NEW ENGLAND by Stephen Nelson Haskell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 23, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 12.

NEW ENGLAND.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

We met with the friends in Lay Fayette, R. I., Feb. 19 and 20. There have been things of a discouraging nature in this State which have stood in the way of the prosperity of the work. Steps were taken at this meeting which, if carried out, will bring relief. Very little has been accomplished in the tract and missionary work for the past two years. It was voted that Bro. B. F. Carpenter co-operate with Bro. Tucker in visiting the brethren and sisters in this district, and that special efforts be made to seek God and to take hold of the missionary work anew, collect their present indebtedness to the T. and M. Society, and encourage the brethren to lay aside their difficulties, and draw near to God by having something better to occupy their minds. Could all realize the importance of the truth and the time in which we live, there would be no time in which to backslide and falter by the way. The “Appeal” of the General Conference Committee might be frequently read in many of our churches with profit.

Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 26, 27, we attended the district quarterly meeting at Boston. The brethren feel more encouraged since New Year's. Boston ever has been a hard place to hold, but the friends are of good courage and meet regularly at their hall, corner of Dorchester and Third Streets. At present there are indications that others will be added to their numbers.

March 4 and 5, the general quarterly meeting was held at New Ipswich, N. H. This was the largest meeting we have ever held at this place. There was a general representation from many of our churches in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Bro. Tucker was also present from R. I. Our business meeting on Sunday was one not soon to be forgotten. The wants of the cause generally, as well as in New England, were presented, especially the Pacific Mission and sustaining the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. We firmly believe that there has never been a periodical issued by Seventh-day Adventists so well calculated to meet the prejudice that exists in the minds of many against the truth, and to prepare the way for the onward march of present truth, as the SIGNS. The brethren expressed themselves freely.

Bro. Cummings spoke feelingly, comparing the state of the cause at the present time with its condition three years ago, when it was voted at a meeting held at this place that he should move to Battle Creek. Then, there had been no special move made in Europe. Now, three active missionaries are in that field, with about two hundred Sabbath-keepers, and are now starting a periodical in the center of Europe, besides having already printed a number of tracts in the French language. A flourishing College has also been erected at Battle Creek, Mich., and students are in attendance who expect ere long to go into different parts of the world as missionaries. Two large two-story brick buildings have been added to the two already existing; one at Battle Creek, and one on the Pacific Coast, for the purpose of sending out the light of truth. A weekly paper has completed its first volume on the Pacific Coast, finding its way to thousands of interested readers, both in the Old World, and in this country. Bro. C. expressed his confidence in the mission of the SIGNS, and in the conductors of the same. He wished to help this Conference and to help that young institution. He therefore proposed to give five hundred dollars toward the circulation of the SIGNS in this Conference.

It will be remembered that Bro. Cummings at a sacrifice sold all his stock, farming tools, and every vestige of personal property, left his farm without income, removed to Battle Creek, and remained a year and a half, then returned to it to commence anew. Others gave one hundred dollars each, some fifty, and some less, until about twelve hundred dollars were pledged to the Tract Society for this purpose. Adding this to over seven hundred dollars which had been voluntarily sent in during the past quarter from scattered individuals, and the pledges taken in R. I. among themselves, and the Tract Society of N. E., not less than two thousand dollars have been secured to the Tract Society for prosecuting this work within the last four months. We have during this time refused more than one hundred dollars in New England from those we did not believe were able to pay.

No year since the N. E. Tract Society was organized could it give such a financial report as this. Now, how shall we account for this, in a winter of unusually hard times and the Society commencing the last quarter with unusual discouragements resting upon it, some drawing back who had freely donated to its support formerly? We know of but one reason to assign: God has signally blessed the effort to sustain the cause upon the principle of equality as set forth by the Spirit of God. To God be all the praise. It will require at least one thousand dollars more to carry through the enterprise of the SIGNS and keep up other branches of the missionary work for 1876 in New England. Our brethren throughout the Conference we believe will be ready to co-operate in this work. What we most lack in every Conference is devoted men and women who have the burden of the work of God upon them, and who will labor unselfishly for the salvation of others. Then the cause will be supported. Five hundred dollar men, and thousand dollar men will be ready to fill up the ranks. The example set by New York and New England we believe will be followed by all the Conferences in this country.

One item of interest might here be mentioned. The example of the individual is worthy to be followed everywhere. Sister Temple, while on her way to the meeting upon the cars, conversed with individuals upon the subject of present truth. A lady of intelligence became interested in what was said. She had had the VOICE OF TRUTH sent her in its trial volume. She came to the meetings, and returned home rejoicing in the truth. Her testimony at the meeting was intelligent, clear, and decided. The Lord is certainly in this work, and the word from every quarter is, “Go forward.” May God speed the triumph of his work. S. N. Haskell.