THE message in India is onward. Notwithstanding the many drawbacks, the Lord is blessing the efforts of those who are sowing the seed. The circulation of our paper, The Oriental Watchman, is gradually on the increase. In the last eight months, three thousand yearly subscriptions have been taken for it by our workers, and a large number of books have been sold. At the present time five thousand copies of the Oriental Watchman are printed monthly. The reception of the paper in Burma has been quite phenomenal; Brethren Meyers and Watson, who are now there, registered two hundred yearly subscriptions in ten days, and took a large number of orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons.”
AN INDIAN SNAKE CHARMER
Sisters Knight and Humphrey have been canvassing at Allahabad, in Central India, for “Ladies’ Guide.” To close up their work there, they have been holding a health school, which has awakened much interest in the health principles.
Sisters Whiteis and Kellogg are now working at Chandernagor, about thirty miles from Calcutta. Sister Kellogg is holding Bible readings with several English-speaking families, and a good interest is developing. We are glad to see something being done outside of Calcutta. Heretofore nearly all the work carried on outside of this place has been through our literature. As we think of the many cities scattered over this large field, we hope that the time is not far distant when the living worker shall carry the truth to these great centers.
In Calcutta the interest in the truth is growing. Although the missionaries have done much to prejudice the people against our work, yet there are honest souls seeking after light. A brother and a sister with whom we have been holding Bible readings for some time have just begun the observance of the Sabbath.
A doctor and his wife with whom my wife has been holding Bible readings, said, “Without doubt the seventh-day Sabbath is right. Why is it that people do not know it? Why don’t you put all this truth in the daily paper, so that people can read it? Go to the viceroy and leading officials, and tell them what you have told us.” We pray that this man may follow his convictions and obey God. He is a government physician, and it means resignation if he keeps the Sabbath. This is one of the great crosses with European and Eurasian people in this country; most of them are in government employ, and it means a loss of position if they keep the Sabbath. It is very different here from what it is in America. When a man loses his position at home on account of the Sabbath, there are a variety of things that he can turn to, in most cases, for a support; but not so here. The people are educated to do one thing, and when that employment is taken away, they know not what to do. Every servant of the government receives a pension after a certain length of service, and if he resigns before the allotted time, little or no pension is allowed. Naturally, every one looks forward to the time when he will become a pensioner. When the truth comes to a man in this country, it means, in most cases, if obeyed, the loss of employment and pension, thus removing not only present but future support. The man in America who accepts the truth and gives his farm in one gift, makes a sacrifice but little, if any, greater than does the man in India who accepts the truth, forfeits his position, and a pension for which he has been working perhaps twenty or twenty-five years.
A few days ago we baptized a brother who has leprosy. He had been wanting baptism for some time, but did not broach the subject to us, as he feared that no one would be willing to administer baptism to a leper; but as we sought the Lord, we felt clear that it was right to baptize him, and on Sabbath evening quite a number met at his house. Elder Owen spoke a few words on the subject of baptism, and then this brother told us his experience—how he had led a wild, reckless life until stricken with leprosy. Shortly after that, he heard the truth, and gave his heart to God. Since that time he has suffered much, but his testimony is that, having found the Saviour, these years of suffering have been the happiest of his life. The expression of this brother’s love for Christ found a response in the hearts of all present, and we left the house after baptism, thanking God for the truth and its power to change the heart.
J. L. SHAW
West German Conference
By H. F. Schuberth
THREE quarters are now in the past since the division of the German Conference into a West and an East German Conference and the establishment of a South German Mission Field. The West German Conference, including the provinces of Schleswig-Holstein, Hannover, Saxony, Westphalia, Hesse-Nassau, Rhenish-Prussia, and the grand duchies Oldenburg, Oberhessen, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and Strelitz, and the duchies of Braunschweig, and the states of Thuringia, having an area of 76,000 English square miles, and a population of 22,597,023, began the first of July, 1901, with a membership of 896. Up to March 31 the increase in membership was 105, making the present membership 1,001. The tithe for the three quarters is 31,321.05 marks, or $7,529.09; from this we gave a second tithe to the German Union Conference, and $500 to the Oriental Mission for the opening of the work among the Abyssinians; besides this we expect to support a worker in Austria, where forty-six millions are waiting for the third angel's message. The Sabbath-school and first-day offerings, amounting to 4,352.32 marks, or $1,046.23, also go to the German Union Conference.
