ENGLAND by H. P. H.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 6, 1896

ENGLAND

By H. P. H.

No nation has such an extensive hold on the world as Great Britain, and no tongue so generally spoken as the English. It is therefore not by mere chance that the closing message of the Gospel began among the English-speaking people. Whatever the political errors of England may have been, she deserves credit for having done more than any other nation to give the Bible to the nations of earth in their native tongues. Thus, an important part of the closing work has been done, for it is through his word that the Lord enlightens the world. It was when the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us that great light sprang up in darkness; and it will be by the same process that the world will be lightened just before the Lord comes. In this connection, it is cheering to note that “this Gospel of the kingdom,” which is to be preached in all the world immediately before the end, is making encouraging progress in England. For a number of years from forty to sixty colporters have been busily circulating literature on the “Second Advent” and kindred topics; and of late, from thirty to thirty-eight agents are engaged in the sale of Present Truth, a journal laden with the living word. From twelve to thirteen thousand copies of this excellent journal are sold from week to week. The good effects of all this literature are seen in interests springing up all over the kingdom to such an extent that the public laborers in the field are unable to meet all the calls.

In addition to the effect of our own literature may be mentioned the workings of the late efforts of the London authorities in closing our publishing house in that city on account of Sunday work. Through notices in the secular press, the attention of many thousands was called to the Sabbath reform, and the work that is being done in this line. So far as seen, these papers plainly stated the fact that Sunday is not the Sabbath, and many of them saw and fairly stated the issue, declaring that it was a case of religious persecution against those whose only offense is keeping the Ten Commandments.

These facts come home to many with peculiar force from the fact that all England is wrought up to the fighting point because the Turks persecuted the Armenians. Many of these Armenians are avowedly infidel and boldly advocate revolutionary principles, which are altogether antichristian; still England makes all Europe echo with her outcries against the Turks, and at the same time herself persecutes her own subjects for no other offense than keeping the commandments of God as written in his word. These facts open the eyes of some.

Recently, a general gathering of the ministers and Bible workers and some colporters was held at London. Three Bible studies were held daily, two by A. T. Jones and one by Dr. Waggoner, while H. E. Robinson and the writer held meetings daily with the workers. The Lord gave much light and encouragement from his word. Reports from the field showed general prosperity. At the present time there are 76 engaged in selling Present Truth and our books. Meetings are held in several of the leading cities, such as Southampton, Plymouth, Manchester, and Birkenhead, while in London, meetings are held in five localities.

After the close of the London meeting, Elder Jones entered the field to visit the various churches and companies in England and Ireland before his return to America, while the writer visited Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool. Brother Geo. N. Drew, known to many in California, still continues with good success and courage his ship-mission work at Liverpool. By this work much literature is sent by sea to various tongues and nations of earth. The outlook for the work of the message in Great Britain was never so encouraging as at the present.

H. P. H.