Missionary Meetings in Battle Creek.
By George I. Butler
During the last two weeks, quite an interest has been created in the missionary work in Battle Creek. It commenced on a very small scale. State secretaries were here from Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, as well as Michigan; and in one of the rooms of the west Office building, they were receiving instruction from sister M. L. Huntley in reference to the proper method of keeping accounts, and as to the best course to be pursued in working up an interest in the missionary work. One afternoon, Eld. Haskell gave some instruction to these, and a handful of other interested persons, to help and encourage them. At the close of the meeting, he was invited to talk to them further. A number more came in to the next meeting. Then another meeting was desired, and the number continued to increase till it was thought best to adjourn to the north vestry of the Tabernacle, where several other meetings have been held with a good attendance. Last Wednesday night the large room was well filled with interested listeners. The discourses given by Bro. R. have been practical, earnest, and instructive. He has dwelt upon the importance of doing work in the Lord's cause, and being real, earnest workers in his vineyard. He has given many interesting incidents showing how the Lord blesses those who are faithful in his cause, and follow the Master's example in trying to get precious souls for whom Christ died. His words have stirred the hearts of the people to make vigorous efforts, until there is a desire to do more for the salvation of those around us. This great church could be a mighty power in the world, if all were doing their utmost to advance the cause of God. Thorough consecration to the Lord has been shown in these meetings to be a mainspring which moves persons to be real missionaries for God. Merely sending out a few papers, or distributing a little reading matter, or keeping T. and M. accounts correctly, will not answer the demands of the Lord. We need to have our whole souls imbued with the love of Christ, till we see such excellence in his character that the preciousness of all earthly things is entirely eclipsed. The value of the heavenly world and the vanity of this world must be realized. There must be a vital connection between us and the true Vine, so that we are living, vigorous branches, bearing fruit to the Lord. When we are profoundly convinced of the excellence of Christ, and his Spirit dwells within us, it will be natural for us to labor for him. We delight to labor for what we love. If the heart is divided, be sure the world has the greater portion. Its service will be most easy for us. When the Lord has our whole heart, his service will be easy. We shall not try to see how little we can do for him, but how much. Distributing reading matter will not then be such a hardship. Everything we can do to advance the good cause will then be as agreeable as it is now to provide for the loved ones at home. The reason it is so hard now for us to give a little time and means to advance the Lord's work, is because our hearts are more in love with earthly things than with heavenly things. The heart needs converting. Until this change is wrought, the Lord's work will always drag in our hands. Oh, how valuable is the salvation of one soul! The happiness of one person secured through an endless eternity! We trust these meetings have given clearer conceptions of the importance of the T. and M. work. The local society at Battle Creek have been taking 400 copies of the Signs, and had recently added 100 more; but at the close of these meetings, they concluded to increase the number to 800 copies, with a prospect of adding more. There is, besides, an active interest manifested in Good Health. This seems like doing something. The plan of sending copies of the Signs to large numbers of readers in any place where lectures are about to be given, has been tried, and has proved a success. A great interest may be kindled in this way, and many induced to come out to listen to the preached word. No doubt this plan will be acted upon in many places in the coming season. The batteries may thus be opened before the main battle between truth and error comes on, and the way be prepared for it. We trust our people all over the field will wake up on this subject. Let not your clubs of Signs grow smaller; on the contrary, make them larger. Let us not do less, but more. The day of Judgment will soon be upon us, with all its dread realities. Let us prepare ourselves and others for it. The plan of sending secretaries to be instructed in the work by those of experience, is proving a splendid success. Several State societies have in this way found help in their difficulties, and got themselves in a good condition. It is not merely to learn to keep accounts; but it is to obtain knowledge of the real nature of the work, and how to maintain a strong, healthy interest. Those of experience can impart to others their knowledge, and thus all may be benefited. There are other State societies which might be greatly helped in the same way. Those secretaries who169thoroughly consecrate themselves to the work of God, may do as much good as many ministers are doing. Many of the difficulties which are thought to be so great in the T. and M. work, vanish when they have converted hearts and receive proper instruction. God will yet do a great work through this society. May he help us all to be faithful workers.