THE MAINE STATE CONFERENCE.
By H. C. Winslow
This was an important meeting for the cause in Maine, and we trust the commencement of better days. It was attended by about two hundred Sabbath-keepers, and a goodly number of friends living in the vicinity of Norridgewock. All our business transactions passed off pleasantly, and without a dissenting voice. The preaching of Elders Canright, Rodman, and Howard, portraying the besetting sins of the people of God, the signs of the times, the perils of the last days, and what we must be to escape all these things which are coming to pass, and to be able to stand before the Son of Man, seemed to make a very strong impression upon all, which was manifested by many groans and tears. All our social meetings were characterized with deep feelings of humility before God. Confessions were freely made, and determinations expressed to be more faithful in the future. God grant that these impressions may be lasting, and that we may be careful to perform our many solemn vows. We were very glad to hear confessions from some who have, during the past year, been a great hindrance to the prosperity of the cause in this section. Some have wondered why the cause in Maine has seemed to be paralyzed, and that spiritual dearth has prevailed during the past year. But we think the reasons are very apparent. If we take into account the bitter spirit manifested by many toward Bro. and Sr. White, during their last visit to this State, and the cruel words that have been spoken against these faithful servants of God, we shall see that we have reaped the legitimate fruits of our own wicked course. We shall also see the reason why the blessing of God did not attend their labors among us as it has in other places. Still we have great reasons to be thankful that God's mercy and forbearance is still extended to us, and that he has enabled us in some measure to see the wrongs that have been committed, and given a disposition to confess and forsake them. This is plainly indicated by the following resolution which was unanimously passed, and voted upon by the whole congregation: Resolved, That we regret our past course toward Bro. and Sr. White, and our backwardness in coming up to the work of the Lord in all its branches, and that we ask God, and our brethren and sisters, to forgive us for these wrongs, and that we pledge ourselves to do better in future. We raised about three hundred and fifty dollars at this meeting, for the Benevolent Association, and to help circulate Life Incidents among the poor. On the whole it was one of the best meetings we have ever attended in this State.