Continuing a Good Work by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 16, 1905

Continuing a Good Work

By J. S. Washburn

“LET us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” “To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality” God will give eternal life. “Ye did run well; who did hinder you?” Gal. 6:9; Rom. 2:7; Gal. 5:7.

It is certainly true that those who shall at the last be found among the ones having the patience of the saints, will have patiently continued God’s work until it was completed. In our article published in last week’s REVIEW in regard to the work of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons,” it was clearly shown that this work was to continue, not only freeing all the schools of debt, but enabling them to do aggressive educational work, “until the Lord shall come.” From the same Testimony, I quote the following: “It is the duty of the managers and teachers in our colleges and schools to take an active part in the continued effort to sell ‘Object Lessons.’”

From the same letter, written Aug. 9, 1903, I quote more fully, that all may see the connection in which this sentence appears:—

“Do not become weary in well-doing. In carrying forward the work of selling ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ you will receive a most precious blessing.

“When, in ordinary business, pioneer work is done, and preparation is made for future development, there is frequently a financial loss. And as our schools introduce manual training, they, too, may at first incur loss. But let us remember the blessing that physical exercise brings to the students. Many students have died while endeavoring to acquire an education, because they confined themselves too closely to mental effort.

“We must not be narrow in our plans. In industrial training there are unseen advantages, which can not be measured or estimated. Let no one begrudge the effort necessary to carry forward successfully the plan that for years has been urged upon us as of primary importance.

“I appeal to our people in behalf of all our colleges and training-schools. If the brethren and sisters in each union conference will labor with perseverance and faith, they will be able to free their school from debt, and also to provide the necessary facilities for successful manual training.

“It is the duty of the managers and teachers in our colleges and schools to take an active part in the continued effort to sell ‘Object Lessons.’ Let them take the burden of this work upon their hearts. Not only are they to co-operate with the conference officers in carrying the work forward; they are to lead out in it, training the students to engage successfully in it.”

In a letter dated May 18, 1903, appears the following, which is just as true today as when written:—

“Our brethren and sisters are just as surely in the service of the Lord when selling this book as when bearing testimony for him in meeting. They receive the refreshing grace of God; for they are carrying out his purpose, and he bestows on them his commendation. Their minds are freed from the malaria of selfishness and complaint and discouragement.” J. S. WASHBURN.