76 Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists
much more for those who love and fear him? God’s eye is upon his
conscientious, faithful children in England, and he will make a way
for them to keep all his commandments.
Thursday we took the cars for London. Here we had the pleasure
of meeting Eld. W. M. Jones, editor and publisher of the Sabbath
Memorial, and pastor of an S. D. Baptist church in London, where
he has for many years stood in defense of the Bible Sabbath. We
appreciated his kindness in accompanying us to the British Museum,
and in explaining to us many things of interest. It would have been
pleasant and profitable to spend considerable time among these inter-
esting relics; but we were obliged to be content with only a few hours
here in order that we might meet appointments at Southampton.
Southampton was one of the earliest Roman settlements. Its history
reaches back to the ninth century. At the present time it has, with its
suburban villages, a population of over one hundred thousand. Here
we saw the old Roman wall and gates with towers above, which were
once used as courts of justice. Although built over nine hundred years
ago, the wall in many places has not been impaired by age. It was in
this place that our mission in England was first established, and here it
remained till 1884, when it was removed to Grimsby.
While at Southampton I spoke to the church Friday evening, and
twice on the Sabbath. Appointments were out for Sunday evening in
a large hall; but Sunday morning found me sick with a severe cold. I
could sit up but little. During the day we rode out, and I came near
fainting. The brethren saw that it would be impossible for me to speak
that night unless the Lord should work in a special manner. I tried
to pray over the matter, and decided to do my part. I arose from the
bed, rode to the hall, and stood upon my feet, and the Lord gave me
strength as he had many times before under similar circumstances. The
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pain in my head ceased, the soreness in my throat was removed, and I
spoke for more than an hour with perfect freedom. The Lord’s name
shall have all the glory. Monday morning I was able to return with
our company to London, where we remained two days before going to
Switzerland.
Although England covers a small territory, it has a vast population,
and is a large missionary field. Hundreds could find room to work here
if they had the missionary spirit. The city of London alone has twice
as many people as all the Pacific Coast States and Territories. But