Our working forces are six ordained ministers, two licentiates, and fifteen Bible workers. In the three quarters, forty canvassers sold 45,901.62 marks, or $11,034.50, worth of literature. During this time eleven new places have been entered; of these the largest church has been raised up in Cassela, a city of one hundred thousand inhabitants in the center of our field. Here our worker experienced much opposition from the Catholics, who threatened him with a lawsuit on account of talking against the pope. On the other hand, in some places we meet much opposition from the Protestant state church and other denominations. One of them, for instance, was not ashamed to publish the following statement at one of their conferences: “We do not wish anybody anything bad, but we would be glad if they [referring to Seventh-day Adventists] would all die in one day.” At different places the pastors tried to persuade the landlords not to let us have their halls and lodgings.
We could mention many instances where the Lord is wonderfully opening the way. One of our young brethren, being obliged to serve in the army, has full freedom to keep the Sabbath — a17privilege never before granted us. We are all of good courage, and grateful to the Lord for his guidance and ever-present help.
H. F. SCHUBERTH, President.
LOUIS PASSEBOIS
By Louis Passebois
Egypt
CAIRO.—We have met with many encouragements, and the Lord is answering the prayers of his people. One of our laborers has been working in Alexandria, and reports a good interest in that place. We have reason to believe that in a short time a church will be organized there. Alexandria resembles a European city, and affords excellent opportunities for work among the Italians and Greeks. Our native worker is now at Assuan. He reports a good interest, and asks especially for the prayers of the brethren and sisters, that he may have power to preach the message to those of his own tongue. He is the only worker that understands the Arabic language, but we hope that some others will soon join him in the work. We have just received a letter from a native evangelist, saying that after careful study of our views, he is convinced that they are right, and has decided to be among those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. He is doing what he can to let the light of truth shine to those around him.
ON THE NILE NEAR CAIRO
In the church in Cairo, although the enemy is not asleep, we thank the Lord for the victory won, and that the power of the Holy Spirit has been manifested in many ways. We thank him also for the spirit of sacrifice. A Bulgarian man has accepted the truth. Brethren, pray for us and the work in Egypt, that the Lord may accomplish his purpose through us, and that souls may be brought into the kingdom.
LOUIS PASSEBOIS
Medical Work Begins in Argentina
By N. Z. Town
Argentina
BUENOS AYRES.—We cannot express our gratitude to God and to the Mission Board for sending us help to start the medical work in this field. At first we were undecided as to the best way for the doctor to begin work, as the laws are such that no doctor can practice here until he passes the examination, excepting in some country places.
Dr. Gregory recently went to Entre Ríos. While there, he found much work to do. Crowds came to consult him. As there was no other doctor in that part of the province, he went to Parana, the capital, and secured the necessary permission to practice there. He settled in the village of Crespo. The first fortnight the people came in wagon-loads to see the new doctor. He had no time to get settled, and scarcely time to eat. Sometimes there would be four or five double teams standing before his door, and these people spread his fame throughout the country. Not quite so many come now, but he is still doing a good work. Brother Brooking is with him, and this will enable the doctor to devote some time to the study of the language.
We have been altogether too slow in starting the medical missionary work in this field. Not long ago Argentina passed a law requiring all foreign doctors who come here to pass an examination in each year's work studied by the students in the medical schools, instead of being allowed to take the general examination as formerly. The same thing is true of Paraguay. Up to last month, in Uruguay one could take a general examination; but they have now passed a law barring out completely in the future all foreign doctors and chemists. The foreign doctors now present will be permitted to practice, but no new ones will be allowed to take the examination and begin work.
Our school opened March 5. The last news we had from it, there were eighteen students enrolled, and more were expected. There would doubtless be many more, were it not for the poverty of the people on account of droughts. I recently visited one brother who has to drive his animals six miles to water them.
Sister Westphal, in College View, is doing a good work in raising means and getting donations of bedding, etc., for our school. We are glad for any help. When we look into our bare schoolrooms, we wish that some of the brethren at home who have plenty and to spare could see them. I am sure they would want to help furnish them, if they only knew the lack. A brother has recently given us a farm of about sixty-four acres in Uruguay. There is a small house on the farm, and a pear orchard of about five hundred trees. We hope to be able to exchange it for a place in the city. If we could secure a lot for a depository and church in Buenos Ayres, it would be a real help to the work.
We had our week of prayer, March 8-15. I have not heard from all, but we have had good reports from some of the churches. N. Z. TOWN.
