The Sale of a Copy of "Great Controversy" by W. C. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1911

The Sale of a Copy of "Great Controversy"

By W. C. Thompson

A FEW years ago there lived in a California village a blacksmith who was noted not only for his fine physique and great bodily strength, but also for his wickedness. He was a hard drinker, a clever gambler, notoriously profane, and of a very pugnacious disposition. He loved a fistic encounter, and as a fighter was the terror of the community.

The trait, though, that made this blacksmith especially notorious was his antipathy to religion and religious teaching. In his pride and wickedness he delighted in parading his defiance against God. Preachers avoided him, and because of his severity every one who knew him studiously refrained from talking to him on religious topics.

It would seem that such a character was destined to destruction; for the living preacher could not reach him, and all religious institutions were held in derision. But there was at least one redeeming feature in this hard character,—a relish for historical works. Such books he eagerly read. Unknown to him, this furnished an avenue to his

soul, which, unsuspecting, he had not hedged against.

There came a time when this hard sinner was so situated that he had to remain at home alone for a few days; and having read all the works on historical themes that he had access to, he found himself at a loss for entertainment. A few days before this an agent had gone through this section of the country, and sold a copy of "Great Controversy" to one of the neighbors, who loaned it to the blacksmith's wife. The book kept getting in his way as he was rummaging around for something to read. At last, in desperation, he picked it up. It was a new book, attractively illustrated, and would at least help him to pass away the time.

The title of the book seemed to him absurd, but a glance at its contents revealed the fact that it was richly embellished with history. Here, after all, might be something worth his while. He could sift out the history, and let the husks of religious sentiment alone. So he began to read; but there is something about the inimitable style of the book that is irresistible. There is in its words a tone of purity and truth which has a convincing power. Though unsensational, there was to this man something in its message that was awe-inspiring, and fragrant with a hope unknown in a world of sin and sorrow.

As he read on, and the book reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, this great sinner, for the first time in his life, trembled. But as he read of the love of God for sinners, his heart began to melt; and a softening and subduing influence began its work upon his hardened nature. An inexpressible longing unconsciously stole into his heart—could it be possible that there was pardon for such a sinner as he? It seemed there might be. With this gleam of hope came repentance. Falling upon his knees, he confessed his sins, and with the first tears that he had shed for years, he poured out his soul to God. His prayer, "Create in me a pure heart, O God," was not ineffective.

And now, behold the miracle of grace! This notorious blacksmith rises from his knees a changed man. Old habits relax their hold upon him. He is free. A new joy has sprung into his life, and even pictures itself visibly in his face.

The remainder of my story is soon told, but eternity alone will reveal the results of reading that one volume. No sooner had he experienced a change of heart than his old vocations lost their attractions, and he felt an irresistible desire to spread the message of salvation.

How better could he do this than by circulating the message-filled page? This he did, and with an energy equaled by few evangelists. The same energy and power he once used in his wickedness he now employed in work for God. This brother was the most untiring gospel worker that it has ever been the writer's privilege to meet. In a few short years he placed the printed page in thousands of homes; and as the canvassing work furnishes the best of schooling, he soon fitted himself for the ministry, and became a power in the pulpit.

As the result of his ministry there are over two hundred Sabbath-keepers enjoying the truth; and though now this faithful soldier has laid down the armor and is at rest, his works still follow him, and the harvest alone will reveal the influence of the thousands of silent messengers he has placed in the homes of the people.

In concluding this narrative, let me ask, Is there any better work than to engage in the circulation of such books as "Great Controversy"?

W. C. THOMPSON.