REPORT FROM SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 13, 1868

REPORT FROM SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

According to appointment, our meeting began at this place Thursday evening, Sept. 24. By perseverance the brethren succeeded in getting the hall all ready for the meeting. This made us a convenient and comfortable place of meeting. It will accommodate about 150 persons. This we shall regularly occupy for the future. About 30 brethren and sisters came in to our first meeting. It rained all night, and most of the next day, which hindered many from coming to the meetings that day.

In the morning, Friday, we were glad to see Bro. A. C. Bourdeau among us. He afforded us good assistance during the meetings. Bro. Rodman was also present, and assisted in preaching, &c. At 9, A. M., Friday, we had a prayer and social meeting. It was a very sweet, encouraging season for us all. Not a moment was lost, but all took part freely. During the day others came in from all parts of New England, so that there was a good representation from each State. Yet our numbers were only about 80 in all; but we considered this a large meeting for the scattered state of the Sabbath-keepers in these parts. During the meetings there were nine sermons preached with very good liberty, which encouraged, comforted, and instructed the friends of truth. We had four prayer and social meetings. I know not how they could have been much better. They were perfectly free; not a moment was lost in all the meetings. There was not one discordant element during all the exercises. A union, not forced, but free and from the heart, such as the truth alone can make, prevailed throughout. The prayers and testimonies were calm, deep, and self-abasing.

Some who began the meeting discouraged, and in darkness and trial, found deliverance and came out rejoicing in the Lord. Many expressed themselves as greatly strengthened and encouraged to go home and walk more closely with the Lord.

Sunday morning, at sunrise, seven were baptized. Among them was our dear Bro. Layton, of Boston, for whom we have felt so deep an interest. The Lord blessed him in the act, and may he bless him still. Eight were received into the church. The Lord has greatly encouraged our hearts, at Lancaster, this summer, by a number of additions, and by other things. For this we are thankful.

Those who attended the meeting showed their interest in the truth by obtaining a good supply of books and tracts for themselves, and to distribute. Life Incidents, Bro. White’s tracts, Testimony No. 16, &c., &c., went freely. We hope to see a good work done in this way.

They also gave us, to help pay for the expenses of the hall, about $40. Bro. Haskell accidentally had his carriage broken during the meeting. In about ten minutes we raised $36 for him to make it good.

Although there are but few of us at L., yet we enjoyed the privilege of taking care of those who came. We felt that this was the beginning of better days for us. A couple who attended we expect will go home and begin to keep the Sabbath. On the whole, we were much encouraged by this privilege. We hope to have meetings like this occasionally, either here or with other churches. Those who miss of attending them know not how much they lose. May the Lord stir us all up to do our duty in this matter.

From this meeting I go to attend the Vermont and Maine Conferences. Duty seems to point this way. I shall stay only a few days, and then return to my field of labor. Pray for me, and the rest of us.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

St. Albans, Vt.