Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

THE BRITISH MISSION

THE two prominent truths held by Seventh-day Adventists are the perpetuity and unchangeableness of God’s moral law, summarily comprehended in the decalogue, and the doctrine of the near coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The former involves the obligation to observe the seventh-day Sabbath, and both include, when fully developed, all the other views of importance held by that people. The doctrine of the near coming of Christ is truthfully applicable only in the last days, and so it has been held in prospect by the good and enlightened of all past ages. HSFM 79.1

Not so the Sabbath of the Lord. Although prophecy predicts a reform in regard to this institution, which has been so long trampled under foot, it is nevertheless true that it has been of perpetual obligation since “the Sabbath was made for man” by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. It becomes, therefore, a pleasure to him who loves God’s law to trace its history, and to find that even in the “wilderness” state of the church, the Sabbath of the Lord -the sign of the true God-has had its faithful witnesses in various parts of the world. And Great Britain is no exception to this. HSFM 79.2

In the earlier centuries of the Christian era, before the leaven of paganism had done its work, observers of the seventh day can readily be found. There is excellent reason for believing that such were the Culdees of Iona, a prominent leader of whom was Columba, who died in the sixth century. Such could doubtless be found from the sixth to the sixteenth century, had not all traces of them been obliterated by their enemies, or the monkish historians been too illiterate to record them. But on reaching the sixteenth century, when a revival of learning took place, the ancient Sabbath comes again to the front. Its observers seem to spring from the persecuted of the Dark Ages, rather than from the Reformation. Dr. Chambers, doubtless referring to Sabbatarians as a distinct denomination, says, “They arose in England in the sixteenth century.” “A Sketch of the Denominations of the Christian World,” by John Evans, A. M. (London, 1801), speaks of them as much reduced in numbers, “but deserving” at that time “of a distinct mention,” “on account of their integrity and respectability.” In the reign of “Queen Bess” there was much agitation over the subject, and that agitation developed men and women who counted the truth of God dearer than honor, wealth, and life. For teaching and observing the seventh-day Sabbath, John Trask was censured in the Star Chamber to be placed in the pillory at Westminster, and from thence to be whipped to the fleet, there to remain a prisoner. Mrs. Trask, his wife, a woman of rare virtue and loveliness of character, was confined, for observing the Sabbath, for fifteen years, to the day of her death. About 1632 a learned minister, Theophilus Brabourne, published works of ability on the Sabbath, dedicated to King Charles 1., who appointed through Archbishop Laud, Drs. F. White and Peter Heylyn to reply to the same, both of whom admit the strength of Brabourne’s argument, and the absence of positive Scripture testimony in favor of Sunday. A little later, Philip Tandy and James Ockford wrote in defense of the Sabbath, the latter of whose books were burned by order of the church. The Stennett family furnished Sabbatarian ministers for four successive generations at Pinner’s Hall chapel, London. The first of these suffered much for his opinions, and was for a long time imprisoned. One of the most eminent Sabbatarians of this century was Francis Bampfield, formerly a clergyman of the Church of England. He also suffered for his faith, being imprisoned nine years therefor. He was the founder of the church at Pinner’s Hall, so ably presided over afterward by the Stennetts. He died a martyr to the truth, in Newgate prison, Feb. 16, 1683. His brother, at one time speaker of the House of Commons, under Cromwell, was also imprisoned for his faith in Ilchester jail. In October, 1661, Mr. John James was apprehended while preaching, tried, and sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered. His brave, consciously innocent spirit was faithful to the last. He prayed for his persecutors, and died happy in Him into whose hands it is ever safe to commit a just cause. But space forbids extended notice of the brave witnesses for truth. In the times of fiercest persecution, they prospered. Some went to America and there sowed the seed of truth, which has since borne abundant fruit. Others compromised with the world, and their lamp went out in darkness. Others remained faithful, and their light still shines, as, for instance, the Mill Yard (London) church of Seventh-day Baptists, now 56 Mildmay-Park, London, N., near the head of whose list of honorable ministers stands the name of John James, the martyr, the last of whom, the present incumbent, is W. M. Jones. This gentleman has for eleven years published a quarterly, the Sabbath Memorial, which has done good service in the Sabbath cause, both in its thorough research into the languages and histories of the past, and its faithful witnessing for the truth. HSFM 79.3

