p. 14 | Scotland by WM. A. WESTWORTH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 1, 1903

Scotland

By WM. A. WESTWORTH

WM. A. WESTWORTH

SINCE coming to this field last December, we have had many reasons to praise the Lord for the way that he has led us, and the many manifestations of his leadings have given us courage to press the battle as never before. Though there are many things that are strange to us, and we find it necessary to vary our methods of work, yet gradually we are being brought to see that God has a people here, and that they are waiting for the truth.

The past history of Scotland is an inspiration as we consider the men that have gone from here to give their lives for the Master's service, and the attitude of the nation for what they held as very truth is a witness of their sterling worth. Naturally very reserved and stolid, they hold with no small suspicion any effort made to lead them from the old landmarks that they have so long revered. Especially do they look askance at any 'new' religion from the States. Their national pride is great. The memory of such men as KNOX as a reformer, or Chalmers as a missionary, gives them the idea that they have all that is worth having in religion. Hence we find great difficulty in approaching them, and yet, when once their confidence is won, they are a noble people, and we feel that the Lord will not desert these who have stood so nobly for him in ages past.

“Sabbath” observance, as they universally style their First-day reverence, is stricter here than in any place we have ever seen. The masses generally go to the churches, to their own, but to no others.

It has been thought that we were too far north, and that the weather was too damp for tent efforts, but we are glad to report that this is not the case. We have been pleased to see the crowds that have come. During the week the attendance has been good, and on Sundays our fifty-foot tent has been filled, and on one occasion when Brother Ritchie spoke on the sanctuary question, illustrating his subject with a model twenty-four feet in length, many were unable to find entrance. Several have already accepted the truth, and the interest is better than ever before. This is in Kirkcaldy, a place of about sixty thousand inhabitants, just across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh. The tent was given to us by the New York Conference, and the seats by the New England Conference; and I can safely say that I have never seen an effort more appreciated than is this one. So that our thanks are doubly due to those that have thus helped us, under the hand of God.

In Edinburgh, the capital, which is the social, religious, and educational center of the country, prejudice against any such movement as ours is high. But after some hard work, we begin to see light, and now we have a Sabbath-school of nineteen, and others are deeply interested. Only lack of means prevents us from getting suitable quarters and pushing the work here. The long evenings of the winter, for the sun sets at 3:30, give opportunity for good effort, and had we the means, we could carry on public services among many who are interested. There may be some who could aid us in this work; if so, we should be pleased to hear from them at 7 Maxwell St., Edinburgh.

At Glasgow, where for some time

there have been a few believers, the work is being pressed also. This company was raised up largely through the efforts of a few brethren who quietly worked and lived the truth. The judgment alone will reveal the efforts made by them, and the good accomplished for their fellow men. A good church building has been hired for the year, and we expect to carry on aggressive work in a short time. A good force will be there, and nightly services will be conducted. Satan has been at work with this company, and some have withdrawn, but the faith is dear to the remainder, and they are enlisted, for all they are or can be. In this city, which, with its suburbs, has about a million and a quarter of souls, an aggressive paper work is being carried on, from ten hundred to twelve hundred copies each week being sold. Sister Lamie is also doing a good work, and a number have become interested in the truth through the treatments she has given the sick.

We are pleased to see the work prosper; but as we contemplate the millions who have never heard the truth; as we see city-after city, scores of them in all parts of the country, which have never heard the sound of our message, and still the enemy is pressing into these places with all sorts of hellish devices,—Spiritualism, theosophy, Christian Science, false healings, and many others,—our hearts are burdened. While there has been some awakening in the ranks of our people, still we are far, far behind our possibilities. Even now there are those who as native workers could do far more than can any foreigners, who should be at work. But we can not use them. Think of it, brethren!—men ready to go, but no means to send them. We can not say, “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;” that will not do. May the Lord burden every heart with a feeling of its responsibilities. Pray for us that the word may have free course, and that the Master may be glorified by an abundant harvest from 'bonnie' Scotland.”