“CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS” IN MICHIGAN
By S. E. Wight
Michigan is putting forth tremendous efforts to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and everywhere the Lord is putting His Spirit in the hearts of the people to do something to relieve Battle Creek College from debt. The following letter from Elder E. I. Beebe shows that there is heart and courage in the Michigan Tract Society. We are also publishing a letter received from Prof. E. A. Sutherland, of Battle Creek College, telling his experience in selling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” These experiences we are sure will touch a tender spot in many hearts. Battle Creek College, Dec. 4, 1900. Dear Brother: You may be interested to learn something of my experience at ——. You know I agreed to canvass one day, provided others in the church would also do the same. Friday I started out, at ten o’clock, to canvass in the country. I was permitted to give only eight canvasses, as the day was a short one, but I never before had such glorious experiences. I truly believe the people are ready for this book; for I found every one interested. In three families the men were not at home, and their wives did not care to take the book until they had consulted their husbands, but I succeeded in taking three orders. I had a remarkable experience with one woman. She is not a Christian; never has had any Christian advantages. She is a married woman, with four children. When I presented the book to her, it seemed to touch her heart. She wanted it very much. She said she had done some work that would bring in more than enough to pay for the book, but she was a little fearful that something would happen that she would not get the money. I was especially drawn out to this woman, to see that she got the book, which she wanted to read to the children. After showing her much of the book, I was convinced that the Lord was moving upon her heart; I asked her if she had ever prayed. She said No. Then I talked with her about prayer. Finally I asked her if she would be willing to ask the Lord to open the way to get the book for her children. She hesitated for a little while, but tears began to fill her eyes, and I saw that the Spirit of God was pleading with her. She at last promised that she would ask the Lord to open the way. Then, of her own accord, she admitted to me that this was a new experience to her. I felt very happy as I left her house, thinking that she had learned something12of the Lord, and was willing to call upon His name. You may be sure this woman will have a book. God will answer her prayers. Sabbath I met with the church. The sisters who had been out canvassing made their reports. All had had good experiences. One sister said she felt rebellious when the plan was presented to her; for she thought that she had work enough to do at home. But her little daughter urged her to go out, so she did. She canvassed three persons, with success in every case. This troubled her; for she did not want to canvass for the book. The next day a gentleman came to her home who was very bitter against our people. She said to herself, “I will make this man a test: if the Lord desires me to sell this book, He will move upon this man to buy it. If the man does not buy the book, I will take it as a sign that the Lord does not want me to canvass.” So she presented the book to him, told him plainly that it was a Seventh-day Adventist book, and the object of it. To her great surprise, he seemed at once interested, and ordered one for himself, and said he was glad to have the privilege of assisting in lifting the debt from the college. This convinced the sister that God was in the movement, and as she told it, there was feeling in her voice. It moved many in the church. After earnest testimonies from those who had been out, the church voted to take two hundred books, which is a few more than their quota. They have about thirty names on their church roll, but fully one half of these are not active members, but the church said they were responsible for carrying this list, and so would take six books apiece for every member on the roll. Bro. ——, one of the oldest Sabbath-keepers, has taken hold of the work with all his might. God will bless the church in this movement. Hoping you will have success in your work, I remain, Your brother, [Signed] E. A. Sutherland. It is estimated that District 3 needs to sell only six copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” for each Seventh-day Adventist enrolled on the church records, in order to free Battle Creek College from debt. This is an easy task, when all will work. Michigan’s quota is 42,000; but Michigan ought to sell these, and more. Every church should look up the number enrolled in that church and multiply by six to determine the number of books for their share. If each church will do this, it will save much care and anxiety for those looking after the work. The number of book sales reported for the week ending December 15 is two hundred and eighty-six. One thousand books should be sold every week in Michigan. I trust the Michigan people will notice that two hundred and eighty-six books is a very small number for seven thousand persons. Lansing, Mich., Nov. 27, 1900. Prof. Percy T. Magan,
Battle Creek, Mich. Dear Brother: Your three letters received, and contents noted. Yes, Michigan is always willing to do her share when she knows what it is. We can use several hundred of the leaflets you spoke of, say five hundred of each. I am glad that you have done so well in Battle Creek, but it is no more than they ought to do, if they believe the truth. Lansing is starting out with about one hundred and fifty dollars. They expect to take their proportion, four hundred books. I heard from our next church to the east, and they have raised one hundred and fifty-five dollars. So the good work seems to be going forward. I feel glad that the Review Office is taking hold of the truth lines more largely, and it is an omen of a soon-coming Saviour. Everything shows that the time is near at hand. I trust that the good work will go forward, and soon we shall be free. May the Lord bless and keep you. Yours truly, [Signed] Michigan Tract Society,
E. I. Beebe.