The Advent doctrine also has been extensively proclaimed in Great Britain. At the time when William Miller and his associates were giving the first angel’s message in America, according to Mourant Brock, an authority of note, seven hundred clergymen of the Church of England were raising the cry. The Lord is at hand. Many non-conformists also preached the same doctrine, among whom were Drs. Cumming and Bonar. In England also Dr. Joseph Wolff received the truth that the coming of the Lord was near, and proclaimed it throughout all the East, as well as before many, both high and low, in England. Many works on prophecy were written, though the work at large did not take so definite a form as in America in regard to the time of Christ’s appearing. There are still many who are advocating the near coming of Christ. HSFM 80.1

The reason why Seventh-day Adventists waited so long before entering the United Kingdom is not known; but it was some time after they had begun the work in other European fields that missionaries were sent to Great Britain, -a country which has done more to spread the knowledge of the word of God than all other nations combined, and which presents unparalleled facilities for sending the truth to other nations through her extensive shipping interests. The first Seventh-day Adventist missionary to visit England was Bro. William Ings, who reached Southampton from Basle, Switzerland, May 23, 1878. HSFM 80.2

Bro. Ings remained at first two weeks, when he returned again to the Continent. He reported much interest, and people “hungering for the truth.” He soon returned to England, and resumed work in the land of his birth. At the end of sixteen weeks he reports ten keeping the Sabbath. He makes the first published appeal in behalf of Britain, and thinks that a tent might be used to advantage. He and his wife remained in England until the beginning of the year 1882. Much of his time was spent in ship work, and thousands of pages of publications on present truth in various languages were sent by him to all parts of the world. Many interesting cases were reported; some embraced the truth, and others were found ready to assist in its circulation. Although Southampton is but a second-rate port, the labor put forth there demonstrated the value and necessity of using the many ships of England as a medium to circulate the truth. But Bro. Ings’ labors were not confined to ship work. In Southampton and surrounding towns and villages he presented the truth faithfully as opportunity offered, going from house to house, obtaining subscriptions for periodicals, talking and praying with the people. To his labors, under God, not a few owe their conversion, and the publications he scattered enlightened many. He also assisted Eld. Lough-borough at a later period in tent work. HSFM 81.1

In 1878 the General Conference resolved to open a mission in England, and Eld. J. N. Loughborough was chosen to take charge of the work. Appeals were made for funds to carry on the work. These appeals were responded to by brethren in America, and Dec. 17, 1878, Eld. Loughborough sailed from New York to England, arriving at Southampton, Dec. 30. He located in this town, and preached his first sermon in Shirley Hall to a congregation of one hundred and fifty persons, Jan. 5, 1879. Several meetings were held here, and as the result four persons were added to those already keeping the Sabbath. The first Sabbath meeting was held Jan. 11. HSFM 81.2

During the time the above meetings were held, measures were taken to procure a tent, and one was accordingly purchased, sixty feet in diameter, for £85, or about $425. About the same time meetings were held in Coxford, a suburb of Southampton, and a few more were added to those keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” At this time Miss Maud Sisley, who had gained a good experience in America in the work of visiting families, distributing reading matter, and doing colporter work, became connected with the work in England. HSFM 81.3

The tent was first pitched at Southampton, and the first service was held in it Sunday, May 18, 1879, with an audience of about six hundred. Seventy-four discourses were given, besides the Sabbath-schools which were held, the meeting closing Aug. 17. Including those who were previously keeping the Sabbath, over thirty names were attached to the covenant at the close of these meetings. The season and locality were both unfavorable for a tent, the weather being rainy and foggy. HSFM 81.4

