhabitants know it not. In the fulfilling prophecy lies the evidence of where we are upon the stream of time, and through this evidence the Spirit of God makes His appeal. Note the lan- guage: "And that knowing the time." "Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." "Let us walk honestly." Rom. 13: 11-14. The admonition of our Saviour, after definitely noting events that would take place in the world as precursors of the end, is the fol- lowing: "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your re- demption draweth nigh." "So like- wise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." Luke 21:28, 31. The product of our printing presses is issued for the purpose of enlightening the world regarding "these things." Our subscription books are written and prepared with this objective in view. They have passed the experimental stage; their fruit bears witness in the children they have brought forth for the kingdom of God. But our books', magazines and period- icals do not have feet to go upon. They must be taken to the people, and it is to this work we send forth our appeal. Inspiration has spoken good concerning those who respond. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reign- eth!" Isa. 52:7. We believe the times demand a more definite response from the church to engage in colporteur evangelism than has yet been seen. Remember "there is no crisis with the Lord." If thou wouldest be- lieve thou shouldst see the glory of God," was the principle Jesus laid before Martha at the resurrection of Lazarus; and we believe that to be the divine principle ever gov- erning the work of God. The church sees through belief; the world be- lieves through seeing. The canvassing work is ordained of God. He has given assurance of success to those consecrated to it. "A great and good work may be done by evangelistic canvassing. The Lord has given men tact and capabilities. Those who use these intrusted talents to His glory, weav- ing Bible principles into the web, will be given success." Vol. VI, p. 340. We trust the year 1931 will be a banner year for our colporteur work. Dear reader, will you help to make it such? � 0 COLPORTEUR By G. A. CAMPBELL Field Miss. Sec'y, Northern Union "One who goes about distributing religious tracts and books" is a defi- nition given of the word "colpor- teur" by Webster. In the wisdom of God the col- porteur work was heaven's agency in disseminating truth in the dark days of medievalism when the Bible was a forbidden book. At that time the bold Waldensian colporteur was disguised as a seller of jewels and fineries, but hidden within the folds of his garments were several portions of the precious word of God that he carefully gave to cus- tomers whom he could trust, as the poet Whittier so beautifully por- trays in one verse of his, "The Wal- densian Missionary": "The cloud went off from the pil- grim's brow, as a small and mea- ger book, Unchased with gold or gem of cost, from his folding robe he took! `Here, lady fair, is the pearl of price, may it prove as such to thee!' Nay, keep thy gold—I ask it not, for the word of God is tree!" G. A. CAMPBELL The humble colporteur was the chief evangelizing agency used by God in spreading the message of the reformation at the time of Mar- tin � F,u t h er . One historian says, "The most hated and most feared of all the agents of reform, in this remarkable period, by priest and pope, was the humble colporteur." "Historical Studies," page 257. The church histories of the past several centuries give the colporteur an important place in its pages. One is thrilled in reading the ac- counts of these brave men and women who at the peril of their lives travelled from home to home, hamlet to hamlet, country to coun- try, scattering the pages of truth. As in the past, so today God is using mightily the colporteur to carry the final message to the world. Today there are thousands of these faithful colporteurs going from home to home, village to vil- Northern Union Reaper Issued weekly for the Northern Union Con- ference of Seventh-day Adventists by the Maplewood Press and Bookbindery at Hutchin- son. Minnesota. U. S. A. Subscription Price-50 cents a year in the United States: 75 cents in Canada.- Lessie Culpepper � Editor I. G. Ortner � Corresponding Editor Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of Oct. 3. 1917 ; authorized July 27, 1918. Entered as second class matter Oct. 2g, 1927,at the postoffiee at Hutchinson, Minne- sota. under the act of March 3, 1879. NORTHERN UNION REAPER � 3 lage, country to country, often per- secuted, beaten, thrown into prison, as is being done in many foreign countries today; and in heaven's book of record will be recorded their noble work by rejoicing souls saved as a result of their visit and the book or magazine purchased. The great need today is for more of these self-supporting, self-sac- rificing workers, to sell large sub- scription books, magazines, ana smaller publications—some who will devote their entire time, as well as others who can spare but part time. This is an opportune time to work. From every quarter our colporteurs are reporting the fact that the present financial crisis is causing people to be in a receptive mood to listen to the colporteur's appeal. One colporteur reports nineteen people hungry for in- struction in the things of God : another reports six. I trust this special number of the Reaper, devoted to the colpor- teur work, will prove of interest and that its message will inspire many here in the Northern Union to ac- cept the call to service. 0 A REAL POSITION FOR A REAL MAN By H. W. SHERRIG Manager, Omaha Branch Pacific Press "And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?" Matt. 5:47. The doctrines which we believe and have accepted in our lives and are preaching to the world have set us aside as a dis- tinct and separate people—a peo- ple with a definite message for a definite time. Is it, therefore, not a fair question in view of the a- bove to ask ourselves "What do ye more than others?" Are we in these closing days of the world's history giving of our time, means, and effort in proportion to the light we have received, making the life of Christ while here among men our pattern and standard of Christian living, or are we content to pattern after the world in our activities? Are our Christian en- deavors as a people so circum- scribed because we are willing to look to the world and accept what others do as a satisfactory accom- plishment by us? The doctrines of this people should make us as dif- ferent in the eyes of the world today as was the life of Christ to the peo- ple of His day. How can this be said of us if we do not excel in service for the Master? Our task will never be accomplished by the church membership as a unit, but by personal work by the individual member. Some of the most effective mis- sionary work accomplished is be- ing done by the individual with the printed page, by consecrated men and women willing to stay by the H. W. SHERRIG task in the field in spite of dis- couragements and difficulties in or- der to see their definite task ac- complished. The regrettable part a, this, however, is that there are not more at work in the colporteur field today. One reason for this has been the question of finances. It is true that every talent is not fitted for gospel canvassing. It is also true that some fail financially in whatever they undertake; but we are referring to individuals who are making good in other lines. Such individuals have proved in the past that one can earn enough to make the colporteur work a finan- cial success. Has it not been demon- strated again and again that equal talent and equal effort and time spent in gospel canvassing will 9;ive financial returns equal to almost any other occupation? Many col- porteurs with talent and personal- ity to put their work across have failed in the past because they have been lured to think that part time work in the colporteur field with high hourly averages would make them financially successful. No carpenter, mechanic, musician, or salesman expects to draw full time salary without full time service. We conscientiously believe that full time service by a consecrated col- porteur will give a just reward, suf- ficient to meet his financial needs. In addition to these facts, God's people have been given very clear promises that their work in the colportew field will be blessed and prospered. Should there not be many truth-loving believers in the Northern Union Conference who are now working part or full time in other occupations, or who possi- bly are unemployed because of the present abnormal conditions, who should turn their life's activities to the giving of the third angel's mes- sage with the printed page? Surely there is a large work to be done in this particular phase of the cause in our field that we have failed to touch so far. What will the an- swer be? �0 � SOUTH DAKOTA By GORDEN OSS President, South Dakota Conference It is encouraging to note from the financial report of the colpor- teur work for 1930 that every con- ference in our union made some gain in sales over the previous year., Osit,th :Dakota shows sales amounting to $9,298.60, or $254.90 over 1929. To make a gain of any kind during these times of depres- sion is cause for real optimism. We have no unemployment in our conference. Right now we are looking for a strong group of men and women to sound the note of evangelism by entering the colpor- teur work. Recently Brother Hohen- see, who has worked in a railroad office for fifteen years, started to sell and has made a very encourag- ing start. Brother Albertson, a farmer from near Frankfort, re- cently made a surprised showing the first week out. Sister Torkelson from Sioux Falls has her regular "Watchman" list 'up to the 100 mark now. Some say it can't be done. These folks are doing it. Brother McKinley himself is lead- ing the way by selling in the city of Watertown. He is having good success. The other day a report reached us that one of our strong young men, a school teacher, has definite- ly decided to enter the work as soon as his school is out and that he will stay the summer through regardless of trials. Such determi- nation will bring success. Others are on the interested list. More could be written, but space 4 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER forbids. Let no one with heart a- flame for this cause say that "no man has hired us." Twenty-five stalwarts are wanted. 