“Christ’s Object Lessons” in Australasia
By C. W. Irwin
In Australasia the campaign with “Christ’s Object Lessons” was inaugurated at the union conference held at Avondale, Cooranbong, N. S. W., July, 1901. At the fifth meeting of the conference, July 17, the hour was devoted to the consideration of this enterprise. Elder E. W. Farnsworth presided, and after the reading of the recommendations of the committee on plans, Elder G. A. Irwin read numerous extracts from the little pamphlet, “Rolling Back the Reproach.” The simple presentation of what the Lord had said, and the many rich promises which he had made to those who would co-operate in this work, were not without effect. The speaker then exhibited the book to the audience, with the statement that it contains many20passages of greater worth than the price of the book itself. A few extracts from it were given to illustrate this statement. People who have read the book frequently say, “The author must have been inspired.” This is the book that is not only to pay the debt on our schools, but to bring the blessing of God upon his people, and lead to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the close of these remarks a deep impression rested upon the congregation, and without announcement all joined in singing the following:— “But we never can prove
The delights of his love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor he shows,
And the joy he bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.” “Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at his feet,
Or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
What he says we will do,
Where he sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.” “Trust and obey; for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” Several other brethren responded with remarks in full sympathy with the enterprise, and with promises of hearty support. The Chair then stated that we had listened to stirring words concerning this matter, and suggested that we take hold and lift what we can on the Material Fund. In a few minutes the sum of $2,380 was pledged as a start on this fund. The Record states that “the meeting then closed with the doxology, a good spirit pervading the place.” This good spirit has pervaded the place ever since the beginning of the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The impetus thus given to the movement was largely responsible for the after success; for as the officers of the union conference visited from conference to conference and from camp meeting to camp meeting during the subsequent season, the Material Fund was augmented to the amount of $6,625. All of this was pledged within a year from the date of the union conference. This makes an average of three dollars for each member of the Australasian Union Conference. Of this amount $5,500 has been paid, and the remaining pledges are good. A committee of three, consisting of Elder E. W. Farnsworth, chairman, C. P. Michaels, general agent, and C. W. Irwin, secretary, was appointed to superintend the work. A small pamphlet, entitled “God’s Plan for the Relief of the Avondale School,” was issued, containing the Testimonies relative to the enterprise, and also the plan adopted by the union conference for the sale of the book. This was sent out to all our people. A large edition of a leaflet, to be used in correspondence work, was issued and scattered widely. Both of these have done excellent work,—the former in stirring up our own people, and the latter in bringing the attention of those not of our faith to the book through correspondence. The book was not ready for distribution until in the month of November, 1901, the first consignment having been sent to New Zealand less than one year ago. From this beginning the work has been extended to the other conferences as rapidly as books could be supplied, and the necessary instruction given for their sale. When the obligations of the Avondale school were taken into account, it was found that it would require the proceeds from the sale of twenty thousand copies of the book at $1.25 each to liquidate the debt. This requires the sale of about ten copies for each member in this field. The Material Fund raised has been found sufficient to pay for the twenty thousand edition, and to pay the salary and traveling expenses of a field agent from November, 1901, to Jan. 1, 1903. Brother C. P. Michaels was appointed as this agent, beginning his work in New Zealand. Thus far he has labored in four states, visiting camp meetings, general meetings, churches, and the Avondale school, giving instruction to the people in the best methods of selling the book, as well as working with them personally in the field. Conference officers and laborers have pushed the plan, and the people have had a mind to work. Already $6,630 has been received by the school from the sale of the book, and from returns at hand it is safe to say that there is in the hands of tract societies and in transit, from books already sold, sufficient to increase this amount to ten thousand dollars. The teachers and students of the school have naturally taken a deep interest in the work, having donated over one thousand dollars to the Material Fund, besides selling over five hundred copies of the book. The success of the work has been due largely to the faith the ministerial brethren and other workers have manifested in the plan, and inspired in the people, and also to the faithful instruction given the people by the field agent. The past year has been one of unprecedented drought throughout Australia. Add to this the depression in business incident to the introduction of federation, and the high prices caused by the new tariff rates, there is certainly abundant reason to be profoundly thankful for the fact that so much has been accomplished in so short a time. Even at this stage of the work, and under the foregoing discouraging circumstances, it is safe to say that every spiritual blessing promised by the Lord has been realized. The sacrifice incident to the work has not impoverished any who have taken part in it. The Avondale school has made a financial gain of $1,165 in operating during the year, besides donations and the money received from the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Almost without exception every conference and tract society and institution in the Australasian Union Conference has made a gain during the year, and the people have been prospered.