p. 104 | Untitled article by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 28, 1868

EASTERN TOUR.

By James White

OUR LABORS IN MAINE.

We spent seven Sabbaths and first-days in Maine, four of them at Norridgewock, two at Athens, and one at Topsham. Besides these, we held other meetings in these places, also, at Canaan and Cornville, on other days of the week, and have filled up the time in writing, and in visiting families in different towns around. Our labors have been exceedingly hard and discouraging. The reasons for this are,

1. Want of faith, with most of the Sabbath-keepers in the State, in the close work connected with the third message.

2. The preachers living in the State were in the same condition as the people; hence, but little reform in this respect was taking place, notwithstanding they quite frequently had the faithful labors of brethren Canright and Andrews. With the opposition to organization in this State, and the lax, confused condition of things, there has been a strong spirit with some to despise anything like reproof. Discipline has been branded, “popery of Battle Creek,” and ministers in full sympathy with the cause in the wide field, represented at Battle Creek, Mich., have not had a tithe of the influence with those who have embraced the Sabbath from the ranks of nominal Adventism which they should have had.

3. In this state of things, not a few Sabbath-keepers in Maine have held themselves in perpetual readiness for rebellion at the moment their wrongs might be reproved, or their ideas of things crossed, or called in question.

Bro. Andrews has been in the State but little for more than a year. Bro. Canright, who has labored and sacrificed in the State to the utmost of his ability, had become almost discouraged. In this condition of things, some were calling loudly for a State Conference, who evidently supposed that the material in Maine was in good condition for such a building. But when plain testimony was borne by Mrs. W. and self, which is received in the other States, this unteachable, rebellious spirit, that has so long run riot in Maine, was manifest. And from these and later developments, it is now evident that if a State Conference had been formed without a thorough stirring up of these elements by faithful reproofs and corresponding confessions and reform, nothing could have been expected from many connected with the cause in Maine at present.

Those of experience can now understand what we mean when we say, Our labors have been exceedingly hard and discouraging. We have felt that we could not leave the State till things were set in order; so we toiled on, visited, prayed, and plead, till a general feeling of satisfaction and union with the great work of fitting up for the last conflict, was felt.

The work has been a good one. Preachers and people receive the testimony, and are in union with us and among themselves. Twenty have been baptized, a number of them new conversions. The standard is now raised, and we hope that brethren Howard, Putnam, Goodrich, Stratton, Barnes, and the brethren and sisters generally, will labor with Bro. Canright to raise it still higher and higher.

HOMEWARD BOUND.

Dec. 14. We are now at our old home, at Bro. Howland’s, in Topsham, Me. We left Athens in the evening of Dec. 8, and came eighteen miles, to Norridgewock. Mrs. W. froze some portions of her face as we passed up the Kennebec, from Skowhegan to Norridgewock. We never saw it so cold in Michigan but once. The 9th, we returned to Skowhegan; stopped for the night with Bro. Cyphers, and in the morning of the 11th, with the mercury at twenty degrees below zero, we took the cars for Topsham. We now write before the ample fire burning in the good, old-fashioned fire-place, in the old mansion so long occupied by Bro. S. Howland and family. In one of the ample rooms of this conspicuous Advent fort we had our first experience in house-keeping, just twenty years since. Bro. Andrews is with us. He will be with us at the meetings in New Hampshire and Vermont.

We would say to those who kindly invite us to Kensington, Buck’s Bridge, Rochester, Wellsville, and Lapeer, that it is our convictions of duty to go quite directly home from the Vermont meeting. Had the brethren in Maine been as ready to receive our testimony as you are, we could have left the State after two weeks’ labor, spent a week at each of the above-named places, and reached home as soon as we now can after spending seven weeks in Maine. We are grieved that the condition of things in Maine has prevented the mutual benefits and pleasure of meeting you again. It will be hard passing you on our way to our Michigan home, with your letters of earnest invitation in our pockets. But it must be so now. Those who consider it a virtue to doubt, hesitate, and move as slowly as possible, if they can find an excuse so to do, may see that they take upon themselves responsibilities in thus holding God’s servants, and depriving others of their labors, that they will hardly be willing to meet.

