THE TEST OF THE DAY by Edward Alexander Sutherland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 25, 1902

THE TEST OF THE DAY.

By Edward Alexander Sutherland

THE great campaign for the sale of 60,000 copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” by the Lake Union Conference has already begun. When the possibility of so doing was first suggested, it was received with incredulity. But when God wishes a work done, He has men prepared to do that work. It was known that Emmanuel Missionary College must erect buildings this spring. The association having this work in charge had no money. The author of “Christ’s Object Lessons” stated that the way to raise means lay in the selling of this book. The matter was prayerfully considered by the president of the Lake Union Conference. He put his shoulder to the task. He met with the different Conference presidents and their committees. Each State volunteered to take its quota. This means that the officers in each of these States have guaranteed to stand responsible for the sale of four books by each Sabbath-keeper. This is what they were asked to do; this is what they have done.

BERRIEN SPRINGS.

There are one hundred and twenty-five Sabbath-keepers in the church and school at Berrien Springs. The quota of books for this place is five hundred. Naturally the officers of the church and the faculty of the college felt that in this campaign Berrien Springs must be in the forefront of the battle.

At a joint meeting of the church officers and faculty these questions were put: “Shall we take our full quota? Shall we pay for them?” All the objections which will be raised in any quarter were brought forward here. “The church numbers only forty-four members. On that basis our quota is one hundred and seventy-six books,” said one individual. “The students are poor, and cannot afford to pay five dollars for books,” argued another. “Shall the officers of the church and the faculty be held responsible for five hundred books? See what an enormous debt for a few people, if the books are not sold.”

WHAT WAS DONE.

This represents the doubting side. But doubt did not prevail. God’s promises were read. Elder Daniells stated that he regarded himself responsible for the sale of 60,000 books in the next few weeks. If, as president of this Lake Union Conference, he is responsible for 60,000, surely teachers and church officers will stand by him. The officers and teachers said, “Order the books, and pay cash for them.” The order was at once telephoned to Battle Creek. The church and school were divided into companies of five or seven, and each teacher became responsible for the sale of the books of one company. To make it explicit, it was like this: Elder Brunson was given seven boys. Including his own quota, this meant his personal responsibility for the sale of thirty-two books. He met his boys and laid the situation before them. Other teachers did the same. If for any reason some person was faint-hearted and did not wish to take four books, the other members of that group, or the leader himself, offered to sell the weak-hearted member’s quota. How many persons do the readers of the Review suppose were willing to resign their part in this work?—Not one! Every man and woman, and even the children, entered heartily into the work. Some who had never canvassed, and who had for months dreaded the thought of going to the people, went out with their books. God blessed every effort.

The time set apart for Michigan to sell its books is the week beginning February 9. The Berrien Springs church is selling its books one week earlier, that others may be encouraged by their song of victory. As I write this, students are out in the country canvassing. Others planned to go to the neighboring towns to-day, but on account of the blockade on the railroad are detained until to-morrow. But there is courage, such courage and enthusiasm as I never before saw. This is a developer of character. Angels are watching our people, and those who come now to the body of the Lord will be prepared for rapid advancement in the future.

This work will be done suddenly. It is impossible to picture the results of united efforts now. Fifteen thousand people selling sixty thousand books in the course of two weeks! Will not this be the greatest impetus that could possibly be given to the work of the Third Angel’s Message? And everybody can have a part in it. That is the most glorious thought of all. E. A. SUTHERLAND.