REPORT FROM EUROPE by Stephen N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 25, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 33.

REPORT FROM EUROPE.

By Stephen N. Haskell

It is now two months since we landed upon the shores of Great Britain, and our time has been largely occupied in looking over the field, and visiting other portions of the European Continent. Soon after our arrival we visited Christiania, Norway, as has been noticed in the SIGNS. July 14 we left London for Basel to attend a special conference of our brethren there. As we have gone from place to place and taken in the situation of things, we have become more and more convinced that God has gone before his people to prepare the way for the spread of the truth, adapted to this generation. In every part of the world hearts are being prepared for the reception of the truth, and the great lack we see is in our own unprepared condition to do the work God has to accomplish in the earth.

The work is God's, but he has committed it to his people to carry it forward. Angels co-operate with God's servants as also does our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the great captain of our salvation and everywhere he is assisting in the work himself. When plans are laid to carry forward his work, angels of God are sent to prepare the way and influence minds so the work of God can prosper, and that wisely-laid schemes may be successful and advance the truth.

At Basel, Switzerland, they have an office, well equipped in every way to publish the truth to the millions on the continent who are in darkness. But the same lack is felt there that is felt in almost every Conference in America—experienced laborers are wanted; those who can go from house to house selling our publications, and also hold Bible-readings among the people. One Bible worker who has gone from one of our city missions in America, has already accomplished a good work in Switzerland, and is still engaged in the same, but there seems to be none who are successful in canvassing. The publishing work is the right arm of our strength, and canvassers are needed to sell our books to the people.

Efforts are now being put forth to educate workers to do this. The plan of training laborers adopted in Scandinavia has been very successful, so that notwithstanding this being the most difficult field for the colporter except Russia, over twenty persons are

sustaining themselves, and in some cases their families, by selling our publications. In Russia also, the canvassers have done the same, although the greatest difficulties exist, and such as to require most carefully-directed efforts. God, in his providence, makes the truth as successful in these countries as in lands where there is more freedom and more liberal laws. He blesses just in proportion to the effort put forth, and where the difficulties are greater, and there is a proportionate effort made to meet and overcome them, he will work with his people to carry forward his truth.

In London very little is accomplished as yet. Society is different from what we find in America, being divided into more sharply-defined classes, and canvassing from house to house is looked upon as only adapted to the poorer class of people, and to be carried forward by those who sell papers, or small trinkets, and virtually live on the donations of the people. This seems to be the work of those who canvass on the streets and from house to house, and yet canvassing is as common here as in America, but it is by an entirely different plan. The laborer must work in each grade by itself, for the time being confining himself to that special class which he is trying to reach. Parlor meetings are not uncommon here when conducted according to the custom of the country.

God has blessed the work in London to some extent, and given us favor in the eyes of some of the leading men, and the Bible workers are having some success in families of the better class. We see the necessity of opening a training mission here in London at once. The question is often asked the Bible workers, "Where can I come to see you?" Many prefer to do this rather than have readings conducted at their homes, until they become acquainted. But as yet the workers have no place to which to invite them. They have therefore been laboring, and are still, at a great disadvantage. A home of their own would give the work a standing and give us influence in the community where we are laboring. But notwithstanding this, we can see omens for good. Quite a number of families have become interested of whom we entertain hopes that they may embrace the truth.

Regular Sabbath meetings have been held, ever since the workers become established, in Holloway, where they are now. Sabbath, July 23, we met with them. Nine adults and three children attended the Sabbath-school and services. A Sabbath-school was organized, Sister Hurd being appointed superintendent, Sister McKinnon secretary and treasurer, and Jennie Owens teacher of the children. The workers have also attended some of the Sunday services in the churches, and through the introduction of one family who become interested in the Bible-readings, Sister Owens has been appointed teacher in one of the Sunday-schools. At the Sabbath meeting above referred to I had the privilege of preaching the first sermon that was ever preached to a Seventh-day Adventist congregation in London. We hope this small beginning omens prosperity for the future. We are thoroughly convinced that it is not by might nor by power, but by God's Spirit. It is he alone that gives success, and can carry forward the work to perfection. How these five million people in London, about one-twelfth as many as in the United States, are to be warned, is an important question. It will require an outlay of means to get established in this city, but God has a people here, as everywhere else, and there will be many who will take their stand for the truth. Our hope is in God, and in him is our courage, and notwithstanding the difficulties we meet, we believe that orelong we shall see of the salvation of God in this city.

S. N. H.