August 24 finds the Sabbath meetings held and the Depository located at Ravenswood Villa, a large dwelling-house leased at a cost of about $200 a year. During the year, two hundred and fifty-five meetings were held. There was donated in England for the expenses of the tent, and for general missionary work, over $400. HSFM 82.1

January 11, 1880, a National Tract and Missionary Society was organized under the regular constitution, with thirty-six members. Eld. Loughborough was chosen president, and Mrs. A. M. Loughborough, secretary. There were two districts, the directors of which were Eld. Loughborough and Bro. Henry Veysey. This action awakened renewed interest and zeal on the part of the members. HSFM 82.2

Systematic missionary labor was begun by sending out the Signs of the Times to addresses of individuals obtained in various ways. During the year 1881, one thousand copies were thus used. These were sent out accompanied by printed letters, stating the object in thus sending them, and soliciting subscriptions and aid in the work. Many interesting responses were received; quite a number of permanent subscribers were obtained, and several embraced the truth, some of whom are actively engaged in the work of God at the present time. Sometimes as many as one hundred letters would be received in a single month. A few papers were sold by colporters. This plan of operation seemed the best that could be adopted by Elds. Loughborough and Andrews, and was continued as long as Eld. Loughborough remained in the Mission. Many were thus reached by the truth who would, in all probability, have waited long before their attention was called to it in any other way. HSFM 82.3

The first occasion of baptism in England by Seventh-day Adventists was Feb. 8, 1880, when six were immersed by Eld. Loughborough. From that date to July 2, 1881, twenty-nine were baptized at Southampton. The most of these lived in the vicinity of Southampton. As the result of a three-weeks’ meeting, personal effort, and the distribution of reading matter at Taunton, Somersetshire, seven signed the covenant, prominent among whom was Prof. Henry Veysey, a teacher of experience, who has since held responsible and useful connection with the Battle Creek College as teacher. HSFM 82.4

June 18 the tent was again pitched at Romsey, a village near Southampton, the meeting closing August 7, on account of severe damages to the tent, caused by a gale of wind. These meetings were continued for a time in a hall, and several embraced the truth. The tent was not used after this. HSFM 82.5

In May, 1881, Eld. Loughborough visited Basle to consult with Eld. Andrews concerning the mutual interests of the work. October 9, he began meetings in Darleston, Staffordshire, where Charles Wesley was once mobbed. On account of bad weather and adverse circumstances, these meetings closed the 19th. From that place Eld. L. proceeded to Manchester, where he attended the annual meetings of the United Kingdom Temperance Alliance, the British Anti-Tobacco and Anti-Narcotic League, and the Vegetarian Society. At these meetings he was received as the representative of the American Health and Temperance Association. He also addressed the Vegetarian Society. The acquaintance formed at these meetings opened channels for the introduction and sale of our publications, and some of the members of these societies have become observers of the Bible Sabbath. HSFM 82.6

November 15, Eld. Loughborough sailed for America to attend the General Conference. At this meeting it was voted to send additional workers to Great Britain, and that Eld. S. N. Haskell should visit the European field. HSFM 83.1

The following laborers, recommended by the General Conference, accompanied Eld. Loughborough back to England: Eld. A. A. John and wife, of Illinois; George R. Drew, of California; Miss Jennie Thayer, of Massachusetts; and Eld. Loughborough’s son and daughter. They reached Southampton, Jan. 25, 1882. Shortly after this, William Ings and wife returned to America, England losing a faithful missionary, and America gaining one. HSFM 83.2

The same number of copies of the Signs of the Times-1000-were used this year as before, and in addition to this, many copies of Good Health were used. This journal gained many permanent friends by its introduction into England. Many books were placed in various public libraries in different parts of the kingdom. HSFM 83.3