South Central Africa
By F. B. Armitage
SOMOBULA FOREST.—Our work is progressing slowly. Our first boys are now away, working in Gwelo to earn money to buy Bibles, that they may go on with their school work, and also pay their hut tax, and purchase some clothes. When they left, they asked if I would send with them a letter to anyone who wanted to hire boys. I talked with them about the result if I should write the letter and one of them would do something wrong. They all promised that they would be good; so I gave them a letter, and they went away happy. They will be back in about three months.
AFRICAN NATIVES
At present we have eight young men about eighteen years of age. The average attendance is about twenty. There are six girls, the first whose parents have given their consent to have their daughters come to our school. We hope and pray that God will help us to lead these dear people to the Fountain of life. We do not have as much hope for the aged people as we do for the young. These live in fear of the old people, so cannot always do just as they would like to. By the help of the Lord, I hope to see the seed take root.
There are some of the best natives I18ever met, here. They show their kindness by bringing us a few early peanuts, a few ears of green corn, or a few eggs, and now and then a hen—seven in all, some of which are worth ten shillings each. It is something new in our experience to be the receivers of presents. These people are far more generous than the Matabeles. There is a large settlement about one hundred miles from here, and they want a teacher. I am trying to push my oldest boys as fast as possible, so that they can go there and begin the work, hoping for other help to continue it.
I expect to make a visit there soon and secure a good location for a station. We must not neglect this good opening among these people.
The Shuna is a much more generous people than the Macalinga people. Some of them come in every few days to see how we are getting along. These little acts of kindness do one good. They also come to me for advice about buying and selling. We hope, by the direction of the Spirit of God, to see a great work done here. Surely God has gone out before us; and it is time to awaken and bestir ourselves.
We have been quite free from fever thus far. All our native children have had the fever. To-day two are sick with it, one of whom is a young man from the Portuguese territory. We hope through him to send the gospel to that people. He is anxious to learn, and says that he wants to be ready to meet Jesus. He can speak English some, and the burden of his prayer is that the Lord will keep him from sinning. The other is a young man who had been home for a few days, and returned with the fever.
F. B. ARMITAGE.
Gwelo, B. C. A.
W. G. KNEELAND
By W. G. Kneeland
Trinidad
We are very busy now in tent work at Princess Town. Our attendance has been from thirty to two hundred, with good order and fair attention. Last year the tent was repeatedly stoned, and ropes were cut, but nothing of that kind has occurred this year, and two are already keeping the Sabbath, although nothing has been said publicly about it. We have sold about three dollars’ worth of tracts and small books. Of course we meet some opposition, but we believe that a good work will be done in spite of difficulties. If we could only begin a church building here, it would do much to break the prejudice in the minds of the people as to our stability as a denomination. Many other missionaries have gone through the island and gathered a large following, and left them to go down, and having no building, we are always classed with those missionaries. Good results are being seen in many places from the work of the canvassers.
There are two places in the island where several Sabbath keepers are reported, with strong calls for help, but I cannot visit these places for some time. Brother Enoch is also very busy. The brethren at Port of Spain are doing nobly in raising money for a church. We are trying to get the buildings far enough along so that we can use them for the convention in June, and thus strengthen the work in those new places, and raise the means necessary to complete the buildings. We hope to hold the two missionary and Sabbath-school conventions in different parts of the island, to educate our people in better methods. We will make the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” a prominent part of the work at the convention.
We are now at Princess Town with the tent, and have a fair hearing. There seems to be an interest among the East Indians.
W. G. KNEELAND
British Guiana
By W. T. Downer
QUEENSTOWN, ESSEQUIBO.—I have much for which to be thankful. As I returned to my field of labor this year, I found the opposing stream of unbelief against the Sabbath of the Lord much abated. The people are reading the Bible with more attention and prayer than they ever did before.
At Danielstown our Portuguese friend who has accepted the truth, closes his shop on the Sabbath and attends worship. One of the schoolmasters in that village is also convinced, and is much interested. Many others are studying the truth. The one great difficulty is to find a suitable place in which to worship.
In Queenstown the small company is growing. Eight persons were baptized recently, and three are waiting now to follow our Lord’s example.
Leguan has the leading company on the Essequibo district. The people are poor. There is not much land for cultivation, and this is their chief means of a livelihood. The struggle is hard, but notwithstanding this, there is much cause for rejoicing. One candidate there awaits baptism. This field is beset with many inconveniences. But before the joy of seeing souls accept the truth all inconveniences sink into nothing.
