p. 107 | Report from a Far Country by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 14, 1884

Report from a Far Country.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

MANY years ago, by an old volume of the Review and Herald placed on board a ship at New Bedford, Mass., a gentleman on the island of Tobago received some ideas which led him to send for publications to Battle Creek, Mich. As a result, he embraced the Sabbath, and since then has been an active worker as a colporter, and has met with considerable success.

From Tobago he went to South America, and has traveled in different parts, preaching and selling our publications. He has been kept in supply by the International Tract Society, and the Southampton Mission, England.

Something over a year ago, while explaining the nature of the change of the Sabbath, he was knocked down senseless, and when he came to himself he found he was in a hospital. He also learned to his surprise that the books which he had for sale had been stolen from him and sold for a nominal sum. Individuals in the hospital where he found himself had purchased the books and had become interested in the truths they contained. Packages of the Signs and other publications were immediately sent to the hospital. We have received before this, letters from parties in British Guiana requesting publications, who had become interested in the truth through his efforts. To-day's mail brings us two letters from parties in British Guiana. In giving account how they received the truth, one writer says:—

"Bro. —, from Tobago, a member and agent of Seventh-day Adventists, bearing credentials from you, is the one of whom I first learned of Seventh-day Adventists, and obtained reading matter. I have read a good many of the tracts and pamphlets, and also 'Honor Due to God' in the Signs, and with God's help I have decided to follow fully. There are other interested readers here whose names and addresses I give," and then follows a list of four names, to which he adds "all of whom would be glad to receive some reading matter."

"I am keeping the Sabbath, and thus preparing to meet the Lord when he shall come. I desire an agency, and knowing the truth as I do, a responsibility to spread it has been upon my mind. I desire to be engaged in canvassing and colporter work. Let me hear from you by return mail. As one seeking light, I would like to understand fully about Seventh-day Adventists. Please send me 'Life Sketches of Eld. and Mrs. E. G. White,' and 'Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation.' Put down my name as a subscriber for the Signs and Advent Review for the quarter, and send back numbers. I shall pay the subscription. You will continue both during the year (D. V.). Have you got more 'Scripture References?' They are very interesting. I would be thankful for your explanation of 2 Cor. 5: 6-9. Accept 1 Peter 5: 4 and Jude 24, 25."

Another letter is also received from the same place, which reads as follows:—

"I have had the pleasure of reading some of the tracts published by Seventh-day Adventists, and I solicit your sending some of the back numbers of the Signs, also books and pamphlets giving information upon the tithing system, and the truths and principles of Seventh-day Adventists.

"I wish to be an agent, and will be thankful for any information respecting my duties. Let me have a catalogue, etc. I am satisfied that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, and that I am responsible to keep it; and also that the signs of the times indicate the soon coming of Christ. I wish to read more on these subjects, and be the means, the Lord helping, of spreading those truths here."

Publications have been sent to the above parties. We are thankful that God has gone out before us, and our work is not limited; but the truth is God's, and we hail with joy the privilege of co-operating with friends in British Guiana, and in every part of the civilized world. From the depths of our heart we pray God to speed the truth and clothe the letters written with a living power; and the tracts and papers which are sent forth, may they be accompanied by his Holy Spirit. The reward will soon be given to the faithful workers, and those who go forth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.

The time has come when there should be new life given to every effort connected with the missionary work. God is raising up co-workers in his cause everywhere. Shall we not be stirred by these appeals? Shall we not labor with redoubled energy in the spreading of the truths of the last solemn warning to mankind?

S. N. HASKELL.