p. 20 | Blessings and Difficulties

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 23, 1902

Blessings and Difficulties

By Sec. Victorian Tract Society

A Good Word from Australia

In spite of drought, strikes, hard times, and every other trouble which is at present causing men's hearts to fail them for fear, we realize the blessing of the Lord in our work. In these times it takes a living faith in God and his work to stand firm. Satan would turn our hearts and minds to things which are apparently more easy, but now is the time to show our loyalty to heaven, by pushing forward with all our energy, and hastening this work to a glorious finish.

Our canvassers have realized the need of a deeper consecration on their part, and the Lord has blessed their labors accordingly. One writes this week:—

“While delivering, I gave a lady and her husband a Bible reading, and talked with them. The woman was an unconverted person, making no profession, but she decided to serve the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

What a joy it is to the worker to be engaged in “winning souls”! May heavenly wisdom be given to each of us to do this work more effectually. “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” Another agent writes:—

“The packet of tracts you sent me came to hand, for which I am very thankful. On Sabbath I had a good talk with some young men who were using tobacco. I gave them tracts on the subject. After a while two of them broke their pipes, and said they would not use tobacco again. I feel sure that these tracts will prove a great blessing. We know not which will prosper, ‘either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’”

Another sends in a report showing orders to the value of $118.60 for four days' work, and says:—

“These figures are very gratifying. It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in my eyes. By keeping to the Testimonies I have always been blessed. Early Monday morning it was raining heavily, and I was tempted to run away, but remembered that this is one of the canvasser's troubles, so I pushed on and took six orders. I ask an interest in your prayers. I believe in prayer. When I rely upon God, and self is kept out of sight, I know of a truth that God fulfills his promise. This gives me courage, and my peace is sweet.”

One of our tract societies which has struggled hard for years to get out of debt was enabled to sing the jubilee song this week. The librarian worked hard and continuously to that end, and is now happy in an accomplished work.

We thank God for what we see, and desire to do our own part in hastening his work forward in the earth.

Sec. Victorian Tract Society.