W. T. DOWNER.
Spanish Honduras
By H. A. Owen
TEGUCIGALPA.—Some of the best families in the capital are urging that we take their boys and girls into a boarding school and train them. The wife of the chief of the Industrial School for Engineers, of Honduras, is working for students for us, and every day reports a larger list. An educated, influential citizen is taking a deep interest in the principles of education which we advocate, and is also assisting in securing students among his friends. Still another gentleman, who is well-educated and of good standing here, offers to assist by giving us the free use of his steam sawmill in connection with the Santa Lucia mine. He also offers us the free use of his power, and room to put up a corn mill or a printing press, if we have one.
On my recent trip to the coast, at every village I found work to do. At the ancient capital, I found a group of interested listeners in the old cathedral built by the Spaniards more than four centuries ago. They had gathered to pay tribute to various saints, but both young and old collected around me, as I reasoned of the faith and righteousness of Christ.19
My health has been excellent since starting for the coast. Although sick with fever the night before starting, I recovered so rapidly that I was able to walk from ten to thirty miles a day as my strength returned. The last day my little mule and I traveled fifty miles. Every day I found students who are awaiting a telegram that our school is open to receive them.
The Lord is impressing young people to put themselves under our instruction, that they may feel after the Lord, and we dare not delay. H. A. OWEN.
G. W. REASER
By G. W. Reaser
Natal
DURBAN.—We have secured a school site of over thirty acres, near Maritzburg, which we will utilize for a central training school in Natal. It is elevated and healthful, being about one thousand feet above Maritzburg, and has a good climate, also cold spring water, with a fertile soil, where we can raise anything that can be grown in Natal. It is near a station on the main line of the railroad, also only a few hundred yards from a native location, where there are about sixty villages or kraals. It has a magnificent view and a good supply of timber. The school site was donated, and we purchased the rest of the land.
We fully believe that the Lord has secured this for us. A good lot was given to us in the city of Durban, which we will sell to secure funds to erect the building for the school.
G. W. REASER
South Africa
By Amelia Webster
CAPE TOWN.—While in Kimberley, I was able to distribute much literature in the refugee camps (Dutch). I found many who knew something of Seventh-day Adventists, and were glad to get our reading matter. I held Bible readings with some who read English, and might have done much more if I had had time. I came to Cape Town the first of February to attend the conference school which Elder Hyatt is conducting for ten weeks. We have enjoyed the Bible studies very much; have also had a large class in the study of health principles and simple treatments, as well as one in canvassing. We have finished studying “Christ’s Object-Lessons,” and are now selling it a part of each day.
We have recently been going out on Saturday evenings in Cape Town to sell the South African Sentinel and the Journal of Health. We sometimes dispose of as many as eight hundred papers in a single evening. Our numbers are few, but our courage is good, and we are doing what we can. There are openings on every hand, especially for medical work, and we pray earnestly for laborers to help in this work.
AMELIA WEBSTER.
Sav-la-Mar Work in Jamaica Progresses Slowly
By I. B. Beckner; A. G. Peart
Jamaica
SAV-LA-MAR.— After three months of work in the tent here, we have taken it down, and have rented a hall in the same locality. We hold Sabbath meetings, also two preaching services each week. We have meetings at Smithfield, two miles from here, three evenings of the week. The people move slowly. We had expected to baptize a number ere this, but they are not yet quite ready. We still find others who believe, but they have not the courage to break away from the old chains that bind them. We praise the Lord that there are even a few who will not let business interests, family or church relations, hinder them from obeying. The Sabbath is the market day of the week, so to miss that day would be to deprive them almost entirely of selling or buying.
We shall not erect a church building here at the present time, as we are now trying to complete several new church buildings in this part of the island. When it is remembered that this is all hand labor, it will be seen that church buildings go up slowly.
We are glad to report that some “lively stones” are being built into the Lord’s temple. Remember the work here in your prayers.
I. B. BECKNER,
A. G. PEART.
Kessal, Aleppo
By Z. G. Baharian
Turkey
Cilicia
OUR worker in Cilicia, Brother A. Buzugherian, of Hadjin, hearing that some were studying the truth at Osmaniyeh,—a town eighteen hours from Adana,—went there. He was cordially received by a man named David. Meetings were held, and many came to hear the message. Brother Buzugherian writes from Osmaniyeh, February 7:—
“I hope that you have received the postal card I sent you last week. Many eagerly listen to God’s word. Some wicked persons tried to hinder the work by banishing me to Adana, but God worked just the reverse. At first I preached with fear, but now I preach freely. The effort against me brought the truth to the attention of many officers of the government.”
