p. 70 | New England by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 13, 1872

New England.

By S. N. Haskell

Jan. 11, in company with Bro. Andrews, I left Battle Creek for the East. Spent the following Sabbath and first-day in Western New York. Was much pleased in seeing the spirit manifested by systematically entering into the missionary work. If the tract societies are entered upon in the right manner, I do not believe there will be one single failure. There may be local churches that will organize themselves into tract societies and be successful; but, if the different State Conferences will take hold of the matter, select proper persons, and unitedly make one general rally, it will not only result in spreading the truth into every nook and corner of the land, and thus prove the salvation of many, but will prove the salvation of hundreds who are now withering spiritually for want of activity.

Let there be a system in which all can act a part, and those of experience and judgment instruct those who are anxious to do something, how to take hold, that all who have the cause at heart may feel that they are doing something to advance the cause of their divine Lord; and it will give life to every part of the body.

Jan. 20 and 21, was at the quarterly meeting in Rhode Island. Our meetings were accompanied with some degree of God's Holy Spirit. The tract-society meeting spoke well for that State. Most of the brethren and sisters manifested an interest to get hold of the work in such a manner as to work in harmony, and not only spread the truth, but free the cause from reproach.

As we were gathering for meeting on first-day evening, our hearts were made sad by the news that our Bro. Halloway was drowned. In conversation with him, as he left for home Sabbath afternoon, with a cheerful countenance he spoke of his hope and bright prospect for the kingdom, not thinking that in less than two hours his life record would be closed up for the final examination in the court of Heaven.

On the evening of the 25th, met with the church at Exeter, Rhode Island. Continued with them over the following Sabbath and first-day. We trust our meetings were profitable. It is our prayer that God will be with those who have a spirit to labor in harmony with present truth, and crown their efforts with success.

In the work of God, no effort put forth from a heart prompted by love is lost, but Christian simplicity, ever possessing a teachable spirit, is a state of mind that is highly prized in the court of Heaven. When the burden of this work is so felt that we individually take an especial interest in every branch of it, Health Reform, Systematic Benevolence, and every enterprise connected with it, we shall be strong. This spirit is getting hold of some here, for which we feel thankful. S. N. Haskell.

January, 1872.