The Missionary by A. G. Daniells

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 16, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 36.

The Missionary.

By A. G. Daniells

NEW ZEALAND.

AT no time since coming to this country have we seen so much to encourage us as we see at present. From the time it was decided that we should come here we felt that we were in the path of duty. And from the first efforts put forth after our arrival the Lord has condescended to work with and for us. New Zealand is either a very exceptional field naturally, or else the Lord has gone before us in a special manner. The columns of the best newspapers have been open for favorable notices and articles; the people have been so eager to hear our views that we have had no trouble in securing a large attendance at the public services; we have the fullest liberty to sell our publications anywhere in the Colony. These we know are great advantages which many foreign fields do not possess, and for which we thank God daily.

Soon after my last report, Bro. E. M. Morrison and I visited the most of our canvassers and endeavored to instruct them more fully in the canvassing work. They were meeting with fair success and were of good courage to press on, but we came to the conclusion that it would be advisable to hold a canvassers' drill. This will be held at Napier, September 13-30. The most of the canvassers are arranging to attend, and several promising persons are preparing to take hold of the work at that time.

While visiting one company of our canvassers we met a very nice man who was canvassing the same territory for another publishing house. Having learned something of our views, he called on the canvassers to make further inquiries. After a few weeks' investigation he became convinced of the truthfulness of our doctrines and began observing the Sabbath. While we were there he bought a prospectus for "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," and is now closing up his work for the other book so that he can give his entire time to the sale of our works. He has a liberal education, and has taught school for a number of years. We feel confident that he will prove a valuable addition to our corps of workers.

I have reported previously of the interest that has been manifested by the people of Napier in the Third Angel's Message. That interest still continues. Ninety names are now on the covenant to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Others are keeping the Sabbath, and still others are almost persuaded. The attendance at our services has been larger of late than at any time before. On Sunday evenings from five to seven hundred attend, and the donations each time amount to about $20.

Seeing so many convinced of the truth yet undecided as to whether to obey, and feeling the need of more of the love of Christ in our own hearts, the church thought best to hold revival meetings for a short time. These proved a great blessing. At first it seemed as though we should be defeated by the powers of darkness. The heavens seemed like brass. All seemed paralyzed, but did not give up. We met night after night and plead the promises of God until we gained a victory. The Lord broke the power of Satan and gave us his Spirit in a large measure. Several took their stand for the truth, and thirty were baptized. This increased the membership of the church to fifty-four. Others wish to be immersed soon.

At the close of these meetings there was a general feeling that we ought to build a house of worship. At a meeting convened to consider the matter, a motion to build was carried unanimously; the sum of $700 was pledged, and a building committee elected. Since then the subscription has been increased to over a thousand dollars, a lot on which to build has been purchased, and the plans of the building about completed. By the time this report appears the building will most likely be under headway.

In securing our piece of ground we certainly had help from above. For several days we searched but could find nothing that would be at all suitable for less than two thousand dollars. Finally we made inquiry about a very desirable piece which had not previously been for sale. We found that it was then for sale, and to our surprise it was offered to us for $1,000. We purchased at once. We could now sell for one-third more than we gave.

Building a church during such a financial depression as this Colony is at present experiencing occasions a good deal of hard work and sacrifice on the part of all connected with it, but we do not see how we can avoid it. The hall we rent is very unsuitable, and the rent is considerable. Nearly all who have embraced the truth in Napier are permanent residents, so that the membership is not likely to decrease.

I feel sure that the readers of this report will rejoice with us when they learn that four of our young men are on their way to our colleges in America; where they expect to remain a few years preparing to act some part in this closing work. One of them received the truth at Kaeo when Brother Haskell was here. He thinks of attending the Healdsburg College. The other three will go on to Battle Creek where they expect to remain until they have completed their course. These young men have taken a noble stand for this precious but unpopular truth. The father of one is a prominent business man in Napier. He intended that his son should soon succeed him as partner in the business. When the young man accepted the truth he resigned a lucrative position and turned his back upon all worldly prospects with the determination to spend the remainder of his life in the service of God. This, of course, appeared extremely foolish to his relatives and associates who believed not the message. Many endeavored in various ways to turn him from his purpose, but they failed.

The mother of one of the young men has received the truth with her whole heart. This made it less difficult for him to leave. His father is a physician and his mother is a dentist. They had sent one son to Cambridge to study law, and had intended to send this one to America to study dentistry, but their plans have entirely changed. Such changes in the plans of old and young show the power there is in the truth of God.

A number of cases of much interest have lately come to light here. To mention all would make the report too long. One or two, however, will be appreciated by the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Some months ago one of our canvassers delivered "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" about one hundred miles from Napier. One man who purchased a copy was so pleased with the contents that he loaned it to a friend, recommending it as an excellent book. The man to whom he loaned it became satisfied that the views advocated were sound, and felt that he ought to observe the Sabbath. Not aware that there was a Seventh-day Adventist in New Zealand he wrote to Battle Creek, America, where the book was published. His letter was handed to Sister Huntley, and she sent him copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and Review and Herald. But before they reached him he happened to find a copy of the Bible Echo which I had sent to the public reading-room in his town. In that copy he saw a report of my work in Napier. He then learned that there were Seventh-day Adventists in this country. He has since told me that no one can tell the joy that filled his heart when he found that there was one person here keeping the seventh day. He has fully decided to do so himself, and has been opposed most bitterly by former associates. It had been reported that he had gone insane and must be taken to the Wellington Asylum. As soon as he learned of us he wrote asking some questions. We urged him to obey the truth without delay. Since then he has twice traveled one hundred miles to attend our meetings and to receive baptism. The Lord greatly blessed him on both occasions. I do not know that I have ever seen a happier man than he was after his baptism. He is an intelligent man and one whom we hope will be useful in the cause. In another town one of the canvassers delivered Vol. 4 Great Controversy. A gentleman who read one of the books became convinced of the truth and began the observance of the Sabbath before he had seen another Sabbath keeper. When he heard of us he came to see us, was baptized, joined the church, and began paying tithes from the time he learned the truth. Both of these brothers are members

of our Tract Society and are zealous in distributing our reading matter. They appreciate the value of our books and papers.

There are of course difficulties connected with the work here, but they are not great. A relation of them would neither edify nor benefit the reader. So long as the people flock to hear, contribute liberally to meet expenses, purchase our publications, and take hold of the truth as they do, we care but little for the trials or perplexities. Of late considerable opposition has been manifested by the most zealous church-members in Napier. Four sermons were preached on the Sabbath question last week. Two by ministers of the Church of England, one by a Free Methodist minister, and one by a Catholic priest. I reviewed the minister who has the greatest influence. About six hundred were present. The next day six letters appeared in the morning paper against me. I replied. The discussion lasted several days. Finally the editor brought it to a close, giving me the last article. The paper has a wide circulation and many people will read the arguments presented. We believe the word of truth which declared that man "can do nothing against the truth but for the truth."

We desire the prayers of our people in America. We shall be glad when the conflict is over. We feel weary and sick at times of a superficial world. The truth of God alone sustains us. A. G. DANIELLS. Napier, August 11, 1889.