March 7, 1882, Eld. A. A. John began to labor in Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He commenced his work by loaning packages of tracts from house to house. The interest thus created was followed up and increased by efforts in halls, through the local public press, and by open-air meetings, which efforts have resulted in the conversion of a goodly number of faithful souls to the truth. When Eld. John went there, there was but one Sabbath-keeper in the town, a Seventh-day Baptist brother who has been of material assistance to the work in that town. Eld. John’s first meeting was held in the Hall of Science, March 13. A month later his heart was made glad by the conversion of one to the Sabbath truth. Others soon after embraced the truth. Prayer-meetings, Sabbath meetings, and a Sabbath-school were established here the same year. Open-air meetings were held in Grimsby, at Cleethorpes, a popular watering-place near Grimsby, and in other towns and villages in the vicinity. In this way thousands have since heard the truth proclaimed in Grimsby and vicinity. A church of believers and a tract and missionary society were organized in 1884; and similar organizations were effected in Ulceby, a village ten miles from Grimsby, as the result of Eld. John’s labors in 1885. From March, 1882, till the summer of 1885, Eld. John held meetings in Grimsby, Barton, Louth, Ulceby, and several other villages. Bad weather and ill health prevented him from developing some of these interests. To September, 1885, about thirty-five persons had embraced the truth in Grimsby and vicinity, nearly all of whom have been baptized. The churches and tract societies, though not large, are composed of vigorous and active workers. Since the early summer of 1885, Eld. John has been laboring in Aberyswith and vicinity in Wales, with apparent tokens of good. HSFM 83.4

From Southampton George R. Drew went to London, arriving there February 14. Here he remained four weeks, selling about $75 worth of books, and disposing of many publications in various directions. From there he proceeded to Hull and Grimsby, engaging in missionary work on shipboard and on land, remaining chiefly in Hull, till April, 1883. His experience at this important port was highly encouraging, his sales sometimes reaching as high as $45 a week. He visited some thousands of ships, and sent publications to many parts of the world. He met with the most encouragement among the Scandinavians. From Hull he went to the great port of Liverpool, with its miles of wharfage, and its harbor filled with ships from all the countries of the earth. His experience and success to the present have been of the same character as at Hull, though depression in trade has somewhat affected sales. Some have embraced the truth as the result of his labors. One, a ship captain of Finland, has been the means of the conversion of others, and is still laboring zealously for souls in his native land. Many others are interested, and have assisted in circulating our papers both in Great Britain and beyond the seas. HSFM 83.5

Beginning in February, 1880, small editions of various eight and sixteen page tracts were published, and in March, 1882, the publication of a British supplement to the Signs of the Times was commenced. This supplement, designed especially to represent the progress of the work in England, was first published monthly, and later semi-monthly. It was printed from type owned by the Mission, and contained various doctrinal articles, reports of labor, and items of general interest. At the date of Eld. Loughborough’s departure, thirty-five numbers had been printed. From Oct. 10, 1883, the work of editing, composing, and proof-reading was done almost wholly by Miss Jennie Thayer, who had been engaged in the Mission as secretary since Jan. 25, 1882. The last number was issued Feb. 29, 1884. The next month the Depository was moved to Grimsby. HSFM 84.1

From 1879 to 1884 the workers in the Mission were from time to time cheered by the visits of friends from America. Eld. J. N. Andrews visited the Mission twice. At one time, the summer of 1879, while on his return from his visit to America, he spent several weeks at Southampton, giving material help to Eld. Loughborough in the tent-meetings he was then holding. In 1883, Dr. J. H. Kellogg and family remained with the laborers at Southampton four days. In July of the same year, Eld. B. L. Whitney and company called on their way to Basle to take charge of the Mission there. All these visits were cheering to the workers. But the most important one, because of its practical results, was that of Eld. S. N. Haskell. In harmony with the recommendation of the General Conference, he sailed from New York May 13, arriving in Southampton May 25, 1882, being preceded one week by Bro. J. W. Gardner and wife, who were to accompany him on his tour on the Continent. His visit was a source of much encouragement to the workers. Under his counsel materials were purchased for the composition of the two-page supplement. At the time of his visit, about forty were keeping the Sabbath in Southern England. He again visited Southampton and Grimsby on his return to America, April, 1883. This visit, though short, was inspiring to those who were meeting difficulties in a strange land. He strongly recommended that publications be issued in England, and advocated their extensive use as a principal means of enlightening the people, watching at the same time for every other opportunity, and taking advantage of every occasion to introduce the truth to the people. This counsel served to inspire the perplexed workers with new zeal and courage, and its wisdom has been shown by the experience of those who have since carried on the work in the Mission. HSFM 84.2

