Untitled article by H. C. WINSLOW

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 20, 1867

MONTHLY MEETING AT TOPSHAM, MAINE.

By H. C. WINSLOW

This meeting was held according to appointment, July 20 and 21, but under very unfavorable circumstances, as it rained constantly nearly all the time. The Portland church was well represented, and our brethren and sisters all seemed determined not to let the rain prevent them from attending every meeting, though it was a violent storm. Some were a little disappointed in not seeing Bro. Canright at this meeting; but the Lord in answer to prayer, seemed to overrule all things for good, so that we had a very interesting and profitable season.

Our hearts were made glad by seeing our beloved brethren Howard and Stratton, who broke to us the bread of life. On the Sabbath they preached twice on the subject of Health Reform, and the necessary preparation to stand in the time of trouble. The Lord assisted by his Spirit; and never have we seen the importance and necessity of this great subject presented in such a clear and impressive manner before. The scales seemed to drop from our eyes. The penetrating rays of truth had power to drive away the dark shadows of stupidity and unbelief, and enabled us to see just what inconsistent and unreasonable creatures we have been. Many things which have heretofore been very dark and mysterious, now became plain and comprehensive. How many times our faith has been shaken, and Satan, taking advantage of our weakness has caused us to doubt, and we have been compelled to exclaim like the apostle Paul, “Oh! wretched man that I am.” We now see that God could not consistently answer our prayers, while we were adding fuel to the flames of passion, through the indulgence of a depraved appetite. How absurd it now appears, for us to ask God to build up, while we are engaged in tearing down. Perhaps this is the reason why the sick are not more often healed in answer to prayer. But, blessed be God! wherein we were once blind, we now see. In the light of the Health Reform we have been enabled to discover the treacherous leak that was sinking our frail bark into perdition.

In the afternoon, as soon as Bro. Howard had concluded his interesting discourse and given liberty to any who might wish to make remarks, the congregation gave good evidence that the spirit of reform had got down deep into their hearts; for with one accord they confessed wherein they had come short in this respect, and declared their determination henceforth to glorify God in their bodies and spirits which are his. May the Lord help us to carry out these determinations, and enable us faithfully to perform our solemn vows.

Sunday afternoon we assembled at the Unitarian meeting-house in Brunswick, where Eld. Howard delivered a funeral discourse, occasioned by the death of a young man named Frank Collis, who died in the United States Navy at Hong Kong, China, about six months ago. This was a favorable opportunity to get the truth before some whose prejudices would not allow them to attend our meetings under ordinary circumstances.

Sunday evening we came together again at the house of Stockbridge Howland in Topsham, for the purpose of attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. This was truly a precious season; and as we separated that night after following the example and commands of our divine Redeemer, the bonds of Christian love, union, and fellowship, seemed stronger than ever. Every countenance was lighted up with hope and love as they exclaimed, What a good meeting we have had! Would to God that we might ever retain that happy frame of mind till we all meet to part no more at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

H. C. WINSLOW.

Topsham, Me., Aug. 11, 1867.