Missionary Incidents by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 8, 1885

Missionary Incidents.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

IN one of our Eastern cities, a few months since, a circumstance occurred which may be of interest to the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. It illustrates how God's providence is over his work, and how he co-operates with those who are trying to do his will. The Lord always works with his people when they sustain the right relation to him. Angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who are heirs of salvation. The world is full of the special providences of God, which we might recognize as such did we but stop to consider. A gentleman engaged in the missionary work in Boston, had felt for some time the necessity of taking steps to make deeper impressions on the people with whom he labored. His preaching and teaching did not seem to have the effect that he thought they should have. He was therefore led to arrange certain texts of Scripture and have them printed in connection with appropriate questions. Having learned of our method of holding Bible-readings, he came to our reading-room to make inquiry and learn what he could do as to the best method of teaching the Scripture. This resulted in his asking for a Bible-reading to examine. He wished one on the subject of the Sabbath in the New Testament. Reluctantly, our brother at the mission let him have one, fearing that he might not fully comprehend it. In a few days he returned, bringing it back with him. "I did not know that there was such scripture in the Bible," he said. He had fully made up his mind to henceforth observe the Sabbath of the Bible, and immediately commenced to labor in its behalf.

Word comes from Elder Kilgore, who is at the World's Exposition at New Orleans, that he has formed some very interesting acquaintances since going to that place; one in particular of a missionary who was distributing Bible leaves. Elder Kilgore called his attention to the Bible testimony on the Sabbath and other subjects that he had not before thought of in particular. The result is that this man has also commenced to observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and to labor in its behalf; also others have been found in the city who are observers of the Sabbath of the Bible. These individuals will co-operate and continue to do so during the coming winter.

Is it a marvel that God should raise up laborers in his cause? He does not require a six months' probation of laborers before they engage in his work. He has committed to his people the work of warning the world of the coming Judgment. If they fail to appreciate the importance of this commission and the opportunities offered them for executing it, God's resources are not limited; he will select others to do this work. In the days of Elijah he had seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal, so to-day God has faithful men and women whom he can and will use to accomplish his work. He will cut his work short in righteousness, for a short work will be made on the earth.

S. N. HASKELL.