We are happy to learn from brethren Canright and Goodrich that the good work is progressing in Maine.

LABORS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

After holding two evening meetings at Westbrook, Me., we left Portland for the meeting at Washington, N. H., fifth-day afternoon, Dec. 19, and reached Manchester at eight o’clock in the evening. Bro. A. W. Smith was at the depot to take us in his carriage to his home. On our way to this place we had been talking of an early bed-time and a good night’s rest at Bro. Smith’s; but, on entering the ample parlor, were introduced to six or eight brethren and sisters, young disciples, who had come from Amherst, eight miles, to spend the evening with us. About nine in the evening we were sufficiently warmed to commence conversation. We by no means regretted this visit. We feel a deep interest in all these dear friends, but sometimes, when weary and worn, have thought it would be really convenient to us to have the night on such occasions lengthened a few hours.

In the morning of Dec. 20, Bro. Smith took us to the cars, and as the Sabbath was about commencing we reached the good home of Bro. C. K. Farnsworth, in Washington, N. H. Here we held nine meetings, which were very laborious; but the result was glorious. Several things gave these meetings thrilling interest.

1. Washington, N. H., is the place where Sabbath-keeping was first practiced among Adventists. As early as 1844, sister Preston, the mother of the first wife of Bro. C. K. Farnsworth, who was a Seventh-day Baptist, and also a believer in the soon coming of Christ, introduced the Sabbath to the Adventists of Washington, and made a good impression. With the help of the publications of her people, and the blessing of God, forty or fifty embraced the Sabbath. The truth on this subject reached other points in New Hampshire, and about that time Eld. T. M. Preble embraced and began to teach the Sabbath.

2. One of the members of this church, Bro. W. H. Ball, was not in sympathy with his brethren. He was engaged in open warfare against Mrs. W.’s testimonies, and many points of faith held by the body. His testimony had a crushing, discouraging influence on the church at Washington. But his wrong course was most deeply felt by his communications through the World’s Crisis, Voice of the West, and Hope of Israel. His articles professed to be exposures of the errors and wrongs among Seventh-day Adventists. The bitterest enemies of God and his truth triumphed, in view of the fact that it was one who claimed to be of our number who was warring against us. Satan triumphs, and all the demons in the regions of darkness hold a jubilee to see the hearts of God’s servants bleeding in consequence of threats from one who professes to be a Sabbath-keeper. All felt that Bro. Ball’s sin was a great one. Some hoped he might be helped; others doubted. The truth, theoretical and practical, was spoken with great plainness, and was having its influence upon all. Mrs. W. faithfully, yet tenderly, appealed to Bro. B. Bro. Andrews set forth his great wrong with weeping. He was called upon to state his difficulties. He did so, and was faithfully and kindly replied to. Then came strong appeals to him to get right, and no longer stand in the way of the church, and his own family. His good wife felt intensely, and acted a good part. Bro. B. began to break and confess. Each time he came nearer to the point. As explanations were made, and difficulties were removed, he began to see that he had been fighting against God, and cruelly wounding his people. The scene was most touching. Our erring brother was returning with weeping and mourning, and all present seemed to be reaching out their glad hands to receive him. All felt like the man who left the ninety and nine sheep to search for the one that was lost. And as Bro. B. came fully into the sympathies of the brethren there was joy, not only in Heaven, but in our relieved hearts.

We parted with this, our dear, reclaimed brother, under circumstances the most interesting. As he shook us by the hand, he said, “Bro. and Sr. White, I have done you a great wrong. Can you forgive me?” In response to these words, uttered with weeping, we replied, “Yes; oh! yes; and may God bless you and yours.” We have since heard good news from Bro. Ball and others, which can be found in another column.

3. The Sabbath-school had been given up, the youth who had made a profession were backslidden, and those who had not were in a state hard to be reached. Yet, when Bro. Ball and others confessed and got out of the way, the work commenced with the youth connected with Sabbath-keeping families, and was carried on until all but one young man took a public stand and bore a good testimony. And among this number were the two children of Bro. Ball.

