THINGS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MASS by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 21, 1868

THINGS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MASS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

ABOUT three months ago, myself and wife left Norridgewock, Me., not knowing whether we should return there or not. We came to Boston, where we stopped with Bro. Rice and Bro. Layton three or four weeks. I improved my time in the public libraries, obtaining some historical facts which I wanted. I do not have many hopes that the Sabbath cause will ever do much in Boston, at least not at present. Bro. Rice is now about moving away, and in the order of the Lord, too, I think. Bro. Layton, who has long been in bondage, has now obtained strength to firmly decide on the Sabbath. We hope the way will now open for him to move where he and his family can have the privilege of Sabbath meetings.

I spent two Sabbaths in Rhode Island, with Bro. Rodman. Most of the brethren here have not much experience in the work, yet they seem to be ready to learn.

From Boston we went to Manchester, and stopped with Bro. and Sr. Smith. Here we were glad to meet our sister Ella, from Battle Creek, who came here to seek her health by a change of climate, &c. She and my wife made it their home at Bro. Smith’s for five weeks. Bro. and Sr. Smith did all that could be done to make them contented and happy while there. This was a very pleasant home, indeed, for us all. The hearts of this family are in the work, and they are not afraid to sacrifice for the Lord. God has blessed them in so doing, and so he will all who trust him.

I spent two Sabbaths in Amherst, 8 miles from Manchester. The work was begun here a little over a year ago, by Bro. Gage. They seem united and zealous in the cause, though but few. I enjoyed those meetings very much. Here is a good chance for some of our scattered brethren to move among Sabbath-keepers. Small or large farms can be had here quite cheap. This would be an excellent place for a large Conference, if we had a few more families here. Come, brethren, and get where you can help and be helped.

Two Sabbaths I spent at Washington, which I have reported. When it was decided that I should labor in these two States, this season, we began to look for a place to live. The way at length seemed to open very favorably at South Lancaster, Mass. Bro. Haskell has a large house, a large share of which he rents, as he has no children. So here we are now, all comfortably settled in a very pleasant place.

There is a small company (10) of devoted Sabbath-keepers here, who have been praying and hoping for better days, and an enlargement of their numbers. Many scattered ones from miles around have, of late, joined this church. Bro. Rice has just bought a large house within a few rods from us. He has a hall which will be fitted up for our meetings. We are looking for others to move here soon. All these things encourage us very much. We hope that the Lord will build up his cause here, and light a light that will shine far around to others. We invite the scattered ones to come and find a home with us. There is a good chance here for almost any kind of business for men, women, or children.

I intend now to visit the scattered ones in these two States as fast as is practicable. Some things look discouraging, but we hope in God. Dear brethren and sisters, shall the work move forward among us here this year? Do you not want to see the cause built up, and see your families and friends come into the truth? If we do we must live and labor for it. Bro. Haskell and myself are ready to do all we can; and now we ask and expect that you will help us. Take hold of the reforms and come up to the work. Do not lag behind, and have to be urged to do your duty; but come up cheerfully, and God will bless you. I am not acquainted much in this section, and do not know where the Sabbath-keepers live. If you want me to visit you, write to me. We are looking for a chance to give a course of lectures. If any know of a good opening, we would like to hear from them.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, your servants, that the Lord may bless our labors. My address is South Lancaster, Mass. D. M. CANRIGHT. July 6, 1868.