“The King’s Business Requires Haste”
By J. S. WASHBURN
My acquaintance with the work in Washington began in June, 1890. Our work in this city had been started but a short time. What do we see to-day?—The principal papers of this city are publishing the Sabbath truth as the leading topic of interest. Seventeen columns of matter have been published in the Washington papers since December 26. The larger part of this has been most favorable. This city is deeply stirred over the Sabbath truth. While the world is moved with the spirit of feverish intensity, shall not we receive from above a baptism of such earnestness in finishing the Lord’s work as we have never known before? A spirit of intense activity has taken possession of the people of the world. We see thousands wholly engaged in the rush for wealth or pleasure. Shall we, with the mighty work and the short time before us, be less diligent in the Master’s service? Are we to be among those whom God can use in finishing the work, and cutting it short in righteousness? “A short work will the Lord make in the earth.” There are to-day many calls for means and service, but “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” By his grace may we not do great things in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons”? Even a small effort put forth by many in the fear of God will accomplish great results. The truth may be placed in thousands of homes, our colleges freed from their heavy burden of debt, the general cause of education greatly enlarged, and a new vital energy imparted to those who take part in this good work. During the gathering of the General Conference Committee in College View last September, some time was given to a study of the work to be done in the future with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” There seemed to be a general belief that God would have us continue the work with energy and courage. Elder Daniells made the following remarks and suggestions:— “I believe that the work that has already been done with ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ has put us in a position where we can now reap the best results from the enterprise. The popularity that has been given to the book, and what has been demonstrated in its sale, indicate that a strong effort now will bring better returns to the institutions to which the book is dedicated than ever before. When we first took hold of the work, it was an experiment; we knew not what could be done. But the fact has now been fully demonstrated by thousands of people that the book can be sold, that people who have never sold books before can sell it, and that the book is appreciated by those who secure it. “Now, brethren, why can not our people in this country dispose of one hundred thousand copies of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ every year? That would be less than an average of two books for each church-member. I believe that we as a people, without any further large outlay of tithe or of labor by our conference workers, could, from the sale of this book, bring to our institutions one hundred thousand dollars a year to pay off their indebtedness and do aggressive work. If we take advantage of the ground already gained, and move forward a little each year, the returns will be a great help to our institutions.” Reports from several of our conference presidents show that there are many books taken by churches and individuals that have not yet been disposed of, and that an earnest effort should be put forth to place these in the hands of the people for whom they are designed. The good reports of what has been accomplished should lead all to be of good courage, and press forward steadily in the work. One fact has been demonstrated by some of the experiences that were related,—that is, that this work has done a vast amount of good in training young people for service. Some whose life of missionary activity began with this book are now conference laborers, and are entering the work in other lands. It was also shown that the churches and individuals that had sold their quota some two or three times over are the ones who are most ready to sell this book yet. While the effort had cost us something,—the time of conference laborers has been devoted to it, and means from the conference treasury has been expended,—yet the belief seemed to prevail that this money and effort have been well expended. The presentation of truth in the book has been a potent factor in removing prejudice from many minds, and opening the way for further investigation of the message for this time. Liberal souls have been brought into the truth, and churches have been organized in various places, as a result of the work with this book. Success is largely dependent, not upon the few who are placed in positions of responsibility, but upon the united, persevering efforts of many earnest, self-sacrificing servants of God. J. S. WASHBURN,
Sec. of Relief of Schools Committee.