4. The case of Bro. Newell Mead and family also gave this meeting great interest. Bro. Mead was among the first to embrace the Sabbath in Washington. In 1850, we first became acquainted with him and his faithful wife. They were in health, active and happy in the truth. Bro. Mead was a successful teacher of penmanship and music. At the several visits we have made to New Hampshire since 1850, this dear brother and sister have given us a hearty reception.

But the change that has come over them is painful to relate. Not that they have apostatized. No; they have ever proved true to the cause and their profession of faith. But in the unerring providence of God, affliction has been their painful portion. Five years since, sister Mead had a severe run of fever, which left her almost helpless. Since that time hired help has had to take charge of her household affairs, while she, in a state of suffering, could do but little more than to look on. Nearly three years since, Bro. Mead fell from his barn, and was taken up for dead. Some particulars may be interesting.

Sister Mead saw that the ladder used by Bro. Mead had fallen, and feared the worst. She called upon her hired girl to go to the barn and see if Newell had fallen. As this girl saw Bro. Mead lying upon the ground, with the ladder upon him, and blood coming out of his mouth and nose, she was greatly excited, and ran to the house and reported his condition. Sister Mead called for her cane, and with the prayer, “God help me this once,” attempted to walk to the barn. This she had not been able to do for some time. She succeeded, and found her husband breathless. And as she was in her feebleness removing the ladder from him, a strong man came and carried him into the house.

Dear reader, in your imagination please step into that humble dwelling and look upon that breathless Christian. Now look upon his heart-stricken, invalid wife, and those two beautiful children. Their hearts are torn with anguish. God pity them, and spare that tender father and loving husband. But he breathes, and may revive and live. Yes, dear reader, in three or four weeks he began to be conscious, and as he slowly mended, somewhat, it was to learn that the back part of his head and spine were greatly affected.

He, too, has been a suffering invalid since that time.

“But how have they obtained a living?” It is very evident that God has had a care for them. They have ever been in humble circumstances. And the parents earning nothing, the children small, and a hired girl to pay, we do not wonder at the inquiry. Learning the facts, we are prepared to answer this question: First, they trusted in God, and as they were of good repute among their unbelieving neighbors, they would draw their wood, and secure their hay, &c. Secondly, the few brethren in Washington shared their small incomes with them to some extent. Thirdly, their little boy, God bless him, has done what he could. And, fourthly, economy and reconciliation to suffering and poverty, have made up the rest.

But, as we entered the congregation at Washington, we did not see Bro. and Sr. Mead present, as formerly. Added to all their other afflictions, Bro. Mead had fallen into a state of great despondency and distress of mind. By our request he was sent for, and both came on Monday to Bro. Farnsworth’s, to which place the meeting had been removed. Mrs. W. soon addressed those present, and had a most comforting testimony for Bro. Mead. We all wept together for very joy, and Bro. Mead seemed comforted. And before those meetings closed, he made strong appeals to Bro. Ball and others to return to the Lord, and to the young to give their hearts to God. Then appeals were made in tenderness and hope, and were felt. The hired girl and two children of Bro. and Sr. Mead, were the first to take a decided stand and bear a public testimony.

As we mentioned the condition of this dear afflicted family, at Adams Center, N. Y., and at Battle Creek, there was an interest manifested to help them, in money, first-class second-hand and some new clothing, cloth, sheets, blankets, coverlids, towels, boots, shoes, and dried fruit. If others where we travel wish to do the same, we will see it forwarded to them. Nothing will come amiss. Bro. and Sr. Mead are of medium size. Their children are of the ages of fourteen and nine. Should they receive garments that will not fit, or many of the same kind, they can be exchanged to good advantage for other needful things. The reader may have the garments of some dear one that is laid away in the grave, carefully deposited in the drawer or clothes press. But is there real virtue in this, while the worthy poor suffer? We are inclined to choose that love for the worthy living that imparts these things, rather than that idolatry which withholds them, as if to worship them as something sacred. Those garments and other things which are laid aside for different causes, and are of no use to any one, should be first gathered up for the poor.

