The North England Conference
By E. E. Andross
SINCE my last report to the REVIEW the Lord has been prospering the work in this conference. Twenty-one were baptized during the last quarter, and throughout the field conditions are more favorable for an advance move than they have been at any time in the past. We are hopeful for the future, notwithstanding the fact that it is very evident here that the “shaking time” has begun, and some are falling away. This is leading all to study the foundation principles of this truth more closely, and a more complete consecration of all to God and to the rapid spread of the message of salvation is the result. This can not but strengthen our work, instead of weakening it; and I praise the Lord for the experience. It is sad to see any turning away from the only hope of salvation; but the Lord must purify his people, and we are assured that, “Yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” The Lord’s “fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Elder Parsons and his mother, who are working at Hull, report that they have arranged a baptismal service for Sabbath, January 9. The work is onward there. The Lord is blessing the labors of Elder Haughey, at Manchester, where we expect to organize a church in a few weeks. Elder McCord and Sister Sanders are working in Birmingham, with an increasing interest. New ones are constantly joining the ranks of God’s people there, and the church is in a healthy condition spiritually. Brother Brandt has been working at Leeds for some time, with some success. The church there has been passing through the fire, but they are coming out purified. I am glad to report that Sister Castle started our first church school in the kingdom last Monday, January 4, at Kettering, where one of our strongest churches is located. I have not yet had a detailed report of its beginning, but I understand that it started very encouragingly. We hope that this will be but the beginning of a great work. Monday, December 28, I had the privilege of baptizing five candidates at Leicester, where we have been working through the summer. We trust that others will soon follow these. Brother and Sister Marchus and Sister Bacon are beginning a work at Nottingham and Derby that gives promise of yielding fruit in the near future. Elder Altman and family were there for a short time before leaving for South Africa. We have been closely associated with them in labor for nearly five years, having come to England together in May, 1899. We shall miss their help in this place very much indeed; but the field is the world, and they felt that the Lord was calling them to Africa. We ask all to pray that the Lord may bless the workers in this field, that there may be many laborers raised up here to join the force of workers in the distant fields, that the coming of the blessed One may be hastened.