College Missionary Work.
By Chas. C. Ramsey
In a previous communication, the organization and working condition of our Society were mentioned. It may be well to give further information respecting labor performed by some of the members. The following are extracts from other letters which have been received from interested readers of our publications. A gentleman in Kansas writes:— “Dear Sir: I have just received your card. I have also received copies of your excellent paper, the Signs of the Times. It contains some very able articles. I have read them with increasing interest. I will write you a letter soon. Yours truly.” The writer of the foregoing is a graduate of the Kansas State University, and is a very intelligent man, and, it is believed, a thoroughly honest one. Another writes from Kansas:— “My Dear Sir: I have just received your letter informing me where the Signs of the Times came from. Let me say in beginning that I am very much pleased with the tone of your paper. I most heartily agree with you that ‘the paper is calculated to purify and fit for a higher life.’ And it is sad that more such literature is not circulated. Can say, ‘God-speed’ to all efforts to circulate the Signs of the Times; for God knows there is enough ignorance, enough perversion of the Scriptures in the orthodox theology of today. I wish you all the success you possibly can have in the good work. I should enjoy a letter from you once in awhile touching upon these matters, very much indeed; that is, if you think me worthy. Your brother in Christ.” The writer is a county school superintendent. Another who has been reading the Signs and tracts for a number of weeks past writes:— “Dear Friend: Your letter to hand two days ago. I am glad to learn that you are in good health, which is one of the greatest blessings for which we ought to be thankful. I truly thank you for your true kindness and Christian sympathy shown toward me, a mere stranger. I only can say that I am glad I ever met you. Now you ask my opinion of your paper. I am very much pleased with it, and, believe me, I read it all through as soon as I receive it. I am very much interested with the contents of the first page, as it gives a clear view of the way that Martin Luther had to battle against the Romish Church, and of his glorious victory over the papal power. What would have been the result if such a man had not existed? and why was it that Rome had such a stronghold? Where was Christianity all those years, that there should have existed only such a corrupt and wicked doctrine? I am satisfied on one thing, however, and that is, I believe it was a good and glorious victory, the reformation of Martin Luther. I would be glad to see many more come from their ranks, as they are still in a state of corruption, and always will be. Now I also agree with your paper and pamphlets treating on the Sabbath. In fact, everything is very clearly brought out, and it will enlighten the minds of all who read it carefully and thoughtfully; and as soon as I have done reading it, I send it to my brother Will, thinking that he, too, may be interested and benefited by it. I am unsettled just now, else I would subscribe for it and save you the trouble of sending it to me, for which I am much indebted to you. I believe that the Bible is the best guide I can have on this earth, as it is a sure one for all who read and accept it as such. If I had always taken it for my guide, I know I would be a better man to-day. There is another thing which I would like to mention to you. Heaven and hell seem a mystery to me. I am not at rest on that question. I have used the language of Saul, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’ and, ‘Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief;’ and still I am not satisfied. I cannot realize the horrors of hell as usually spoken of. Dear friend, I know that you will feel sorry at hearing these things, and, if you have time, I will be glad to hear from you on this life or death question. You will hear from me before you come this way in September, as I want to see you. Your friend.” The writer is a gentleman who lives in San Francisco, and whom one of our members met while traveling during vacation. At that time many others of interest were met, and have since been remembered with reading matter. Such letters as the last are full of encouragement, yet441the Lord might bless the worker as much in a less promising case. It is ours to sow, and patiently wait and watch and pray. These, and all other letters, are answered by the persons receiving them, after they have been read in the weekly meeting and suggestions have been made relative to the proper method of reply. A member of the society went out into the country a few miles on business. As usual, he carried a few copies of the Signs and some tracts in his pocket for distribution. He found an opportunity to leave several with a family consisting of the parents and two adult relatives. These were eagerly read, and more requested. Within a few weeks these four individuals began to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, two of whom are thoroughly established in the faith. More might be added concerning work performed, but enough has been stated to show that God has signally blessed the efforts of Healdsburg College Missionary Society. Chas. C. Ramsey. Healdsburg College, Sept. 20.