CHARLES HAY by Charles Hay

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 28, 1902

CHARLES HAY

By Charles Hay

SANTA CRUZ.—If there was ever a time in the world's history when the people of God experienced what it is to be transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they might “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” it is now. The true child of God sees that the time is a grand and awful one; it is not a time to sleep on guard, neither to trifle on Satan's ground. The arch-enemy is now mustering all his forces for the last great battle, which is just ahead. He is at war with those that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

Several weeks ago a minister was asked to expose the doctrines of our faith in an Episcopalian church, he having studied the writings of D. M. Canright. He preached in a spirit of strife, and of course the people imbibed the same spirit.

In his discourse he gave two challenges, offering fifty dollars to any who could prove that the seventh day Moses kept is the same that Adventists keep to-day, asserting that no one can prove that Paul ever kept the Sabbath. When he had finished, he having preached at two different places the same day, Elder Beckner, who was present at both services, asked to be allowed to speak, but was refused each time; however, he replied at our own meeting-house. During the week Elder Beckner preached, nearly every night we were stoned; one sister was hurt; but we were not dismayed.

The cry is, “These people are turning the world upside down!” but we trust we are the people who are turning the world right side up. As it was in the days of the apostles, so it is now: history repeats itself. Elder Beckner has been in the western part of the island, assisting Elder Tanner in a series of tent-meetings, where there has been great interest. May the blessing of God attend them.

We have started the building of our new church, which is thirty by twenty feet, with a vestry twelve by eleven feet. It has been raised, and would have been completed, but it is very difficult to prepare the timbers in the woods. However, we hope that the building will soon be ready for use. We have no money, but God is carrying us wonderfully, and all the brethren have one determination,—to go forward. The stones for the Spanish wall being near, the sisters turn out at night and carry them, determined that when the time comes for the masons to work, nothing shall be lacking. All are of good courage, and Satan's assault has only driven us to Christ, the solid Rock.