0 "THE LORD SENT HIM IN" By LESLIE MeK I N LEY Field Miss. Sec'y, South Dakota As His representatives among men, Christ did not choose angels who had never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with • t • LESLIE L. MeK N LEY those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity that we might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity, for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. (Spirit of prophecy) Surely the Lord is working by en- trusting His Holy Spirit to His rep- resentatives who are distributing the printed page. This is nicely il- lustrated by an experience the writer and one of the colporteurs had a few days ago. We called at a very beautiful home and were in- vited in by the housewife. The home was furnished with most beautiful furnishings. We were in- vited to have chairs, which we did. After a few moments conversation about the condition of the world, we told her the purpose of our call which was to encourage people to read the Word of God more and trust in His power. We gave her a very brief canvass in the book. "Patriarchs and Prophets," and talked about being prepared when God calls us, so that we can meet in that better land. She said. "That is a wonderful book, I should like to have it and as soon as I see my husband I shall let you know." It was just at this time that the hus- band came in, and I truly believe the Lord sent him in. She intro- duced him and told him about the book. I showed it to him and he said, "If you want it, why don't you order it?" She ordered it and paid two dollars down. Surely the Spirit of God goes with those who are willing to distribute His word. HOW I FOUND THE TRUTH I was converted when but a child, and lived a Christian life to the best of my knowledge until after my marriage. Then through the influence of my non-Christian hus- band and the ever-increasing bur- den of heavy farm work and the raising of my babies, I drifted away until I seldom opened my Bible, and for several years did not attend any church. Between seven and eight years ago one of your colporteurs, Mr. Christianson, came to our home taking orders for books. We rated him as an ordinary book agent, and did not ask what church he rep- resented. After talking with him for a while, my husband ordered "Bible Readings for the Home Circle." My husband liked the book very much, for he could look in the Bible and find everything just as it said. I didn't pay much atten- tion to it. The children liked to look at the pictures, and I answered their questions as best I could; but I began to find out that I didn't know very much about the Bible and wasn't very sure of anything I had believed. Then we left the farm, and af- ter living a while here and there, we finally located at Yank- ton. Through the influence of a good neighbor, I put my kiddies into the Methodist Episcopal Sun- day school, and later got started myself. My husband seemed inter- ested, and for a while we attended some church nearly every Sunday evening. Some one had loaned my hus- band some of Judge Rutherford's books and I began to hear much of this belief through him and a neighbor who was inclined that way. For some reason I was afraid of the books, but was persuaded to read some of them. Although I could find all the references given in the Bible, I was not satisified that they were right, and began to take my "Bible Readings" and search through it to prove my point. The more I read of the blessed truth, the more I wanted; and the more I read, the more deeply I was convicted that I had wandered far away from God. Then I began to fear that I had sinned so deeply that God would not forgive me. But by praying earnestly and reading from the Bible references given me in the "Bible Readings," I at last found a new peace with God and publicly acknowledged Him as my Saviour during a revival at the Evangelical church. I later united with this church, and was imme- diately put to work as a teacher. I went regularly to church and pray- er meeting, and was greatly blessed, but I had such a hungering for the things of God that I wasn't satis- fied with sermons. I wanted a real understanding of God's word. I began to search my "Bible Readings" more and more, and by doing so discovered that the Sab- bath question occupied a large part of the hook. I asked my pastor about it, but he only shrugged his shoulders and said he had always been satIsc.,ed with keeping Sun- day. Others told me that the first day of the week was called the Sab- bath in the Bible, although they were not just sure where to find it. I prayed about this and continued my study until about two years ago another colporteur, Mr. Bucholtz, visited me and showed me a copy of "Daniel and Revelation," which I wanted very much, but didn't feel I could afford. I found through him that the book I had been read- ing was a Seventh-day Adventist book. He talked to me about the (Continued on page 9) COLPORTEUR INSTITUTES Minnesota Regular—March 7-16 at English Church, 27th and Stevens Ave., So., Minneapolis, Minn. School—April 6-13 at Maplewood Academy, Hutchinson, Minn. North Dakota Regular and School—March 17-23 at Cheyenne River Academy, Harvey, N. Dak. South Dakota Regular and school—March 24-31 at Plainview Academy, Red- field, S. Dak. Iowa Regular and School—April 15-21 at Oak Park Academy, Nevada, Iowa. • • NORTHERN UNION REA PER STRENUOUS TIMES OUR CHALLENGE By M. L. ANDREASEN President, Minnesota Conference We are all interested in the col- porteur work and in the colpor- teurs. We think often and pray for the faithful men and women who go from door to door selling our lit- erature. May God's choicest bless- ing ever rest upon them. There is no doubt but that we have entered upon strenuous times, but this should only be a challenge to us to do and attempt more for the Lord than ever before. There will be many discouraging voices as there have always been. The Calebs and the Joshuas have never been in the majority, but they af- ter all are the ones upon whom the Lord counts. In times of prosperity there are many who seem to be in- terested in the work, but it is times of adversity that really try men's souls and reveal their true metal. We expect to see faithful men and women take hold of the colporteur work this coming year and we ex- pect to see these faithful men and women successful in their work. Times may have changed and times do change, but the Lord never changes and the need of sending abroad the message is as great as ever. Let a word of courage and cheer and appreciation be given to every colporteur. They need it. Let pray- ers for them ascend to the throne of God and let them know that they have the hearty co-operation and sympathy of all. We want every colporteur to know that we are praying for him and wishing him success. Let those who can- not go themselves stand by those who do go, and let each in his appointed sphere do his best to hell) finish the work. "Many of God's people are to go forth with our publications into places where the third •angel's mes- sage has never been proclaimed. Our books are to be published in many different languages. With these books, humble, faithful men are to go out as colporteur-evan- gelists, bearing the truth to those who would otherwise never be en- lightened."—"Testimonies," Vol. II, pp. 33, 34. REPORT FROM MINNESOTA By M. H. ODEGAARD Field Miss. Seey, Minnesota The Lord has blessed the litera- ture work in the state of Minne- sota with a little gain in sales each successive year � for the � last five years. 1926 � $11,032.40 1927 � 15,059.70 1928 � 18,054.17 1929 � 20,610.00 1930 � ........... � . 25,032.55 At the present time we have eight regulars in the field and others entering in a few weeks. Sev- eral part-time workers are doing • • • • M. H. ODEGAARD fairly well. We have also a fair outlook for student colporteurs for the summer season. The financial condition in the world has affected us more or less, yet, I believe there is a danger of stressing that phase too much and excusing ourselves. Let us remem- ber that there is no crisis with the Lord. If we do our part, the Lord will bless us. Brother Karl A. Evenson has done a most excellent work on the Iron Range. His sales for last year a- mounted to $4,469.00. Brother Dave D. Johnson has had phenomenal success. His sales for the past year were $5,216.75. Other regulars as well as the student colporteurs have done very well considering the time spent in the field. The average sales last year was $1.76 per hour. This surely proves that the fields are "white and ready to harvest". "We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken, will be shaken. The Lora will not excuse those who know tke 'Truth' if they do not in word and deed obey His commands. If we make no effort to win souls to Christ, we shall be held responsible for the work we might have done, but did not do because of our spirit- ual indolence. Those who belong to the Lord's kingdom must work earnestly for the saving of souls." "A great and good work may be done by evangelistic canvassing. The Lord has given men tact and capabilities. Those who use these intrusted talents to His glory, weav- ing Bible principles into the web, will be given success." These state- ments from the Spirit of prophecy should cause every believer to consider seriously his relation to God as well as his duty and responsibility to mankind. The thought is expressed very emphat- ically that we will be Jheld re- sponsible for our own destiny and also for the salvation of others. These facts should bring us to our knees in repentance as did the apostle Paul, crying, "Lord, what will thou have me to do?" �0 � PRECIOUS SEED Years ago •a certain family in Pennsylvania bought the book "Bible Readings" while their chil- dren wereyoung. After reading por- tions of the book, the father and mother thought it was not fit for their children to read, so they hid it, and warned the children against reading it; but every time the parents went to the city, the children would bring the book from its hiding place, read it until they thought it was about time for their father and mother to return home, and then put it back. Years passed, and a minister went to that community to hold a series of meetings. By this time the children had grown to man- hood and womanhood. When they heard the Sabbath and other themes of the message presented, they said, "This is not new to us; we read it out of a book when we were children." Some of them ac- cepted the truth of the third an- gel's message, and one of them was ordained elder of the little church when it was organized. F. H. Robbins. It is not the leap at the start, but the steady going on that gets there.—John Wanamaker. 