September 14, 1882, the first European Council of Seventh-day Adventist missionaries was held at Basle, Switzerland, under the direction of Eld. Haskell, England being represented by Elds. Lough-borough and John, and Geo. R. Drew. Eld. Loughborough was elected one of the executive committee of three, and A. A. John was chosen secretary. This was a highly encouraging meeting to the workers. Under the direction of Eld. Loughborough, the “History of the Sabbath” was this year placed in sixty free libraries in the United Kingdom. Interested ones were also visited by Eld. Loughborough in Liverpool, the north of England, and Scotland. Sept. 23, 1883, a church was organized at Southampton with a membership of twenty. Bro. J. F. Sheppard was elected and ordained elder. HSFM 85.1

[Illustration] Ravenswood Villa, Shirley Road, Southampton.

The following report of labor performed up to Oct. 1, 1884, may be considered approximately correct in the items given, though not complete in all:- HSFM 85.2

	Families and Ships Visited	Letters sent out	Subscriber obtained	Signs of the Times taken	Present Truth used	Periodicals distributed	Pages tracts etc distributed	Book sales	Tithes paid
1878 to Oct. 1, 1881	23960	18526	290	200	Monthly	69985	753844	58.85
Oct. 1, 1881 to Oct. 1, 1882	18518	1567	147	1000			444176	*
Oct. 1, 1882 to Oct. 1, 1883	6662	1615	119	1000		14902	571892	** 694.82
Oct. 1, 1883 to Oct. 1, 1884	16578	32594	644	250	8000	83632	512136	† 511.35	330.16
Oct. 1, 1884 to Sept. 1, 1885	5409	1057	500	200	5000	104171	466649	1043.08	388.58
Totals.	71127	55359	1700			272690	2748697	2308.10	718.74

* Not reported. ** Includes donations and all moneys; perhaps tithes. † Only wholesale value of publications sold.

There had been paid into the British Mission up to Jan. 1, 1883, inclusive of the cost of the Signs of the Times, $8,250. The fund was in debt at that time $300. An appeal was made to the American brethren for $10,000, and the fund was soon increased. To Nov. 1, 1882, there had been raised in England by tithe and donation, $2,078.71. HSFM 86.1

October 10, in harmony with the recommendation of the General Conference of 1882, Eld. Loughborough embarked for America to labor in the western field. HSFM 86.2

[Illustration] Office of Present Truth, Grimsby.

In the General Conference session of Nov. 8-20, 1883, the following action was taken respecting the British Mission : 1. It was recommended that a paper be published in England; 2. That the General Conference Committee select two additional laborers for that field; 3. That Eld. Geo. I. Butler visit the European field in 1884. Elds. J. H. Durland and M. C. Wilcox were selected by the Committee to go to England. In carrying out the above, Eld. Butler, the two individuals above named, and the family of Eld. Durland, in company with Eld. A. C. Bourdeau who was on his way to Switzerland, embarked at New York Feb. 16, reaching Glasgow Feb. 27, and Grimsby Feb. 29, 1884. HSFM 86.3

It was decided at this time to publish a sixteen-page monthly about the same size as the Signs of the Times, to be entitled the Present Truth. A new building was rented for about $200 a year, a portion of which was sub-rented to the workers for about $100. The Depository at Southampton was transferred to the new address (72 Heneage street, Grimsby), and the first paper was issued bearing the date of May, 1884. The subscription price of the paper was fixed at 2s. 6d. (60 cents) for a single copy for one year, in clubs at low club rates. About 1000 copies were subscribed for in England the first year by the friends of the cause. HSFM 86.4

