The Work at Danvers, Mass.
By C. W. Stone
We pitched our tent in this place, and commenced meetings on the first day of August. The first evening brought out a great crowd. They filled our sixty-four-foot tent, and formed a deep ring clear round it. Curiosity called out a class from whom the authorities said we might expect trouble. At the commencement of our singing, however, they all became quiet, and the best of order has prevailed at every meeting. After the first evening, the ladies and best citizens came; and our audience is one of intelligence. Leading members of churches and men who have not attended church for five years have happily met together here. They come from places eight miles distant every evening, and fill the tent, and stand in large numbers around the outside. The subjects now presented are the prophecies of Dan. 2 and 7, Matt. 24, United States in prophecy, nature of the soul, end of the wicked, and Spiritualism. From the first the interest has increased. People want to investigate. We have been here thirteen days, and in that time have sold $56 worth of books. The people are reading the Bible, and the common remark is, “I have learned more of the Bible in the last ten days than I ever knew before.” They stop after meeting, to talk, and seem loth to go away from the tent. Already some who never professed religion have begun to pray; and though we have not touched the Sabbath question, several are inquiring what about it, and how they could keep it. We look for a good number here who will obey the Lord. Elder Canright has had great freedom in presenting the truth. Sunday, August 12, the Congregationalist minister preached against us. He said that the prophecies of Daniel were fulfilled centuries ago, were not written for us; and that a day is not a symbol for a year in prophecy. He exhorted his flock to accept what he taught and not trouble their heads about these things. The result is, that his own members are much displeased with him. Elder C. reviewed him the next Tuesday evening, before a very large audience, leaving an excellent impression.