::R4732 : page 399::

SOME INTERESTING LETTERS

DEAR BRETHREN:—

I take this opportunity to write you a brief letter re advertising for public meetings addressed by traveling brethren sent out by the Society.

During the past two years such meetings have been much better attended than formerly. Am sure that one of the principal causes of increased attendance is the more extensive and intelligent advertising carried on during that period by the brethren at many appointments. They have been doing remarkably well, and give evidence of increasing efficiency.

We are convinced that the advertising methods recommended by the Society are excellent—the very best, indeed—viz., PEOPLES PULPITS, distributed from door to door, window cards and brief announcements in the newspapers.

We have noticed that whenever only newspaper advertisements have been used, the attendance has been less than when the other methods also have been employed. Indeed, my observation has led me to conclude that well-placed window-cards are more effective than newspaper ads., particularly in large towns and cities.

Of course, to engage a good room, and to advertise thoroughly involves the expenditure of some money and time. But what a glorious cause we are serving and what a blessed privilege it is to engage in such wonderful service.

You will be pleased, I am sure, to know that the friends, generally, are taking hold of this matter with considerable zeal and intelligence. But, while this is true, some may not fully realize how good the Society’s advertising methods are, particularly the PULPITS and window-cards.

Yours in the interest of the blessed cause we all love so dearly, FRANK DRAPER.

—————

DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN:—

When we received notice of Pilgrim visit and the suggestion as to the method of advertising for a public meeting, we decided to do as nearly as we could according to those suggestions.

Personally, I was very hopeful and confident that the place of the gathering would be full. Some of the brethren were not so hopeful. However, heretofore usually we had only a small attendance, without any favorable results so far as we have perceived. We were inclined to feel disappointed, but each time hoped for better results when we would put forth efforts afresh.

Well, this time the hall was crowded and many were unable to get in. We also have found some who have become interested since this effort.

We, of course, do not look for numbers, but how glad we are that some come to see to some extent the length and breadth and height and depth of God’s great plan of salvation.

We realize that the time is drawing nigh when we shall not be able to work any more, and we desire to do what we can while it is called today. Our hearts are filled with pity for those who oppose the Harvest message. Praise the Lord for his goodness.

Your brother in the Faith once delivered to the saints,

S. J. DE GROOT.

—————

DEAR PASTOR:—

Please find enclosed $5 to be applied to “Good Hopes.” This was collected in a peculiar manner. We have a little bank hung up in our home. A great many of the dear friends frequent our home and when any of us say anything we ought not to or complain about anything we are fined five cents, which goes in the bank. This amount is the proceeds so far. Needless to say we are all getting more control of our tongues. God bless you.

Your brother and sister in Christ, C. E. HEARD.

—————

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—

I have been waiting for your return from England to express to you my appreciation of my visit at Bethel Home. My stay there was both pleasant and profitable. Because I understand the situation and conditions there better than before, my interest is increased, my sympathy is more substantial, my love is enlivened for you and your earnest co-laborers in the continual service there. I can now pray for the Bethel family with spirit and understanding. Surely you are all laying down your lives for the brethren—to supply sustenance for the spiritual sheep.

Considerable was crowded into the few weeks I was there—a wedding, a public meeting at Brooklyn Academy of Music, a Jewish meeting in New York Hippodrome, your sailing for England, etc., besides the regular routine of Chapel services, table-talks and work at Tabernacle. The last mentioned I particularly appreciated, and, so far as I know, the friends there survived my stay, so no harm was done. I thank you heartily for your hospitality and kindness, and desire to be remembered to the dear family there.

The morning worship was a delight to me. I think of it every day as I read the Manna and “the Vow” and sometimes sing the hymn. There is not always time for the hymn—at least in the morning.

A few days ago I was amazed to learn that some of the “natives” here have been accrediting me with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Bible Studies appearing in one of our local papers. I modestly disclaimed the honor, but my denial seemed to be held in doubt, at first, until I explained the matter quite fully.

My daughter Ruth is still in Iowa doing colporteur work. The work there has been considerably retarded by delays in getting books to deliver. Their expenses have thus been increased also. But she loves the work. Once, after a delivery, she wrote she had never been so tired in all her life—and never so happy, because the Lord had permitted her to do something not easy in his service. I am sure she has been homesick sometimes, but she has not complained and is very thankful for the opportunity she has had.

I wish there were more opportunities for service with fewer handicaps. The winters here are hard for me, and I have wondered if I could arrange to do colporteur work in January and February some place in the South. I wish I knew some of the Southern friends to whom I could write concerning it.

The past three months have been crowded full of blessings. I am grateful for them all.

Yours in our dear Redeemer, HATTIE O. HENDERSON.

—————

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received the Bible Studies, No. 1, and feel that as a Christian I am just beginning to live.

I have studied the Bible for thirty years and have been blind, as my teachers and Pastors have been blind. Ministers are not giving their people these things and they are starving, spiritually. I thank so much some one who placed on my porch a copy of the PEOPLES PULPIT last summer.

I cannot think that I or mine are among the “Elect,” but I am going to see that every one I can reach shall know about these precious truths.

My little daughter, who has been wrongly taught in Sunday School and at home, said, when I read aloud about the future of the heathen, “O! I am so glad they will have an opportunity.”

And now I will write on separate sheet an order for more good things to pass along. God bless you again for the good, glad news you are spreading over the world.

Sincerely, MRS. L. K. THOMPSON.—Minn.

====================

— December 15, 1910 —