The Review and Herald
June 2, 1903
“Christ's Object Lessons”
How this Book should be Handled in the Future
The use which should be made of the book, “Christ's Object Lessons,” in the future, has been made clear to me, and I must write to my brethren in regard to it. Letters have been received from our canvassing agents, in which they say that they think it would be a good plan for “Christ's Object Lessons” to be handled as a regular subscription book, as soon as the Relief of the Schools campaign is finished. They believe that this book would have as ready a sale in the hands of the regular canvassers as any that could be produced. RH June 2, 1903, par. 1
As my son read me one of these letters, the thought came to me, “Here is an opportunity for me to get out of debt. Is not this the right thing to do?” I told my son that I thought that perhaps it would be best to do as the letter had suggested. Then I sent to heaven the prayer, “Lord, teach me to speak right words.” Quickly the answer came. In an instant the light given me at the first regarding “Christ's Object Lessons” flashed into my mind, and the instruction then given was repeated. I seemed to hear the words, “God signified that this book should be given to our schools, to be to them a continual blessing. Would you exchange his plan for one of human devising? This book is to be treated as a sacred offering made to God; and as his plan regarding it is unselfishly carried out, the result will be wholly satisfactory.” RH June 2, 1903, par. 2
I immediately told my son that I would not make any change regarding the handling of “Christ's Object Lessons” unless God gave me plain instruction that this should be done. As I told him this, I felt the blessing of God resting upon me. RH June 2, 1903, par. 3
The plan for the circulation of “Christ's Object Lessons” is not of human devising, but is God's plan. He signified that this book should be a gift to the schools. Thus far it has done its work, and God has set his approval on the self-sacrificing efforts of his people. Shall we mar his plan?—No, no! Until the Lord shall come, and our present system of school work is ended by our entering the higher school, “Christ's Object Lessons” is to stand as a gift to our educational institutions. RH June 2, 1903, par. 4
The Result of Unselfish Service
In the work for the relief of our schools, the Lord has bestowed on us a gift of great value, and has marked out for us the pathway of blessing. He called upon me to give our schools the manuscript of the book. “Christ's Object Lessons.” He called upon our publishing houses to make liberal gifts of labor in preparing the book for sale. In response to this call, they acted their part nobly. Our people gave generously of their means to raise a material fund, and then went forth willingly to sell the book for the help of the schools. RH June 2, 1903, par. 5
As a result of this effort far more has been accomplished than at first we dared to expect. Angels of God co-operated with those who went out to circulate the book. Men, women, and children took part in the effort, and labored earnestly and unselfishly. The Lord gave them his approval, and with it his grace and joy and peace. Read in our papers the results of their work. Testimony after testimony has been borne witnessing to the blessing found in selling this book. How good these testimonies are! As we read them, refreshing streams of salvation seem to flow from the very throne of God into our hearts. RH June 2, 1903, par. 6
I have been shown many praying to God for help as they have gone forth to sell “Christ's Object Lessons.” They have asked the Lord to give them success. Then, as they have succeeded, they have felt that they have received evidence that the Lord has answered their prayers. Thus they have obtained a deeper experience in heavenly things; for they have felt that they were following in the footsteps of Christ. RH June 2, 1903, par. 7
With many, to go out and sell “Christ's Object Lessons” meant to take up a heavy cross, but they have been rewarded by God's approval. The thought, “We are doing something for the Master,” has filled their hearts with peace and gladness. Church-members who never before had courage to sell books, took hold of this work. Very timidly they began. But they did not turn back; and as they labored on, courage came, and success attended their efforts. Many gained an experience more valuable than gold or silver. RH June 2, 1903, par. 8
The hearts of God's people have been made light and joyful in him as they have offered him the sweet incense of unselfish service. Many of our churches have been quickened and refreshed as some of their number have engaged in this work. RH June 2, 1903, par. 9
Our brethren and sisters were just as surely in the service of the Lord when selling this book as they are when bearing testimony for him in a camp-meeting. They received the refreshing grace of God; for they were carrying out his purposes, and he has bestowed on them his commendation. Their minds have been freed from the malaria of selfishness and complaint and discouragement. RH June 2, 1903, par. 10
By the effort to sell “Christ's Object Lessons” much has been accomplished to bring the precious light of present truth to those in darkness. Thus many have been saved from sin. For every spring of influence touched, for every train of thought set in motion with a sincere desire to glorify God, the Holy Spirit has worked on hearts, bringing wisdom, courage, and strength. Those who have bought the book bear testimony to the blessing they have received in reading it. Many will shine in the kingdom of God whose conversion was the result of the efforts of our brethren and sisters to sell “Christ's Object Lessons.” RH June 2, 1903, par. 11
The men who have taken a leading part in this enterprise have done a good work. Their labors have brought about most excellent results. They are not to become discouraged, but are to look to God in faith, and go forward, walking humbly before him. Our brethren connected with the school at Berrien Springs should be encouraged to advance as the way may open before them. We are to help them all we can. Christ stands at the helm, and to him is to be ascribed the praise and glory for the work accomplished by “Christ's Object Lessons.” This work bears the stamp of unselfishness, and it will produce good fruit. RH June 2, 1903, par. 12
Ellen G. White.