p. 786 | A PLEA FOR WALES by W. H. Meredith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1901

A PLEA FOR WALES.

By W. H. Meredith

For nearly three years I have been working in and about London, and the Lord has been good to me. The last year has been filled with many blessings, and my stay in Balham, and the connection with the friends and co-laborers there, will be ever remembered. The experiences have been such as to bring me nearer to the people, and in touch with the Lord. The difficulties have proved great blessings. And although it is with sorrow that I leave the many dear friends there, yet it is with a strong desire and earnest wish to help some who are very dear to my heart,—my Welsh friends in and about the colliery districts of South Wales.

There are over one hundred thousand men and boys working in the pits there; and having myself spent thirteen years in a coal pit in Wales, I feel that something ought to be done to bring this glorious message of salvation to them; and by permission of the Conference Committee, I am now on my way to that field, trusting God to use me to bring light and truth to some poor souls.

I have often wondered why the Lord brought the truth to me when there are so many mighty men who would have done so much more in spreading the light than I have done, or can do. Yet I know He has a work for me to do; and if I am faithful, He will give all the grace needed to accomplish it.

Nearly seven years ago I used to talk the truth to my fellow colliers as we worked three and one-half miles from the mine entrance, at a depth of over two hundred yards, and I wondered why they could not see and believe as I did. Since then I have been out in the great cities, wondering why a collier should be called from the pit to teach people in large towns. Now I come back to the pits, having learned some lessons, and I beg you all to pray for me, that I may be useful, and be a great blessing here. I want to stay here until the Lord comes, if it is His will; and though the way seems hedged about, yet I have confidence that all will be well.

There are many difficulties here, as elsewhere, one being our inability to get suitable halls in which to hold meetings; and it is because of this I wish to make an earnest plea. For sixty pounds I can get a good portable hall (without such I cannot see how we are to reach these colliers), which will be in every way suitable to the field, and easy to move about in the valleys of South Wales. This small amount could easily be raised if every one felt the need.

Let all who are enjoying the blessings of this last message, and who, during the winter evenings will sit by their fires in comfort and warmth, look at the burning coal, and remember the men and boys who risked their lives day after day to get it for them, and who, during these next three months, will not see the light of the sun only on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, and remember that these are souls for whom Jesus died. Thank God for the colliers, but don’t forget the offering; thank God for the warm fire, but don’t forget those who mined the coal for you; and you will be rewarded. Some of these brave fellows will rise to bless you.

The hall I have spoken of may be had by Jan. 1, 1902. Shall we get it? Who will help answer this question? Let it be a New Year’s gift to Wales, won’t you? Send your gifts to Sister Jacques, 451 Holloway Rd., London, N. (marked “Gifts for Wales”), who will acknowledge their receipt in the Worker. Let your prayers accompany your gifts for the work in Wales.

W. H. MEREDITH.