MORE FRUIT FROM THE SIGNS.
By S. N. Haskell
The readers of the REVIEW will recollect that a few weeks ago there appeared in the paper a letter from sister Cook, of Washington, D. C. This letter showed that quite a number had become interested in the truth by reading the SIGNS and tracts, which she had sent to those who would read them. This article called forth a response from one who had been thus benefited. Sister Cook wrote to the V. M. Society, enclosing the letter received. In her letter she speaks as follows:— “Only a little more than a year ago I gave the first copy of the SIGNS and a few tracts to Bro. ——, when he returned to his family. This brother was not then a Sabbath-keeper; but he accepted them, and said he would read and give them to others. I feel it is a great result from so small an effort, and I am encouraged to go on doing small things in every way that I can, realizing my own insufficiency and looking to the Lord alone, praying that he will give success.” The following is the letter received. The reader and the writer will please excuse the liberty we take in giving it entire:— “I am a perfect stranger to you, but I feel that we are of one brotherhood in Christ. I received two papers last week which noticed your efforts in the blessed cause of Christ. I feel myself to be one of those benefited by them. Your papers have indeed been a God-send to at least three families in this village, all of which are now keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. One other family is deeply interested. “No doubt my experience in religious matters would be of interest to you, I therefore give it, that you may better understand my position. I found peace in believing my sins were pardoned about four years ago, among the Methodists in this place. I went to work immediately to do all I could for our blessed Saviour. I was soon chosen to act as superintendent of the Sunday-school; and was also appointed to act with another in leading the class. I continually prayed that God would open the eyes of my understanding, that I might receive the truth as it is in Christ. One thing troubled me. I could not harmonize the word of God with the views taught by our minister, but I fully believed it was ignorance on my part. While in this state of mind I first heard Bro. —— [this was the one to whom sister C. first gave the paper] give his experience in the class. My joy was full; for I felt that God was answering my prayer, and that here was an instrument of his to open my understanding. I invited this brother to my house to read the word of God. He joyfully accepted the invitation. Oh, how eagerly we received the truth! and what happy little meetings we have had and do yet have! “I could not restrain myself, but began to spread abroad that which I had received. The meat was too strong for my Methodist friends. The pillars of the church were notified that if I was not removed they would withdraw their children from the school and their families from the church. I begged a hearing, but was refused. I remonstrated, but to no purpose. I was crazed, they said, and all who believed with me had lost their mind. Those whom I supposed most earnest for the truth I found to be our bitterest persecutors. All of this but strengthened us in our faith. “There are three families of us, thirteen souls in all, battling the best we can for the right. If nothing in the providence of God prevents, Bro. —— and myself will forward you three dollars apiece, the price of a year’s subscription for the SIGNS, also for the next best paper. After that you may receive some money for tracts which we need. Just now there is an interest awakened that will work to the good of the cause. “Your friend in Christ,” etc. I am acquainted with ministers who have labored through an entire tent season, who can not show this amount of fruit. Thirteen souls in one vicinity keeping God’s Sabbath who never saw one of like faith save themselves! God bless them! There are a thousand individuals wanted this side the Rocky Mountains who will subscribe for from five to ten copies of the SIGNS, and go about this work in the fear of God. A thousand more are wanted to canvass from house to house, pray with families, and obtain subscribers for the SIGNS and our other periodicals. We are already hearing cheering news from those who have subscribed for five copies of the SIGNS in the State of New-York. A goodly number have found readers for all they subscribed for. We expect all such will order five or ten copies more. Keep at work; do not let your interest slacken, nor be discouraged, and the day of Judgment will reveal the fruit of your labor if wrought in love. It is far better to wear out than to rust out. Let the work be pushed forward with much prayer, relying wholly upon Him whose the cause is, and who giveth us the victory.