MEETINGS AT CANAAN, ME by Dudley Marvin Canright

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

MEETINGS AT CANAAN, ME.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

In company with Bro. Howard, Goodrich, Stratton, and Barnes, I attended this meeting, April 16–19. We found things in a sad condition. Division had come into the church, and the cause was in reproach. However, we thought that one brother was the principal cause of it. We called on him, but could not effect any thing. So we had a church meeting, which continued two days. It was clearly shown that this brother had lacked a proper sympathy for the cause, and faith in the work; that he had indulged in faultfinding, both against the members of his own church, and those of others, and against God's servants. This has thrown doubt and distrust into the midst of the brethren and sisters, who are young in the cause. Hence they were backward in taking hold of the work as they should, and otherwise would have done. They looked upon the visions, the health reform, &c., with distrust. This church has been very unholy indeed. It has come largely under the influence of those men who had little, or no faith in the Testimonies, and other vital points of the message. Their doubts, and fears, and quibbles, they have infused into all who have come under their influence. In this respect this church has been very unfortunate. May God in mercy grant it a better influence in the future.

At the close of the meeting, the brother referred to above, seemed to partially see his wrongs. He confessed this, asked forgiveness, and promised to do better. The church voted to forgive him on certain conditions, which he agreed to. We hope and pray that it will be a lesson to him, and to others, which will not have to be repeated.

Two others were found guilty of violating the Sabbath, in a measure. This was confessed to be wrong, with a promise to do better. God is jealous of his law, and requires strict obedience to it.

Thus closed our business meetings. All said that they were the most profitable meetings that the church has ever had. We think that they will result in much good to the cause here.

The roads are the very worst just now, so that very few came from abroad; yet there was a good company out from the place. The Lord gave good freedom in speaking the word of truth, so that it was manifested that it took good effect. I obtained two subscribers for the Review, three for the Reformer, and sold a good number of Spiritual Gifts and other books. A good work was begun which we hope will go on till Jesus comes. D. M. CANRIGHT.