More Help for Nyassaland by Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1903

More Help for Nyassaland

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

OUR brethren who have been longest in Africa, and who have pressed their way most nearly to the heart of the dark continent, where the natives are most simple, and have had least contact with white men, have great confidence that a splendid harvest of souls can be garnered from Africa. They have met the people, and have seen the extent to which responsive chords can be touched in their hearts. They have also been eye-witnesses to the grand trophies of grace that have been produced by the labors of good missionaries whom God has sent to that country before them.

Although deprived of much that we call civilization, and separated from relatives and the friends of early life, those who are in the field have no thought of turning back. On the contrary, they feel impelled to push still farther inland; and as they do so, they send back to us for fresh recruits. They write of finding new and friendly tribes, and of almost boundless opportunities for giving the third angel's message to those in great darkness.

It is a cause of much joy to the Mission Board to receive the earnest, whole-hearted responses that come from our people to these appeals from Africa. Among those who have volunteered for that field, and who have been accepted by the Board to go, are Brother and Sister J. H. Watson. Brother Watson accepted this message in Ireland, under the labors of Elder Wm. Hutchinson, ten or twelve years ago. Soon afterward he came to this country to fit himself for more efficient service in the cause of God. While residing in America, he has been connected with our publishing work most of the time. One year and a half ago he disconnected with the Toronto branch of the Review and Herald to go abroad. Since then he has been in the Review and Herald until the fire. Now that fewer employees are required in the building, Brother Watson goes into the field. Sister Watson, who is a granddaughter of Sister Aldrich, of Battle Creek, heartily and courageously joins her husband in this move.

Sabbath, February 28, Brother Watson was set apart by ordination to the work of the gospel ministry. Professor Prescott preached a soul-stirring and uplifting sermon on the message, the messenger, and the field. It was made very plain that the generation had come that is to see the end, and that the closing message of God to the world has been revealed to a people who are commanded to carry it to the uttermost parts of the earth. With the field all prepared, the message made plain, and messengers raised up to carry the message, it will take but a short time to finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness. It was urged that the answer of God's people to a scoffing world, asking, “Where is the promise of his coming?” and to a worldly church, which says, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” must be in trumpet tones, “There shall be delay no longer.” And the only true way that this can be said is by rising up and finishing the work.

Brother Watson then made a brief statement of his own experience and consecration to the work of God. The prayer was offered by the writer, the charge was given by Brother Prescott, and the right hand of fellowship was extended by Brother I. H. Evans. The service was deeply impressive throughout. Brother and Sister Watson sail from New York, Wednesday, March 4. After spending a few weeks in Ireland, Brother Watson's native land, they will proceed to Nyassaland. Many prayers will go with them, and all will always be glad to hear from the field to which they go.

A. G. DANIELLS.