H. ARMSTRONG by H. ARMSTRONG

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1904

H. ARMSTRONG

By H. ARMSTRONG

Ceylon

COLOMBO.—I am sending you a few more lines, that you may know how the Lord is opening up avenues for the advancement of his work here in Ceylon. When we first arrived, we found considerable prejudice against Adventism, owing to the fact that a few years ago a small company of people calling themselves Adventists began a work here in Colombo, and made a miserable failure of it. The leader, I understand, also professed to keep “Saturday for Sunday,” and, therefore, was a Seventh-day Adventist. In the conduct of their work they became involved financially, and

were unable to meet their liabilities; consequently, they had to give up their meeting-house, and their goods were seized to pay the rent.

You can understand, then, that when we came into the island, and the people learned that we were Seventh-day Adventists, they treated us not only with indifference, but began to warn people that against us and our work. However, we sought the Lord to break down all barriers, and make known to the people that we were his servants, having no connection whatever with those who had previously caused reproach to fall upon the work of God. This he has done in a marked degree, and now we are finding avenues opening up before us, and hearts are inquiring into the truth with an interest that is very encouraging.

The brother who has recently taken his stand for the Sabbath of the Lord is continuing firm, and is growing into the truth day by day. Previously he was a co-worker with others, who, like himself, had grown weary of dead formalisms. But when the truth was presented, he was ready to walk in the light as it came to him. His co-workers, however, were unwilling that the truth should be preached to them, and refused to invite me into their assembly. We continued in prayer before God that he would grant us an entrance into that company of men who were seeking for the very truth of God had so graciously given to us. At last the answer has come. One of the members said he had received a message from God to invite me down. I received the invitation, and went, and God did manifest himself to us all, and allowed the gentle influences of his glorious truth to enter their hearts.

About a week later, several attended our little meeting, and at its close they asked me if I would come to their meeting. I did so. When we were all seated, the leader said, “Brother Armstrong, we desire that you should open the Scriptures to us which will give us light on the Sabbath question.” We all sought God in prayer, and continued in study far into the night. We are going to continue this meeting again in a few days, and O, I pray that God will give them grace to accept his saving truth!

When we look around upon the need, our hearts are made sad; for the laborers are so few, and the means so limited. What can we do to meet this? We know the treasury can send means only according to the willingness of our people to give. The time has come, fully come, when all our dear people in the home lands should sense the need of these destitute fields in the East. The offering may be small. But if every one would make an investment, not of what he can spare, but of what he can share, God would honor it, and there would be an abundant supply. Our hands are tied because of the lack of means and men. We pray that God may open the hearts of our people to our need here. We can not do more than present the situation, but we believe God will cause a response to be given.

I think of many things that would be a blessing to our work. O, if we had a tent! We could secure ground easily, and conduct meetings nearly all the year round. Who is there among the people of God who would not like to help to lift up the banner in this place?