p. 158 | Report of Labors by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 28, 1874

Report of Labors.

By S. N. Haskell

SABBATH and first-day, March 14 and 15, I was with the church at Kirkville, N. Y.; the two following Sabbaths and first-days in Ohio; April 4 and 5, at Hillsdale, Mich. I also attended the Michigan State quarterly meeting at Potterville. There is evidently an increasing interest in the missionary work in each of these States. Scores of individuals are now rejoicing in the truth as the direct result of missionary labor, who a few months ago knew nothing of its blessedness. Openings for the living preacher are multiplying in almost every direction. And in many cases these calls come from those where two or three have already embraced the Sabbath from reading, and others are interested. Yet there is a failure on the part of many to realize the importance and magnitude of this work.

Hundreds of families have been visited with tracts and prayed with, and many have become interested to read upon present truth. One brother, who knew of about four hundred families which had been visited in his district, said that it was safe to calculate that three hundred out of the four hundred had become interested to read on present truth. This is truly wonderful—three hundred out of four hundred families in one district become interested, while some of our brethren and sisters can find nothing to do in the missionary work!

Reports from the trial volume of REVIEW are encouraging. Quite a goodly number already have said, “Put me down as a permanent subscriber as long as the paper is as ably conducted as it is at the present.” Some have already embraced the Sabbath. One man remarked that, although he did not indorse all the doctrines it advocated, yet he admired the paper, and he wanted it in his family for its moral influence upon his children.

The meeting in Potterville, Mich., was one of deep interest. It was well attended by the directors and others from different parts of the State. The brethren were interested to move forward in the work. It was voted at this meeting to put five of our best books, containing a printed notice of the Tract Society, into all of the public libraries and reading rooms in the State where they would receive them. Ohio took a similar step. But one thing that made this meeting interesting was the good report of missionary labor in the vicinity of Potterville. Over forty now meet on the Sabbath where none met a few months since. Twenty-two are conscientiously observing the Sabbath. On Monday, April 15, I had the pleasure of baptizing nine, a father and mother and four children of one family. There are others that will be baptized soon, and the work is still spreading and the interest deepening.

This work commenced by a Sabbath-school being organized in the neighborhood, and by visiting and praying with the families, by Bro. and sister Sawyer. They would relate the simple story of the cross, and children and parents finally learned to love the divine Redeemer, and gave their hearts to him. Children who at first would learn but one or two verses in their Testaments in a week, would, in a few months, voluntarily learn over fifty. Hundreds of just such missionaries are wanted to canvass the back neighborhoods, where dwell the poor of the earth, but humble in heart.

The financial interest of the cause in New York, Ohio, and Michigan was considered, both for the Swedes and the Tract Society. In these three States there were raised, including what was pledged, nearly $4000.

April 18 and 19, met with the friends in Mackford, Wis. Here, as in other Conferences, the number of names called for on the trial volume had been sent in to the Office by the effort of the Tract Society. The report showed an increasing interest in the missionary work. There were some local matters that seemed necessary to attend to on first-day, which occupied some time, so there was not that accomplished which we had hoped to see. We hope, however, that some steps were taken which will result in good to the tract and missionary work in that State.

Reports that are coming in from every direction convince us more and more that more enlarged views must be taken of the work of God. The field is the world, and men and women are called for who are willing to devote their lives to the work of saving souls. Upon the right hand and upon the left, souls are perishing and are calling for help. That means of help God has placed within our reach, and bidden us go work in his vineyard. The most solemn part of our life will be the decision we make in reference to these providential calls.

S. N. HASKELL.