6 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER ARISE By F. E. BARKLEY Field Miss. Sec'y North Dakota "We are standing on the thres- hold of the crisis of the ages". "What meanest thou, 0 sleeper? arise, call upon thy God ... But the prayers of the man who had turned aside from the path of duty, brought no help." It was "while he (Jonah) hesitated, still doubting," that, "Satan overwhelmed him with dIscouragemenit." "In the charge given him, Jonah had been intrusted with a heavy responsi- bility; yet He who had bidden him • • F. E. BARKLEY go was able to sustain His servant and grant him sucess." My brother, my sister, have you, "hesitated" to answer the call to duty in the colporteur field? And, has Satan overwhelmed you with discouragement? If so, you are mercifully granted another oppor- tunity as was the ancient prophet. God has rewarded faithful effort with success in every age, and in every emergency. He is doing it to- day. He will do it for you. "I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. When you are there, whatsoever is right,that shall ye re- ceive." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." To this, the faithful colporteur can testify. This watering is essential to salvation. "The call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man." Un- employment? Yes. But "why stand ye here all the day idle?" Finan- cial depression? Yes. But there are those who have money to hand the faithful, God-fearing colporteur for his books in North Dakota in the winter of 1931. Brother Joe Meyer, Dorathy Hume and the writer are finding them in Fargo. Brother F. L. Courtney is finding them in Grand Forks. "Behold I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks." This work will continue until the last one is found. It will also continue while "everything in our world is in agitation." Yet all the while "God is overruling all for the accomplish- ment of His purposes." "The form of a man's hand under their (Cherubim) wings" may be seen to- day guiding the affairs of nations and of individuals. It is your privilege and mine to follow the leading of that divine hand and, "both save thyself and them that hear thee." Is God calling you? Hesitate no longer! "The Holy Ghost saith, 'Today!' " o �• SOUL SAVING WORK By L. P. Knecht Field Miss. Sec'y, Iowa Conference The circulation of our literature is one very important means of placing before men and women the light God has committed to his church to be given to the world. "There is no higher work than evangelistic convassing, for it in- volves the performance of the high- est moral duties." Volume VI, page 331. We also read these words from the servant of God: "This is the very work the Lord would have His people do at this time. All who consecrate themselves to God to work 'as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the world. As long as probation continues, there will be opportu- nity for the canvasser to work. Un- til in heaven is spoken the word, 'It is finished,' there will always be places for labor and hearts to re- ceive the message." Volume VI, page 478. We read these words in Zech. 4:6, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." In fact, already the Spirit of God is being poured out on all flesh, and year by year our colporteurs are rapidly increasing; and wherever they go, souls are being won to Christ. Our missionaries tell us of many companies of Sabbath keepers that have been brought to Christ through the canvassing work. I recall an experience one of our colporteurs had just a year ago. Today we have in this place about six baptized members and a Sabbath school of 'about twenty- five or thirty, making it necessary to send a minister to look after the interest. If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the people, conversing and praying with and for them. There is only one where there should be a hundred carrying the light to all the world, to every na- tion, kindred, tongue and people. There are many who know not the truth; they need to hear the call to come to Jesus. Who will respond to the call? Who will go forth to la- bor in the wisdom and grace and love of Christ for the thousands who are perishing without God and without hope. Who will sacrifice ease and pleasure and go forth without the camp, imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit, burdened for the salvation of souls? The Divine Voice cries, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Send back the response, "Here am I; send me." Isa. 6:8. "The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will co-operate with divine power. All the requisite talent, courage, per- severance, faith and tact will come as we put the armour on." "Col- porteur Evangelist," page 27. "Must Jesus bear the cross alone, And all the world go free? No, there's a cross for every one, And there's a cross for me." Let us hasten to join and fill up the ranks before the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. Let us hasten to get a real experience in this line of service that God may add to our experience a mighty outpouring of His Holy Spirit, for the third angel's message is to be proclaimed with great power by those who give the final warning. There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing. Will you not try it? Note: Brother Knecht has been called by the Iowa Conference to take the place made vacant by the illness of R. M. Carter. Brother Knecht has had years of experience in the colporteur work. For the past three years he has been as- sistant field missionary secretary of the Wisconsin Conference. 0 "Misunderstandings may separate friends far more widely than either time or space." • • WITH OUR COLPORTEURS NORTHERN UNION REAPER � 7 MEETING A TERRIBLE CRANK Last Wednesday as I was going from house to house I was getting warnings to look out for a Mr. � as he was a terrible crank, and did not believe in religion. About 4:30 p. m. I came to this Mr. � 's house, with some misgivings, I must admit; but I had prayed that I might meet the situation as God should will. Mr. � was in his shop, building a trailer. I intro- duced myself, and told him my business. He looked rather hard at me and asked me if I were a preacher. I told him that I was not. Well, then the tirade began and what he said about preachers was certainly not very nice. Finally I asked him, "What do you hold against the preachers?" He said, "They do not preach the Bible." I said, "In what particu- lar?" "In most all particulars," he replied. Then he asked, "Do you believe in infant baptism and con- firmation?" I told him I did not, but that we must not judge all preachers by the few we know, as there are those who preach the truth. So he asked me which ones did. I replied, "The Adventist preachers do." He told me that he did not know much about them; so I brought out my prospectus and began to give him a canvass. I had just started when he said, "Come, let us go inside to my wife; she is pretty much Lutheran yet." So in we went; there was the whole family, seven boys and girls. Then they asked me questions which I did my best to answer, ask- ing God to help me as I did so. Every point of doctrine was ques- tioned and I gave Bible answers, as I had my pocket Bible with me. There sat the whole family, with mouths and ears open, drinking in each word. At last the mother said, "What shall I do? My young- est son is not confirmed. How about my family? They were all sprink- led." I quoted the words of Peter, "Repent and be baptized." How about my canvass, you say? Well the Lord canvassed the father and mother, and they both said, "We want your book. Bring it as soon as you can." Mr. — came out to the car with me, and said, "I have a nice family, but I am still an old hard-head and rough-neck; I chew and smoke, but none of my boys do." I asked him if he did not want to be on the streets of gold with the boys in the earth made new. "Yes, I do," he said. Then I quoted a few texts on health. He dropped his head and said, "I shall have to quit, won't I?" Before I left him, he asked me to come early in the morning when I brought the book, and stay all day and study with them. He said, "Please do that." Friends, pray for these people; and I shall also send them litera- ture. Pray for me, too, that the Lord may direct in all my work. Mike Moen, Minnesota colporteur. STAYED WITH THE PREACHER Here is another part time report. The results were not so bad. I got into a neighborhood where there was a preacher, and I went to him and took his order and stayed over night at his home, and then started out. I took some very good orders. Hope these books will be read—yes, more, studied; and more yet, that some people will be saved in the kingdom of God as a result of this literature. �S. A. Hill, South Dakota colporteur. NOT SO HARD One man, a young bachelor, whom I visited was out feeding the hogs when I came. I canvassed him first for Bibles. "No," he said shortly, "I have plenty." "All right," I answered, putting my Bible pros- pectus away. We talked a few moments. Then I canvassed him for "Patriarchs." He took it in the cloth binding and added that he guessed he wanted a Bible, too. He said he first thought I was going to be "hard" so he was going to protect himself. Then he placed an order for both. They are a good team - "Patriarchs" and the Bible, and I hope he allows them to do good work for him. Ben. L. Keenan, Minnesota colporteur COLPORTEUR FRUITAGE I believe that the colporteur work is one of the greatest and best soul-winning agencies known in the world today. Many and varied have been the experiences I've encountered during the three and a half years I've been engaged in this blessed work. Some over two and a half years ago I came to the home of a very lovely young woman Who kindly invited me in. She was very much interested in religion. She en- quired as to what denomination I represented. When I told her that I represent a people who keep the seventh day that God commands us to observe, she looked at me in astonishment, for she had never heard of such a people or denom- ination. She purchased "Bible Read- ings," and I turned her over to our Bible worker. Consequently, she is now rejoicing in this truth. Besides, she has leen with me selling books, magazines, and doing Harvest In- gathering work despite the fact that she has three little ones and a husband who is not of our faith. She is the first-fruit of my labor for the Lord. Since then four more whom I found while in the field have embraced this last gos- pel message. Two sisters of one or them and the mother of another have joined this happy Sabbath keeping army of believers. One woman told me when I was through showing her "Bible Read- ings" that she felt all the time I was telling her about it that God must have sent me to her. Now she knows that He directed my go- ing there. Another woman's face just shone with happiness when she said to me after she had been baptized into our church, that I was responsible for her being there. When we reach that beautiful home of the saved, if I remain loyal to God and faithful in His service, I shall hear many of those to whom I've sold and given literature on earth greet me in a similar manner as did the above mentioned lady. "Not more surely is the place pre- pared for us in the heavenly man- sions than is the special place des- ignated on earth where we are to work." "Christ is now preparing a place for those who are preparing a people for Him." Mrs. Clare G. Rust, Minnesota colporteur. 