General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

A LETTER. PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD, B. W. I

March 21, 1901.

Foreign Mission Board, Battle Creek, Mich., U. S. A. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.6

Dear Brethren: I have just received a letter from Sister E. G. White, in which she says, “Keep your work and its needs before the General Conference. Write them freely.” This gives me courage to say a little more on the condition of things here. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.7

Since writing before, we have started the tent in Tunapuna. We had to wear out the rabble before the people could hear very much. But the Spirit of Christ prevailed. I have as help C. D. Adamson, two young men from Port of Spain church, and two from San Fernando. These two last mentioned have had some experience in the Wesleyan church work, and seem to offer a fair prospect to grow. Also this week a young man has yielded to the truth, and wishes to enter the work. He has read our literature for eight years. No one has labored with him. The decision is entirely his own. He was sent here by the A. M. E. Conference to open a mission. But after a time he closed it, and the bishop came to reopen it. This he failed to do, and the next day after he left, the man accepted the Sabbath. Of course we do not wish to hold out any pecuniary inducement to any, but test their sincerity. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.8

Those at the tent have been told that they will get a little more than their board for a few weeks, and then they can not expect permanent work. But if they are fit for the Master’s use, he will set them to work. I have offered this last man mentioned the same thing. He has not answered yet. I could get a dozen to enter the work, if I could pay them even common wages. But they would be in the way. We want men who will prepare their hearts, as did Ezra, and who can be trusted in any place,—men who will be true; who will do the work assigned, and bear their burdened, or be found dead under it. But they must be taught and tested and also trained. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.9

The letter referred to says: “Better train laborers on the spot if possible. They can do a work among their own people that we can not. Then with some help from America who can do some work that they can not, the cause advances.” I am very thankful for this, and also for the privilege of the money I am permitted to use in this way, and it ought to be more. But the prospect is fair to see good results. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.10

If another man is available, we shall shout for joy. If we can extend the work of training these mentioned above, we shall feel that it is really a thing of more importance. It is a laborious task. But if successful, as God only can make it, it will be a greater benefit to the work, and produce a more lasting effect, and larger results for the same outlay. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.11

I know we must have small ideas of our ability, and not trust to men too much. But this must only cause us to keep near to the Lord, and not decline the burden. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.12

Oh, I wish the call of the work could be sensed by the people. I am sure they would be blessed in taking hold to help. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.13

It has thus far been impossible to get a proper place to worship in Port of Spain. To build will require a large outlay; but that is the only thing to do. At present we are surrounded with the vilest. Often loud quarrels, sometimes ending in fights, drown the sound of the gospel. The only way out of this difficulty, to continue the work, and honor the cause, is to build a church. And it will not be wise to make it small, as we are growing too fast to make this safe. I hope the brethren will think what will be the best thing for them to do. We are truly in a strait. May the Lord bless the General Conference with wisdom and grace. GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.14

Yours in the blessed hope, GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.15

L. M. CROWTHER.

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Demand more of yourself than anybody else demands of you. Keep your own standard high. Never excuse yourself. Be a hard master to yourself, but lenient to everybody else.” GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.16

“We should not be discouraged because we are tempted, for our Master himself was tempted. It is not the temptation, but the yielding, which is sin: while the resistance strengthens the character.” GCB April 11, 1901, page 200.17