MAINE STATE CONFERENCE by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 9, 1869

MAINE STATE CONFERENCE.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

WHEN I left Maine last March I had no thought of returning there this year, but it seemed necessary for some one to attend the Conference, and no one else could conveniently go. However, it was not my wish to go, as I knew there were individuals there in much need of help, who had not been inclined to accept it from me, and I hoped that some one might go whom they would hear.

This session of Conference was a season of trying labor for several reasons. The church of South Norridgewock was in a very low condition, not at all calculated to exert a good, healthy influence over those who came to worship with them. In the preparations for Conference this fact has not been taken into account. No kindly gathering influence had been exerted there by those who should have cared for their souls. I do not enter this as a complaint, but as a warning, as an admonition in regard to future gatherings.

Also the spirit of self and sectionalism, of which Bro. White has several times spoken, still prevailed to some extent. The disorganizing spirit manifested by most of the first-day Adventists has largely prevailed in Maine; and when the brethren who planted the standard of present truth introduced the order which the Scriptures teach, and we have adopted, they were met with suspicion and jealousy. This has always made it hard laboring in that State. And two things may always be noticed: Where anarchy and confusion prevail, there self triumphs; and, when individuals or a church get cold and backslidden, their sympathies are always ready to go on the wrong side. Labor for self is acceptable to such, as it accords with their own feelings; labor for the cause of God and for his name is rejected, because their hearts are not prepared to appreciate it, and they suspect the motives of those who would show them their errors and their danger.

Steps were taken in this Conference which relieved the feelings of the friends of the cause. It was voted to favor the organization of a New England Conference and to merge the State organization into that when it shall be formed. In the meantime a committee of lay brethren, business men, was elected, who have an interest to see that both labor and means are judiciously applied.

I had a strong feeling over the inconsistency prevailing to such an alarming extent, of professing faith in the "Testimonies to the Church," and yet utterly neglecting them on the health reform, and other questions. It was my most earnest desire to press this home to the consciences of all assembled. Bro. Goodrich seconded my efforts in this direction. May the Lord give him the hearts of the people in this respect, that all may yet see their true condition and the cause of their lukewarmness. We are nearing the close of our work, and we must be faithful, "giving all diligence," or soon wake up to the terrible fact that we have labored under a fatal delusion. May the Lord spare his people and bring not his heritage to reproach; and may the weeping spirit be laid upon his ministers; Joel ii, 17; that God may be entreated in our behalf, for the time of trouble is near.

In our labors for the cause and for individuals we believe that good was accomplished, and causes of darkness and trial removed. All hearts were made glad by the position taken by Bro. Howard before the meetings closed. Our prayer is that he may have a large experience in the spirit and power of present truth, and become a useful laborer to God's glory. Whether I shall ever return to Maine I cannot tell; perhaps it may be better for others to work there who have had no experience of the difficulties of the past. But this much I think I can safely say, that whoever the General Conference shall see fit to send to Maine will be kindly and cordially welcomed by both ministers and people.

J. H. WAGGONER.