p. 124 | THE N. Y. MISSION by M. B. Czechowski

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 4, 1860

THE N. Y. MISSION.

By M. B. Czechowski

BRO. SMITH: Probably many of the dear brethren and sisters who have been kind to supply my wants, would be glad to hear how I am getting along in my new field of labor. This part of the Lord’s vineyard differs from the West, and all other parts of the United States. Here all people, nations and languages are united in the commerce of this world; but I believe many are sincere and honest, though all seem to be under the influence of our common enemy. A great part of this population live in misery; virtue is despised, and crime, deceit, and fraud, have taken their place among them.

This state of things is owing to the influence of the higher classes of the people here, professors of religion, highly esteemed by the world as very good Christians, but who by their fruits show themselves to be

hypocrites and impostors; therefore this glorious present truth, the third angel's message, whose beauty is its evidence, has not the charms for them that error, pride and vanity, and the fashions of the day possess. But I thank our heavenly Father that the door is open for me to advocate the present truth in the midst of these errors.

First, we proceeded to organize the church, and by the grace of God, saw love and union among the members restored. Second, I rented on my own responsibility a good chapel, for two hundred dollars a year. I pay monthly, in advance, commencing the 12th of June last. This place of worship was, according to my judgment, indispensable. According to our last arrangement, we have prayer-meetings every Wednesday evening at No. 28, Division St., and every Sabbath evening a prayer and conference meeting in the chapel at 131, Sands St., Brooklyn. We have a Sabbath-school from 10 o'clock to twelve on Sabbath, A. M., a Bible-class from 1 to 3, P. M., public worship, conference, &c., after 3. Every Sunday at 10 o'clock a lecture in French; at 2 o'clock, P. M., in Polish; at 7 in the evening, Bible-class, conference and prayer meeting in English.

Our French part of the mission is very poor. The French people are too proud; but yet I believe that some among them will receive the mark of the living God. I have visited two French churches, one Episcopalian, and the other, Presbyterian; and truly I was astonished at the imbecility of the doctrine presented by the Rev. D. D.'s.

Our Polish branch is a good one, and truly for my part I have not words to express my gratitude to my heavenly Father that the door for presenting the truth to my nation is open here, and one has come out decided on the truth. Bro. Julius Stawicki who was formerly a Turkish sergeant, was the first fruits of my labors here. Five months ago he did not believe there was a God; but now, alarmed for his nation, he prays day and night for those who are in the same darkness in which he has been. Many of our countrymen are in the candid investigation of the present truth.

The Italian people cherish the message. The Swedish are very much interested. The German branch is not yet opened. I must claim the indulgence of the brethren that our mission goes very slowly; for it needs great prudence to labor successfully in this dark and wicked place.

Our English branch becomes weekly more interesting. One sister from the Baptist church has been added to our number, and is making great efforts to convince her Baptist friends of the glorious present truth.

Last Sabbath I had the privilege of meeting with Bro. and Sr. Wheeler at Kensington, Ct., and was happy to form an acquaintance with Bro. and Sr. Belden, and others of that place; also Bro. Asa Kimball of Hampton, Ct.

I trust that all the brethren and sisters who are interested in the progress of present truth in the foreign nations, will pray for us. Yours. M. B. CZECHOWSKI. Brooklyn, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1860.