MONTHLY MEETING AT BRUNSWICK, ME.
By H. C. Winslow
This meeting, which was held Feb. 23 and 24, was not so well attended by our scattered brethren as we had wished it might be. The church at Topsham and Brunswick, though very few in number, had made quite extensive preparations, hoping to have the privilege of entertaining a large gathering of those who love God and keep his commandments. But in this respect they were much disappointed. For many whom we supposed to have the cause of present truth down deep in their hearts, and who we thought were willing to make a little sacrifice to sustain these very important meetings, like a class of individuals spoken of by our Saviour, with one consent began to make excuses. Still, through the blessing of God, I can confidently say that our effort was not in vain, even though many for whom it was designed, failed to manifest any interest in the matter. A few faithful ones did respond to the call, and came with the fear of God before their eyes, and the love of Jesus in their hearts, being determined to make the worship of God, and a preparation for the judgment, the first and all-important business of their lives. And He who has promised to be found of all those who diligently seek him, gave us unmistakable evidence of his presence and approbation. We had advertised the meeting in both villages by posting hand bills headed “Seventh-day Advent meetings,” which called out a large number of our best citizens, so that our little hall was well filled with interested hearers. Even on the Sabbath quite a number left their work and came to our meeting. We have learned by experience that it pays well to show our colors. We have been in the habit of advertising our meetings here without stating what or who we are; but we now think the time has come to let the world know that there is a people called Seventh-day Adventists. Our prayer and social meetings were deeply interesting. Brn. J. N. Andrews and D. M. Canright were present; and every sermon seemed truly to be meat in due season. I trust their words of encouragement and their solemn admonitions will long be remembered by all who heard them. We had good reasons for believing before the close of this meeting that the seed sown had fallen into some good and honest hearts which will bring forth fruit unto eternal life. Several decided to obey God by keeping all his commandments. There are many others in this place who see the light and acknowledge that we have the truth, though they have not yielded to their convictions of duty by taking a decided stand with the remnant people of God. We still entertain strong hope in their case. It seems as though the Spirit of the Lord is still striving with them, and they have been made to realize that the way of the transgressor is hard. The earnest desire of my heart and prayer to God, is that they may not grieve away the Spirit of the kind and loving Saviour by continuing to hold the solemn truths of God in unrighteousness. This may be their last call. If they drive their convictions off now the Spirit may take its final leave. They may become unconscious of their perilous situation and at last find themselves shut out of Heaven. They may see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with all the righteous in the kingdom of God and themselves thrust out. What an awful day that will be when they see the glorified Saviour with all the redeemed within those bright and shining walls and begin to realize what they might have gained but have forever lost. Truly there will be weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. God forbid that this shall be their fearful doom. But, like David, may they make haste and delay not to keep all God's commandments, and at last have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. Our next Monthly Meeting will be held in Portland, March 30 and 31. Our brethren in P. are prepared to accommodate all who find it in their hearts to attend. Strangers coming to this meeting will inquire for the Seventh-day Adventist hall, on Congress, near head of Green Street. We hope and pray that all the friends of truth in this section will realize the importance of these meetings, and that in order to sustain them we must co-operate with each other.