MONTHLY MEETING AT SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS.
By F. C. Rodman
There was the largest number of Sabbath-keepers at this meeting that has ever attended any previous meeting in this place, and all appeared interested in the work of the Lord. Although some who came were rather low spirited, yet none showed any disposition to draw back, but all were disposed to press up in the work of overcoming. Our first meeting was Sabbath eve. The most of our brethren and sisters had arrived before the Sabbath. This is as it should be, unless hindered in the providence of God. Bro. Canright was with us with interest and zeal for his Master. Our first meeting was quite interesting. Brethren and sisters were rather slow to move at first, but before we finally closed, there was more of a readiness to confess the Lord and comfort one another. Sabbath morning, met at 9 o’clock for prayer and social exercises. It was good to be there, yet not so much freedom as we love to see manifested with the brethren and sisters. I hope there will be a greater consecration and readiness everywhere, to take hold in this good work as shall please the Lord. At half-past ten, Bro. Canright gave us a good talk on 1 Pet. i, 12, putting us in remembrance of our duty, not only to profess, but to live out present truth, each doing our part in giving ourselves wholly to the work in our several departments, in giving our means, time, and all we have and are to God, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. In the afternoon at half-past two, I spoke on Rev. xxii, 7, subject, overcoming. At half-past seven, Bro. C. gave an interesting discourse on 1 John iii, 8, showing that this earth, now groaning under the curse, would finally be restored, and the righteous live therein forever, when the Devil and all that have chosen to serve sin, will be no more forever. First-day, met at eight o’clock for class-meeting. Some two hours were spent in hearing brethren and sisters speak of experiences, hopes and fears, when a word of counsel and comfort was imparted to each as they spoke. Seven united with the church, six were baptized by Bro. C., at this meeting, one of them a Sr. Sturges from Connecticut, who met with us, and for the first time heard the truth from the living preacher, having been led to embrace the truth by reading the REVIEW and our publications. She had never, until she came to this meeting, seen one of like precious faith, except her own sister who was led to embrace the truth through her instrumentality, and she has been keeping the Sabbath about a year and a half. Who will be faint and desponding? I trust all will be of good cheer, as the Master bids us, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not. At eleven, we spoke from 2 Thess. iii, and at about 12½ o’clock, gathered at the water, where six were baptized as named above. Quite a number were present to witness the administering of the ordinance, of whom it is hoped that some may be led to embrace the last message, and be saved from the delusions of these days. At half-past two, Bro. C. gave a good discourse on James iii, 24, in which were shown the two extremes we are liable to run into. 1. To expect justification and salvation by works alone, and 2. By faith alone. How reasonable is the Bible plan to save men. At six, met again to attend to some business, which was promptly done. At half-past seven we spoke again, in much infirmity, on the Judgment. Good attention was given. So closed a good meeting, where there was a drawing nigh to God by some, and others were made to feel its importance, and I trust, as they stated, intend to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that they may be exalted in due time. S. Lancaster, Mass., June 9, 1868.