Life in the Plan for Selling “Christ’s Object Lessons” by Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1902

Life in the Plan for Selling “Christ’s Object Lessons”

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

It was not until the last season of the week of prayer that I was thoroughly aroused to the plan of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” At that time I became deeply impressed with the meaning of this plan; and had the week of prayer been of benefit to me on this point only, it would have proved an occasion of great blessing and value. I have a great deal of sympathy for those who have not yet been aroused to the meaning of this movement. I do not feel to censure anyone, nor even to be impatient with anyone who does not realize the great possibilities of this undertaking, who does not value it, and is not aroused to earnest, zealous enthusiasm in the work. But I do most earnestly desire so to communicate the facts in regard to this great plan to every member of this denomination, that all may realize its meaning.

I believe that this plan is from God, and that it is full of possibilities and of blessings, and that this will be clearly demonstrated when the plan is fully carried out. I believe, too, that there is life for us in this plan. There is in it that which will create life in the individual, that which will be a stimulus to those who take part in it. It is not an artificial arrangement to create a boom. I would be afraid of the present movement if it were created by an artificial excitement or stimulus; for I would expect that when it had been raised to a certain pitch, and held there for a time, it would break, and collapse, and we should go down as far below our normal condition—and that is low enough, we all know—as we were raised by the unnatural, artificial stimulus.

But it is not after that order. God has given the plan, and his life is in it. I have no more fear of a collapse in this work, no more fear of its breaking down, and those who have been most earnest in it losing all heart and interest in this kind of work, than I have of an individual who partakes of good, healthful, nourishing food, falling below a natural physical condition, and having no power to work, and no further desire to eat. Healthful food and proper exercise do not operate that way. Good, healthful food, partaken of in the right quantity, and good, hard work strengthen the whole physical frame for toil, and produce a good appetite for another meal, and strength for more hard work.

And so it is in spiritual things. ‘Work done for God is a healthful stimulus to the spiritual nature. It increases spiritual strength and muscle, and gives one a keen relish for more service.

The work we are doing with “Christ’s Object Lessons” will prepare us for further missionary work. When we have finished the special work given us with this book, we must go on with earnest, aggressive work, meeting our fellow men, and placing in their hands other books containing the light they need. We have begun a march that must be kept up until we land on the other shore.

And so, brethren, we must go on with this blessed work; for it is a work that gives life, a work that brings means, a work that enlightens our fellow men, a work that makes a denomination sturdy and earnest, independent and energetic, faithful and zealous. Keep right on at work until God says it is done.

A. G. DANIELLS.