A Most Encouraging Experience
“WHEREFORE . . . I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts 27:25. There have always been times in the history of God’s work, from Adam’s day to the present, when faith was peculiarly needed in God’s plans, for the circumstances seemed altogether impossible for their fulfilment. But when we remember that God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, is the One who speaks, whatever the means used for the conveying of that message, this ought to be sufficient for every true and devoted follower of the Lord Jesus, and faith in that message ought to be direct and receptive. Such a time is surely the present, especially as related to “Christ’s Object Lessons.” As we all know, about three years ago there came a message from the Lord, through the spirit of prophecy, telling us that he had a way whereby our schools should be relieved from the burden of indebtedness. This is the word: “The Lord’s institutions are in peril. Because of the terrible burden of debt under which our schools are struggling, the work is hindered on every side. In our great necessity, God has made a way through the difficulty, and has invited us to co-operate with him in accomplishing his purpose. It was his plan that the book, ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’10should be given for the relief of our schools, and he calls upon his people to do their part in placing this book before the world. In this he is testing his people and his institutions, to see if they will work together and be of one mind in self-denial and self-sacrifice.” The word at that time further stated: “The present is an opportunity which we can not afford to lose. We call upon all our people to help to the utmost of their ability just now.” “Let us do our best at this time.” “There are, in the divine providence, particular periods when we must arise in response to the call of God, and make use of our means, our time, our intellect, our whole being, body, soul, and spirit, in fulfilling his requirements. The present is such a time as this.” “Every branch of God’s cause is worthy of diligence; but nothing could be more deserving than this enterprise at this time.” It no doubt seemed strange to many that God should take such a method as this to relieve the indebtedness of his educational institutions, and possibly some are still questioning it, because of their surroundings and circumstances. But the writer wishes to testify of the truthfulness of this Testimony, and of the results. When the Testimony was first read, I was deeply impressed by it, not merely because it was what God said, but because of one special statement it contained; and if there are those who have not yet accepted this word of the Lord and acted upon it, they would do well to hasten to obey his word. This was the statement: “In this he is testing his people and his institutions.” It seemed strangely impressive to hear that this book, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” should come to the people of God as a test. Naturally the first thought was, Why a test with a book? The answer quickly came, “God knows why.” Recognizing therefore that this was God’s test, and knowing the blessedness which must result in obeying God’s tests, it was a pleasure to enter upon a campaign to do God’s bidding. Carrying on the work of the ministry as heretofore, with Bible readings and visiting, orders were taken and delivered for nearly fifty copies during the first three weeks. They were sold on the sidewalks, in corridors, in the main roads, in offices, in stores, in private residences, and in public buildings. The steam cars and trolleys were not forgotten, and everywhere opportunities were found to dispose of this book. It was evident that God was in the work most marvelously, and certainly blessed results were to be seen everywhere. On one occasion, while riding on the train, there sat in the opposite seat of the car a very interesting man. He was an insurance agent. He soon made himself very companionable, and called my attention to certain things which interested him. He remained in the car for some time. In my satchel I had a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons” (I never went anywhere without one or more copies), and I felt that it was only fair to him as well as to myself that his kindness and sociability be reciprocated. I then called his attention to a very interesting work I had, and he said he would look at it. In less than three minutes after this he paid me for the book, requested me to send it to him, as I could not let him have the one I had. This was the first time we ever met, and it certainly was wonderful to see the confidence which was manifested, and the willingness to fall in line with God’s plan. At another time, while riding on a trolley-car, I sat beside a young man, with whom I entered into conversation on the subject of religion. On the opposite side of the car sat another young man who seemed to listen with a great deal of interest. After the one to my left had gone, this other young man rose from his seat, holding on to the strap of the car, leaned toward me, and said, “I was much impressed with what you said to that man. It touched me.” An interesting talk followed, and before we were through, I opened my valise, and called his attention to “Christ’s Object Lessons.” He sat and read for a while, then he took out the money, and paid me for a copy, giving me his address. Many such experiences might be recited, which demonstrate what the Lord had said would come to pass. A large