Report from Bro. Andrews.
By John Nevins Andrews
MANY urgent duties detained me in the State of New York till Wednesday, Jan. 30. I then started for Boston, which I reached the following morning. Spent a few hours in calling on Bro. Rice of South Boston, and in the afternoon took the cars for Manchester, remaining over the Sabbath. I had a profitable interview with Brn. A. W. Smith and Wm. C. Gage. I trust Bro. Gage will yet be of service in the work of God. I think he realizes as never before the proper spirit of those who count not their lives dear unto themselves. From Manchester I came to Portland and was glad to find that our brethren were much encouraged by recent tokens of good. Especially did they seem cheered by the Monthly Meetings which have recently been established. From Portland I came to Norridgewock, and have been made to rejoice by the evident progress of the good work in this place. Nearly every one that began to observe the Sabbath still remains steadfast; and since I was here before some eighteen have been added to their number. A large proportion of those who began to keep the Sabbath, who were not professors of religion, are now soundly converted to God. Between thirty and forty take an active part in the evening prayer-meetings, and many others would do this were they not so far away. The Sabbath and first-day meetings are attended by quite a congregation. Many more seem ready to obey the truth. Tobacco which was largely used among those who now keep the Sabbath is now banished from the ranks. The meeting-house is now wholly paid for. Systematic Benevolence in this church for the coming year, amounts to $325.00. This is doing nobly for a church which has just erected so goodly a house of worship. And still the work is evidently unfinished in this place. Last Sabbath and first-day, being my first in the State, I spent at the Monthly Meeting in Cornville. It was in many respects an excellent meeting. There was a good representation from Norridgewock, Skowhegan, Madison, Athens, Canaan, Hartland, and some other towns. The testimonies of these brethren, many of whom had recently started to observe the Sabbath, were very cheering to me. Yesterday we had a business meeting of such as labor in the cause a portion or all of their time. Brn. Stratton, Canright, Blaisdell, Barnes and Putnam were present. I trust the prosperity of the work will be promoted by the interview. I design to spend the coming Sabbath in this place, and one Sabbath in Oxford County. I think that with this my labors in the State of Maine will for the present be concluded. I have, from a conviction that it was best to do so, devoted all my labor in New England to this State alone. If the Lord wills, I will now in a few days join Bro. Rodman and labor in his part of the field, or wherever the providence of God shall direct. I hope to find Bro. Howard in R. I. or Mass., and to have his assistance in the work. In leaving this State, I desire to express my high esteem and regard for those who are here striving to obey the commandments of God. Also for those ministers who have thrown themselves into the work. Brethren Howard and Stratton have taken hold nobly in the cause of present truth. I wish, in particular, to bear testimony to the zealous, devoted, and faithful labors of Bro. Canright. God has greatly blessed his efforts, and much good has been accomplished by his ministry. I think that the work in this State should have the benefit of his labors the coming season. I think, also, that there is reason now to expect greater results in the future than we have witnessed in the past, if those who carry forward the work do not forget their dependence upon God. Let this word of serious admonition be kept in mind, both by preachers and people. Norridgewock, Me., Feb. 12, 1867.