8 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER HE WILL GET THE MESSAGE I had a wonderful experience in my field recently. I met a lady at the door, and after giving my in- troduction, she asked me what church I represented. I told her the Seventh-day Adventist church. Then she told me about her par- ents knowing Adventist people In North Dakota by the name of Haynes, and wondered if they were related to the author of the book, "Our Times," which I was showing. She said her folks were very much prejudiced against Adventists, but she, herself, felt altogether differ- ent. She said she couldn't be a Christian and at the same time en- tertain a hateful feeling. She asked me if the book was largely on the fourth commandment. I said, "No," and told her it had the full gospel message. She ordered the book for the March 2 delivery. She has a son who is a Christian, and I am hoping that he will get the full message when he is acquainted with the book. Joe Meyer, North Dakota colporteur. NOW SHE WANTS BIBLE STUDIES The other day I came to the home of a young, nice looking wo- man who kindly invited me in. She had just come home from work, and it was near supper time, so she could have had plenty of ex- cuses for rejecting my call, but she seemed anxious to hear what I had to say and wanted to know what I thought about God's will- ingness to receive sinners. From what she said, I believe she must have gone almost to the limit in sin and is now very sorry and wor- ried about the future. She said, "If it weren't for my children, I'd just as soon kill myself." She told me she is utterly disgusted with the low moral standards of the world and wanted to know if I thought there was hope for her. I explain- ed to her the plan of salvation and God's willingness to forgive the truly repentant. Of course I can- vassed her for "Great Controversy." With tears in her eyes she gave me the order, and now after having received the book she wants Bible studies. Bessie Nordstrom, Minnesota colporteur. ALREADY HAD HIS ORDER I have entered some homes where they said they would not be inter- ested in buying any more books, but before I left they took a book. I know that the Lord was impressing the people through His Holy Spirit, for otherwise they would never have bought the book. Once I was asking who lived on a certain roaa in that township. The man said that a bachelor lived there. "But you can't go to see him, because he is afraid of 'all strangers he sees," he added. That man about whom he was speaking had bought a "Bible Readings" from me the day before. � Susie Madzia, South Dakota colporteur. 0 � READ IT TWENTY TIMES I have worked in 'a very foreign section this week, where the folks were very poor, many out of work, and thought they were well sup- plied with religious books. Practical- ly all had Bibles. Most of them were Finns. Some lof them had "Our Day" and "Great Controversy." One Swedish man to whom I had pre- viously sold "Our Day" said he had read it through twenty times. He ordered "Daniel and Revelation." Well, at that my sales are fairly good. �Karl A. Evenson, Minnesota colporteur. PICTURES SELL THE BOOK The first canvass I gave was to a bachelor. He became interested in the pictures and ordered the book before I had given even half the canvass. He paid $3.50 down on the book. I also received an order after giving my second canvass, and took my third order after giving my fourth canvass. The pictures sold the books in every order 1 got, as the people thought the pictures alone told the story. One lady objected to taking the book because the crops were so poor. Her little girl seemed very much interested in the pictures, and when I mentioned the date of delivery her little daughter said, "Oh, mamma, that will be right on my birthday." Her mother had already said she couldn't take it; but I saw my chance and explained how valuable it would be to her daugh- ter, and told her it would be a won- derful birthday present for the lit- tle girl. She asked. her husband what he thought of ordering it; and after showing them a few more pictures, they ordered the book. Violet Grasser, North Dakota colporteur. SEE THIS WONDERFUL BOOK I came to one home and in- troduced my work, and asked if I might step in and talk with her for a while. "Well." she said, "If it's a book you have, I am not interest- ed for I can't afford to buy any book." So I told her she did not need to buy it, but that I only wanted to show her the work and talk about the Lord. So I was asked in, and I gave her the canvass for "Great Controversy." She was in- terested and when we were about half through, her mother came in. The daughter called to her mother to come to see this wonderful book, so her mother came and sat clown, and I talked to both of them. The mother said, "I'll order that book if you will read it." So the daughter said, "If you will order the book I'll read it all right!" They were so eager and pleased to get the book. And now they are taking Bible studies. So there are hungry souls waiting for the message. May God inspire more of our people to go out in this blessed soul saving work, for there is no other work under heaven that is more blessed than this work. Mrs. E. Netteburg, Minnesota colporteur. �0 � A MOST INTERESTING STORY Sister Hawkins related a most in- teresting story at a Missouri-camp meeting, which illustrates the work of our colporteur evangelist. She and her husband, who was a conference worker, were asked to visit a man and his neighbors who were calling for a minister to come and baptize them. These people were found seventeen miles from the nearest railroad. Upon their arrival at this home, and after the usual formalities of becoming ac- quainted, the first question asked was, "How did the third angel's message find you away out here?" Then in the words of Sister Haw- kins, he related his story: "From my youth," he said, "I was a wild lad, with every bad habit of the age. I drank and smoked, chew- ed tobacco, played cards, and used NORTHERN UNION REAPER � 9 profane language. I was a ringlead- er among the boys and young men even after I was married. The heart of many a poor mother was terrified when she knew that her boy was in my bunch. "I knew little about religion, and cared less. During the revivals, there were many prayers offered in my behalf, but each meeting left me harder in heart and more de- termined not to yield. "While I was about my farm work one day, a middle-aged man ap- proached me. I soon found that he was a book agent, a profession which I particularly disliked. I prided myself upon knowing just how to turn away all such in haste. But the noble, dignified, yet kindly appearance of this gentleman, con- nected with the earnestness which he manifested, took possession of me in spite of my prejudice. Thus I listened to his canvass. After I learned that the book was a trea- tise on Bible subjects, I declined to subscribe for it. "The man was not so easily turn- ed away even if I did not buy his book. I let him come into the house, and there in a fatherly way he placed one of his hands on my shoulder, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, 'Young man, I am not merely a book agent by pro- fession, nor do I work for the money there is in it, but I am a missionary out on the King's busi- ness. The great God of heaven has sent me with a message to you.' Placing his other hand on the book without removing the one from my shoulder, he continued, "The mes- sage is all in the book. God has given you a noble wife and beauti- ful children, and in the judgment He is going to require their souls at your hands. This is the key, the Guidebook to a better land. You need the key. Let us kneel down right here and talk to the King about it.' "Usually I would have been angry at such remarks, but tears were in the man's eyes and his voice trem- bled with pent-up emotion. To my great surprise my family were kneeling down beside the man of God while he was pouring out his soul in prayer for my salvation. In order to ease my suddenly awaken- ed conscience, and in order to get rid of the man, I determined to buy the book. It was the book called, 'Bible Readings for the Home Circle.' All this time I was saying to myself, 'I will never read it.' But I could not get away so easily from him. He again put his hand on my shoulder, and with his eyes fixed more tenderly on me, he remarked, 'No, if I were just a book agent, my work would be more than done, but as I am an ambassador for the King, I have another mes- sage for you. It is not enough that you buy the book, you must also read it. I will pray for you.' "Then leaving me dazed and puzzled, he was gone. I hurried back to my work, trying to forget about the book. But at every turn I could see that noble face uplifted in prayer. Stubbornly I resolved never to take that book from the shelf. But instead of going directly to supper and to bed, I took that book from the shelf and read it until midnight. I did this for about a week, and I also noticed by book- marks here and there, that my wife was studying it during the day. We decided that we would go over one subject each evening. She would ask the questions and I would read the answers from the Bible. One day I asked timidly if she coulct offer a prayer like the man. She said that she could not pray as he did, but that she would try to do it the best that she knew how. Thus we erected the family altar in our home. 