p. 182 | Notes by the Way by H. F. Phelps

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 19, 1874

Notes by the Way.

By H. F. Phelps

SCATTER the seed. Sow by the side of all waters. We cannot tell whether shall prosper this or that. When I was about to leave home I put a few tracts and papers in my satchel where I could easily get them, for I was quite sure I should find some good opportunities to give away a few, in a journey of fifty miles. I had gone but a little way when I was overtaken by a young man who asked me to ride. I accepted the offer. He proved to be a Norwegian of education and refinement, and a teacher of the English as well as his own language, but not a professor of religion. Little by little I introduced the truth. He listened with attention. Said he had heard of the Seventh-Day Adventists, and wished to learn something of them. We soon separated. I gave him a copy of the Advent Tidende. He said it was just what he would like to see. I also gave him a few tracts. He received them thankfully. While traveling in the stage, the conversation turned upon the six days of creation, so I gave a copy of “Geology and the Bible.” In Lake City, I left a copy of our papers and a few tracts on the reading table of the hotel, also left a few tracts in the public library. On board the boat while crossing the lake, the passengers read with apparent satisfaction, and a few tracts were taken. One lady subscribed for the Instructor, saying it was just what she wanted for her children.

In this way I tried to scatter a little seed. May the good Lord bless the effort, and may it spring up to bear fruit unto eternal life. One man remarked that he saw nothing objectionable, as yet, and would like to keep the REVIEW which I gave him permission to do. Little by little, and the work will be done.

H. F. PHELPS.

Maiden Rock, Wis.