Untitled article by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 26, 1867

HOW I WAS ENCOURAGED.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

I HAD labored long and hard in giving a course of lectures. At first the interest seemed good and many came out to hear. But at length many dropped off until but few came to hear and these manifested little inclination to obey. Under these circumstances, I felt almost discouraged. My faith almost failed me, and I thought that I had mistaken my calling, that I had no ability to present the truth aright, and that I had better abandon the work and go to work with my hands again.

Just then I took up a Review and found a report from Bro. A. He had just closed a series of meetings and the result was—nothing! There, thought I, we know that he is a good, faithful minister, and that he does not lack ability. If souls are not converted, he is not to blame. I have made no greater failure than he. If he is not discouraged, why should I be? Here is a report from Bro. B., a man whom we all know to be faithful and efficient in the work. He has been holding meetings in a new place. After several week's labor, only five came into the truth. Doubtless this was not very encouraging to Bro. B., but to me just then it was quite consoling. I also read reports from others, some of which were only reports of labors with small results.

After reading those, I felt quite encouraged and strengthened to work on. So I concluded that it is best to “report labors” whether I have any results to report or not, and that even a fruitless meeting may be encouragement to some one. Brethren, report the dark as well as the light side.

D. M. CANRIGHT.