My Visit to the European Field
By Arthur G. Daniells
FROM Scotland, Brethren Conradi, Andross, and Dail, and the writer went direct to Belfast, Ireland, to attend the general meeting of that mission field. Here Brother W. C. Sisley joined us, having come from London. The most of the Sabbath-keepers in Ireland attended this meeting. Our cause has been established many years in Ireland, but there are not many more believers there than in Scotland, where we have only recently begun our work. No doubt the experiences through which the Irish people have passed because of the influences of the Roman Catholic Church make the work more difficult in Ireland than in any other part of the British field. But nowhere in that field is there to be found a warmer-hearted and more loyal, intelligent band of Seventh-day Adventists than in Ireland. The meetings were held in a public hall, and continued each day, with only two short intermissions, from half-past nine in the morning until nine o'clock at night. A deep interest was manifested in the Bible studies. As we reviewed some of the fundamental doctrines of our message, they appeared more harmonious, and more thoroughly invulnerable than ever before. The presence of the Lord was very manifest in that little hall as we studied and prayed together. This united our hearts as members of one family. It was hard to part from these dear believers, who are so earnest and warm-hearted in this cause. But it was a source of much satisfaction to know that they are not only firmly established in the doctrines of the message, but that they are vigilant in their efforts to reveal these truths to others. The business proceedings passed off very harmoniously. Arrangements were made for more effective missionary effort by the members, and to increase the tithes and offerings of the field. A hearty and unanimous request was made for the General Conference to send a consecrated, wide-awake minister to Ireland to take charge of the work. The officers of the committee are endeavoring to provide such a leader for that field, but so far without success. This is a call that surely ought to be gladly responded to. I would be glad to hear from any minister whose heart may prompt him to answer this call from Ireland. Some time was spent during our visit to this field in searching for a country location for the sanitarium work which has been carried on in Belfast during the last three years by Dr. J. J. Bell. Some beautiful places were inspected, but final decision was not reached. It seems evident that our medical work can6be as great a blessing in Ireland as in any part of the British field. The medical workers there desire and deserve our co-operation and prayers. And this is true of all our workers in that field. While the growth of the cause is slow, the work is not cheerless and dismal. There is something about it that is uplifting and encouraging. This meeting left a warm place in our hearts. This message is exactly what Ireland needs. It has brought great blessings to those who have received it, and it will prove a blessing and an inspiration to many more who will yet take their stand for it.