New England by Stephen N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 10, 1871

New England.

By Stephen N. Haskell

THE 16th and 17th of September I met with the friends of Rhode Island at their quarterly meeting in Westerly. The Lord evidently met with us from the commencement, yet some lost a great blessing by returning at the close of the first day of the meeting. Sunday was a profitable day to the cause in Rhode Island, if the brethren retain the interest there manifested in the cause of God.

First-day morning, we tried to get before the brethren the nature of this work, the manner of its rise, and the different enterprises now connected with it, which were carrying out the true principle of Christianity.

The result of this meeting was encouraging from the fact that it led the brethren to take steps which, if carried out, will give success to the cause in that State. When the tract enterprise was spoken of, and reference was made to our periodicals, a cheerful response was made. Willing, active volunteers at once offered themselves to become agents to remind the subscribers when their subscription expired (as this is in most cases all that is necessary), and forward their remittance for the ensuing year to the Office; also to see that the worthy poor have the REVIEW, and obtain as many new subscribers as possible. There is no reason why the subscribers to our valuable periodicals may not be doubled in this State, and reading matter placed in the hands of hundreds who are now destitute of the knowledge of present truth, if the brethren retain their interest in, and devotion to, the work.

Tuesday evening, we met with the brethren at Curtis Corners, and Wednesday evening at the Washington school-house district. Although but a few were out at the last-named place, on account of the weather, yet the meetings, I trust, were profitable. Thursday evening, met with the friends at Lafayette, and continued with them over the Sabbath and first-day. On Sabbath, a good delegation from different parts of Rhode Island was present.

Monday I visited Bro. Leighton's family of New Haven, who have been passing through deep affliction. The entire family, consisting of five, have been, except one, quite sick at the same time, and during this time they buried a babe.

Sept. 30, Sabbath, I spent at South Lancaster. Here some feel the importance of seeking God with all the heart; some are inclined to theorize, which is rather dry when rending of hearts is called for.

Some are prone to dwell on the failings of others, which will always leave barrenness of soul. The language of the apostle is very much to the point: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil. 4 : 8. The important question now with us is, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?” The answer given is this: “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Ps. 24 : 3-5.

S. N. HASKELL.

S. Lancaster, Mass., Oct. 1, 1871.