The Indiana Reporter

1903

February 25, 1903

A Call to All Our People

EGW

The time has come when the Lord would have all the powers of His people brought into exercise to relieve the situation of our schools. IR February 25, 1903, par. 1

We shall call upon the people to help to the utmost of their ability just now. We shall call upon them to do a work which will be pleasing to God in purchasing the book. We shall ask that every available means be used to help to circulate this book. IR February 25, 1903, par. 2

The schools must be helped. Let all lift harmoniously and help as much as they possibly can. Great blessings will come to those who will take hold of this matter just now. Let no discouragement be offered by our ministers, as though it were not a proper thing to do. They should take hold of this work. If they do it aright, cheerfully, hopefully, they will find it a very great blessing. The Lord does not force any man to work, but to those who will place themselves decidedly on His side He will give a willing mind. IR February 25, 1903, par. 3

Have faith in God. He gave me the idea of giving “Christ's Object Lessons” for the relief of the schools. He is testing His people and institutions in this thing, to see if they will work together and be of one mind in self-denial and self-sacrifice. Carry forward this work without flinching, in the name of the Lord. Let God's plan be vindicated. Let His proposition be fully carried out and heartily indorsed as the means of uniting the members of the churches in self-sacrificing effort. Thus they will be sanctified, soul, body and spirit, as vessels unto honor, to whom God can impart His Holy Spirit. By this means they will accomplish the work God designs to have done. IR February 25, 1903, par. 4

Stir up every family, every church, to do the very utmost of their power, every one consecrating himself to God, putting the leaven of evil out of his heart, out of the home and out of the church. Let every family make the most of this, the Lord's opportunity. Let all work together. Let children act a part. Let every member of the family do something. Educate, educate. This is an opportunity which God's people cannot afford to lose. God calls. Do your best at this time to render to Him your offering, to carry out His specified will, and thus make this an occasion for witnessing for Him and His truth. In a world of darkness let your light shine forth. Let canvassers do their best in canvassing for the book, “Christ's Object Lessons.” Their work will serve a double purpose. They will place in the homes of the people a book containing most precious light, seed sown to bring truth to souls ready to perish. In receiving this seed into their hearts, they will save their souls through belief of the truth. At the same time means will be gathered for the relief of the schools. Two-fold good will thus be accomplished in this work. Let it be done heartily as unto the Lord. IR February 25, 1903, par. 5

There is to be a decided work done to accomplish God's plan. Make every stroke tell for the Master in the work of canvassing for “Christ's Object Lessons.” God desires His people to be vitalized for work as they have never been before, for their good and for the upbuilding of His cause. Ministering angels will be round about the workers. IR February 25, 1903, par. 6

Let our institutions make every effort to free themselves from debt. Let every family arouse. Let the ministers of our churches and the presidents of our conferences awaken. Then He will tell you what to do next. IR February 25, 1903, par. 7

You will need to have patience with the tardy ones, who do not feel the necessity of doing anything promptly, thoroughly, earnestly. They have so much to say, so much unbelief to express, and so much criticising, that they lose the peace and joy and happiness in the purposes of God before they can decide to move. We must become men and women of God's opportunity. I am so glad that so much harmonious action has been shown in striving to carry out this purpose of God, and to make the most of His providences. IR February 25, 1903, par. 8

The plan was presented to me by the Lord as one that would be an all-round 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 took part in the work. Angels of God united with the workers, opening doors for the canvassers to enter and tell the people of the work they were trying to do in selling “Object Lessons.” IR February 25, 1903, par. 9

I saw that the book found 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. IR February 25, 1903, par. 10

The workers gave their time, receiving nothing so far as money is concerned, but receiving a reward of infinitely greater value. IR February 25, 1903, par. 11

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 constantly increased. A happy enthusiasm filled the hearts of the workers. IR February 25, 1903, par. 12

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. IR February 25, 1903, par. 13

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 as they were thus sinking fresh shafts, their example helped the church to see that all around them there was work to do. There were those in the church who needed the experience to be gained in telling others of the truth; and as they went forth to this work, their talents were greatly increased. The Savior went before them, and the blessing of the Lord became His people's strength. The pulpit became a place of power. IR February 25, 1903, par. 14

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 with harmonious action. Believers went to places where the people have no 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. IR February 25, 1903, par. 15

Many of the servants of Christ, although constantly reminded, seem to forget that they are stewards of their Lord's goods. I have been shown that many of them have become rusty from inaction. The Lord, in His providence, has now given them something to do, and has thus opened 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 an excellent lesson. By selling “Object Lessons” they are doing a two-fold work—helping to lift the debt from our schools, and at the same time giving the precious light of truth to those who need it. IR February 25, 1903, par. 16

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.” These words seem so appropriate to the work now being done. IR February 25, 1903, par. 17

There are many, many souls that the Lord Jesus desires to save, and He asks for our co-operation in this work. 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?” IR February 25, 1903, par. 18

The work now being done with “Object Lessons” is a good beginning of the work 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. It is a work in which old and young can engage. The Lord's plan has provided a way for all to do something. The more you do of this work, the less weary and the less perplexed you will be. As you go forth to sell the book the Lord 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.” IR February 25, 1903, par. 19

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 are not 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 through the seed sown by this unselfish work for the Master. The saving of precious souls will be the result of the work done in canvassing for “Object Lessons.” IR February 25, 1903, par. 20

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, word and deed I will be a blessing to those 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. IR February 25, 1903, par. 21

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. IR February 25, 1903, par. 22

Let the workers remember that their spirit and their actions have a great influence on the minds of those 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 Savior, who, though He was rich, yet for our sake became poor that we might be rich. IR February 25, 1903, par. 23