THE BLESSING OF SELLING “CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS”
By A Church-Member
The Week of Prayer of 1900 is in the past, with its blessings and privileges, but its responsibilities are still upon us. Our church in Brockton, Mass., met together, and realized the blessing of God. The Spirit of God was indeed with us all through the week, and we were all stimulated to renewed energy in doing the work that God has laid upon His people at the present time. The present test that God has given His people, to go to work and lift the debt that hangs over our schools, has come to us not only as a church, but as individual members, and each one expressed a willingness to take hold and help with renewed consecration to God and His service. My own experience in selling “Christ’s Object Lessons” has been truly wonderful, and has proved a rich blessing to me. It has been like standing still and seeing the salvation of God; for truly the Lord has gone with me and done wonderful things. I have never felt the nearness of God in any work as much as in this. He has been my helper right through, and to His name be all the glory. Brethren, the time has fully come when God’s people must arouse and work mightily for Him. They must come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, or else be left behind. The Lord is going before us, and we must go forward; for we are well able to possess the good land. I can hear the shouts of victory all along the line, and it gives me courage to go on. I have always been very diffident about going before the people to do that kind of work; but the Lord gave me the utmost freedom when I started in the work; and, bless His holy name, He always will when we get up and go to work. We do not need strength to sit still; so let us, one and all, young and old, take hold of the work as never before, and lift the debt that is hanging over us. The Lord has provided the way for us to do it. He has been very long-suffering and patient with us in the past, and is now taking hold with us, and even going before to prepare hearts to receive His truth. So, then, let us go forward in His name, and by His strength we shall overcome all the difficulties that lie before us. I was somewhat at a loss to know just what would be the best manner of presenting the book to the people; so I studied the book to become familiar with its truths, and then started to sell. The first person I canvassed said he would take it, before I had a chance to say but little. Nine hours of my time belong to my employers, but I improve my dinner hour, and the time going to and from my work, and the evening. I have given thirty-two exhibitions and sold thirty books in two weeks. In selling these I have said but little, and some men have taken the book without looking at it. One man told me that if we wanted any more money at any time, to see him. Although he makes no profession of religion, he said that it is a good work, and that he wanted to help. So you see, brethren, the Lord is moving upon the hearts of the people. Let us be ready to do our part. I am glad to say that all the members of our church are taking hold and working, and are determined to do their part in the good work. Sister Jennie Bates is working hard with the book, and is meeting with success. Quite a number are much interested in the present truth through her work, and I expect soon to see a goodly number added to the church. All the signs around us tell of the near coming of our dear Saviour. The kings of the East and of the whole world are being gathered together, getting ready for the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Probation will soon close, and shall not God’s remnant people arouse themselves to come up to His help in the work of this time? How can the Lord come for His people and find them heavily in debt, and unprepared for Him? No, brethren, the Lord has shown us the way, and is moving on the hearts of the people; so let us arise quickly and do our part to get ready for the soon coming of our Lord. Brethren, be of good courage; the Lord is with us, and has promised to be with us to the end.