Labors in England
75
Sunday forenoon we had another meeting of the brethren and
sisters, and in the evening I spoke in the Town Hall. This, the largest
audience room in the place, was crowded, and many were obliged
to stand. Those who were best acquainted with the hall estimated
that there were twelve hundred present. I have seldom seen a more
intelligent, noble-looking company. The “Union Temperance Prize
Choir” volunteered to come and sing. This choir, which was composed
of about fifty voices, did justice to the English love of music by singing
seven pieces, three at the opening, two at the close, and two after the
benediction. The subject of the evening was the love of God; and as I
reflected that not until the last great day would I again meet all there
assembled, I tried to present the precious things of God in such a way
as to draw their minds from earth to heaven. But I could only warn
and entreat, and hold up Jesus as the center of attraction, and a heaven
of bliss as the eternal reward of the overcomer.
[163]
Monday we visited Ulceby, where a little company of Sabbath-
keepers had been raised up through the labors of Bro. A. A. John.
These manifested the deepest interest as their attention was called to
the importance of searching the Scriptures to ascertain what is truth.
The acceptance of truth ever involves a cross, but the only safe course
is to follow the light God permits to shine, lest by neglect it shall
become darkness. One lady who had been convinced of the truth, but
who was still in the valley of decision, there determined to obey all the
commandments of God.
Wednesday, accompanied by Bro. S. H. Lane, we went to Risely,
a small town about forty miles from London. Here Brn. Lane and
Durland had been holding a tent-meeting for four weeks. The tent
seated about three hundred, and in the evening it was full, and a large
number stood outside.
My heart was especially drawn out for this people, and I would
gladly have remained longer with them. Of the audience it could be
said, There were honorable women not a few. Several of these had
commenced to keep the Sabbath. Many of the men were convinced
of the truth; but the question with them was not whether they could
keep the Sabbath and have the conveniences and luxuries of life, but
whether they could obtain bread, simple bread, for their children. Some
conscientious souls have begun to keep the Sabbath. The faith of such
will be severely tested. But will not He who careth for the ravens care