Meetings of interest were also held at Southampton by Eld. Butler, and considerable zeal was shown by the church there in the circulation of the new paper. Elds. Butler and Whitney assisted by their counsel and supervision in the purchase of materials for the new office of publication. Eld. Butler again visited Grimsby and Southampton June 5-7, on his return to America, and this visit, like the first, was highly appreciated as were his words of counsel and encouragement. HSFM 87.1

May 28 to June 1, 1884, the second European Council of Seventh-day Adventists was held at Basle, Switzerland. It was an excellent meeting, and it brought nearer together, because it brought nearer to God, the workers in the various missions. The British Mission was represented at this meeting by J. H. Durland, A. A. John, Geo. R. Drew, M. C. Wilcox, and Miss Jennie Thayer. The executive committee of the British Mission elected for the succeeding year was composed of M. C. Wilcox, A. A. John, and J. H. Durland. HSFM 87.2

Eld. J. H. Durland, shortly after his arrival, located at Southampton. From that time till Sept. 1, 1885, he labored in Southampton, Totton, Fitzhugh, East and West Cowes, of Hampshire; in Paignton, Dartmouth, Exeter, and Tops-ham, of Devonshire; and in Riseley, Bedfordshire. Sixteen began to keep the Sabbath as the result of his labors in Hampshire, eleven of whom were baptized. Nine embraced the truth in Devonshire, most of whom have proved faithful to God thus far. Many others became deeply interested, and their interest has been manifested in a more substantial way than by words. Those baptized, united with the church at Southampton. The influence of that church cannot be measured by its local work, nor its strength by its present membership. There were attached to its covenant up to Sept. 1, 1883, sixty-five names. Quite a number have since been added. A few of these have left the faith, and some have died; but fifty-three of the sixty-five are still trying to “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” A large number of these are in America and have made the ranks of its workers richer, and those who remain are zealously laboring to advance the truth. HSFM 87.3

May 9, 1885, in harmony with the action of the General Conference of 1884, Eld. S. H. Lane and wife and Eld. R. F. Andrews sailed from Boston to join the Mission. The latter has since labored in Ireland, amid many difficulties, but not without success. Great prejudice and darkness exist in that field. HSFM 87.4

Eld. S. H. Lane engaged for a time with Eld. Durland in Exeter; where several embraced the truth. Shortly after, having purchased a tent 25x50 feet, they began meetings in Riseley, a small village in Bedfordshire, closing Sept. 13. Six Sabbath-keepers were brought out in these meetings, and the surrounding country was much stirred. The cost of the tent complete was £42 15s. ($212); cost of seating, about $50. The donations of money and food by those who attended the meetings nearly covered the running expenses. HSFM 87.5

Eld. W. C. White and wife, Mrs. E. G. White, and three others arrived in England Aug. 19. Their visit was highly appreciated by the laborers, not only as an opportunity of meeting once more these old and tried friends, but because of the valuable instruction given by Mrs. White, and the timely counsels and suggestions of Eld. White. Mrs. White spoke from eight to ten times in England, giving five addresses in public halls, besides those given to the friends of the truth in the regular places of worship. She spoke once in the Temperance Hall in Grimsby, and although the night was very unfavorable and the notice of the meeting late, there was a fair attendance. She next addressed a very large and attentive audience in the Town Hall at Grimsby, which address was published in the Grimsby News. She next spoke in the Foresters’ Hall at Ulceby, in the tent at Riseley, and in the Philharmonic hall in Southampton to a very good audience. Her address at this place was also published in the Hampshire Independent. HSFM 87.6

