p. 5 | PROVIDENCE MISSION by F. A. Buzzell; H. F. Phelps

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 17, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 11

PROVIDENCE MISSION.

By F. A. Buzzell; H. F. Phelps

In June last, Brn. J. C. Tucker and son, H. B. Tucker, of Kingston, R. I., came to this city, having in view the establishment of mission work. Looking about them a place was found, which, from location, rent, fixtures, etc., appeared providential. With the approval of the Conference, yet under somewhat discouraging circumstances and considerable financial and other responsibility, they opened the rooms. A good supply of publications was put upon the shelves, and a large show window was well filled with works calculated to arrest attention. By frequent change of subjects and arrangement, the attention was gained of hundreds of thousands passing by; and as a result, our works have been read, sold, and some are attending our Sabbath meetings, held in the mission rooms. The attention thus drawn toward the mission has given considerable force to the work in Providence, and has a beneficial effect upon canvassing.

Bro. H. B. Tucker, manager of the mission, in canvassing, Bible-reading, and ship work, is getting a good interest; and through the distribution of publications by Bro. Horace Sweet, several openings have been made for readings, which are being filled by Bro. Tucker. By Bible-reading held on a vessel, a man and wife have evinced decided relish for present truth; and a vessel cleared from this port last week with its mate a believer in the law of God, and converted, he said, through the readings. And now, in a few days, Bro. Morgan and wife will sail out of port Seventh-day Adventists. We feel here that already the mission work has been profitable. There is a good interest manifested by several families and individuals as the result of Bible-readings. Several are looking the Sabbath question boldly in the face, who say they “want the truth.” As elsewhere, “the harvest is great and the laborers few.” A dozen, yes, thrice the number, can find plenty to do in this city with its 112,000 inhabitants; and probably there is as good material for the message in little Rhode Island as in any of the larger States.

The little company of Sabbath-keepers here in Providence have regular Sabbath-school and meeting, and feel greatly benefited and encouraged by the mission. They are endeavoring to assist as ability and opportunity offer. Mention is due to J. C. Tucker for the interest he has taken in the work. It has cost him sacrifice and self-denial, and his watch-care over this mission deserves appreciation. Other brethren and sisters in the southern part of the State have also aided by their presence, sympathy, and means.

As a partial result of the work in this city and suburbs, something over seventy orders for “Sunshine” have been taken, and nearly all have been delivered. Eight or ten are also subscribers for Signs, and about the same number for Good Health. Something over $40 worth of publications have been sold, and about 2,000 back numbers of periodicals have been distributed. We think the Providence mission is prospering, and have reason to thank God and take courage. Will those who have the missionary work at heart, remember in prayer the work in this city; and especially Bro. Tucker, who is earnestly endeavoring to make it a success. Like others, this mission has its discouragements; yet we believe it will “prosper whereunto it is sent.” F. A. BUZZELL.

March 2.

BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS.

In this covetous age men are “lovers of their own selves.” The love of the world and a desire to get gain have taken possession of the mind. Everywhere there is a mania to get riches. Each one seems to be actuated by a desire to be thought the most wealthy by his associates; and the majority have entirely forgotten that it is God that giveth them power to get wealth. No time is given to a preparation for the future. The god of this world has blinded their eyes that they cannot see, and they have no time, and very few have any disposition, to consider those things which pertain to their eternal welfare. Drunken with the cares of this life, and the deceitfulness of riches, the Judgment will come upon them unawares, and it will find them unprepared,—unprepared before God and eternity; and being in this condition they will reap the fate of the unfaithful steward.

And can it be that any of those who profess to be looking for and loving the coming of the Lord shall be overcome by this spirit of the world? Yes, there is great danger that such will be the case. If there were no danger, Christ would not have thus addressed a warning to his people. He says: “And take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life.” And what would be the result, if this were the case? “And so that day come upon you unawares, and find you unprepared.” And no matter how much we may have believed, or how high our profession, to be unprepared is to reap the fate of the finally impenitent and ungodly. To be unprepared is to be lost; and to be lost is to suffer the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire.

Then where will be all the wealth we have accumulated? for which we have toiled and suffered; which we have not employed in the service of the Master; which we have not used to bless others; which we have only used to please self, and in so doing, have never learned that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”? Our selfishness has increased, and hedged us in with a defense that is utterly impervious to all the wants of the cause. Alas! it will all perish in the flames of the last day; and still worse, our gold will not save us; our wealth will not alleviate our distress. On the contrary, the very “rust of them shall be a witness against us, and shall eat our flesh as it were fire.”

Then what is the proper course for S. D. Adventists to pursue? How shall we wean our affections from the world?—Simply by transferring our property to the bank of heaven. “Sell that ye have and give alms,” is the advice of the Son of God. Now is the time to invest, while the cause of God needs means, and while his providence is going before us and there are openings on every hand for doing good. Now is the accepted time, while missions are being opened in all lands for the spread of the truth, and such glorious opportunities are before us where we may invest our means, and by investing may save souls in the kingdom of God. Now is the time when a hundred or a thousand dollars may do more, may go farther in the work than ten times as much in the near future. Now seed may be sown that will return to the sower a thousand fold in the kingdom of God. Now salvation may be sent to many honest souls who will be gathered when Jesus comes.

The course that Abraham took is a fitting example, and may be commended to all as worthy of emulation. Before his death, while yet the powers of his mind were active and able to decide what was proper and right, he called his sons around him and gave to each a portion and sent them away; but kept the rest of his property—for his children to quarrel over? No, not by any means. He put it where it would do the most good. He gave it to the son of promise; with his own hands, as a faithful steward, he distributed his property. Oh, how much means could be saved to the cause of God if all would act with the same wisdom! May God help us to be faithful in this world’s goods that the true riches may finally be given us, and we be permitted to enter into the joy of our Lord. H. F. PHELPS.