TESTIMONIES FROM THE CHURCHES.
The reports that appear in the State papers from time to time show that a campaign has already begun for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and the churches are writing constantly of the blessing that attends this work. The Spirit of Christ is working everywhere to unify hearts and bless those who enter into the work for the relief of our schools. To many consecrated brethren and sisters the selling of these books has brought new life and deeper experience. Here are a few of the reports that have made our hearts glad, and led us to thank God for a part in this work:— “We are pleased to note the happy changes that this work is bringing about in our churches, and in the individual experience of the workers. It is making warm hearts and glowing faces, and putting new life into all our religious services. Some are getting a love for the work which will result in placing them in the ranks of our regular canvassers. One brother who had a great dread, or horror, of the canvassing work now writes, ‘I should like to leave all and go to canvassing, as I enjoy doing that work very much.’ This is an entire revolution of feelings and desire, and we trust that many others are having like experiences; for we do need regular canvassers very much.” The following is a clipping from a paper published in the far West:— “I realize that the message is going with more and more power, and that the Lord will bless any canvasser who will present the truth in honesty of purpose to warn the world.” From Maine comes this word:— “We pray that a wonderful change may be wrought in many hearts, and that the call for canvassers will be a definite one from the Lord, and that none will slight the still small voice that prompts them to go forth with the printed pages of truth.” The Minnesota Worker publishes this encouraging paragraph:— “Since my last report, I have spent some time with ‘Christ’s Object Lessons.’ The Lord had gone out before us, and in many cases hearts have been found ready to receive the book. I have enjoyed the work, and hope to be in it again as soon as my duties will permit. It is good to be in so good a work, and to know that we can be helpers in wiping out the debt that hangs over us. Brethren, these debts are to be dreaded, whether they be Conference or individual debts. When we get into the horrid gulf, and find the Lord taking us by the hand to help us out, it gives courage. Don’t forget, too, brethren, that in each copy of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ sold, you literally pay $1.25 on this debt. Let everybody keep watch for an opening to become helpers in this good work. It is encouraging to see the canvassing work rising. May the good work go on.” Personal testimony is always encouraging. Another brother writes as follows:— “It is indeed a blessed privilege to have a part in this, the Lord’s work, and there are especial blessings realized by the consecrated canvasser that cannot be experienced in any other line of labor in the Master’s vineyard. As we go from house to house with these books, which we know contain the very truths that the people need, our hearts are lifted in prayer to God for wisdom that we may, as workers together with Him, impress the people with their need, and thus the way be opened to place the silent messengers in the home; and when the worker goes forth in this way, the Lord will bless him with success.” The Lord has told us that this movement would unify the churches. Surely it has done this; and unity among brethren means that a greater work is soon to be done than has ever been done. Read the experience of one church:— “Strong farmers, of stammering tongue, perhaps, but honest men who believe that the Lord is coming, went out for the first time, in many cases, to sell a book. It was a new experience, but it was a bright one, and happiness of soul was the result. When the first book was sold, new courage was imparted to persevere and sell more books. Timid sisters, and even little children, also laid hold of the work, and their efforts were crowned with success. The joy of having actually accomplished something definite for the Master was expressed by many. That keen Christian pleasure in the fruit of selling ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ was testified to by scores. And high above all this towered the blessed evidence, rolled forth from many a heart, that this movement had unified the churches, just as the Spirit of God had said that it would. Besides this, the movement has given strength and courage to the churches. The doing of actual work in a field of labor so long dreaded and unentered by the laity, has made the churches strong.” Do not such reports as this stir us to be “up and doing”? We are told that “every member of every family in every church” should be in this work. How long, how long, shall we delay? Cannot every church soon have such a report ready for their State paper? God’s people are to be a light to the world. “The lamp is in our hands. Let it shine forth brightly.” “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.” “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.’ There are souls in desolate places who will be reached by this effort. The lessons drawn from the parables of our Saviour will be to very many 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 Spirit. 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 value, and they will feel the highest satisfaction of a rational mind. Peace and grace and power of intellect will be given them.” “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.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI. Then let us sanctify energy and time, and do all we can. Let us make the trial in divine strength, and see the result. Brethren and sisters, let us make the blessing ours by doing.742 The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to date is $35,158.92.