February 10, 1885

Notes of Travel

Meetings in Chicago

EGW

Friday, December 5, 1884, I left Battle Creek, Mich., for Chicago, where I was to spend Sabbath and Sunday, and on Monday evening join our party bound for California. I was happy to meet in Chicago Eld. J. H. Waggoner and Eld. E. P. Daniels and wife.RH February 10, 1885, par. 1

The labors of the past season had been so taxing that I was thoroughly exhausted, and unable to fill the appointment made for me for Friday evening in a hall controlled by the ladies of the Martha Washington Home, a society devoted to the reformation of intemperate women; but Eld. Waggoner and Eld. Daniels, who attended the meeting, reported that it was excellent. It was an experience meeting, and many intelligent and interesting experiences were related. The best feature of all was that Christ was presented as the mighty Helper of man fallen through the indulgence of appetite. In our work of reform we must present Jesus as a sympathetic, compassionate Redeemer. We must hold him up to those under the power of perverted appetite as One able and willing to save, not only children and youth, but those of mature years, even the man of gray hairs. He is a complete Saviour, and can restore to man his abused and wasted manhood.RH February 10, 1885, par. 2

Sabbath morning the Sabbath-school and other services were held in the S.D.A. mission rooms. Eld. Waggoner spoke in the forenoon. His discourse was followed by a social meeting, in which some very interesting experiences were related. In this meeting a son of Wm. Miller took his position with us to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. He has been investigating the truth for years, but felt that his service would not be acceptable to God until he should overcome the tobacco habit. He here determined to be a free man, cleansed from everything that can defile.RH February 10, 1885, par. 3

Bro. Miller is over seventy years old. He left Vermont many years ago, and since that time he has not been a member of any church. He said that the preaching in the churches he attended was so different in theory from that which he had been accustomed to hear from the lips of his father, and so lacking in gospel simplicity, that he could not enjoy it, nor feel confident that the Lord was with those churches. Their services seemed to him too much like a form of godliness without the power.RH February 10, 1885, par. 4

Sabbath afternoon our meeting was held in the Scandinavian church, which was crowded full, the congregation being composed of Americans and Scandinavians. Eld. Waggoner opened the meeting with prayer in the English language, and Eld. Hanson followed with prayer in Danish. The singing exercise was in both languages, and was made profitable to all. I felt it a privilege to address this assembly; and nearly all, I was informed, could understand what was said. Some who had not been in this country long could understand but little; but they felt and enjoyed the spirit of the meeting.RH February 10, 1885, par. 5

The evening after the Sabbath I spoke in Washingtonian Hall. This is a plain, convenient, home-like room,—an excellent place for meetings. My remarks were founded on the first chapter of Second Peter. I pray that the word spoken may prove a blessing to those who heard.RH February 10, 1885, par. 6

Sunday afternoon I spoke in the same hall on the subject of temperance to a good congregation, who listened with the deepest interest. I had freedom and power in presenting Jesus, who took upon himself the infirmities and bore the griefs and sorrows of humanity, and conquered in our behalf. He was made like unto his brethren, with the same susceptibilities, mental and physical. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin; and he knows how to succor those who are tempted. Are you harassed and perplexed? So was Jesus. Do you feel the need of encouragement? So did Jesus. As Satan tempts you, so he tempted the Majesty of heaven. Jesus, as your representative and substitute, did not yield on the field of conflict; and in his strength you may resist and conquer. Every fallen son and daughter of Adam may rejoice that they are prisoners of hope, and that Satan can be vanquished.RH February 10, 1885, par. 7

At the close of the meeting, I was favored with an introduction to the President of the Washingtonian Home. He thanked me in behalf of the family and friends for the pleasure of listening to the remarks made. I was cordially invited to visit them when I should again pass through Chicago, and I assured them I should consider it a privilege to do so. I was gratified that I had this opportunity of presenting temperance from the Christian standpoint before the inmates of this Home for inebriates, where they are assisted in overcoming the strong habit which is binding so many in almost hopeless slavery. I was informed that among those who are obliged to seek its friendly aid are lawyers, doctors, and even ministers. I quote from reports of the board of managers for the year ending January 14, 1884. The president says:RH February 10, 1885, par. 8

“The work of this institution, as indicated in the various reports of the superintendent, is largely that of personal instruction to each patient upon the causes that lead to alcoholism, the effect upon the physical system and upon the mental and moral character, and the means to be used in overcoming the habit, and in antidoting this poison which has been imbibed into the system, and which permeates the whole being of man. The system of reform is not medicinal; it is not a system of drugging and purging, nor a gradual tapering off in the use of alcohol. The watchword at the portals of this institution is total abstinence from alcohol in every form. There are no alcoholic tinctures in medicines, no mild tonics, reinforced by other stimulants or narcotics, but total abstinence from the use of alcohol in any form, whether mixed with malt, quinine, ginger, eggs, milk, cider, or lemonade.RH February 10, 1885, par. 9

“Experience has demonstrated that alcoholism undermines, weakens, and destroys the moral character in man; that a proper sense of obligation, a regard for the calls of duty, and compliance with strict integrity, are as completely paralyzed as though the person followed theft and highway robbery or committed other high crimes as an avocation. The love of home, wife, and children; the choice of friends over that of enemies; life, with its duties, responsibilities, and pleasures,—all are valueless when compared to a few hours of drunken delirium. If character—the power of choosing between good and evil—is paralyzed, then it follows that character-building is the great work of reform of this institution; and as the building-up of character is a slow process at best, it seems to follow that time becomes an important factor in effecting a reformation.”RH February 10, 1885, par. 10

