Words of Encouragement to Workers in the Home Missionary Field

What Unselfish Effort Will Accomplish

St. Helena, Cal.,

April 6, 1902.

My heart is made glad in the Lord, as I hear of the result of the effort to sell “Christ's Object Lessons.” The sale of this book is the Lord's own plan, and His blessing is attending the effort made to carry this plan to completion. PH164 19.1

About two years ago, when I was asked what could be done to relieve our schools from debt, I laid the matter before the Lord, and there came to me the thought that I could give the book, “Christ's Object Lessons,” to the schools. Then came another thought, “I have depended on this book to pay my workers, and I must be just before I am generous.” In the night season I was considering the problem of my finances. I desired to have money to pay my debts, that I might be free from the burden of interest; but I could see no other way for the schools to be relieved than for me to give “Object Lessons” for this purpose. Then the conflict ended. Light filled my mind. I began at once to write to our publishing houses, asking them to share the gift with me, by giving the work that must be done in the publication of the book. PH164 19.2

The plan for the sale of “Object Lessons” was presented to me by the Lord as one that would be an all-around blessing. It was a plan by which leaders and people would be enabled to act a part, and receive a blessing. Scene after scene was presented to me, in which ministers were being aroused to act their part. Church members became interested, and whole families engaged in the work. Angels of God united with the workers, opening doors for the canvassers to enter, to tell the people of the work they were trying to do in selling “Object Lessons.” PH164 19.3

I saw that the book found a ready sale. It was bought by thousands not of our faith, and some, after seeing the value of the matter it contained, bought several copies for distribution among their friends. PH164 20.1

The workers gave their time, receiving nothing so far as money is concerned, but receiving a reward of infinitely greater value. Individual action brought a consciousness of well-doing. Those who engaged in the work improved in health of body and health of mind. They gained an experience that made their hearts glad in the Lord. They had no time to speak needless words. Their one thought was, “The book must be sold: for the debt must be lifted from the schools.” It seemed as if in every place prayer could be heard, and faith in the work continually increased. A happy enthusiasm filled the hearts of the workers. PH164 20.2

I was made very happy by the result of the plan, and those who engaged in selling the book were happy. They helped one another to make the work a success. PH164 20.3

I saw that in selling “Object Lessons,” our people were learning how to handle larger books. They were being prepared to enter the canvassing field. The earnestness with which they took hold of the work showed that they appreciated the opportunity of learning how to canvass. Prejudice was removed. In becoming acquainted with the people, the workers gained a valuable experience; and their example helped the church to see that all around them there was a work to do. There were those in the church who needed the experience to be gained by telling others of the truth, and, as they went forth to this work, their talents were greatly increased. The Saviour went before them, and the blessing of the Lord became His people's strength. The pulpit became a place of power. PH164 20.4

I saw that the sale of “Object Lessons” opened the way for the establishment of missions. In the church there was a revival of the missionary spirit. An earnest desire to learn how to work for the Lord was shown. Small companies gathered for prayer and Bible study. All moved forward in harmonious action. Believers went to places where the people had little opportunity to hear the Word of God, and gathered the children for Sabbath-school. Efforts were made to help isolated families. Plans were laid for these families to meet with other families for Bible study. Thus the way was opened for light to shine forth from the Word of God. PH164 21.1

The foregoing is a brief description of what can be done by those who know the truth. With this representation of the result of selling “Christ's Object Lessons” before my mind, I have looked for the success now attending the faithful workers. I believe that this effort will arouse our people to see what can and should be done. PH164 21.2

Many of the servants of Christ, although constantly reminded, seem to forget that they are stewards of their Lord's goods. Many of them have become rusty from inaction. The Lord, in His providence, has now given them something to do, opening the way for them to help others to become acquainted with the special truths for this time. He has given them a work to do that will bring a great and grand result. In getting out of the easy chair of self-satisfaction, and going forth to give the light of truth to their fellow-men, they will learn precious lessons. By selling “Object Lessons,” they are doing a twofold work,—helping to lift the debt from our schools, and at the same time giving the light of truth to those in darkness. PH164 22.1

I hope that no one who can engage in this work will excuse himself, and so lose the blessing that there is in it. This work is the means that the Lord has ordained for uniting the hearts of His people to one another, by the same link that unites them to Himself. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. These words seem especially appropriate to the work now being done. PH164 22.2

There are many, many souls that the Lord Jesus desires to save, and He asks for our co-operation. These souls cost Him an infinite price. Let the question come home to us, “Are we willing to be workers together with God? Are we willing to go to those outside the faith, and plant in their hearts the seeds of truth?” PH164 22.3