We shall take an interest in this dear family, and from time to time report their prosperity, as those who now read our report will wish to learn what is done for them.

5. At this meeting we had the pleasure of uniting with Bro. Rodman and Howard in labor for the erring, and in the conversion of sinners. We judge it was a very profitable meeting for them. They entered heartily into the work, like strong men, for God and his truth. It was there decided that Bro. Rodman should remain and follow up the interest in Washington, and Bro. Howard go to Amherst.

LABORS IN VERMONT.

Weary and worn from excessive labors in Washington, we left on fifth-day, Dec. 25, at six in the morning, for the Vermont meeting, and rode twenty-one miles to the depot at Bellows Falls, one hundred and fifty in the cars to St. Albans, and fifteen in Bro. A. C. Bourdeau’s carriage to Enosburgh. We reached the place at two in the morning, very cold and weary. We rested a few hours and felt refreshed.

We had sent an appointment to Braintree, Vt., on our way to Enosburgh, but could not leave the work but just begun at Washington, so were obliged to disappoint the brethren in that portion of the State.

There was a large collection of brethren from different parts of Vermont and Canada assembled at Enosburgh on the Sabbath, Dec. 28, prepared to receive our testimony. A general state of union existed with this dear people, with one another, and the general movements of the cause, yet there seemed to be rather a low state of spiritual life with them. Our meetings immediately increased in interest, and the way was soon open for appeals to backsliders and sinners, and as early as at noon of the third day of this meeting, forty-two were received as candidates for baptism, many of whom were interesting cases of conversion and reclaimed backsliders. This meeting resulted gloriously. We had the fullest sympathy of this body of brethren, who gave unmistakable evidence of their care for us by liberal donations. We parted with our venerable brother, Eld. Stone, and the two Brn. Bourdeau, with feelings of strongest love and union. Together we have stood and fought in battle here for the truth and the right. Together may we reign. Amen.

In company with the Brn. Bourdeau and Bro. Andrews, we had an interesting visit with the family of Bro. White, of Fairfield, Vt., on third-day, Dec. 31, and New Year’s morning we left at four, and rode to St. Albans, where we took the train for Madrid, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. We spent one day with brethren at the house of Bro. Hilliard, and on fifth-day reached Bro. Taylor’s, at Adams Center. On this journey from Vermont, in low, non-ventilated cars, overheated, with fastened windows, so that a breath of good air could not be obtained, we were brought into a condition to take cold as sure as we were exposed to the keen, cold air. From this cold we have suffered, and are still suffering much, as it has taken a strong hold, producing some cough.

The meeting at Adams Center was very large. Many more brethren were present than to their last State Conference. The Roosevelt meeting three months before, had prepared the way for our testimony, yet there was a great lack of spiritual life among them. The spirit of the world, and worldly prosperity, threatens the overthrow of many. The meeting was laborious, and resulted well. There were several persons of moral worth, in the prime of life, for whom we labored, who took a good stand, and a solemn, and we trust lasting, impression was made upon the minds of this large assembly of brethren and sisters. Bro. and Sr. Taylor entertained us, and tenderly cared for our wants during this meeting. Many of the brethren gave us evidence of their regard for us, not only in word, but in deed. We never felt stronger union with our early friends in this State than at this meeting. Among them were Brn. Edson, Abbey, Ross and others. We were glad to see that Bro. and Sr. Wheeler were fast coming to the light, and that Bro. Holt gave some evidence of returning to the Lord.

On our way from this meeting, Bro. Kinne joined us in order to counsel in regard to his mill property, and in relation to furnishing graham flour to the brethren. Bro. Andrews and self advised him to retain the mill, if possible, as a matter of duty to those in New England, and Eastern and Central New York, who cannot obtain a reliable article of flour in their immediate vicinity.

We spent January 8 and 9 at Brn. Lamson’s and Andrews’, in Rochester, and took the night train in the evening of the 9th, for Detroit and Battle Creek. But by a succession of small accidents and delays, we failed to connect, and did not reach Battle Creek till about midnight following sixth-day.