September 15 to 29 the third General European Council was held at Basle, Switzerland. The British Mission was represented by R. F. Andrews, S. H. Lane and wife, A. A. John, Geo. R. Drew, M. C. Wilcox, and Miss Jennie Thayer. S. H. Lane, M. C. Wilcox, and R. F. Andrews were chosen as the Executive Committee of the Mission, Eld. Lane being also elected member of the Executive Committee of the Council. It was decided at this meeting to issue the Present Truth as an eight-page semimonthly, and to illustrate it as far as practicable. The report of labor performed during the eleven months closing Sept. 1, 1885, has been previously given. The number of church-members in the kingdom at that date was sixty; other Sabbath-keepers not connected with Seventh-day Adventists, but in sympathy with their views, numbered about forty. HSFM 88.1

The following workers not before mentioned, who have labored faithfully with greater or less success in the mission and colporter work, deserve honorable mention: Henry Judd, who fell at his post, Aug. 4, 1885. He had disseminated the truth in Southampton, Preston,. Glasgow, Newcastle, and in the counties of Lincoln and Norfolk. Wm. O’Neil, who has labored in connection with Eld. Durland and in ship work at Southampton and Liverpool. W. M. Herd, who embraced the truth by reading, and is now proclaiming it in the New York Conference. W. C. Wallis, who came from America with Eld. Lane, and has since been engaged in colporter work. HSFM 88.2

In June, 1884, Alfred Mason, an experienced typographer, and his wife, both of whom had had an experience in connection with the work in California, became connected with the office at Grimsby, and they have since rendered capable service in the office, the church, and the tract society. There are others who have been connected with the work, either as colporters or directly with the office of publication, who have served faithfully and with success, and others still who have devoted much time and sacrificed much for the cause of truth, whose names we believe are “written in heaven.” There has been commendable faithfulness on the part of the English Sabbath-keepers in the payment of tithes. HSFM 88.3

Matters of interest have occurred since the last European Council. The work is increasing, more colporters are now engaged, and the illustrated smaller paper sells more readily. Miss Jennie Thayer, who has been so long connected with the work, sailed for America Nov. 7, for a period of rest which her faithful, constant, and arduous labors demanded. An institute of an encouraging character for the workers was held at Grimsby in January, 1886, at which time the national organization of the Tract Society was revived, with Eld. S. H. Lane, president, and Mrs. S. H. Lane, secretary. The field was divided into two districts, of which J. H. Durland and W. E. Hollingsworth were chosen directors. A Sabbath-school Association was also organized, with J. H. Durland as president, and Mrs. J. H. Durland as secretary. HSFM 88.4

An additional missionary, J. G. Olsen, has been engaged in Liverpool in connection with G. R. Drew, with success; and W. O’Neil has been successful at Hull. Two lady colporters have also had good success at Hull, and others have found good omens of success at Leeds, notwithstanding the severe winter and great depression in trade. Three young men of good ability are just entering the field as colporters. Eld. Durland has greatly developed the interest at Riseley, and three more have embraced the truth. Eld. Lane has labored at Bardney and Horncastle in Lincolnshire, with some success. Meetings have been held in Lochmaben, Scotland, by Elds. Lane and Andrews, with a small interest. Eld. Andrews has been cheered by seeing some embrace the truth in Ireland. HSFM 89.1

It may not be amiss to reflect for a brief space on some of the difficulties to be met with in this field,-difficulties upon which there is general agreement among those who have labored here. HSFM 89.2

1. Caste. England is especially cursed by caste. This distinction of rank is so generally recognized that if one in high life disregards it, he is made the occasion of no little speech. Lord Tennyson says, “Tis only noble to be good;” but many not good are “noble by heritage,” and the nobility of heritage commands more deference than the nobility by goodness. People do not realize that- HSFM 89.3

“The glories of our blood and state, Are shadows, not substantial things.” HSFM 89.4

