I am glad that there has been such harmonious
effort to carry out the purpose of God and to make the most of
His providence. This effort to circulate Christ's Object Lessons
is demonstrating what can be done in the canvassing field. To
ministers, students, fathers, mothers, young men, and young women
who have engaged in this work I would say: Let not your interest
flag. Let this good work go forward steadily, perseveringly,
grandly, till the last debt is removed from all our schools and
a fund is created for the establishment of schools in important
fields, where there is great need of educational work.
As the ministers and Bible workers are
called to other labors, let the
members of our churches say to them: "Go forward with your
appointed work, and we will continue to labor for the circulation
of Christ's Object Lessons and for the freedom of our schools."
Let no one feel that this work should stop with the special effort
of 1900 and 1901. The field is never exhausted, and this book
should be sold for the help of our schools for years to come.
Let us have faith in God. In His name let
us carry forward His work without flinching. The work He has
called us to do He will make a blessing to us. And when His plan
for the relief of our schools has been vindicated, when the work
pointed out has been fully accomplished, He will indicate to
us what to do next.
As long as the message of mercy is to be
given to the world, there will be a call for effort in behalf
of other institutions and enterprises similar to that for the
relief of our schools. And as long as probation continues, there
will be opportunity for the canvasser to work. When the religious
denominations unite with the papacy to oppress God's people,
places where there is religious freedom will be opened by evangelistic
canvassing. If in one place the persecution becomes severe, let
the workers do as Christ has directed. "When they persecute
you in this city, flee ye into another." If persecution
comes there, go to still another place. God will lead His people,
making them a blessing in many places. Were it not for persecution
they would not be so widely scattered abroad to proclaim the
truth. And Christ declares: "Ye shall not have gone over
the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." Matthew
10:23. Until in heaven is spoken the word, "It is finished,"
there will always be places for labor, and hearts to receive
the message.
Wherefore "let us not be weary in
well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9.