Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]

MR No. 364—On Early Work in Great Britain

Elder Ings, Sister Ings, and I took the steamer for the Isle of Wight. The day was a little cloudy at first, but the clouds dispersed and we had very pleasant weather. Brother Sargent lives with his family on the island. They are indeed children of God, keeping the Sabbath with all fidelity. Have kept the Sabbath for six years. His work is a captain of ships. The Sabbath has shut him out of positions more profitable, but he rejoices in the truth. We purchased strawberries and bread and Sister Phipson, Sister Ings and I were seated in full view of the water, and took our lunch. The Isle of Wight is a beautiful place. After we had taken refreshments Brother Sargent took us across the bay in his rowboat and we visited his family. They have a numerous little flock. We had a pleasant visit and then had a season of prayer with them. It was a precious season.—Manuscript 36, 1887, 6, 7. (Diary, July 10, 1887.) 6MR 123.1

We know that the Lord has wrought wonderfully since we first came to Europe. Praise His holy name.... If you want to close the door to any benevolent impulses you can talk as if there had nothing been done worth while. We think there has much been done. At Zurich there was one man and his wife, and when we left I think there were 20, and these, as a whole, will present as good a front as any company raised up in New England.... 6MR 123.2

God lives and reigns, we will walk by faith and trust wholly in God who is our helper in every time of need. Let us praise God for what has been done and then try to push the work continually. We are not to become faint hearted but lean heavily on Jesus. Be of good heart. 6MR 123.3

A good work has been done in England. The work has necessarily moved slowly; more might have been done. But when we consider there is quite a little army of souls that have been added to the church, let us praise God. In Grimsby there are some precious souls. Some are not what they might be and yet their influence has done much for the cause of truth. I was made to rejoice while there that a young man teaching the school was under deep conviction and had commenced to keep the Sabbath, but his exercises came upon the Sabbath and he solicited the prayers of the brethren for wisdom how to manage this matter. He frankly confessed his faith and was favored. God was in this. I know of no more striking circumstance that has occurred in America showing evidence of genuine conversion. 6MR 124.1

Then the two sisters who embraced the truth in Grimsby, and their niece there, are precious souls. One lying an invalid, the others doing what they can with their influence and can become useful workers in the cause of God. They have good ability that should be appreciated and brought into the work. There are others also that I might mention in Ulceby. 6MR 124.2

There is the case of Bro. Armstrong and family. The power of truth has come into that family. The father made great sacrifices and the Lord blessed him greatly. He has no thought of turning back although he has lost, as a superior baker, much of his custom because he will not furnish bread upon the Sabbath. 6MR 124.3

In Ulceby is a little company and there is the standard of truth lifted and all around Ulceby are souls I know who are deeply convicted. The seeds of truth have been sown and will spring up and bear fruit. There are precious souls in Kettering.—Letter 50, 1887, pp. 6, 7, 9, 10. (To S. N. Haskell, September 1, 1887.) 6MR 124.4

Released March 26, 1974.