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MRS. E. G. WHITE

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 20, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 34.

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MRS. E. G. WHITE

By Ellen G. White

THE RELIEF OF OUR SCHOOLS.—NO. 3.

MRS. E. G. WHITE

RESULTS OF THE WORK.

Through the work for the relief of our schools a fourfold blessing will be realized,—a blessing to the schools, to the world, to the Church, and to the workers themselves.
While funds are gathered for the relief of the schools, the best reading-matter is being placed in the hands of a large number of people who, if this effort had not been made, would never have seen “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The lessons drawn in this book from the parables of our Saviour will be to many souls as the leaves of the tree of life.
It is the Lord’s design that “Christ’s Object Lessons,” with its precious instruction, shall unify the believers. The self-sacrificing efforts put forth by the members of our churches will prove a means of uniting them, that they may be sanctified, body, soul, and spirit, as vessels unto honor, prepared to receive the Holy Ghost, which God will impart. Those who seek to do God’s will, investing every talent to the best advantage, will become wise in working for His kingdom. They will learn lessons of the greatest consequence to them, and they will feel the highest satisfaction of a rational mind. Peace and grace and power of intellect will be given them.
As they carry this book to those who need the instruction it contains, the workers will gain an experience of the greatest value. This work is a means of education. Those who will do their best as the Lord’s helping hand to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons,” will obtain an experience that will enable them to handle our larger books, which the people need so much.
All who engage in this work aright, cheerfully and hopefully, will find it a very great blessing. The Lord does not force any to engage in His work, but to those who place themselves decidedly on His side, He will give a willing mind. He will bless all who work out the spirit which He works in. To such workers He will give favor and success. As field after field is entered, new methods and new plans will spring from new circumstances. New thoughts will come with the new workers who give themselves to the work. As they seek the Lord for help, He will communicate with them. They will receive plans devised by the Lord himself. Souls will be converted, and money will come in. The workers will find waste places of the Lord’s vineyard lying close beside fields that have been worked. Every field shows new places to win. All that is done brings to light how much more still remains to be done.
As we work in connection with the Great Teacher, our experience improves. The faculties of the mind are enlarged. The conscience is under divine guidance. Christ takes the entire being under His control.
No one can be truly united with Christ, practicing His lessons, submitting to His yoke of restraint, without realizing that which he can never express in words. New, rich thoughts come to him. Light is given to the intellect, determination to the will, sensitiveness to the conscience, purity to the imagination. The heart becomes more tender, the thoughts more spiritual, the service more Christlike. In the life there is seen that which no words can express,—true, faithful, loving devotion of heart, mind, soul, and strength to the work of the Master.
After we have, by sanctified energy and prayer, done all that we can do in the work for our schools, we shall see the glory of God. When the trial has been fully made, there will be a blessed result.
If it is made in a free, willing spirit, God will make the movement for the help of our schools a success. He will enable us to roll back the reproach that has come upon our educational institutions. If all will take hold of the work in the spirit of self-sacrifice for the sake of Christ and the truth, it will not be long before the jubilee song of freedom can be sung throughout our borders.

BE NOT WEARY IN WELL DOING.

I am glad that there has been such harmonious effort to carry out the purpose of God and to make the most of His providence. This effort to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons” is demonstrating what can be done in the canvassing field. To ministers, teachers, students, fathers, mothers, young men and young women, who have engaged in this work, I would say, After the immediate necessity is met, do not lose your zeal, feeling that there is no further need for special effort. Let not your interest flag. Let it rather increase, until every institution among us is free from the curse of debt. And even then do not fold your hands, and think that there is no call for further effort. Press forward in the work. Sell the book wherever you can, and bring our larger books to the notice of the people. A fund should be raised to send to school those who desire to fit themselves for the Lord’s work, but are unable to pay their own way. Let there be money in hand to be used for this purpose. And many facilities will be needed, both in the home fields and in the “regions beyond.” Many worthy enterprises will call for help.
Let us have faith in God. In His name let us carry forward His work without flinching. The work He has called us to do He will make a blessing to us. And when His plan for the relief of our schools has been vindicated, when the work pointed out has been fully accomplished, He will indicate to us what to do next.
As long as the message of mercy is to be given to the world, there will be a call for effort similar to that which has been made for the relief of our schools. And as long as human probation continues, there will be opportunity for the canvasser to do His work. When the religious denominations unite with the papacy to oppress God’s people, places where there is religious freedom will be opened by evangelistic canvassing. If in one place the persecution becomes severe, let the workers do as Christ has directed: “When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.” Matt. 10:23. If persecution comes there, go still to another place. God will lead His people, making them a blessing in many places. Were it not for persecution, they would not be so widely scattered abroad to proclaim the truth. And Christ declares, “Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” Verse 23. Until in heaven is spoken the word, “It is finished,” there will always be places to labor and hearts to receive the message.
Wherefore, “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6: 9.