Success Under Difficulties by N. Z. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 28, 1910

Success Under Difficulties

By N. Z. T.

MR. D. L. MOODY once told of a man who said he had a splendid well, only it would freeze up in the winter, and would dry up in the summer. The canvassers in the Southwestern Union Conference are certainly not like this well. The three experiences which follow appeared on one page of a recent number of the Southwestern Union Record:—

“You will find enclosed report for last week, which is a little better than for the week previous. Yet I worked under the most discouraging circumstances I have met since I began last spring.”

“That last rain and storm very nearly spoiled the cotton crop. I have never seen the cotton crop as nearly nothing this time of year as it is now. The rain, hail, and wind have beaten it to death. Much is dead, and some have planted over.”

“I have seen fields this past week that I would not work if they were given to me, and I was furnished stock and tools to work them with. The leaves have all fallen off on much of the cotton, and there is nothing left but the stalk and the bud, and it looks as if it had the rust. Yet we have taken orders right along where things are this way. This is certainly a good time to talk of the coming of Christ, and we are making good use of the opportunity.”

The orders of these brethren for that week were $74.40 and $77.55. We certainly ought to be thankful that our work does not depend upon crop conditions and difficult times; for if it did, it would be on the decline. Times will grow worse and worse, and therefore our books will sell the better. Let us do as these brethren are doing,—talk the soon coming of our Saviour. This is the secret of their success.

Another worker says:—

“Although the grass is very bad in this section, and many have had to hire help, all were ready to take their books. One man stopped his plow, and went five miles to borrow money to get his book, and I must say the Lord worked upon the hearts of many, for they greatly feared to miss the book.”

Speaking of a visit to West Texas, Brother W. W. Eastman says:—

“I recently spent one day with one of the canvassers in the West, and although we worked in a neighborhood where it had not rained for a long time, yet the Lord gave us $30 worth for the day.”

Such experiences have the right ring, and the result of such a spirit as is manifested in them is seen in the large reports which come in from the Southwestern Union Conference.

“For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no food; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” N. Z. T.