Report of Labors in Maine.
By S. N. Haskell
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, in company with Bro. Waggoner, I left Manchester, N. H., for Skowhegan, Maine. Sabbath and first-day following, we spent at Norridgewock. The brethren here have been passing through some trials, but manifest a desire to come up in the work. This was shown in re-organizing Systematic Benevolence on first-day. Quite a number were not present, yet those that were present raised the figures from what they were last year, about $160.00. At this meeting it was decided that I should accompany Bro. Goodrich in assisting the brethren in re-organizing their S. B., while he would go to New Sharon. Accordingly, I met Bro. Goodrich at Cornville, Monday night. A considerable interest had been awakened here by Bro. G.'s efforts. Here their Systematic Benevolence figures were increased between forty and fifty dollars. Wednesday and Thursday we spent at Athens; Sabbath and first-day, at Hartland. Three here united with the church, and a good degree of interest is felt among the brethren. The following Monday and Tuesday, I was in Canaan. The friends in Canaan and Athens have not had that amount of labor that the other above-named churches have; therefore they did not manifest that interest in the work. Yet in every place there was an increase in their S. B. figures; which showed an increasing confidence in present truth. The interest on the subject of Systematic Benevolence, in a church, depends very much upon the spiritual condition of its members; therefore I conclude that the contents of a man's wallet lie near his heart; for, as the heart opens for the reception of the gospel of Jesus Christ, just in that proportion his wallet opens for its maintenance. Dec. 2 and 3, I spent alone with the friends in Richmond. Perhaps there is no company in Maine where they are more earnest to come up to all the teachings of the Bible, as far as they understand them, than here. Systematic Benevolence had never been organized here. But there was no lack on the part of any who were present at the meeting. One man who was not keeping the Sabbath, after hearing the Bible system explained for sustaining the gospel, expressed his hearty approval of it, and wished to take stock in it, which he accordingly did. I thank God for a faith that is a unit, every part of which may be read from the word of God; a faith which is so harmonious that it commends itself to the minds of the candid. The brethren in Maine feel encouraged since the camp-meeting. But there are some things that should be realized by brethren and sisters everywhere, if they would see the cause of God prosper. 1. There is a work to be accomplished by the churches, which will give them an experience that no minister can ever do for them. 2. There is salvation in present truth, and nowhere else; hence the necessity of being sound in the order and work of God. 3. The reward and joy of the child of God is, the salvation of souls as the result of his influence in this life. 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. Hence, those who have a reward in the kingdom of God, must do something here; they must let their light shine, that others may see their good works, and be led to glorify God. 4. No labor put forth with a selfish motive, will God accept; therefore, consecration and devotedness to God and his blessed cause is absolutely necessary. At times, my whole being yearns for an unreserved consecration to God and his cause. It is not a blind, bigoted zeal that is wanted; but a consecration of all our powers, a thoroughly-sanctified judgment, a heart that will ever beat true to God and his truth, under the most trying circumstances.