'Before leaving, the man of God had also given my wife a copy or 'Shadow of the Bottle,' and of 'The Other Side of Death,' and quite a few periodicals, such as the 'Signs of the Times,' etc. I immediately sent to the publishers for the 'Signs of the Times' and the 'Review and Herald.' "On reading the 'Shadow of the Bottle,' I decided that conversion must be followed by a reformation in my life. I then parted company with 'Demijohn' my pipe, and tobacco, threw away my cards and stopped swearing. After that came a short battle about the state of the dead, but the little book, 'The Other Side of Death', and 'Bible Readings' soon made that all very clear to me. Then I began keeping the Sabbath, and by the close of the first Sabbath that I ever kept in my life, two of my neighbors and my wife had decided to keep it with me. "'I have not seen a living preach- er, but I know all the points of the message, and say, pastor, (address- ing my husband) when can I be baptized?' Without waiting to hear the answer while his face shone like that of an angel, he reached out eager hands and said, 'Oh, tell me who this King's messenger was? Where does he live? How can I find him? Maybe it is wrong for me to say this, but I would rather see him than an angel from heaven, or the dearest relative on earth.' " Dear reader, is not God calling you to do a similar work? If so, do not put it off. Respond now to the call of service. Geo. A. Campbell. � 0 � HOW I FOUND THE TRUTH (Continued from page 4) Sabbath and the state of the dead. Because he saw that I wanted it, my husband ordered a copy of "Daniel and Revelation" with the understanding that we would take it if we could spare the money when he delivered the other copies he had sold. On account of an ac- cident to one of the children, we could not spare the money when the book was delivered. One of your representatives from Watertown was with Mr. Bucholtz, and he urged my husband to sub- scribe for the "Watchman," so that I might begin 'at once to get the good of the paper even though I could not take the book. I read this paper almost greedily, and be- gan thinking earnestly about keep- ing the Sabbath by myself, and started to do so. When Mr. Bucholtz came again in company with a Mr. Evenson, I was still without the money to spare. After spending the evening with us, Mr. Bucholtz decided to leave the book with me and trust me to pay whenever I could. I shall never be able to thank him enough for this favor, for otherwise I'm afraid I would not have had another opportunity to read this wonderful book. Mr. Bucholtz also informed me that there was a Sabbath gathering here in the city. I was very much surprised as I had never heard of it and supposed I was the only one in town keeping the Sabbath. He told Sister Magera 'about me, and she called the next Sabbath to see me and invited me to ya,ttend their Sabbath school. I have attended UNION Office Address— 2718 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis. Minnesota Telephone, South 0604 President - - -Charles Thompson Secretary-Treasurer � - I. G. Ortner I 10 � NORTHERN UNION REAP ER quite regularly since, and they have helped me by loaning and giving me papers And tracts till I always have some on hand to read. As for the book, "Daniel and Revela- tion," I was so hungry that I al- most ate it up, cover and all. I had never dreamed that themysteries in the Bible could be explained like that. I do not feel that I understand all the church doctrine enough yet to unite with the church, but know that I can never agree with other churches again. May God bless the efforts of the church to win souls through the distribution of their books and literature. Mrs. E. Snapp, Yankton, S. Dak. $%%1ATafi fiTIffin15955Hi!figILYIERS ffi ffi ViEFM.TffitfiWiEfi9L%VaiffiffiTffigigafiXwAin SOLICITATION OF FUNDS We think it proper and helpful to quote a statement from the "Working Policy" of the General Conference regarding the solicita- tion of funds. This quotation is also offered in answer to some per- sonal solicitation that has come to the writer. From pages 37 and 38 of the pamphlet mentioned, we quote: "1. No conference, church, or in- stitution, without special counsel and arrangement, is to plan work requiring solicitation of funds from outside its own territory, any solici- tation within its own territory to be in harmony with local, union, or general policy. "2. For the protection of churches from unauthorized teachers and fraudulent and undenominational solicitation, it is recognized, "a. That ministers and church officers should not grant the priv- ilege of the pulpit to persons who have not recognition or recommen- dation from the conference author- ities. "b. That no permission be grant- ed to solicit funds either publicly or privately without such recogni- tion. "c. That all funds contributed by our people for any cause in re- sponse to appeals, be passed through the regular channels of the church. "d. That no 'authority is granted workers in the cause representing special interests in one part of the field to solicit help for that work in any other conference without arrangement by the conference au- thorities, with written authorization therefor. "3. Mission field workers visiting the home churches or in touch with the home base by correspondence, are asked to solicit funds only for enterprises included in the budget of appropriations, working in co- operation with churches and con- ferences to raise the funds required to meet the appropriations on which the missions depend." We urge all our readers to care- fully study these instructions, and religiously follow the same. All should note the objective is to di- rect in solicitations rather than to prohibit them; but to prevent un- worthy and unscrupulous persons from imposing upon the believers collectively or individually, these safeguards are recommended and made "a working policy" for church and conference. We em- phasize that "all funds contributed for any cause" are to pass through the regular channels of the church." The regular church chan- nel for funds is the "church treas- urer." He in turn sends all trust funds (which means all monies not to be expended for the local church of which he is the treasurer) to the conference treasurer, who will make remittance in harmony with the label accompanying the funds re- ceived; and thus a record is kept in both church and conference so all offerings can be traced and ac- counted for, and no one be justly suspicioned as pocketing for him- self money solicited. This is just as true in soliciting for work in the home conference as for the work in mission fields abroad. We also call special attention to the recommendation, "That min- isters and church officers should not grant the privilege of the pul- pit to persons who have not rec- ognition or recommendation from conference authorities." Recogni- tion for conference workers would be represented in ministerial cre- dentials or licenses or missionary credentials. Such recognition should be respected by the local church. Should a worker, for reasons known to the conference, have his creden- tials suspended or withheld, the church should likewise recognize that act, and withhold the privi- leges of the pulpit. We urge all to follow closely these recommendations, for by so doing we will prosper more abundantly in spiritual life and in the support of all lines of denominational work. Charles Thompson. � o � - RECENT VISITS It was my privilege recently to visit the church at Spearfish, S. Dak. They have a membership of 35, and like most other sections of the field, they have had their ex- periences of depression. However, when the matter of a "Signs" club was presented to them, a very en- thusiastic response was shown in a club of 40 copies for a year being subscribed to. Over in Sturgis, we have four new members beginning to keep the Sabbath, with Brother C. A. Mock holding meetings. Un- der the leadership of Brother Mock they will subscribe to a club of 15 going there. Last Sabbath while assisting Brother Anderson in a church mis- sionary institute at Cedar Rapids, the time came for us to mention the "Signs" and a very fine re- sponse was shown by both seniors and younger members of t h e church there. A club equal to their membership is assured, and we highly appreciate this co-operation. As these papers are handed out in the homes of the people week by week, let us pray that the solemn messages they contain may prove salvation to honest hearts. If your church has not yet or- dered a "Signs" club, we hope you, dear reader, by your influence and example will help to make such a club possible, and your church will be numbered among missionary churches having a missionary "Signs" club doing weekly mission- ary work. � Anol Grundset. �0 � We have been asleep, as it were, regarding the work that may be accomplished by the circulation or well-prepared literature. � Let us now, by the wise use of periodicals and books, preach the word with determined energy, that the world may understand the message that Christ gave to John on the isle of Patmos.—"The Colporteur Evangel- ist," p. 101. 0 � "The colporteur work properly conducted is missionary work of the highest order."— Mrs. E. G. White. NORTHERN UNION REAPER � 11 %%-%%%%%YliAMi%%%%%% IOWA ffi � Office Address-734 Main St., Nevada Telephone 168 President - � - � - � C. F. McVagh Secretary-Treasurer - G. A. Nystrom %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%55 WITH BELIEVERS IN IOWA While recuperating from the ef- fects of necessary operations after twenty years of strenuous city evangelism in the States and in Canada, we are temporarily so- journing in our native state. It was a pleasure to attend, by special invitation, the recent Iowa Conference workers' meeting at Nevada. The workers responded heartily to the clear note of aggres- sive evangelism as emphasized by the conference president, Elder C. F. McVagh. Acquaintance was re- newed with former tried and true Iowa workers, associate workers of other fields of bygone days, and it was inspiring to meet other young- er, consecrated, heralders of the Cross. I recognized in the present secretary- treasurer of the confer- ence a brother in whose home, over twenty years ago, we conducted Bible studies when he was employed in the Mason City offices of the United Brotherhood of America. We spent a profitable two weeks in the Iowa Sanitarium. It was ded- icated the year we entered confer- ence work. The sanitarium is pros- pering under the leadership of Dr. Morse and his associates. It was a real pleasure to look into the faces of the fine, hopeful group of Oak Park Academy students in Friday evening devotional chapel service, and to worship with the Nevada church on a Sabbath morning. From our schools are coming other Josephs, Daniels, and Esthers. Let us be loyal in their support! While visiting in Iowa, besides meeting for Sabbath services in Brighton at the Hugh Henry home, we have spent a Sabbath with the church at Fairfield, Cedar Rapids and Mt. Pleasant, attended prayer meeting at Davenport, visited at Keokuk, and spent an evening with the young people and other mem- bers at Oskaloosa. At Pleasant Plain, is a large con- gregation of friends. By urgent re- quest of their devoted pastor, 1 spoke to their Sunday morning con- gregation on "Stewardship", Ero a Sunday evening congregation on "The Second Personal Coming of Christ", and on another Sunday evening on "Signs of the Second Coming". Opportunities abound in these days. Let us all press together and onward in this time of the real finishing of God's work in the earth with renewed consecration, increas- ing enthusiasm, and generous sup- port! Stemple White. 