The work now being done with “Object Lessons” is a good beginning to the work that the Lord desires to see carried forward by His people, because it calls for sacrifices and gifts, and because it enables all to act a part. The Lord's plan has provided a way for all to do something. As you go forth to sell the book that He has declared should be sold, you will realize that to you is spoken the benediction, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:14. PH164 23.1

The work of selling “Object Lessons” is to accomplish double and triple good in different lines. Those who purchase the book feel that they are doing something to advance a worthy cause. The work is done with an earnestness that appeals to their hearts. It is a lesson to them; and although they may not be of our faith, they appreciate the effort that is being made. They are impressed with the earnestness of the workers. They realize that what they are doing is commended by the Lord, who blesses every good work. Light shines into their hearts. To many the conviction of the Spirit will come as the fruit of the seed sown by this unselfish work for the Master. The saving of precious souls will be the result of canvassing for “Object Lessons.” PH164 23.2

The Lord comes very near the workers, and angels go before them. My brethren and sisters, never forget in whose company you are. See by faith an angelic host around you. Believe that the Lord Jesus is by your side, that His glory enfolds you, that He is pouring upon you the refreshing showers of His grace. Speak and act to the glory of God. Say, “In thought, words, and deed I will be a blessing to those whom I meet. I will let light shine forth.” Enter into conversation with the people. Become familiar with their experience; and from the book you are selling read passages that will help them. Take with you into their homes the sunshine of heaven. Outside of the truth, there is little enough of this sunshine now in the world. PH164 23.3

As you seek to become acquainted with those who have no knowledge of the truth, as you strive to speak words in season, remember that you are God's helping hand, and that He will teach you to speak words which will cause light to shine into darkened minds. Doors will open for the work of soul-saving. Many who enter Christ's service at the eleventh hour will labor with great earnestness for Him. They will appreciate the wonderful truths of the Word of God, and will bring these truths into the daily life. PH164 24.1

Let the workers remember that their spirit and their actions have a powerful influence on the minds of those whom they meet. Let them feel their dependence on God. It is only when we place ourselves in His hands, to be worked by His Spirit, that He can use us in breaking the power of the enemy over souls. Let them remember, too, that to those with whom they become acquainted in this work they are to speak of the love of the Saviour, who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we might be rich. He gave Himself to a life of lowliness, poverty, and privation, that He might know how to reach every suffering child of His. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. Let us follow where He leads the way, denying self, and taking up the cross. As we share His humiliation is this life, partaking with Him in His suffering, we are preparing to share His glory in the future life. PH164 24.2

The secret of winning souls can be learned only from the Great Teacher. As the dew and the still showers fall gently on the withering plant, so our words are to fall gently and lovingly on the souls we are seeking to win. We are not to wait till opportunities come to us; we are to seek for them, keeping the heart uplifted in prayer that God may help us to speak the right word at the right time. When an opportunity presents itself, let no excuse lead you to neglect it; for its improvement may mean the salvation of a soul from death. PH164 25.1

As laborers together with God, we need to draw nigh unto Him, that we may have the divine touch. We need to drink deeply and continuously at the fountain of living water, that we may have power to persuade those who are athirst to “take of the water of life freely.”—Unpublished MS. PH164 25.2

There are many ways of working for Christ. Human hands may never have been laid on you in ordination, but God can give you fitness for His service. He can work through you to the saving of souls. If, having learned in the school of Christ, you are meek and lowly in heart, He will give you words to speak for Him. Ask, and receive the Holy Spirit. But remember that the Spirit is given only to those who are consecrated, who deny self, lifting the cross and following their Lord. PH164 26.1

The judgments of God are in our land. The Lord is soon to come. In fire and flood and earthquake, He is warning the inhabitants of this earth of His soon approach. O, that the people may know the time of their visitation! PH164 26.2

We have no time to lose. We must make more determined efforts to lead the people of the world to see that the day of judgment is at hand. Our understanding needs to be quickened by the Holy Spirit. We need to stand constantly in a humble, contrite attitude, that we may see the Lord's design, and be prepared to make known His will from day to day, not only in word, but in deed. PH164 26.3

O, if our people would feel as they should the responsibility resting upon them to give the last message of mercy to the world, what a wonderful work would be done! We need the impartation of the Holy Spirit, that we may realize how closely heavenly things are bound up with God's church on this earth.—Unpublished MS. PH164 26.4