NEW YORK by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 3, 1876

NEW YORK.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

About the middle of December I came to this State, and, in company with Eld. B. L. Whitney, have held meetings in Roosevelt, Russell, Pierrepont, Buck’s Bridge, Adams Center, and Akron. We have seen some of God’s blessing manifested at each of these meetings. Some have made efforts to draw nearer to God, but others seem almost insensible to the importance of the time in which we live.

New York was organized into a State Conference Tract Society in March, 1872. During this Society’s short experience it has expended about six thousand dollars in publications, which have been distributed, besides assisting in each other new enterprise connected with this work that has required financial aid. A large share of this means has been raised by the poorer brethren, while the more wealthy have excused themselves. This is not as it should be. While the poor should consider it a privilege to act their part in every enterprise connected with the work of God, those of more abundant means should give in proportion to what God in his providence has committed to them.

God is not dependent upon man to carry forward his work, but in his wise economy he has ordained that it should be done through human instrumentalities, and a portion of the means he has intrusted to us should be used for this purpose. He claims it as his. Then if it be used to advance his work upon earth there will be fruit in the kingdom of God as the result. There are many who would do well to follow the example of Zaccheus as recorded in Luke 19:1–9; and if they would do this they would experience the fulfillment of the Saviour’s words to him, “This day is salvation come to this house.”

There ever has been, and is at the present time, a fearful robbing God of “tithes and offerings,” and unless there is a speedy reform with many in this respect they will find before long that they have met with a great loss. The cause of truth is rising; an interest is being awakened almost everywhere to hear and read upon these solemn truths. Some who have been long in the way have never made any real sacrifices in the cause of Christ. God, by his providence

and his Holy Spirit, especially calls upon such to return to him by confessing and forsaking their sins and errors.

In some parts of this State sacrificing labor has been put forth by way of visiting from house to house. And where this kind of labor has been followed up, fruits are being seen. Especially is this the case in St. Lawrence County, where Bro. Hall and some others have labored in this work. He has been especially engaged in this kind of labor since the Tract Society in this State was organized, and now in different parts of his district there are individuals and small companies embracing the truth.

This part of the State furnished many subscribers for the trial volumes of the Review, the Reformer, and the Voice; and when the time of their subscription expired, he visited them and followed up the interest by giving them other reading matter and bestowing such labor as seemed necessary. At the present time, in the town of Pierrepont there are between forty and fifty keeping the Sabbath. They have built a large, commodious house of worship. Although poor, they show a commendable zeal for God. Our meetings at this place came at a time when the Methodists were making an especial effort for a revival. They continued over a week. The Methodists postponed their meetings, saying it “was of no use while the Adventists were holding theirs.” There was an interest to hear for miles around, and I could see no reason why their numbers might not have been greatly increased if the meeting could have continued.

At Adams Center, as elsewhere, the fast was observed. Much interest was manifested on the part of some to draw near to God, and make a new start in his service. When the matter of subscribing for the Signs of the Times was presented, there was a ready response. Sixty-five copies were subscribed for in a few moments, mostly by our brethren and sisters, who took from three to five copies each, to be used for distribution among those who might be interested to read. During the year, 3,250 papers will be received. Judging from the spirit manifested in subscribing for them, we believe they will be judiciously disposed of. This will call out talent that has hitherto been absorbed in the cares of this life. Individuals who in the fear of God take such responsibilities, and earnestly seek God to guide them in the performance of their work, may expect much of God’s blessing. When men and women move forward in the fear of God, uniting faith and works, there will be good results.

At Akron we were glad to meet with quite a number who had recently embraced the truth. They also partake of the missionary spirit, and show their faith by their works. We believe there are omens of good in this State. If some grow cold and lose their interest in this work, others will step in and fill their places, and finally take their crowns.

We do not draw a bow at a venture in the cause of God. We have the assurance that God will prosper his word, and that it will accomplish that whereunto he sends it. It will not return to him void. We enter the work expecting success. We are instructed as follows: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand.” “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” The work is God’s; the labor is for him; the reward is at the end of the race. S. N. HASKELL.