number of ministers were interviewed with most marked success. I received invitations to speak in their churches, and they advertised the book before hundreds of their people, gave testimonials for the work, did all in their power to aid it. One minister secured a team to carry us around to his parishioners, he caring for the team while I went into the houses to sell the books. The words were fulfilled: “Angels are commissioned to go forth with those who take up this work in true humility.” Hundreds of the books were placed in the homes of the people, as well as many copies in the hands of ministers and Christian workers, and it has been a great blessing, bringing light and truth to them. In interviewing many of our own dear people, occasionally it would be remarked that the books could not be sold. Failures in handling other books were cited, and everything that could be suggested was brought forward as an excuse for not doing this work. But here was the word of the Lord. Here was the test that God had given. Like Israel, shall we fail of entering into the rest which awaits the people of God? One dear brother who had insisted that nothing could be done, was finally induced to believe God, and take him at his word. He started out, and in a short time wrote that he had disposed of about twelve copies. This brother sold, in all, between forty and fifty copies. Thus it was demonstrated that despite environment and circumstances, God will fulfil his word to every one who believes him. And how about the results? God said it would accomplish a fourfold purpose; and we know this has been done. What a blessing it has brought to the schools thus far in partially relieving them of indebtedness. What a blessing it has brought to the world in giving such precious light and instruction from God’s Word. What a blessing has come to every church that has taken up this work, in bringing them light and power and experience, as well as increasing the membership. What precious blessings it has brought to those workers who have entered into it soul and body. Nothing else could have done for them what the experience with this book has done. This is what the Lord said would happen. In addition to this the Lord said it would unify the believers. The writer wishes to bear testimony to this point. At a certain church where for thirty years there had been division and bitter feeling, and where it seemed impossible for harmony to come, the Spirit of God came in one Sabbath day, as this work was talked over, and hearts were knit together again in love and brotherhood; and the breach that had existed for years was healed, brethren and sisters all entering into the work with one heart and one soul. All this the Lord said would happen; and it was so. Thus it has been the writer’s privilege to have a small share in this most blessed work, and to dispose of nearly two thousand copies of this most precious book, “Christ’s Object Lessons.” It has brought many blessed experiences and many precious victories. It has confirmed faith in the word of the Lord, and brought added zeal to continue in this most blessed truth. And this will be the privilege of each one, if all will take hold and do this work. And why should the work not be finished? Why should not our schools be released from all their debts? Why should not the world get more blessing than it already has? It certainly needs it. Why should not more workers receive a precious experience by participating in this work? Whatever our work, we are told that this is the most deserving enterprise in all the various branches of God’s work. Why not, then, give it the attention it deserves? Three years have now come and gone; and still this work is not done. The schools are not yet able to sing their jubilee song of freedom. Thousands of dollars have yet to be paid annually for interest, as well as toward the principal. Why not believe God, and do his will? Let us clean this thing up, as far as the school debt is concerned; then we can do more for other schools, or continue to assist the needy schools. Those conferences that have not yet disposed of their quota should take hold with earnestness, from the highest official to the laity of the church, and by the grace of God, have this work completed before this year shall half terminate. It can be done with God’s help. It would be well for all who have begun the work, and have not finished their quota, to read 2 Kings 4:1-7, and note God’s plan to relieve the poor widow of debt. She was told to fill the vessels with oil, and to fill enough so that she11could get out of debt, and have a surplus for future sustenance. She did not stop with pouring in oil into a few vessels that would be sufficient to pay part of her debt; but she gathered vessels to hold enough oil to pay all her debt, as the Lord’s prophet told her, and then she had enough left to start life anew, without contracting any more debts. And by the way, the debt that she had to pay was not one she created; her husband incurred it; but she was a true wife, and desired to pay it, as well as to keep her children with her. Even so, though we did not contract the debts that we are now called upon to pay, let us remember that we are partners in this great firm of God’s saving truth; and therefore we are glad and willing to do our part in paying this debt, as well as in keeping these children of ours, these educational institutions, from being taken away. Let us believe God, be loyal to his cause, be firm to his truth, and stand the test which he has given to us, thus showing our loyalty to him.