Sabbath morning, feeling our journey, want of rest, and severe cold, we were poorly prepared to go before the large congregation at Battle Creek. But at the appointed hour, we met a full house. Before speaking, we sung a few verses of the beautiful hymn, Calvary. The place and the occasion seemed solemn and sacred, in harmony with the touching lines we endeavored to sing. And not a few in the congregation showed, by moistened eyes, the tenderness of spirit that they felt. This was a good Sabbath to all who love the truth.

First-day morning Mrs. W. addressed the people on points of deep interest. At the close of this meeting, we read the Appeal published in the Review for Jan. 14, and the brethren came nobly to the work, as pledges following the Appeal show. Blank subscription papers have been sent to our brethren, which should be liberally and promptly responded to, and returned to the Office. Second-day evening a precious meeting was held at Battle Creek. Eleven more took a noble stand.

January 16, we left for Greenville, and reached home the 17th, in season to make preparations for the Sabbath. Our meetings at this place, the 18th and 19th, have been good. Bro. Andrews has done the preaching. Mrs. W. appealed earnestly to some who need a reform in heart and life, and to the children of the Sabbath-school, with effect. Twelve, mostly children, came forward and took a good stand. My cold was but little abated, so I said but little. A meeting at our house with Brn. Howe, Holliday, King, Root, Maynard and Andrews, was very satisfactory, and will result in relieving both the churches at Orange and St. Charles.

We decide to go to Wright next Sabbath. A good interest is taken in the subscriptions so nobly started at Battle Creek. May the enterprise go forward on the same liberal scale.

Bro. and Sr. Sawyer, of Battle Creek, are with us, and propose to come to our home, manage our little farm, board our Willie and us, when we are at home, if they can sell their farm, six miles from Battle Creek. They offer it at a price to be an object to any one who wishes a sixty-acre farm with improvements, buildings, orchard, and other fruit proportionate to the farm. At only $65 per acre, half down, only six miles from Battle Creek, is a most favorable chance for any one whose circumstances warrant the purchase of such a place. Farms each side are held from $75 to $100 per acre.

If the present arrangements contemplated can be carried out, it will be a relief to us, a matter of economy, as we can dispense with hired help in and out of the house, and enable us to devote our little remaining strength to the cause, which we most ardently desire to do.

We should not close this already lengthy report without stating that we have greatly enjoyed the society and labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews, who has been with us in labors and travels, the past fifteen weeks. His long experience, studies, habits, mental strength, love for the cause, and for the salvation of dying men, and the ease with which he adapts himself to the work of the ministry, whether publicly or socially, are among his qualifications. He is temperate in labor and study, yet actively employing all his time to some good purpose.

The reason why many ministers have such a light stock of general information on hand, and are grossly ignorant of the word of God, is because of mental laziness, and the reason they accomplish so little good during a life-long ministry is, that in reference to preaching, visiting, talking and praying from house to house, their physical abilities sympathize with their mental. Hence they know but little, and do but little.

Bro. Andrews designs to labor with us several weeks, perhaps months, in Michigan. This seems absolutely necessary in our worn condition. The brethren will greet him with joy wherever it may be our pleasure to accompany him.

The care which this dear servant of Christ has had for our comfort and welfare, and the interest he has taken in our general prosperity calls for our most fervent gratitude, and greatly endears him to us.

HOME AGAIN.

After twenty weeks’ absence we now find ourselves at our good, retired home again. In our absence those near us have cared for our Willie, and a general interest has been taken by our brethren in this locality in our welfare, so much so that we found a good barn built by them in our absence, wood at the door, and the barn and house supplied with everything necessary to do our share in sustaining the late meeting. And while our brethren abroad have done much for us, these have continued to show their love for us in deed and in truth.

But little can be expected of us at present. Mrs. W. is much worn. She is hoping to recover so as to prepare another Testimony before General Conference. Bro. Andrews will have the burden of labor when we shall hold meetings. We shall rest at home, and go out when we can, and do something with the blessing of

God. Our address for several months will be, Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. Brethren, pray for us, and often let us hear from you.

JAMES WHITE.

Jan. 22, 1868.