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EASTWARD

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1878

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 51, No. 4.

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EASTWARD

By I. Sanborn

On the morning of Dec. 13 we took our final leave of the brethren and sisters in Wisconsin, and about midnight found ourselves in Battle Creek. Our brief stay here was one of great pleasure and profit to us. We found the dear people of God alive in the good work which God has given us to do in order that the present generation may be warned concerning the great truths of the third angel’s message. When we saw the prosperous condition of the Publishing Association, the College, and the Sanitarium, and thought of the glorious light which emanates from this grand center, we thanked God for what he is doing for his people. The industry of the workers in the different institutions brings to mind the activity of a healthy bee-hive in mid-summer.
Our visit at the College was one long to be remembered. As we saw before us perhaps more than three hundred students, we could but review the past experience of our people. We recalled the time when on the fingers of one’s hand could be counted all the friends of the truth, when every copy of our dear paper was carried to the post-office in a satchel, and even far later than that, when the sons and daughters of our people had no school of this character to attend, and we thought: “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Our gratitude was too deep for expression, and tears defied all power of restraint.
Having learned, by traveling from place to place, the very great need there is of efficient workers for God, we were prepared to appreciate all these means of preparation for our young men and women; and the thought that so many were willing to devote their lives to the work of God and make sacrifices to fit themselves for future usefulness, stirred our hearts to the very depths. We thought, Do these students fully appreciate these advantages? and are they appropriating all the privileges here within their reach? May God assist them all to realize the responsibility resting on them on account of these excellent surroundings.
On Sabbath, at 9 A. M., we met with the large and flourishing Sabbath-school. The church is much too small for the numbers in attendance, and two rooms in one of the publishing houses are used for large classes. Here, too, we found interested learners as well as teachers. We pray that our brethren elsewhere may take the same interest in the Sabbath-school, and that those who have none may not rest contented till they have one organized and in successful operation.
As I stood before the large congregation at 10:30 A. M., the necessity of a larger meeting-house was clearly seen, and the remarks of some murmurers came to mind, “The house is too large; you will never fill it;” but the Lord has proved that all such fears were the result of entertaining too narrow views of the great work to be done by believers in the third angel’s message.
Our brief visit at Battle Creek is in the past, but the impressions made are indelible. Resolutions were formed, not to be forgotten. God help us in their practical bearing on our work.
Wednesday evening, Dec. 19, we arrived safely in North Scituate, R. I., at the quiet, comfortable home of Mrs. Mary A. Hoxie, Mrs. Sanborn’s mother. Friday I went to Kingston, about twenty-five miles southwest of Providence, where I met Bro. M. Wood, of Boston, Bro. P. C. Rodman, of R. I., Bro. L. W. Hastings and wife, and over forty other brethren and sisters; and truly the Lord met with us in power, and by his Spirit, through his word, melted our hearts into humble submission to his will. Many decided to live nearer to God in the future. Over fifty dollars, in cash, were raised for different enterprises in this Conference.
The Lord is truly coming very near to his people in New England. I understand it is because they are drawing nigh to God by taking hold of his work in all its departments; especially because they are prompt in paying their tithes, and engage heartily in the missionary work. And as they realize that scores are embracing the truth as the result of their efforts, they are encouraged, believing that the Lord is about to pour out a blessing that there will not be room to receive it.
The Lord says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Open the door and let the Master come in; and your fears, troubles, and unbelief, yes, and slackness in his service, will soon leave you, and faith, hope, and peace will be yours.
On returning home Monday, while waiting in Providence I called on some of the Sabbath-keepers there, and left an appointment for the next Sabbath. Spent Christmas and New Year’s at home, where we find the rest we have needed so long; but we hear of so many places where labor is desired that we are anxious to be at work soon. As a brother in Wisconsin remarked, we find the sweetest rest in active labor.
Our address is North Scituate, R. I. Mail sent here will reach us at any time.
I. SANBORN.