Encouraging Letter

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Feb 23, 1882

Encouraging Letter.

THE following letter was received by one of our missionary workers. It is only one out of many that are constantly being received. The missionary workers surely have cause to thank God, and take courage. There is nothing that yields so large returns on the investment. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand ; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

HIGH-STREET, PORTISHEAD, SOMMERSETSHIRE, JANUARY 29, 1882.

DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER: I had thought you were unwell or absent from home as the Signs had stopped coming as usual from you. But I was delighted to again see them. I take this opportunity of writing to you, as in all probability it will be the last letter from me to you. Firstly, then, let me again sincerely thank you for all past kindness and the interest you have exhibited towards me and my welfare. God reward you hereafter abundantly. I may say that it is owing in a very great measure to you and your society that the step I am about to take, was prompted in my mind.

Through a careful study of those treasures "Thoughts on Daniel" and "Revelation" I have been led to realize the frailty of everything human. I have seen the sure and certain soon-coming of Christ as a rewarder of those who overcome all sin; I have seen the grand truth that he alone now possesses immortality. This is firmly established in my heart. But above all I have seen the blessedness and honor of working for his glory. These are the fruits of your influence, mainly. Had you never stepped on board the British barque Alastor, and sat down with me in that cabin to discuss man's mortality and non-possession of a never-dying soul (which to me then was a dear and cherished theory), I should never have received those precious books I have mentioned.

Well, step by step I have been led onward by a way unknown to me, and to-day I find myself in communication with the London Missionary Society. I have offered myself as a worker in the pioneer mission field around Lake Tanganyiki, Central Africa, where few white men have ever been. I expect to go, if it can be arranged, about May next, along with a Captain Hare. There, God helping me, I will live, and, if he will, die in the service of Christ, among half-savage Africans. My mind is fully made up. I hope my life may be spared many years

to sound the glorious news in that hitherto unknown region.

I write to you these particulars in order that you may convey the intelligence to those dear brothers and sisters who are engaged in ship-visiting. You are at liberty to read this to them, and may they never be discouraged because fruit to their labor be not immediately visible. God sent me to Oakland. He sent you to me. He now sends me to Africa. By and by he will not send but come and receive me to himself. How mysterious are his ways. There are some jewels for his crown out in that dark corner of this earth. I have the honor of polishing them ready for his acceptance. I verily believe he will bless me and give me many precious souls. Dear Brother P——, go on in your work. Although there are some of your ideas I cannot fully receive, yet I wish you God speed. The foundation is right. I shall expect a last letter from you at once; not only from you, but a few words from any who remember me. Have a prayer-meeting, a real gathering of Christians, some evening, and pray for me believingly, that I may have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit always. Let this be the one burden of your prayer that I may receive the Holy Ghost. I have thought much of the higher life lately. Pray, then, unitedly that this power may descend and abide with me. I do covet the prayers of God's children. Will you give me this request then. Ask your people; nay, not only in Oakland but throughout your connections to appoint a certain day when they are met together for worship to supplicate at God's throne for this especial blessing for me. Write and tell me if you do so that I may join with you and be ready for the answer. It must come in answer to believing prayer. Good bye, dear friend, may you be useful until death in winning many more to the Saviour. In love, yours ever, A. J. S.