ONE WEEK'S SUMMARY by M. L. Huntley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · April 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 17

ONE WEEK'S SUMMARY.

By M. L. Huntley

BY M. L. HUNTLEY.

Those who read the quarterly report of the Battle Creek Missionary Society in the last REVIEW, may be interested to learn more concerning the work of this society. It is composed quite largely of students, helpers at the Sanitarium, and Office hands; consequently the membership is constantly changing. At present there are about three hundred members. The society is divided into what are termed the Office, Sanitarium, College, and Scandinavian divisions, each of which is supplied with the regular officers, and excepting the last named, hold separate meetings three evenings each month. Once each month all unite in a general meeting. The resident members of Battle Creek are connected with the several divisions, so as to give strength and permanency to each. The society now receives five hundred copies of the twelve-page edition of the Signs, three hundred each of the monthly Instructor and College Record, and one hundred and seventy-five copies of the Danish and Swedish papers.

In addition to this, the society has taken three hundred copies of Good Health, the subscription for which has just expired; and several individual members have subscribed for clubs of from two to twenty copies of the Signs.

Below are extracts from letters, all of which, with others, were read at the several division meetings last week. The following is from a young man in Kansas:—

“My father and mother are dead, and I have no recollections of them whatever. I was brought up by strangers, and was taught the Catholic faith, which I believed until two years ago, when I began to read the Bible. I am now convinced that the S. D. Adventists have more light, and preach more Bible truth, than any other denomination, and it is my intention, at the earliest opportunity, to unite with them in church fellowship. I wish to enter into the tract and missionary work. Will you be kind enough to give me instructions? I am ready to go to work at once.”

Another writes:—

“Your letter is received, and I write this for mother, as she says she cannot write. She has received the REVIEW AND HERALD, also the Signs, quite regularly, and is enthusiastic in praise of them. She has read a number of tracts published by your house, and is equally satisfied with them. She says she would like some of those advertised on the slip you sent, and may send for them soon. I think you may count her an Adventist, or nearly one. We appreciate your kindness in sending the papers, and wish to thank you for them.”

The following is from England:—

“The more I watch the signs of the times, the more clearly I see the necessity of proclaiming on every hand the near approach of the righteous King. I thank you very much for the REVIEW AND HERALD. It is an excellent paper. I do not think we have one here which comes up to it, all things considered. Since reading your Sabbath articles, I see certain things which incline me very much toward the idea that the seventh day is the true Sabbath; but I must think more about it. I never like to jump at conclusions too hastily, but want to see the way-marks clearly. I like to read, wait, learn, and inwardly digest, fully trusting in the Spirit's guidance. The subject is of great importance. How precious is the Sabbath day to the world!”

Another says:—

“You asked me what I think of the REVIEW and Signs. I think they are both very good papers, and ably conducted. Good Health is a magazine which ought to be in every person's hand who can read. I think it one of the best of the kind I have ever seen. I thank you a thousand times for the reading matter you have sent me.”

The following letter was written to the Publishing Association:—

“SIRS: I picked up a piece of a book called the ‘Seventh-day Adventists,’ and was much pleased with it. I made out the name and place as best I could, and may not have them right; but if you yet publish the book or pamphlet, you may understand what I desire. The author's name was Uriah Smith. I wish to know the terms, as I am desirous of seeing the whole truth.”

Another gentleman writes from England:—

“I wish to tender you my very best thanks for the copies of the Signs of the Times which you have so kindly sent me. I am quite delighted with the truths taught in this paper. The Sabbath question is new to me; but I hope to be able, by a thorough examination, to determine rightly in regard to it. I should like much to get some of the books advertised in the Signs; viz., The Sanctuary, Thoughts on Daniel, also on Revelation, History of the Sabbath, The Nature and Destiny of Man, and several others. If you can inform me if there is an agent on this side of the Atlantic of whom I can obtain these books, you will confer a very great favor. I cannot afford to get them all at once, or I would trouble you to send them from America; but if there is an agent anywhere in England, I can obtain them, also the Signs of the Times, more easily of him.”

This correspondence illustrates but one branch of the work of this society; and this branch, during the winter, has not excelled in interest the home missionary labor mentioned in the report last week.

Very few families have been found throughout the entire city who refused to receive reading matter, and many accepted it joyfully. Those who have engaged in this home-labor have added much to the interest of the weekly meetings by their verbal reports, which have given evidence that God was blessing their efforts. Indeed, if previously we had seen no evidence of the efficiency of the missionary work, sufficient has been developed from week to week to give us great faith and assurance in this respect. Still the work that might and ought to be accomplished is but just begun.

Some may think that at this place we have great facilities and advantages for carrying forward the missionary enterprise. While this may be true in some respects, it should be remembered that we also have to meet serious difficulties not experienced elsewhere. Work is abundant everywhere, and everywhere the words of our Saviour are applicable, “He that reapeth receiveth the wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.”