0 SIOUX CITY NOTES Results of Effort: The majority of those coming into the church at the time of the large theater effort conducted by Elder F. W. Johnson and associates are continuing faithful. We wish we might report 100 per cent faithful. Finances for 1930: Harvest In- gathering was $1218.40 which was $186.26 in excess of the amount re- ceived for 1929. The tithes for 1930 were $4216.51. The Sabbath school contributed $1512.81 of the $3077.12 trust funds other than the tithes received by the church. Total home conference funds received were $8481.19. Sabbath School: Under the able leadership of Mrs. Bushnell, our general superintendent and Mrs. C. Christensen, superintendent of the primary division, we feel our Sab- bath school is doing much good in building up and stabilizing God's work in the city. We hope for ex- celling results in 1931. Young People's Work: Eugene Nelson and Paul Miller have been doing excellently in leading out in this important work. Brother Nelson has left the city so we shall have to choose another leader. The Sunday evening meeting, which was started in the country about twelve miles, is continuing with interest. Paul Miller has been leading out in these meetings and has done splen- did service. While the attendance is not large, we are confident eternal good will result. The pastor is fos- tering and assisting in these meet- ings. Education: Under the able lead- ership of our teacher, Miss Velma Millard, the church school is pro- gressing well. We wish we might be able to report 100 per cent of the children of church school age in our church in our church school. Two of our young people are in, Oak Park Academy and three in Union College. Baptism: Sunday afternoon, February 15, seven were baptized. This service was held at the Y. W. C. A. The faithful services of Miss McSparrin, our Bible worker, and Miss Millard, the church school teacher, contributed largely to the conversion and resultant baptism. Another baptismal service is now being planned for the near future. The Pastor: I presume it is known to many that the pastor was not able to accomplish in 1930 all that might have been on account of temporary failing of health. Sev- eral weeks were spent at the Iowa Sanitarium. With returning health. we trust 1931 will present a better record. Outlook for 1931: Humanly speaking the outlook is not the best from more than one viewpoint. However, when we look at present day conditions in the light of in- spired prophecy we take courage. We trust we may ever remember the outlook is as bright as the up- look inspired by a hope in God's word. Our Request: Pray for the leaders of the Sioux City church that they may be men and women who know what Israel is out to do and also that they may indeed be leaders that God may bless. C. H. Miller, Pastor. �0 � HOME MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES The following letter accompanied the last report to Elder Anderson from the missionary secretary at Council Bluffs. "Dear Brother Anderson: " My report is a little late this time, but I have been very busy. Hope it gets to you in time. Have Bible readings to give yet to-day. While there are not such a large number of readings there are sel- dom less than two, and generally four, so a greater number of peo- ple hear the readings than the number would indicate. Our Bible training class in the church is tak- ing quite an interest. Not so many as one could wish, only eight or ten, but they are doing real work and will soon be able to fill openings. "We are giving a half hour be- fore prayer meeting on Wednes- day night, to consider ways of do- ing home missionary work. We hope the year 1931 will be a new 12 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER era in soul winning for the Coun- cil Bluffs church. There are some to be baptized when this can be arranged for. Remember us in your prayers for the work in Coun- cil Bluffs. "Sincerely, "Mrs. L. C. Christofferson." IOWA ITEMS Brother George Campbell spent Sabbath, February 21, in Nevada. * � * Elder Charles Thompson spent Sabbath, February 28, with the Des Moines church. Mrs. Elizabeth Akin of the Nevada church moved to Ames last week, where her husband is employed. Mrs. Jennie Johnson Edgerton, visited relatives at Bondurant last week, then went on to Knoxville. her girlhood home, to visit friends. * The Nevada church is being re- plastered and decorated and church members are uniting joyfully in the effort, which all will agree came none too soon. * * * Malmer Nelson of the Forest City church called at the conference of- fice on Wednesday of last week, when he was in Nevada visiting his son, Merle, at the academy. * * * Elders Sheldon and Nixon spent Sabbath, February 28, with the Des Moines church in the interest of their departments, the educational and young people's work. * � * Elder Anderson and Elder and Mrs. Grundset, Miss Vesta Scott of the office, and her brother Floyd Scott, who is attending the church school in Nevada, were at Cedar Rapids, February 21, where Mr. and Mrs. Arwid Scott are living temporarily. * * Word came to the office on Wed- nesday of last week, of the death at Berrien Springs, Mich., of Mrs. A. E. Alexander, the mother of J. Wesley Rhoades. An operation for appendicitis, followed by perito- nitis, was the cause of her death. Many friends in Iowa will hear this with regret. • * Mrs. Dorcas spent Sabbath, Feb- ruary 21, at Stuart, visiting isolated members and meeting with them in Sabbath school and church service, after which she accompanied her old friend, Mrs. Stella Ferguson Taylor, to Menlo to spend a little time in her hospitable home. She returned to Stuart on Sunday to visit with Mrs. Iva Turner at her home, before leaving for Nevada. * � * Elder J. H. Rhoads conducted the Missionary Volunteer Week of Prayer services at the academy last week. He went to Spencer on Sunday to be with Elder J. C. Christenson in a series of meetings there. Mrs. Rhoads and two small sons, James Burten and Dale Elwood, will remain in Nevada at the Dorcas home. * * The Iowa Sabbath school invest- ment for 1930 amounted to $3137.- 35 and already a large number of schools are working to make it $4,- 000 in 1931. The Investment pro- gram has been sent to the schools and we trust that all will carry it out on the earliest possible Sab- bath. With farmers plowing in February, we should be formulating spring plans with energy and en- thusiasm. WASitres%ffiffiffiRAffiffiNi'Affiffiffiffiffi NORTH DAKOTA ffi � ffi Office Address—Box 1491, Jamestown ffi � Telephone 676 ffi � President � - � - � - � H. J. Meyer ffi ffi ffi Secretary-Treasurer - W. I. Montanye ffiffiffi$WIffiffiliffiffiffi%ffiffiffiTeMffiffiffi%ffiffi OUR PENNANT SABBATH SCHOOLS Surely the Lord has made His people willing in this day. We are forced to realize that means are not so easily obtained by many of our people, yet those who plan for the work of the Lord, will have something wherewith to come in- to His presence so that it is un- necessary to come empty handed. Following is a list of 24 Sabbath schools that made a goal of 30 cents per week per church member. Most of them made more, some reaching even 85 cents. Church � Amount Ackworth � .30 Alexander � .46 Bismarck � .49 Berg � .73 Bowman � .30 Cathay � .39 Crosby • � .80 Devils Lake � .32 Driscoll � .33 Dunn Center � .49 Deering � .50 Dickenson � .50 Hazen � .70 Jamestown, English � .36 Jamestown, German � .33 Kenmare � .34 Minot � .38 Oakes � .60 Palermo � .70 Paradise � .59 Rock Lake � .85 Taylor � .30 Turtle Mts. � .35 Washburn � .37 The Sabbath school Investment has had no small part in making the record of the last quarter show so well. About one third of the last quarter's offering was Investment money. We are grateful for this splendid record. All the above Sabbath schools are receiving Sab- bath school pennants. H. Wentland. �0 � S. R. A. NEWS NOTES Jonathan and Lila Peters and Paul Fischer visited their respective homes over the week-end, February 14. Sam Devnich was happily sur- prised to have his mother and brother visit him Sabbath, Feb- ruary 14. Saturday evening, February 14, the students were divided into groups and were entertained at the homes of the teachers. Every one reported a good time. • * * Prof. G. S. Livingston talked on "Blindness" during the chapel hour on Monday, February 16. We should all watch so that we may not be- come spiritually blind. * * * The topics discussed at the Gos- pel Workers' Seminar, February 14, were "The Law of God," by A. J. Zabolotney, and "The Love of God," by Solomon Kruger. Mildred and Leona Adamson sang a duet. * The chapel talk given Friday, February 13, by Miss Petersen, was on the "Ten Commandments of Work." They were ambition, ef- ficiency, intelligence, order, up- rightness, purpose, patience per- fection, punctuality, and power. ;, � a The Sabbath school officers for the second semester are: Aaron Heinrich, superintendent; Amos Berthelsen, assistant superinten- dent; Agnes Klebe, secretary; NORTHERN UNION REAPER � 13 Myrlo Hilde, assistant secretary; Ruth Poppe, pianist; Jonathan Peters, chorister; Elvera Petersen, adviser. The officers of the Missionary Volunteer Society for the second semester are: Leland Van Allen, leader; Solomon Kruger, assistant leader; Gladys Leiske, secretary; Mildred Adamson, assistant secre- tary; Anna Gruzensky, pianist; Otto Berthelsen, chorister; Sam Devnich and Eveline Wentland, educational secretaries; Prof. G. S. Livingston, faculty adviser. SCHEDULE OF OFFERINGS The conference has had a quan- tity of large cards printed showing the order in which the various of- ferings come during each month. We will be glad to send one of these cards to any church that does not already have one. We feel that it is very important that our people know in what order the various offerings come during the month, and that the opportunity be given the people to contribute to these various funds on each and every Sabbath. With this thought in mind the conference committee outlined the program as it appears on this card, and one of them should be placed in plain view in every one of our churches in order that all may be properly informed. In this connection we wish to call attention.to the fact that the tithe should be mentioned each Sabbath, and opportunity given to the mem- bers to place their tithe, properly enclosed in an envelope, in the of- fering basket when it is passed. It your church does not have one of these Schedules of Offerings cards, please ask for it and it will be sent free. W. I. Montanye. �0 � "THE REMNANT CHURCH NOT BABYLON" The above is the title of a tract we have been requested to order for one of our ministers, and we are informed that it is out of print. Thinking that perhaps others of our ministers and church elders might feel the need of referring to the material contained in this old tract at times in the conduct of their work, we are passing on to you the information that the ma- terial contained in this tract may be found in the book, "Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers", pages 32 - 62. If needed, please re- fer to the above book. If you do not have the book, it may be secured from the Book and Bible House, for $2 in cloth binding or $3 in limp leather binding. W. I. Montanye. Y2,ATit•ATMA%91!fel'AViLiilfitfiNi!ENiffigiT7tRA MINNESOTA Office Address-1$54 Roblyn Ave., St. Paul Telephone Midway 8441 President � - � - M. L. Andreasen tieeretary-Treasurer - A. R. araouse MINNESOTA ITEMS Don't forget to plan for a definite Sabbath school investment this year. Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Strom of Hector called at the office on Wed- nesday of last week. A meeting of the Maplewood Academy board and the conference executive committee was held last Sunday at Hutchinson. If any of the isolated or Confer- ence church members did not re- ceive a copy of the special read- ing for Religious Liberty Day they may secure one without cost as long as the supply lasts by writing to the conference office. If any others who are interested in taking up colporteur work de- sire to attend the Minnesota col- porteur institute to be held at the Minneapolis English church from March 7-16, they should com- municate immediately with M. H. Odegaard at the conference of- fice. * � * Next Sabbath, March 7, is Reli- gious Liberty Day in all our churches and the offering in the church service is for the conference Re- ligious Liberty Fund, which makes it possible to furnish the "Liberty" magazine to about 1450 prominent men throughout Minnesota. This list includes all the members of the State Legislature and the Congress- men from Minnesota, the county attorneys, sheriffs, clerks and su- perintendents of schools, the city attorneys and superintendents of schools in the larger cities, presi- dents and deans of colleges, judges of the various courts throughout the state, about 160 public libraries and more than 500 editors of Min- nesota newspapers. The impor- tance of continuing the "Liberty" magazine subscriptions to this list of prominent men is obvious, and it would also be worth while to send it to all the attorneys, but the proceeds from this offering have not in the past been sufficient to make that possible. We hope they may be this year, when the Sunday law and calendar issues are more tense than ever before. Our people will also desire to re- new their "Liberty" subscriptions at this time and to take advantage of the special offer of 25 cents a year when four or more subscrip- tions are ordered at once. The single subscription rate is 35 cents. When sending it to friends and prominent men in your respective communities, however, please keep in mind the above list to whom it is supplied by the conference from the proceeds of the offering, other- wise duplications are almost sure to occur. 4, � 4, � * There seems to be a misunder- standing on the part of some re- garding the terms and conditions of the special literature offer which is being made by the conference to encourage o u r members a n d churches to engage in active and systematic home missionary service. The conference will pay half the cost on either "Signs of the Times" or "Present Truth" sub- scriptions or bulk supplies of the latter, on the condition that they be used systematically for strictly missionary purposes among non church members and followed up faithfully by either correspondence or personal visits in order to win to the truth, if possible, those to whom they are given or mailed. This offer also includes the "Pres- ent Truth" and papers similar to the "Signs" which are published in foreign languages. The use of such literature or subscriptions under the terms of this offer is also re- stricted to the state of Minnesota for obvious reasons, and the mini- mum number of subscriptions ac- cepted on any one order is five. All orders, of course, must be sent to the Minnesota Book and Bible House and those placing such or- ders will be held responsible for the literature being used strictly in harmony with the terms of this of- fer, which it will be recognized is a very liberal one. We have pre- pared for use in connection with subscriptions under this plan, spe- cial Home Bible Study League cir- 14 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER cular letters and envelopes which will be supplied in complete sets for following up either "Present Truth" or "Signs of the Times" subscriptions at four cents a set, each set being used to follow up one subscription. These or further in- formation regarding them may be secured from the Minnesota Con- ference office. * * * "Over our $4,000 Investment Fund goal for 1930" was the good news we were able to send to the Minne- sota Sabbath schools. Thank you, loyal members! 0 � MAPLEWOOD NEWS Professor and Mrs. McComb spent the week-end, February 20-22, with Mrs. McComb's parents in Min- neapolis. * * Brother Odegaard spoke to the students at the chapel hour on Mon- day, February 23; and Brother Campbell spoke at the Friday chapel hour. We are always glad to have them visit our school. • * John Seaman Garns, imperso- nator and baritone, gave the third number of our lecture course in the high school auditorium, Tuesday evening, February 24. Mr. Garns devoted his program to readings illustrating a passing phase of A- merican humor,using works of poets from the East, the South, the Mid- dle West, the West and Canada which were received most heartily. Mr. Garns has an excellent com- mand of dialect, and has marked ability as an impersonator. � He pleased his audience immensely. • * * The following persons were guests at the school during the last week: Mrs. George Payne and daughter, Elaine, and Mrs. R. A. Peabody, of Milltown, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Scriver, of Wells; Henry Anderson, of Nevada, Iowa; Dr. and Miss Mitchell, of Mound; M. H. Odegaard, of Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. F. 0. Young, of Brainerd; Flo- rence Weeks, of Dodge Center; Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Cornwell and family and Miss Alice Sivertson, of Man- kato: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Yaeger, of Mankato; Prescott Nelson, of Saint Peter; C. W. Rosenthal, of Rochester and Mrs. Melendy and Mrs. Crouse of Minneapolis. The "Hutchsonian" campaign which was launched February 16 is receiving enthusiastic support from both teachers and students. The school is divided into ten groups and each group feels that its members will be the lucky ones who will be honored at the enter- tainment given by the staff when the campaign is over. The stand- ings are posted each morning and each day brings a little more ex- citement and more subscriptions. When it comes to loyalty Maple- wood students cannot be beaten. THE A. C. S. COLUMN If you have not already joined the Association of Christian Ste- wards, you are cordially invited to do so now. Every Seventh-day Ad- ventist who is loyal to the denomina- tional teaching on Christian stew- ardship, or any one else who is will- ing to adopt the Scriptural policy in that respect, is eligible to mem- bership. There is no membership fee and there are no assessments nor dues. All that is necessary is to sign a membership application card and send it in for enrollment. It is then returned as your mem- bership card together with a neat little button for you to wear. Nearly a thousand in Minnesota have al- ready joined. Why not you, if you are not already a member? An isolated sister writes regard- ing the tithe experience of a friend who was working in a summer re- sort. She had promised to be faith- ful in the payment of her tithe and also to pay offerings from her in- come; but when she had accumu- lated a considerable amount, it somehow seemed difficult for her to pay it as tithe and offerings. She asked the other sister's advice about it and was encouraged to be faithful to her stewardship vow. Her next letter told what peace and joy came to her after she had gained the victory over the temptation to withhold what she had promised to the Lord. To know that one has been honest with the Lord as well as with his fellowmen is worth a great deal, and God promises His blessing in addition to the peace and joy which always accompanies a clear conscience. Faithful stewardship pays in every way. %ViViltainfigiWA%%56%.%%%1AffiWNA9Rfi % % SOUTH DAKOTA N, • Office Address—Drawer 586. Watertown % � Telephone 2115 it President � - � - � Gorden Oes � Secretary-Treasurer - � - J. H. Nies 59itelinFafiTilfiffinMffinfi%%ffi%%ffi% RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY MARCH 7 The following telegram forward- ed from the union headquarters reached us recently: "Senate passed Sunday Closing Barbers' Bill S 6077. Tell conference presidents to send protests to their Representatives. House district com- mittee will consider bill and ar- range hearing next Wednesday. We need your help now. Send letters and telegrams requesting Repre- sentatives to object to passage of bill." (Signed) C. S. Longacre. In response our office wired to our two United States Senators as follows: "On behalf of our members throughout the state of South Da- kota, I request that you object to passage of Sunday Closing Barbers' Bill for the District of Columbia No. S 6077 on grounds that it estab- lishes dangerous legal religious class legislation." In answering Senator —says: "Your telegram of recent date was duly received in reference to religious closing barber shops in District of Columbia. In reply will say that your telegram will be filed and given the careful consideration of which it deserves." The passing of any bill of this kind in the National Capitol sets a dangerous precedent and calls for alertness on the part of the lovers of religious liberty. For a number of years we have sent the "Liberty" magazine to our leading public men as far as means would permit, and last year through the unusually large offering, we were enabled to send the "Lost Day" to a thousand ministers. We trust that as the program is read, which is being sent out for this year, and you notice the far-reach- ing influence that one copy of the "Liberty" magazine had upon a whole denomination, all will be inspired to say again, "Here am I." We trust that this worthy cause will make its own appeal to every reader's heart, and that the offer- ing will be in harmony with the NORTHERN UNION REAPER � 15 needs at this time, so that the cam- paign of enlightenment may be carried on in an extensive way. Gorden Oss. SOUTH DAKOTA NOTES Elder Gorden Oss returned to the office the first part of the week from Java where he met with the church Sabbath, February 28. * * * We hope that the program for Religious Liberty Day, March 7, will be carried out in all our churches, and that