A Victory in Seattle by H. H. Hall

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 17, 1903

A Victory in Seattle

By H. H. Hall

SABBATH, Feb. 14, 1903, the Seattle church not only gained a decided victory, but took a long march forward. The occasion was that of a missionary convention. The brethren and sisters decided to perform the duty which had long stared them in the face, and promised to close up the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” before April 1.

The meeting opened at eleven o’clock, with every available seat in the house filled. Elder Nellis spoke of what was necessary to be done in order to see the glory of God. Following this, Brethren S. C. Osborne and Lee Moran spoke of what the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is destined to accomplish, and the consecration needed for this work. Elder Wollekar considered the question, “What will you do with the rest of the books?” The various phases of the effort having already been presented, the congregation began to realize, as they had never realized before, the fact that the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is simply a part of the great missionary effort before this people. Brother Wollekar then asked those who had not taken their quota, and who were willing to take them, to arise. In a few minutes one hundred and fifty of the five hundred books still unprovided for, were spoken for. He then asked who in the congregation would become responsible for one hundred books. There was no answer. He then dropped to seventy-five, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty-five, twenty, and yet there was no response. This seemed discouraging, but the after-results showed that it was not the Lord’s plan that any few members should take the burden from the church as a whole. When fifteen was reached, one blind brother arose. This seemed to prepare the congregation for the next call, which was ten. People stood up all over the house when this number was mentioned, and after they had all been counted, there still remained two hundred books. Those who would take five were then counted; afterward those who would take two, finally those who would take one. At these various calls, some who had made pledges for a greater number, again expressed their willingness to assist, so that the whole number might be provided for. When there remained but eighty-seven books, the brother who had led out with the pledge for fifteen, and who had pledged twice since, arose and suggested that each one become responsible for one more book. This was accepted by a standing vote, and the cloud which had so long hung over the Seattle church was transformed before our eyes into a pillar of fire, showing us the glory of the Lord, in fulfillment of his promise.

This meeting was a most excellent preparation for the afternoon session, which opened with a talk on “The Present Work for Church Members,” by Wm. J. Boynton. This was followed by remarks on “Missionary Methods of Christ and His Disciples,” by the writer; “Our Church Schools,” by H. C. J. Wollekar and Madga Madsen; and “Christian Help Work,” by Dr. A. Q. Shryock, after which a retrospect of it all was given by Elder W. W. Sharp.

The eagerness with which the congregation accepted the practical suggestions for work which were made by these speakers, showed how thoroughly all had been stirred by the Spirit of the Lord,

which was present in so large measure. Verily, brethren and sisters, the latter rain is falling, and it is good to be in the midst of a shower. H. H. HALL.