Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 99, 1900

Canvassing for Christ’s Object Lessons by Mrs. E. G. White

1900

This manuscript is published in entirety in PH153.

“There are, in the divine providence, particular periods when we must rise in response to the call of God, and make use of our means, our time, our intellect, our whole being—body, soul, and spirit—in fulfilling His requirements to the utmost of our ability. The present is such a time as this. The cause of God is at stake. His institutions are in peril and, because of the terrible burden of debt under which they are struggling, the work is hindered on every side. Just now, in our great necessity, God has made a way through difficulty, and invites us to cooperate with Him in accomplishing His purpose. It is His plan that the book Christ’s Object Lessons be given for the relief of our schools, and He calls upon all who love the truth to do their part in placing this book before the world. In this He is testing His people and His institutions, to see if they will work together and be of one mind in self-denial and self-sacrifice.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:469. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 1

We must become men and women of God’s opportunity, for great responsibilities and possibilities are within the reach of all who have enlisted under Christ’s banner for life service. It is the design of God that we should all glorify Him by using every capability as His, regarding His service as the chief end of our existence. He desires us to work to the utmost of our knowledge and power to carry out the purpose for which He has given us life. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 2

A decided work is to be done just now to accomplish God’s plan. Just now every stroke should tell for the Master in the work of selling Christ’s Object Lessons. God desires His people to be vitalized for work as they have never been before, both for their own good and for the upbuilding of His cause. The work that He calls them to do will bring a blessing to them. Their hearts will be more tender, their thoughts more spiritual, their service more Christlike; for ministering angels will be round about them. Those who do not feel the necessity of doing this work promptly, thoroughly, and earnestly, but who express unbelief and criticism, will lose the peace and joy that come from carrying out the purposes of God. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 3

Let all think soberly, for it is a solemn thing to live. Our lives are not our own; we are kept by the power of God, and Jesus desires to live His life in us, perfecting our characters. The present is an opportunity which God’s people cannot afford to lose. God calls us to action, that our educational institutions may be freed from debt. Let God’s plan be worked out after His own order. Let the very most be made of this, the Lord’s opportunity. Let the ministers of our churches and the presidents of our conferences awaken. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 4

Let every church arouse and do to the very utmost of their power. Let every family and every individual consecrate themselves to God, putting the leaven of evil out of their hearts, out of their homes, and out of the church. Let children act a part. Let all work together. Just now let not the opportunity be lost. Let us do our best at this time to render to God our 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 all make this an opportunity to place themselves where they will be sure to receive the opportunity to place themselves where they will be sure to receive the answer to their prayers; for Christ says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.] 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 5

Much painstaking effort will be required of those who have the burden of this work; for instruction must be given that a sense of the importance of the work may be kept before the worker, and that all may cherish the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice that is exemplified in the life of our Redeemer. Christ made sacrifice at every step, sacrifices that none of His followers can ever make, because they have never occupied the position that He occupied. He was the most exalted being in the heavenly courts; but He laid aside all His glory, and came to this earth to suffer for sinners. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 6

In all the self-denial and self-sacrifice required of us in this work, amid all the unpleasant things that occur, we are ever to consider that we are yoked up with Christ, partakers with Him of His spirit of kindness, forbearance, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. This spirit will open the way before us, and give us success in the work, because Christ is our recommendation to the people. If we meet with hardships in our work, let us look to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Then we shall not fail nor be discouraged. We shall endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 7

When there is a continual reliance upon God, a continual practice of self-denial, workers will not be easily repulsed; for they will remember that in every place there are souls for whom the Lord has need, and for whom the devil is seeking, that he may bind them up in his slavery of sin, of disregard for the law of God. The Lord Jesus, standing by the side of the canvassers, is the chief Worker; the Holy Spirit, working with them, makes impressions just where they are needed. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 8

In the Scriptures we read, “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] Every branch of God’s work is worthy of diligence, but nothing could be more deserving than this work at this time. None should labor with the expectation of receiving his reward in this life, but with his eyes fixed steadfastly upon the prize at the end of the race. Men and women are wanted now who are as true to duty as the needle to the pole—men and women who will work without having their way smoothed, and every obstacle removed. If we seek the Lord and become converted; if of our own choice we become free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of the heart we respond to His gracious call, wearing the yoke of Christ which is one of obedience and service, our difficulties will be removed, our murmurings will be stilled, and many of the questions that may arise will be solved. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 9

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. But let none become weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. My brethren, let us have faith in God, and after we have, by sanctified energy and much prayer, done all that we can do in this work for our schools, we shall see the glory of God. When the trial has been fully made, there will be a blessed result. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 10

In doing this work a fourfold blessing will be realized—a blessing to our schools, to the world, to the church, and to ourselves. While means will be gathered for the relief of the schools, we shall sow the seeds of truth in many souls who will receive it and be saved by it. 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 which God will impart. Those who will seek to do God’s will, laying out every talent to the best advantage, will become wise in working for the kingdom of God. They will learn lessons of the greatest consequence to them, and they will feel the highest happiness of a rational mind. Peace and grace and power of intellect will be given to them. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 11

These are the results that will surely come if we fulfill the purpose of God. Then let us all be faithful in this work. Let us do our best in placing this book before the people. Let us carry forward this work, without flinching, in the name of the Lord. Let His plan be vindicated, and when this work has been accomplished, God will indicate to us what to do next. 15LtMs, Ms 99, 1900, par. 12