As in all countries where caste and class prevail, the power rests in the hands of the few. Many are no more independent than were many of the American slaves before the Rebellion of 1861. This was well illustrated in the last parliamentary election. Men wore conservative colors and voted liberal, or vice versa. Class distinction always breeds two prominent characters, - one haughty, proud, imperious, and overbearing, the other cowardly, cringing, weak, and dependent; and the latter class often have the disposition of the former to those beneath them. It is difficult indeed to reach such with the truth of God. The one is too proud and selfish, the other too weak and timid. The straitness of the times aggravates the evil. HSFM 89.5

2. Hard Times. Depression in trade, failure of crops year after year, low prices of grains and food-stuffs on account of the enormous quantity raised so much more cheaply in America, India, and Russia, have all worked disastrously for Great Britain. But it is not only the agricultural class that is affected. Great Britain formerly manufactured for a great part of the world, but especially for America and the Colonies. Now the children have grown, and in many cases their manufactures are superior to those of the mother country, and cheaper in price. Thus the very progress of the newer countries of the world is against her. This is also true in marine matters. England loses in the race, with the world against her. Thousands in all the centers of industry are almost constantly out of employment, and the last winter has been one of almost unexampled severity and distress. It is very difficult for a man who has a situation to embrace an unpopular truth, knowing that he is liable to lose his situation if he does, and then starvation of wife and little ones stares him in the face. Those out of employment lessen their hope of getting permanent work if they embrace the truth. The middle classes are also hard pushed, and know not which way to turn, while those that “will be rich” and “have heaped together treasure,” what care they for the truth, when their hearts are closed against the most obvious and wretched woes of humanity. This is not a fancy picture; it is a terrible reality. HSFM 89.6

3. It Is An Old Country. Its customs and manners are stereotyped. Families attend the same house of worship which their fathers have attended for hundreds of years. “Customs,” says a leading English paper, “are tolerated and clung to now by the wiser and better, which, if just now introduced, would be considered too absurd to require even notice.” Great Britain is old. She has done much to enlighten the world. Age is generally suspicious of youth, especially when the latter advocates advanced ideas. So Great Britain thinks it strange that she should be taught of America the first principles of truth, and looks with suspicion upon what originates there. It may be but just to say that there is reason for this. Some ideas that have originated on American soil, like Mormonism, for example, are not calculated to allay these suspicions. HSFM 90.1

4. Misrepresentations. It might perhaps be called one-sided representation. Anything directly sensational, ludicrous, wicked, or barbarous, happening in America, is generally reported or reprinted in English papers, while the better features are conspicuously absent. Naturally, this has educated many of the lower classes to believe that America is a semi-barbarous country. Of course, many know that this is not true, and the people generally are becoming more enlightened in regard to the real condition of American society. HSFM 90.2

Yet all these, and other reasons which might be named, are no cause for discouragement. The truth of God can break through all these barriers. If borne by faithful, devoted souls, it will overcome all difficulties. Seeds spring not up in some kinds of earth as quickly as in others. Their germination is slower, but their growth surer and hardier. So with truth. Jesus, the mighty Redeemer of mankind, labored as mortal never labored, for three and a half years, and died with the tongue of but one confessing his mission, and that one a criminal. But a few days afterward thousands were converted to what seemed a lost cause. The warm, life-giving showers of the “early rain” had fallen, and the precious first-fruits rewarded the longing eye of the patiently waiting Husbandman. Truth has always moved slowly in England. John Wycliffe, the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” broke the ground two centuries before the sub-soil plow of Reformation times stirred the soil of Europe; yet England emerged not from the darkness in advance of other nations, but later; yet she at last came forth strong and vigorous. And though now the dense clouds of oppression, tradition, error, and moral darkness hang over and almost envelop the land, will not these clouds be pierced and broken by the light of the precious truth of God? We believe that they will; that the soil of Britain, though cold and hard, will yet be stirred by the word of God, warmed by his love, and quickened by the “latter rain,” and that it will yet prove worthy of the past, worthy of the labors, the toil, anxiety, and care bestowed, and bear abundant fruit to the glory of God and the joy of Him who is the colaborer with all the faithful. HSFM 90.3