Fruits of a Copy of “The Great Controversy” by I. H. McEACHERN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1915

Fruits of a Copy of “The Great Controversy”

By I. H. McEACHERN

WHILE riding on a train recently from Sheridan, Wyo., to Lincoln, Nebr., I met a woman who had been won to Christ solely through the reading of “The Great Controversy.” The experience was one of interest to me, and I pass it on for the encouragement of others.

Apparently she is a woman of culture and possesses a good education. She and her mother have been keeping the Sabbath for a number of years. The light first came to them in a providential way. Her brother had in his home a copy of “The Great Controversy,” which either he or his wife had bought of a colporteur, but it had lain unread in their library. Finally, upon the death of his wife, he broke up housekeeping, and in disposing of the household effects he told his mother to help herself to any books she desired. In sorting over the collection, the one entitled “The Great Controversy” attracted her attention. Being a Christian Scientist, she did not believe in a personal devil, and a large book of nearly eight hundred pages telling of the conflict between Christ and Satan naturally aroused her curiosity.

The book was taken home and carefully studied. Conviction soon took hold upon the hearts of both mother and daughter. They began to observe the Sabbath, and the consent of the daughter’s husband was also gained. Rejoicing in the new-found light, they kept the book circulating on its heaven-appointed mission. Finally it was worn out from being lent to their friends and neighbors; and these women finding the address of the publishing house on the fly-leaf, wrote to Mountain View for another copy, at the same time inquiring for other books by the same author. The publishers forwarded their letter to the Wyoming Tract Society. Brother Asa Smith, the secretary, sent one of his helpers to call on the family. They had been keeping the Sabbath for six years, and it is not hard to conceive something of their joy upon meeting one of like precious faith for the first time. They began attending Sabbath school and church. Today Sister Davis and her family are among the most active workers in the Crawford church. As she told me of the sweet spirit and brotherly love among the members of that church, her eyes filled with tears of joy that God had brought her in touch with his remnant people.

Beside her in the car was her aunt, whom she was accompanying home to Broken Bow, Nebr. The aunt is under conviction and about ready to accept the truth, through the missionary endeavors and godly life of this good woman. Thus the fruits of “The Great Controversy,” sold by some unknown colporteur years ago, continue to multiply.

Brother, sister, such instances should inspire you to decide today to relinquish worldly employment and become a self-supporting missionary, in the sale of our precious books, for the salvation of souls. “Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.”

“O what joy it will be when His face I behold, Living gems at his feet to lay down; It would sweeten my bliss in the city of gold, Should there be any stars in my crown.” I. H. McEACHERN.