The Missionary by Alonzo T. Jones

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 6, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 39.

The Missionary.

By Alonzo T. Jones

NEW ZEALAND.

ALTHOUGH it has been some time since we have reported to the Signs, we have not been idle, and the cause in this Colony has not been standing still. Our new church is completed and we are holding meetings in it the most of the time. We have carefully re-examined the principal points of our faith, which has established more firmly the most of those who accepted it during the tent effort. A few proved to be "stony ground" hearers, and have given up, but others have come in and joined us, so that there are even more keeping the Sabbath now than there were when we took down the tent.

Since the organization of our tract and missionary society, some earnest efforts have been made to spread the truth by the circulation of our publications. Already we get encouraging news. In one town, many miles south, such a stir has been made that one minister has preached on the Sabbath question. A lady teacher in one of the schools in another city has, after reading "History of the Sabbath," "Great Controversy," Vol. 4, etc., accepted the truth. This of course causes great commotion in the church of which she is a member. One of our canvassers has gone to that part of the Colony to sell "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," and "Great Controversy," Vol. 4, and to circulate our publications. We are in hopes that the seeds of truth will find congenial soil in all parts of the Colony, and spring up and bear fruit unto life eternal.

The majority of the people in New Zealand are reading people. There being but little prejudice as yet, our works are carefully read. When this is done a deep impression is made on the heart. The first impulse is to step right out and obey, but the ministers begin to interfere by telling them that they are imposing a cross from which Christ delivered them by his death and resurrection, etc. These things confuse them, and trouble follows. What a pity those who take the position of shepherds of the people will thus turn their minds away from the plain truth of God.

One encouraging feature that has manifested itself in no small degree of late is the readiness with which the people adopt our views of true temperance. But little attention has been paid to this important phase of the Christian religion. The idea is far too prevalent that religion consists in attending church and working for a happy flight of feeling. The body is considered as only so much flesh and bones, and it is thought it makes but little difference how we treat it, just so the "soul is kept happy." But we have been endeavoring to disabuse the minds of the people on this point, pointing out the relation of the body to the mind. We have tried to show that whatever in any way impairs the body does the same to the mind, and hence affects one's spirituality. This important truth is recognized by most professed Christians when applied to the use of intoxicating liquors, but, strange to say, that is about as far as it is usually carried. Tobacco, tea, coffee, rich foods, eating at unseasonable hours, etc., receive but little consideration.

The colonial people are particularly fond of smoking, and of very strong tea. Some weeks ago I gave a few lectures on hygiene and health from Dr. Kellogg's excellent physiological charts. To my surprise this subject created much interest and comment. It was spoken of in the papers and the church was nearly filled with people eager to ascertain some of the causes of that dread disease, dyspepsia, and how to cure it. Not only have nearly all our Sabbath-keepers abandoned those stimulants and injurious articles of diet, but many not of our number have discarded them. We are charged with having injured the tea trade. The united testimony of those who have discarded tobacco, tea, and stimulants, is to the effect that they feel better physically, their minds are clearer, and the religious experience is more satisfactory. So it will ever be with those who thus endeavor to honor God.

During the last two weeks we have been holding revival meetings. All the members have made an effort to attend and seek the Lord for a deeper experience in heavenly things. The Lord has heard the prayers offered, and has come near and given many a new experience. The older ones have humbled their hearts and confessed their sins, while many of the younger ones have made a start for the first time. This has brought us near together and united hearts more closely than at any previous time. We are anxious to start right, so that God can use us in the work in New Zealand. The people are reading, thinking, and inquiring. A few days ago I received an invitation from the trustees of a church in a village thirty miles from Auckland, to hold a few meetings in their place, and explain some of the prophecies of Daniel to them. Of course I shall go and do what I can. There are hundreds of places in this Colony where the truth could be preached with good results, if we only had the men to do it. We are very anxious to see what the coming General Conference will do for us. We trust the Macedonian cry will be heard and responded to as it was by the great apostle Paul eighteen hundred years ago. In the meantime we shall labor on the best we can, for "the night is far spent and the day is at hand." A. G. DANIELLS. Auckland, September 12, 1887.