p. 317 | REPORT FROM BRO. CANRIGHT by Dudley Marvin Canright

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

REPORT FROM BRO. CANRIGHT.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Friday, April 10, Bro. Barker took me up to New Vineyard. We went with a sleigh; and it was so cold that I froze one of my ears! This is rather cool for the middle of April. At New Vineyard, we found that the enemy had been doing their best to oppose the truth, but without success. We found there one Eld. Fletcher, claiming to be a Methodist, who had come to fill their regular appointments, which had not been done for months. But everything seemed to show that he had only come for controversy. He boasted very much of his ability, how he had confounded the Adventists many times, that they could not stand before him a moment, &c. He sent us a proposition for a discussion, but one which no one would undertake to discuss. So, with a committee of the principal men of the village with me, I called on him. No arrangements could be made. I must come to his terms, discuss his proposition, according to his rules, or not at all. The committee all said that I should not do it; so we had no discussion.

Sabbath evening, there was a goodly company out to hear the word of God. Also, on the Sabbath, all our old friends were there, and we found that none had lost their interest, or given up the truth. Saturday evening, a large company was out, which shows that the interest here is not abating. Sunday, Eld. F. insisted on occupying the house, though it was my appointment. We felt that he had no right to do so, but gave way. He spoke on the Sabbath question, trying to show—I could not tell what, nor could any one else, so far as I know. His strongest arguments were, 1. It is very inconvenient and crossing to keep the seventh day. 2. An attempt to show that the fathers kept Sunday. In this he manifested great ignorance of historical facts; thus, he said that Mosheim was a Roman Catholic, that the Council of Nice was held in A. D. 225, &c. He came within 100 years of the truth! About as near as all his statements were. At the close of his discourse, I asked a chance to review him, especially since he was speaking on my time. The people demanded that I should have it; but he would allow me no chance, so I gave out to reply at the close of his afternoon meeting. He accused us of disturbing his holy Sabbath by controversy. Said he should leave, and entreated all his friends to do so; said that all who would stay to hear me, were so far gone that I could not hurt them. As soon as he had dismissed the meeting, the choir began to sing, as much as to say that they were not going away. More than three-fourths of the people staid, and showed by their attention that they could see and appreciate the difference between error and truth, between boasting and proving.

We left this place much encouraged. We have numerous warm friends here, those who believe the truth and love to hear it, but yet only a few of them have taken up the cross. I cannot think but that many more will yet do so. We hope to see the work carried on there yet this season. May God bless and encourage them.

We had a very encouraging time at Norridgewock, April 4 and 5. We celebrated the ordinances and it seemed a sweet and solemn season. There is still an interest among those without, to hear. In our business meeting we had to disfellowship one member, for the first time. Another one has of late embraced the truth who will soon take her place in the church. A very good state of feeling now seems to exist among the brethren and sisters here. The Sabbath School is kept up well, and the evening prayer-meetings are well attended, which is always a good index. The health and dress reforms and the testimonies are steadily gaining ground. This indicates an encouraging state of things. There is, however, one sad lack in this church, and that is in visiting the sick and lonely, also in visiting one another. They are all faithful “keepers at home.” I would remind the brethren and sisters who cannot often meet with us, that it is expected of all the members of the church that they will give a report of themselves every three months at our Quarterly Meetings. The next one will be the first Sabbath and Sunday in July. Let none fail to remember this duty. This church thus far has had no part nor sympathy with the faultfinding, jealous spirit which has been manifested in a few in some other sections. I hope that they never will. It soon kills any church. I pray that the blessing of God may attend this church till Jesus comes.

D. M. CANRIGHT.