p. 8 | Dedicated Books by William C. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 17, 1904

Dedicated Books

By William C. White

W. C. WHITE

WE have two very precious dedicated books, and they will be of value to the sacred cause to which they are dedicated, in exact proportion to the amount of time and talent that is devoted to their circulation. These books can not do their work unless placed by willing hands in the field of their usefulness. But when thus placed in the homes of the people, they will do a work upon the hearts of human beings that will cause men and angels to rejoice.

There is much of interest to be said about the work already accomplished by “Christ’s Object Lessons” and by “The Story of Joseph,” although their work is but just begun. In this article we can speak of only a few things, and we hope that from time to time interesting incidents may appear in the REVIEW AND HERALD, telling more of the good done by these books.

The effort to sell “Object Lessons” in behalf of our schools has led many to dedicate themselves anew to the service of God, and has brought to them new and precious experiences.

The reading of the book has brought light and joy to the hearts of thousands, and has led hundreds to accept the teaching of our Saviour regarding his ministry of salvation, and his purpose to return and gather his people to himself.

In various parts of the world there are organized companies, and in a few places whole churches, that have been brought to the faith principally through the reading of “Object Lessons,” and the humble efforts of laymen engaged in its circulation. In the West Michigan Conference, where the churches did very faithful work, aided and encouraged by the teachers and students of Emmanuel Missionary College, about two hundred new members have joined the church. These were gathered in, one, two, and three in a place, as the result of the missionary effort of the lay members to circulate “Object Lessons.”

Of less importance than the foregoing results, and more easily measured, are the financial results of this effort. There has been lifted from our schools over two hundred thousand dollars of their burden of indebtedness. That means ten thousand dollars a year less interest to pay by our schools, which ought all to be altogether free from the burden of interest paying.

“The Story of Joseph,” dedicated to the support of colored mission schools, and to the erection of meeting-houses for our colored believers in the South, is a small book with a big mission, and with a very interesting record. Its sale has helped to support the teachers in our colored mission schools in Mississippi, and to build meeting-houses for poor colored congregations in many places.

A Golden Opportunity

The present is a golden opportunity to work with this dedicated literature. And why?

Because this is the time of the year in which there is most time for reading. The rush of summer work is over, and the long evenings are coming on.

Because at this time of the year most people have the most money.

Because The Signs of the Times, The Southern Watchman, and our other missionary papers are advertising these dedicated books so splendidly that the attention of the people is sharply called to them.

Because this is the easiest season of the year to devote time to this work.

Because the general missionary campaign helps us in so many ways.

What Needs to Be Done

Let us settle it in our hearts that every family within the range of our influence shall not only have opportunity to read the four special numbers of our missionary papers, but that they shall also be invited to purchase “Object Lessons” and “Story of Joseph.”

Let us take some risk in this matter by buying a few books, paying cash for them, and thus have some on hand ready for use.

Let us dedicate a definite and liberal portion of time to this work.

Let us have a definite understanding with fellow workers in our church and neighborhood regarding where we are to work.

Let us prepare for successful work by repeated, faithful study of the contents of the books, so that we can converse freely about all parts of the subjects treated, and be able to select quickly the topics most interesting to each family.

Let us study diligently Isa. 50: 4-9, entering heartily into its experiences, accepting its encouragement, claiming its promises, and giving ourselves to the Master’s work with the earnestness and fidelity there portrayed.

Let us confer with the librarian, and make provision at once for a sufficient supply of books when needed for delivery.

Let us enter into this work promptly, heartily, joyfully, saying with the apostle, “Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Cor. 2: 14.