The authorities were favorably disposed toward him, perceiving that he was falsely accused of being an agitator against the government. The result was that Brother David began to keep the Sabbath.
Kessal, Aleppo
While Brother Buzugherian was working at Osmaniyeh, he received a letter from Brother E. Ayvazian, our worker at Alexandretta, requesting him to call there, and with him visit some places in the province of Aleppo. So after spending a few days in Alexandretta, these brethren went to Antioch, where we had four brethren in the truth. Staying there only one day, they started for Kessab, an Armenian town, where Congregationalists have had many proselytes. Our message had gone there through tracts and by those who visit Alexandretta from time to time, and two persons had already accepted the truth. There was much excitement on the arrival of our brethren, and with threatenings two Armenian tax collectors commanded them to leave the town; but they were impressed by the Holy Spirit that they must remain, and preach the gospel. Two others accepted the truth, and the meetings were well attended. The Protestants at once sent word to the missionary of Aintab, Mr. Saunders. He came to Kessab, and at once held a meeting with the bishops of the Catholic and Armenian churches. They wrote a paper of accusation, Mr. Saunders signed it, and the local editor of the Protestant church carried it to the governor, who resides in a village near by. Our workers were arrested, and imprisoned in Ordon, the village of the governor; then they were sent to Jesser Shougher, where they were detained ten days, after which they were sent to Aleppo. There the police investigated the matter, and learning by telegram from Alexandretta and Hadjin that they were good men, let them go to their own places.
In Aleppo two men of influence have been especially interested. They desire to hear the truth, and have requested that our literature be sent to them.
This imprisonment has attracted much attention, and by it God again brought the message before the government. I am sure that the seeds sown by these brethren will be fruitful. Dear brethren, pray for our field. Z. G. BAHARIAN.
Workers Needed
By Ed. C. Rogers
“THE harvest truly is great, the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” We have doubtless all known that the work in the Southern States will soon be finished, that the opportunity of laboring for souls will one day be past, that the seaport towns which have become like Sodom and Gomorrah for wickedness will be swept away. Now is the time to work. North and South Carolina, with their three million or more inhabitants, were a few months ago organized into a conference. Our means are limited, our laborers are few, and much depends upon us. Are there not some among the readers of the REVIEW who are at liberty to go at the Master’s call, who are willing to sacrifice ease, and come to this needy field as self-supporting missionaries, and sell our good books? We have been told that if there is one work more important than another, it is that of placing our literature in the hands of the people. Who will respond? The South now is enjoying a good degree of prosperity, and I know from experience that books can be sold. There is plenty of good territory in the mountains, or on the coast, city or country, and I will go right into the field, and help any one to get started who will join our ranks.
ED. C. ROGERS.525 East Fisher St., Salisbury, N. C.
June Study of the Field
1. Tell something of the extent of the South American mission field. Why has South America been called the “Neglected Continent”?
2. Is this true of Seventh-day Adventists in their relation to it? Locate the countries that have been entered in this field. Why is the present the opportune time for work there?
3. What encouraging reports come from the island fields? Describe the Tonga, Society, and Cook Islands, telling something of the early missionary efforts in each.
4. What can you say of the work in India? Describe the Parsees. What line of work especially appeals to these people?
5. Locate the little country of Belgium. How does the density of its population compare with that of the United States? (Area of United States, 3,622,933 square miles; population, 78,000,000.) Describe the religious and moral condition of the country. What progress has the third angel’s message made? How many laborers have we there?
6. From what new field does the urgent appeal come for immediate help? Why?
7. Do not fail to note the appeals for help, and the progress reported during the past month. Locate on the map the different fields mentioned.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to May 17, is $42,842.92.
NAME
AMOUNT
C. B. W.
2 00
F. P. Ide.
5 00
Mrs. M. A. Green.
1 50
Mrs. E. Deming.
1 00
Mrs. H. Hanson.
1 00
J. L. Summerall.
1 00
J. W. Beamis.
5 00
Ann C. Guthrie.
1 00
J. I. Snow.
1 00
Mrs. D. Akin.
50
M. Mossford.
1 00
T. Norie.
5 00
J. C. Rice.
1 00
G. W. Sowler.
1 00
Wm. Carty.
2 00
L. O. West.
25
Mrs. S. M. Wolverton.
