MEETINGS IN MAINE by Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 19, 1869

MEETINGS IN MAINE.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 2 and 3, I spent at Norridgewock. The church there appears to be prospering. As it was the time appointed for the ordinances, I thought best, on Sabbath morning, to speak on church relations, which, I trust, was timely. Four united with them. I enjoyed the meeting well, but was worn by previous labor, so that I did not feel able to speak with all the energy I desired. But it was refreshing to know that I was among friends who sympathized with me, and who were willing to aid me with their prayers.

Monday, the 14th, I went to Athens. When I was there in November, I visited Sr. Welch, “a widow indeed,” who has struggled for years to support herself and children, all of whom she has trained up devoted Christians. I felt deeply interested in her case, and presented it to the meeting at Norridgewock, with especial reference to her youngest boy, a lad of 14, for whom I thought a home should be found among the brethren, for his own benefit, and for the relief of his mother. Taking with me the evidence of the benevolent feelings of the church, I went and brought away her son, on only an hour’s notice.

Benny Welch, though 14 years of age, is very small of stature, but his mind has matured fast enough to make up for the lack of growth of his body. If his education is rightly cared for, he may soon be made useful, I have no doubt. He is now with Bro. Warren Clark, at Kendall’s Mills. May the Lord direct us in our duty to the widow and the fatherless.

Last Sabbath and first-day I spent with the church in Topsham and Brunswick. It was a real privilege to me to meet with them, but I think it is an error to have so much preaching on such occasions. As the bills were posted, I thought it best to conform to the arrangement, and spoke on Sabbath evening, and three times each day beside. I had some misgivings as to the result, but felt no injury from the labor. All seemed to enjoy and prize the preaching, but it left no opportunity for visiting or for social meetings. This is not the way to build up the cause in the church. On Sunday evening I had special freedom in presenting the present truth, and a solemnity seemed to rest on all present; but I think the effect would have been far better if all had been prompt to add their testimony to the word spoken.

I am glad that the resident preachers in Maine begin to realize that ours is a missionary work, and to feel the necessity of going out into new fields. I hope they may hold on with patience till they see the fruit of their labor. We expect soon to commence meetings in another place; just where, we have not yet decided. We still request the prayers of all. J. H. WAGGONER. Richmond, Me., Jan. 12, 1869.