Honolulu, H. I by L. A. Scott, A. Larue

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 30, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 29.

Honolulu, H. I.

By L. A. Scott, A. Larue

WE are still trying to carry on the work here by continuing to distribute tracts and papers; by canvassing for our different works, and our periodicals; and by holding Bible-readings each Monday evening at our rooms, and, as opportunity offers, with families.

Several persons here, to whom we have given reading matter, have acknowledged that our position on the Sabbath question is the only one that can be maintained from the Scriptures. But one man, of some prominence, and who occasionally preaches, to whom we handed “The United States in the Light of Prophecy,” casually read it, and, lighting upon that part of the work relating to the present Sunday movement of the churches in the States, at once jumped to the conclusion that we opposed every good work of the churches. Thereupon he felt it his duty to call upon us one night about nine o'clock, and say that, to his mind, we did not understand the teachings of Christ nor of his apostles; and in proof turned to Col. 2 and read verse 16. From his remarks and the manner in which he used the Bible, it was quite evident that, though possibly he might understand the teachings of Christ, he had failed to arm himself with the mind that was in him. We read verse 17, and observed that, evidently, the sabbaths to which the apostle referred were the annual sabbaths connected with the Jewish typical service, and proposed to examine a few texts of Scripture, with him, on the subject. But he did not have time, though he took occasion to say, before leaving, that he thought Satan was well pleased with our work.

But none of these things terrify us, for we know in whom we trust, and hope that the seed being sown here will not all fail by the wayside, nor on stony ground, nor among thorns. We believe that here in these lonely islands there are many good and honest hearts that are sick and tired of the corruptions in the world and in the worldly churches, who hunger and thirst for a higher and holier faith, and who would be glad to know that the Saviour is indeed soon to return for his waiting people, and to put an end to the sin and woe that now covers the earth. Our prayer is that God will stir up these noble minds to search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so, and give them courage to stand up firmly for the truth, notwithstanding it is opposed by the popular churches of the day.

God wants men and women who love the truth for its own sake; and those who have individuality and courage enough to embrace it in the face of opposition, he will bless.

July 15, 1885. L. A. SCOTT, A. LARUE.