Bible Review V15: October 1916 - March 1918 - Iapsop.com

1917 EDITORIAL 379
prised at the small number of names received, and also
that we cannot but be surprised at the small returns
from any effort we make further to advance the work.
Sometimes we think that the body of the Esoteric Students
do not realize the difliculty that confronts those
who are trying to carry this work forward from this center,
or else they would put forth more effort to assist in
spreading the teachings. Were we depending entirely
upon human support and effort, we should surely become
discouraged and give up, but we know that the Father
is back of this work the same as he has been from the
beginning, and if it is his will for it to continue, the way
will open before us.
Great darkness is spreading over the world, and there
are many people feeling the need for greater light; they
are vainly groping for the truth while those who have it
in their keeping fail to arouse themselves to a realization
of the urgency of the hour.
We believe that our efforts
will never be .needed worse than at the present time, for
we believe that the time is rapidly approaching spoken
of by the Christ, "For then shall be great tribulation,
such as hath not been from the beginning of the world
until now, no, nor ever shall be." (Matt. xxiv. 21.)
We are putting forth every effort that suggests itself
to our minds as practical under the present circumstances
to reach more people with the teachings, but many
Of course the war in Eu-
difficulties stand, in our way.
rope has from its beginning greatly decreased the sale
of our books, but thru the very earnest efforts of those
interested in the workin England, the sale of the books
and the spread of the teachings have kept up remarkably`well
there in spite of the war conditions. But recently
the reports begin to come that the books and magazines
sent out by us here are not being received there.
We have received a number of letters stating that the