“Christ’s Object Lessons” in the Western Oregon Conference
By F. M. Burg
WE are just getting started in a campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” which we sincerely hope will at least compass the grand end of placing with the people the last book of our quota, and applying the returns on the college debt. And we sincerely hope that much more than the paying of our part of this debt will follow from this effort. Indeed, we shall not consider it a success according to God’s plan in this movement, unless an activity in missionary effort, such as has not been seen among us for a long time, is awakened. For the disposal of our quota we have a large work in hand. If some conditions, which I need not name, were better, the work before us would seem much smaller. As it is, the situation calls for a most vigorous effort. The magnitude of the work in hand, together with conditions that exist, would discomfit us had we not such strong assurances that One has spoken in regard to this movement who has never forsaken his people in any crisis, but has often wrought wonders when all but his arm has failed. With the reasons for confidence and trust in him who is “glorious in holiness, . . . doing wonders,” we are taking up this work now, hoping not to fail nor be discouraged till the books yet remaining of our quota—between six and seven thousand—are placed in the hands of the people. Believing that we shall succeed in accomplishing this end only by a greater consecration for service than has been our experience in the past, and by laying hold upon our Father’s right arm of strength, and, too, that it is necessary for us justly to appreciate our responsibility in this work, we called a council of all our laborers who could be present, at which the situation as it confronts us was reviewed. Wisdom was sought from God for the successful working out of the problem with which we are grappling. We had a good meeting of the workers, and are much encouraged by the cordial co-operation on the part of all. Without exception our laborers are standing shoulder to shoulder for the advance. The watchword all along the line is, “Onward to the goal!” Each one is hopeful in God. It seems evident that their enthusiasm and courage will arouse a like attitude among the people. We are armed with bows and arrows, as was Ephraim; but we must not turn back in the day of battle, as did he. We have not in this field, as some of the conferences in this district did, made any special effort during the summer months, as we wished our laborers to carry forward their regular tent work during the time when such work could be done. And, too, conditions among our people, as well as among others, were unfavorable for such a campaign as we have now inaugurated. This makes us somewhat late in getting this work into operation. But we hope to see the consummation of our hopes in this movement in due time. If by March or April this is accomplished, my most sanguine hopes will be realized. Our hearts are encouraged as we see this grand plan for the relief of our schools accomplishing such magnificent results; and we believe that God will give signal evidences of his approval when his people go forward in the work that has been placed in their hands. F. M. BURG,
Conference President.