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EASTERN TOUR

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 15, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 25.

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EASTERN TOUR.

By James White

We had fine weather and good sleighing for our second meeting at Norridgewock, Me. There was a general gathering from different parts of the State. Those who preached enjoyed freedom, and the social meetings were profitable.
The brethren in Maine are now more than willing to be helped. They are ready to co-operate with those who come to them to labor for the advancement of the cause. And they are saying to their preachers, “Go out and labor in new fields.” The little church in Maine can receive but little benefit from the preachers among them. And both ministers and people are beginning to feel this. Maine is a good field of labor. One year since it was a hard field for us, simply because Maine Sabbath-keepers were unready to receive our testimony. A complete revolution has taken place, and now we are as free in Maine as in any other State.
On our way to our appointment in Portland, we called on old friends at Richmond, and spoke to the people at the Reed meeting-house, mentioned in Life Incidents, pages 85-88. More than twenty-five years since, in the direct providence of God, I visited this place, and witnessed the work of God. Old friends had not forgotten me, and were ready to hear me again.
Our meeting at Portland was one of interest and profit. Mrs. W. met two natural sisters at this meeting, and here learned of the death of her sister Belden she had so recently parted with in Connecticut, very low with consumption. Here I was happy to meet the widow of Eld. Andrew Rollins, mentioned in Life Incidents, page 84. She is still looking for the coming of the Just One. May she, after looking and waiting so long, be ready to meet her Lord with joy. The Adventists of Portland opened their hall to Mrs. W., Sunday afternoon, where she addressed a large congregation who crowded in to hear. She never had a more candid hearing.
The interest at Richmond was such that we decided to return, and speak at the Reed meeting-house Monday evening, and at the village Tuesday evening. The congregations in both places were large, and the attention and interest to hear was good. Many were moved to tears by Mrs. W.'s appeals. These meetings at Richmond were of thrilling interest to us, it being my first field of successful labor in the Advent cause. At Bro Umberhind's especially we felt as much at home as at the homes of Seventh-day Adventists. God bless that dear family in all its numerous branches.
We left Eld. J. H. Waggoner with this people to labor with them for the present, and we hope a good work will be accomplished upon my old battle ground at Richmond, Me. Nominal Adventism has cursed this field with its errors, fancies, and divisions, so that the labor at present will be hard. God bless Bro. Waggoner, and make him strong to labor in Maine.
JAMES WHITE.
South Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 7, 1868.
Wednesday night, Dec. 2, we spent at our old resting-place with the family of Bro. Howland, Topsham, Me. Thursday night, the 3d, we were kindly cared for by Sr. Temple, Boston. Friday, the 4th, we came with her to the Lancaster meeting. Here we find more than one hundred of believers from different parts. We have liberty in speaking, but the work moves slowly. There is a great work to be done in New England, and the brethren seem poorly prepared to engage in it. But we hope there will be a coming up to the help of the Lord.