Newfoundland by C. H. Keslake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 8, 1907

Newfoundland

By C. H. Keslake

SINCE our last report the work in this island has been onward, although the progress has been slow. Since the beginning of the year thirteen persons have accepted the truth, and are seeking to walk in the light. The interest is still good. An encouraging feature of our work is the prayer service that we hold at the close of our Sunday-night preaching service. We have held such a meeting since the beginning of the year, and our hearts have been made glad to see as many as half the audience remain for prayer.

While the Lord has been working for us, the enemy has not been asleep. Effort has been made to injure the work by introducing the book “Seventh-day Adventism Renounced.” As usual, the effort was futile; on the contrary it served only to give our work greater prominence. Later a discussion was published in one of the daily papers over the Sunday question, in which the writer took part. The ministers, however, maintained a discreet silence. We did learn that one, a Methodist, prepared a letter against us, but finally decided not to publish it, remarking that “it was no use talking; there was no Scripture evidence for keeping Sunday anyway.”

As we write, the secretary of the Canadian Lord’s Day Alliance is en route to this city. He is coming to inaugurate a Sunday campaign and organize a Lord’s Day Alliance for this country. The time is certainly ripe for such a work. It seems impossible to arouse the dormant sensibilities of the people. All are willing to leave such matters to the clergy. The writer spoke last Sunday night upon the work of the Lord’s Day Alliance, and the next day one of the papers published fully a column of the sermon. Apparently no notice has been taken of it, pro or con. Next Sunday it is proposed to hold a mass-meeting after the evening services, to start the work. We are sending out literature pointing out the evils that must follow. By this means it is hoped that some will see the danger and be saved therefrom.

We are handicapped with regard to our literature. We are so far away from our base of supplies that it is difficult to get that which would be suitable for emergencies, and withal it is expensive. Moreover, not all by any means are favorable to American “notions.” What is needed is a literature of our own. We mean by that a literature that is printed here. But that, heretofore, from the smallness of our number, has seemed to be out of the question. Within the last day or two, however, it has occurred to me that if we had a suitable press, we could print anything we wanted to at a very small cost. A little four-page paper, seven by ten inches, could be printed and sent out absolutely free of postage to any part of the island. Besides the initial cost of the press, the only expense would be for the paper. This and the press, however, would come in duty free. The type-setting would be done gladly by one of our brethren who is himself a regular printer, while the presswork could be done by some of the boys. Thus in a few days we could get out a supply of literature that would meet any emergency, besides effecting a saving in expense. We venture to appeal to our American brethren to give us such a press, the cost of which would be not more than one hundred and fifty dollars. We are impressed that this is the right thing to do, for it is an absolute certainty that soon the entire press of the city will be against us. Already we have been refused by one paper the publication of matter bearing upon the Lord’s Day Alliance, while the editor has frankly informed us that he is not only in favor of Sunday enforcement, but that, so far as he is concerned, Seventh-day Adventists will have to keep the day also. One of the owners of that paper is a member of the legislature and a prominent lawyer. He also is known to be in favor of Sunday enforcement. The editor of another paper is a Catholic, while the third, the government organ, although friendly enough to give us some space now, will soon have to wheel into line. A little sheet, such as we have mentioned, would make us comparatively independent, and as before mentioned could be sent to any part of the island postage free. We therefore again urge our brethren to send us donations for this purpose.

Brother Johnston, who is still in Twillingate, reports that the prejudice there is breaking down, and that the interest is fairly good. He says that one young man has accepted the Sabbath. We still hope for fruit there. There is also a promising opening in the northern part of the island, called French Shore.

After a long and tediously cold winter we are glad again to feel the welcome heat of the sun’s rays. Up to and through the month of June, the same clothing as for winter wear was necessary. To date, no prostrations from heat have been recorded, but numerous icebergs have passed us on their way south. The sight of these was such that it would have been both interesting and welcome to our friends in America. At times we have felt that a fair exchange would be advantageous to both.

Sister Lucinda Iler, a trained nurse, has connected with the work here, and through her we hope to establish the medical work again.

We feel grateful to the Lord for the blessings enjoyed thus far, and by grace divine we are determined to press the battle to the gates.

We would again call attention to the matter of postage of letters from the States to this country. This country is not a part of Canada, and therefore the two-cent rate for letters does not apply to Newfoundland. The rate is five cents per half ounce or fraction thereof. When we gave the call in the winter for papers, etc., we urged our friends to see to it that full postage was paid. Notwithstanding this, in many cases the postage was insufficient, the result being that both money and papers were lost. In every case we are compelled to pay double that which is lacking, which means a great deal. We thank our friends for sending papers; the sealers eagerly accepted them.

C. H. KESLAKE.