Dyer Brook, Me by J. B. Goodrich

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 30, 1872

Dyer Brook, Me.

By J. B. Goodrich

The work has moved slow in this place. Eleven have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Others are convinced that we have the truth, but how slow people are to obey! If they would try as hard to find reasons why they should obey God's truth, his laws, and his commandments, as they do to frame excuses why they cannot, it would be a great blessing to themselves and those around them. But there is a great deal of prejudice existing in Aroostook County against the Advent doctrine, caused by setting so many different times; but just as soon as they learn that we, as a people, do not have any definite time to preach, they are more willing to hear. The most of the tongue of slander comes from those that know nothing of our views. There are some who delight in using the keep-away argument, and in misrepresenting us as a people. I wish people would remember the words of Paul: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." 1 Thess. 5 : 21, Rom. 7 : 12.

Soon after I commenced meetings in this place, and there seemed to be an interest to hear. An effort was made by one of the church members to close the house, but he did not succeed. My friends have increased in numbers, and I have been made welcome at their homes, for which I feel thankful. May the Lord help them to make haste, and delay not to keep his commandments and the faith of his Son, that they may be saved in his kingdom.

The lumbering business stands in the way of the work in this county this winter. The men (all that can leave home) are away in the woods at work.

We have organized Systematic Benevolence in Maro to the amount of $67.60 a year. The most seem willing to do all they can to help forward the message. If all in Maine had the courage and interest in the third angel's message that one sister has who walked seven miles last Sabbath to get to meeting, things would move forward and souls would be brought into the truth. It is time for us in Maine to arise and take hold of this message as we never have before. The end is drawing near, and souls are perishing; the day of wrath is coming, and who will stand? God has provided a shield; will we accept of it? We shall be left without an excuse in the day of Judgment.

In looking over the past year of my life, I can see where I have made some mistakes, but is it best for me to give up? No; by the grace of God I will try to do better the year to come.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126 : 5, 6. May the Lord help us to get the spirit of labor and sacrifice, and go forth without the camp, bearing his reproach. Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree, without a murmur. May the Lord save us from a spirit of fault-finding, and murmuring, and complaining. God is not well pleased with those who possess such a spirit, and his frown will be upon them. J. B. GOODRICH.

Patten, Me., Jan. 16, 1872.