1 00
Albert Haisley.
1 00
Mrs. C. Harris.
50
W. H. Bunch.
2 50
M. Shaffer.
1 00
A friend (Lander).
1 00
Mrs. A. K. Dilts.
2 00
Mrs. C. S. Grant.
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. W. B. White.
2 00
Mrs. M. Kelsey.
1 00
Mrs. M. Rice.
5 00
Mrs. T. Barto.
20 00
M. A. Townsend.
1 00
Smith Sharp.
5 00
C. D. Wolf.
50
T. I. Robinson.
1 00
G. C. Carey.
5 00
Mrs. S. C. Mansfield.
30
Mrs. D. Jorgenson.
1 00
Mrs. R. A. Wheeler & sister.
1 10
M. Cole
50
Florence Cole
25
Mrs. Helen Cole.
25
Mr. & Mrs. A. M. & W. E. Baxter.
5 00
A. Vollmer.
2 00
Mrs. A. Ivers.
1 00
Mrs. S. A. Santee.
1 00
L. J. Shooley.
1 00
Mrs. M. W. Cooley.
1 00
A. M. Sutherland.
2 00
Mrs. E. B. Taylor.
2 50
Mrs. E. Floding.
1 25
Mrs. A. Hopkins.
3 40
A. E. Tenney.
1 00
C. M. Kinney.
50
Cortland (Neb.) church.
7 00
L. D. Van Ranseller.
4 00
Mrs. M. E. DeWitt.
1 00
David DeWitt.
1 00
J. W. Sauber.
5 00
J. Shively.
5 00
L. McDowell.
2 00
Sarah Parrott.
1 00
J. A. Clayton.
10 00
Mr. & Mrs. N. Henise.
1 32
J. J. Burton.
1 00
A. L. Thrush.
5 00
Lena Baker
2 00
G. Handburg.
50
M. & F. Pippenger.
1 00
Mrs. M. E. Stanton.
8 00
S. F. Herring.
1 00
F. Morse.
1 00
L. A. Collin.
2 00
Mrs. E. Miller.
2 00
Mrs. A. Perry.
1 00
A friend.
25 00
Mrs. O. Stevens.
2 00
A friend.
2 00
M. Miller.
1 00
A. W. Heald.
10 00
Mrs. M. Cozer.
1 00
Mrs. C. C. Feeks.
1 00
C. Corliss.
1 00
I. B. Stuyvant.
1 00
G. W. & E. Anglebarger.
25 00
Mrs. A. L. Woodard.
75
L. Manfull.
1 00
D. T. Larkin.
1 00
Results of the Work
By Ellen G. White
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.
As they carry this book to those who need the instruction it contains, the workers will gain a precious experience. This work is a means of education. Those who will do their best as the Lord’s helping hand to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons,” will obtain an experience that will enable them to be successful laborers for God. Very many, through the training received in this work, will learn how to canvass for our larger books, which the people need so much.
All who engage in the work aright, cheerfully and hopefully, will find it a very great blessing. The Lord does not force any to engage in his work, but to those who place themselves decidedly on his side he will give a willing mind. He will bless all who work out the spirit which he works in. To such workers he will give favor and success. As field after field is entered, new methods and new plans will spring from new circumstances. New thoughts will come with the new workers who give themselves to the work. As they seek the Lord for help, he will communicate with them. They will receive plans devised by the Lord himself. Souls will be converted, and money will come in. The workers will find waste places of the Lord’s vineyard lying close beside fields that have been worked. Every field shows new places to win. All that is done brings to light how much more still remains to be done.
As we work in connection with the Great Teacher, the mental faculties are developed. The conscience is under divine guidance. Christ takes the entire being under his control.
No one can be truly united with Christ, practicing his lessons, submitting to his yoke of restraint, without realizing that which he can never express in words. New, rich thoughts come to him. Light is given to the intellect, determination to the will, sensitiveness to the conscience, purity to the imagination. The heart becomes more tender, the thoughts more spiritual, the service more Christlike. In the life there is seen that which no words can express,—true, faithful, loving devotion of heart, mind, soul, and strength to the work of the Master.
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.
If it is made in a free, willing spirit, God will make the movement for the help of our schools a success. He will enable us to roll back the reproach that has come upon our educational institutions. If all will take hold of the work in the spirit of self-sacrifice for the sake of Christ and the truth, it will not be long before the jubilee song of freedom can be sung throughout our borders.
