England by D. A. Parsons

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 15, 1903

England

By D. A. Parsons

HULL.—I arrived in London about the fifteenth of last December, and entered the school for the purpose of receiving Bible instruction. I remained there until February, when I was invited by the British Union Conference to labor in the North England Conference, and at once entered the work in this city.

When I came, Brother and Sister Brandt were here canvassing, and laboring among the church members. The Lord greatly blessed their efforts. I at once began house-to-house work, and soon was engaged in cottage meetings every night. This developed more work than we could do, so Sister Sanders joined us for a few weeks, and as the result of her labors, souls are now rejoicing in the truth.

In view of the interest, it was thought best to have tent meetings this summer, and Elder Altman joined me for this purpose. June 7 we started meetings, Brother Brandt taking Brother Altman's place in Leeds. We were somewhat disappointed in the attendance, however we continued until about July 20. The tent was then moved to Leicester for the general meeting. Although the attendance was small, and the weather very unfavorable, four souls accepted the message.

After the Leicester meeting, mother and I returned to continue the work, and can report some interest. The Lord has blessed the efforts put forth here. Nineteen have accepted the truth, eighteen of whom are adults. One of these, Brother Wharrie, fell asleep in Jesus last week, rejoicing in the hope of a soon-coming Saviour.

Last Friday evening I baptized seven, and Sabbath twelve were received into the church. It was thought best that the remaining ones should be more thoroughly instructed in the message before taking this step.

We believe that exercise is necessary to good health, and therefore have organized the church into a working body, so arranging it that all will have a definite work to do each week, from the oldest member to the little child. We have purchased a supply of tracts dealing with this message. From one to three of these are placed in envelopes, which are numbered, and each person has at least one series of these silent messengers. The worker leaves envelope No. 1 in some house in the territory assigned to him, with the request that it be carefully read, saying that it will be called for the following week. When No. 1 is returned, it is not taken home, but passed to some one else, and envelope No. 2, accompanied with a copy of Good Health, is left, thus early introducing the principles of health. When No. 2 is needed no more, then it is also passed on to take the place of No. 1 the second time; and package No. 3 is left, and so on.

The children, after reading their copies of the Youth's Instructor and Little Friend, take them to some home where there are children, and thus seek to awaken an interest in the younger members of the family. They also have a part in the tract work.

All papers and tracts are stamped with the words “Seventh-day Adventist Mission.” This will let people know who we are, and our place of worship. As far as possible, the interest awakened will be followed up with Bible work and cottage meetings, and as the result of this work, with the blessing of God, the church expects a good harvest of souls. We are all of good courage, and rejoice in the hope of the Saviour's soon coming.

D. A. PARSONS.