the largest offering that has ever been given this cause of freedom will be given on that day. * * Elder C. D. Hein has been holding meetings near Harrold, S. Dak., where he held meetings a year ago. He states that two families who were much interested a year ago seem to be taking a new interest at this time * * * Elder C. M. Babcock spent one day at the office last week. He plans on closing up his work near Clark in a few days, after which he will, no doubt, visit the churches again in the interest of the young people's and educational work. • * * We received a nice order for nine Reading Course sets from the Bow- dle church. Last year 131 cer- tificates were issued to the young people of the Bowdle church. Evi- dently this year more are planning on reading these books than ever before. * * * Elder L. E. Niermeyer has been visiting the churches in the western part of the state. Friday evening, February 27, he spoke at the Mo- bridge church and Sabbath, Feb- ruary 28, he was with the Aberdeen church. Elder Niermeyer has been visiting these churches in tke in- terest of his department and as a result many orders have been re- ceived for the "Signs of the Times". * * * Brother Leslie McKinley left the office Friday morning, February 27, for Bowdle where he met with the church Sabbath, February 28. His plans were to hold a Sunday night meeting with the Tolstoy church and from there he will go to Java for a Wednesday night meeting. He will be with the Mo- bridge church March 7. We hope that, as a result of this trip, some will decide to enter the colporteur work. * * * The four books known as the Old Homestead Tales are now in stock. The first book of the series, "Bluebirds and Their Neighbors", tells of the birds and animals that have learned to make their home near the habitation of man. The second, "The Mallards and Their Neighbors", is woven about the waterbirds and animals. The third, "Paddletail the Beaver", is about the more timid wild birds and ani- mals that live in the forest; and the fourth, "The Wild Creatures in Winter", tells how they all spena the cold months of the year. Price $1.25 per book. If all four are bought at one time we are offering them at this time for only $4.50. These are truly very interesting books for boys and girls PLAINVIEW ACADEMY NOTES Mrs. L. L. McKinley of Watertown visited at the home of Mrs. H. C. Hartman, Wednesday, February 26. * * Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Wagner, of Java, and Mrs. C. D. Hein, of Bow- dle, visited at the school Tuesday, February 24. * * * Mr. and Mrs. 0. W. Paulsen and Mrs. Len Lafferty, of Reliance, vis- Colporteur...... Biggers, H. G. Evenson, Karl Johnson, D. D. Keenan, Beni. Moen. Mike Steine, Arne Totals Week Ending February 21. 1931 Barkley, F. E. (2) � 11W Courtney, F. L. (5) � HW Hume, Dorothy (2) � OD Meyer, Joseph (6) � 01) OT Totals ited their son and daughter Loren Paulsen and Evelyn Lafferty Feb- ruary 21-22. * * The church school children gave a very interesting program in chap- el Saturday evening, February 28. The program consisted of dialogues songs, and readings. * * * The representatives of the Da- kota Central Telephone Company gave a short stereopticon lecture on the history of communication during chapel Thursday, February 26. NOTICE The College of Medical Evangel- ists owned in severalty a portion of a tract of land called "Yucaipa Little Farms". The parcel belonging to College of Medical Evangelists has with- drawn from subdivision and will be otherwise improved and sold. The College of Medical Evangel- ists assumes no responsibility for any statement made in connection with any sales in these tracts. College of Medical Evangelists. Wanted.-By elderly gentleman in good health, place to work on farm in southern Minnesota for board and small wages. Address Minnesota Conference office. 35 10 1.75 31.75 48 12 68.00 140.50 27 63 14.50 32% 4 28.00 44.50 38 7 20.50 57.25 38% 11 22.25 84.75 219 107 140.50 373.25 111% 7 9.00 31.00 81% 6 10.15 28.15 17 3 1.50 9.50 124 12 12.00 47.50 242 28 32.65 116.15 33 3 14.31 23.81 31 4 12.00 - -1-64 7 14.31 85.81 %-'%A ffigiNKSIERMIEfiVRPRfflith -9i:figilliMERAVilM%%1A COLPORTEUR REPORT G. A. CAMPBELL, Union Field Missionary Secretary $ $ $$$$$$$$$$VEMPRHEARREERARIZERRASIREERMERRIMWA$$$$$$$$$$ MINNESOTA CONFERENCE, M. H. Odegaard, Field Missionary Secretary Week Ending February 21, 1931 Book � Hos. � Ord. � Helps � Total Val. � Der. Hope BR OD BP HP PP PP PP 2.00 2.00 400.50 17.75 422.25 NORTH DAKOTA CONFERENCE. F. E. Barkley, Field Missionary Secretary 8.75 18.05 1.25 15.05 43.10 IOWA CONFERENCE. L. P. Knecht, Field Missionary Secretary Week Ending February 21, 1931 Hanson. Anna � BR Stringer, John � 11W Totals 6.23 6.21 "Your Bible Says'. A SERIES of eight-page folders, 21.4 x4. inches, on ten Bible topics. They are invaluable for cor- respondence and missionary work. These I eaflets arc like little wedges that open the way for the circula- tion of more literature. List of Subjects 1. The Word of God 2. Christ's Second Coming 3. Prophecy 4. The Judgment 5. The Day of the Lord 6. The Weekly Rest Day 7. The Dead H. Being a Christian 9. God's Memorials 10. The Close of World History Prices Three sets, each set in separate $ .10 envelope- � - � - Package of 120, 12 each number .3.5 Package of .500, .50 each number 1.25 Package of 1000, 100 each number 2.00 One, six, or twelve heavy paper containers, free with each package of 120, 500, or 1000 copies, respec- tively. Order of Your Book and Bible House 16 � NORTHERN UNION REAPER OBITUARIES Larsen.—Hans Peter Larsen was born in Ulerop, Sjelland, May 17, 1848; and died Jan. 1, 1 d31. In 1870 he came to America, iaing first in Greenville, Mich., and later in Albert Lea, Minn. It was here that he heard the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists preached by the pioneer Scandinavian min- ister, Elder J. G. Matteson. The message was accepted in its fulness, and he was baptized and received into church fellowship, which he steadfastly maintained until the hour of his death. In 1878 he came to Dakota territory, locating two miles north of the town now called Viborg. Two years later he was married to Katherine Jensen. Six children were born to this union. He is survived by his wife and five children. Words of comfort were spoken by Elder A. W. Kuehl. Opp.—Simon Opp was born in Gluckstahl, South Russia, Oct. 25, 1845; and died Feb. 8, 1931. In 1905 he came to North Dakota and set- tled near Hazelton,where he resided until his death. In 1870 he was married to Katherine Jakober. To this union twelve children were born of which seven are still alive and most of them in the truth. His wife preceded him in death, being burned to death in March, 1926. Brother Opp was the first one to accept the truth for this time in the Hazelton neighborhood in 1916. Largely through his influence and aid that he gave our ministers, we have a church at Hazelton of about forty members. He now sleeps and rests from his labors but his works follow him. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. H. Wentland. Emery.--Perle Floyd Emery was born at Hecla, S. Dak., Feb. 28, 1929; and died at Java, S. Dak., Jan. 1, 1931. The mother and two chil- dren were visiting with relatives when little Perle became ill. All was done for him that loving hands could do, but the effects of the pneumonia could not be counter- ...,;ted and after ten days of suffer- ing, he passed away. The father, mother, one brother and many near relatives are left sorrowing. His twin brother, Merle preceded him in death. The writer spoke words of comfort based upon John 14:1. We look forward with his parents, to the glad morning when the Life-giver will come in the clouds of heaven and call, not only this little one but all the faithful, who died in Christ Jesus, back to life and bestow on them the price- less gift of immortality. A. G. Youngberg. Nelson.—Bettsy Nelson was born at Roding Socken, Skane, Sweden, April 3, 1856; and died February 9, 1931. She came to America, ar- riving in St. Paul, Minn., in 1879. On Dec. 1, 1883, she was united in marriage with Baugt Nelson. To this union seven children were born, of whom three died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson made their home in St. Paul for about three years, After which they located on a farm near Rock Creek. Seventeen years ago they located on a farm near Forest Lake. Here Mr. Nelson died in 1929. Those left to mourn are four daughters, one brother, one sister, four grandchildren, one great- grandchild, other relatives and a host of friends. Mrs. Nelson was a member of the Scandinavian Seventh-day Advent- ist church in St. Paul. She accept- ed this faith through the faithful labors of Elder J. M. Erickson, who baptized her about forty years ago. She remained faithful till the last. Funeral services were conducted in the Swedish language at the home and in. English at the Mattson Un- dertaker's parlor at Forest Lake by the writer on Thursday, February 12. Words of comfort were spoken from II Cor. 5: 1-8 and Ps. 90:10-12. August S. Anderson. DeLange.—Mrs. Martha DeLange, nee Olson, was born in Skein, Nor- way, Nov. 26, 1849. She came to Chicago in 1870, where, on Jan. 6, 1875, she was united in marriage to Jacob J. DeLange. To this union were born six sons and three daughters; five of whom survive. She came to North Dakota with her husband in 1901 and settled on a homestead four miles south of the Heart River. She lived here un- til the death of her husband in 1912, since which she has made her home with her children. She passed away after a brief illness at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Seleiy, on the evening of Feb. 5, 1931. In the fall of 1912 she was bap- tized in the Adventist faith to which she remained faithful until her death. � B. A. Scherr. Biesterfeld.—John Ludwig Bie- sterfeld was born in Wills County, Ill., Aug. 8, 1867. He was united in marriage to Emma Schuetferger in the year 1889. To this union were born four daughters and five sons. Brother Biersterfeld came to Milnor in October, 1900, where he remained until his death. His wife died October 22, 1909. Two chil- dren have preceded him in death. Mr. Biesterfeld was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church having been baptized at the North Dakota camp-meeting in June,1930. He passed away Feb. 10,1931, peace- fully going to sleep in his arm chair, at the age of sixty-three years. He sleeps in Jesus waiting the voice of the Life-giver, who shall call him forth on the resurrection morning. � B. A. Scherr. Werle.—William Kenneth Werle was born at Upham, N. Dak., May 4, 1930, and died February 22, 1931, after an illness of two weeks. Serv- ices were conducted at the home by the writer and burial took place at Bantry, N. Dak. E. A. Piper.