“Alcoholism seems to affect all classes of society. During the past year the Home has had among its inmates nineteen physicians, eighteen lawyers, seven clergymen, besides bankers, editors, merchants, mechanics, artists, and laborers.”RH February 10, 1885, par. 11

Had I space, I would copy more largely from this excellent pamphlet; for I want all the readers of our papers to see how exactly the principles there advocated agree with the positions taken in Good Health, that they may rejoice that the work of temperance reform is intelligently carried forward. Although its friends do not believe with us in many points of doctrine, yet we will unite with them when by so doing we can aid our fellow-men. God would have us individually learn to work with tact and skill in the cause of temperance and other reforms, and employ our talents wisely in benefiting and elevating humanity.RH February 10, 1885, par. 12

If we would enter into the joy of our Lord, we must be co-laborers with him. With the love of Jesus warm in our hearts, we shall always see some way to reach the minds and hearts of others. It will make us unselfish, thoughtful, and kind; and kindness opens the door of hearts; gentleness is mightier far than a Jehu spirit.RH February 10, 1885, par. 13

Sunday evening I spoke the second time to the Scandinavians in their house of worship, which was too small to seat all who came to hear. We hope greater efforts will be made to maintain union, harmony, and love between our American and Scandinavian Sabbath-keeping brethren. We are one in faith; and our love for one another should abound more and more. We should be of the same mind and judgment, worshiping with one accord, having an eye single to the glory of God. It is not pleasing to him to have us maintain separate interests. We should avoid jostling against one another, and strive constantly for the oneness that is in Christ Jesus. In our plans and efforts to carry on the part of the work intrusted to us, we may seem to interfere with the interests of others, and may be in danger of losing sight of the Christian courtesy which should be ever exercised toward one another. Let us remember that no other Christian grace needs such constant cultivation as that of mutual forbearance. Without this, it is impossible for harmony and love to exist. We are not perfect in character; but if the spirit of love is permitted to reign in the heart, and is developed, there will be fellowship without a jar, although the habits and customs of different nationalities may be unlike.RH February 10, 1885, par. 14

We need to guard against a critical spirit; for it is much easier to find fault with others than to reform ourselves. Keep the eye fixed upon Jesus and his lovely character; and you will see your own imperfections so clearly that you will be inclined to look favorably upon the course of others. Will our Scandinavian brethren keep their hearts free from malice, envy, jealousy, and criticism? and will our American brethren and sisters be true and tender and helpful to these brethren, who need help, avoiding everything which would have the appearance of neglect or want of interest? God would bind our hearts together in mutual love. He delights in showing mercy, and as his children we are to exemplify in our lives the patience, meekness, and love of Jesus.RH February 10, 1885, par. 15

Our Mission in Chicago

It is well known that we have a mission in Chicago. My interest in this mission has grown deeper and deeper, and I have reason to be thankful that, although weary, I had the privilege of visiting that place, and doing what I could to help our brethren and sisters there. This mission has started in a very small way. The work being done is a good one; but to make it a success, means is needed which is now invested in houses and lands.RH February 10, 1885, par. 16

The Lord's cause is certainly worthy of a better opening than it has yet in Chicago. As I looked upon the little garret-like room of the mission where our people assemble to worship God and to teach Bible truth to the people, I felt sad indeed. I thought, brethren and sisters, that the truth of God was not receiving the honor which its sacred character demands. That which we prize most highly we are willing to show our appreciation of by investing means to make it a success. We would invite our responsible brethren in Illinois and Wisconsin to take special interest in this mission, and candidly decide whether they are willing that the precious cause of truth shall be thus represented in this great city.RH February 10, 1885, par. 17

The inappropriate place where this mission is located, reminded me of the words of Jesus. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” I thought that if Jesus were now teaching on earth he would apply these words to the house and the workers in Chicago; and in this instance the light seems to be hidden under a bushel instead of being placed on a candlestick to give light to all that are in the house.RH February 10, 1885, par. 18

Let our believing brethren show themselves faithful stewards of God. Narrow up your farms; for there is to be extensive work done in the great harvest field, and your means will be needed. If you cannot respond to the calls of God by bestowing means to do a larger work, then the time has fully come to “sell that ye have, and give alms.” “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.”RH February 10, 1885, par. 19

The great cities must be warned; and if you have not surplus means, then it is certainly the duty of some of our brethren to sell and invest means in the different branches of the work. “Lay up for yourselves a treasure in the heavens.” Duty is plain; the selling time has come if means is demanded to advance the cause and work of God and cannot be raised without selling your land and your extra houses. Awaken, brethren, to the call of duty. I see no other way that the light in Chicago and other places can be withdrawn from under the bushel and placed on a candlestick. I appeal to every one in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers to deny self for Christ's sake. There is earnest work to be done for the Master; and those who have no houses and lands to turn into money, can deny self in various ways, and save means which would have been needlessly expended. Practice temperance in all things. Cut down selfish indulgences at your tables, and dress plainly, with the great and grand object before you of having money to place in the treasury of God. You may thus be the means of advancing his cause, enlightening those who are in the darkness of error.RH February 10, 1885, par. 20

This, you must bear in mind, is to be done for Christ's sake, with the object in view of bringing many sons and daughters to God. It is to make ready a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. God is a sure paymaster. He may not pay you weekly, monthly, or yearly, but he pays surely in the end. If you are true to your stewardship, results will appear somewhere for the glory of God; and his glory is the salvation of souls for whom Christ died. In the day of final accounts there will be a reckoning that will surprise many. Noble deeds of self-denial for Christ's sake, of which the righteous have no knowledge or recollection, will appear on the books above as done to Jesus. These things have been done from love to God, but with no thought of the grand results until they stand revealed in the day of God.RH February 10, 1885, par. 21