MISSIONARY WORK IN ENGLAND.
From a letter written by Bro. Ings to the missionary society of Battle Creek, we make the following extract for the benefit of the readers of the Review:— I arrived at Southampton, May 23. I found people hungering for truth. The honest are seeing the low degree of spirituality in the churches, and are looking around for something better. Go where you will in England, you hear the second message preached,—“Babylon is fallen.” I have never had this message come so forcibly to my mind as since I came here. There seems to be no union whatever among the members of the churches. This to my mind is evidence that the time has come for the third message to go forth. I was astonished to find the people so eager to read. I gave tracts to a lady who was so much interested that she slept with them under her pillow, and although very feeble and under the doctor’s care, she was up at four o’clock in the morning reading them. I was requested to visit them and explain to them. As I talked on some of the prophecies, my heart was made glad to see how eagerly they drank down the truth. So far, I have had no opposition and the people receive our reading matter gladly. Southampton is quite a shipping point. Ships leave this port for all parts of the world. I placed some of our publications on board a ship going to Brazil, also on one going to the Indies, receiving the promise that they should be circulated among the natives. I visited the harbor one Sunday to circulate tracts among the sailors. They were so eager to read, that those I passed by, on seeing others having tracts, would follow me, and ask me to give them some. One man asked for publications to send to a friend on the Red Sea, another wished tracts sent to Bombay, East Indies. A Wesleyan wanted tracts to give to members of that church, others would carry them in their pockets to hand out to friends. It seemed to me that the Spirit of God compelled people to scatter the seeds of truth. Health tracts are asked for. I think I can safely say, that not one in twenty has good health. The people eat five times a day, the last meal just before going to bed, and they depend on their tea as much as a drunkard does on his drinks. I can now see the wisdom of educating our young men and women to treat the sick, that, as they go into the missionary field, they may be able to administer to the physical, as well as the spiritual wants of the people. As the result of my two weeks’ stay in Southampton, two worthy persons are rejoicing in the truth, and I hope for others. When I left I promised to return, which I expect to do soon. I have scattered reading matter in Lytchett, where I stayed two days. People say that if they are not keeping the true Sabbath, they want to do it. At a house where I called for shelter from a storm, I found an intelligent man and gave him tracts. Now he wishes to have another interview with me. I find that in doing missionary work persons must write when they send reading matter, and call attention to our views, even if they say nothing more than, We hold that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and that Christ will soon come to this earth. It needs something to arouse the people, and then they will investigate. It seems to me that the time has come for a general move to be made in all parts of the world. England needs one of our best ministers. I hope the Conference will send some one here soon. A tent could be used, and a good hearing could be had. I have a few names of interested readers. I take ten copies of the Signs; but I am constantly finding readers and cannot supply them all; so I will send a few names to your society, and ask your help in scattering the truth in England. I can send you more if you wish. I have just come to this place. It was my boyhood home. I shall do what I can here. Shall visit Portsmouth, and other places before my return to Switzerland. My courage is good, and I mean, by the help of God, to be found doing something in my Master’s vineyard. I am glad to hear of the interest your society manifests in the spread of truth. We cannot occupy a more exalted position than to be doing the work we are engaged in. Let us double our diligence and show to the world that we are in earnest, and if we keep humble God will bless our labors. I believe time is very short. Angels are holding the winds until the servants of God are sealed. Let us use every available means to hasten the message, and, if faithful, we can all clasp hands in the gathering day. My address is 68 Müllerweg, Bâle, Suisse.