Canada: Meetings Among Scattered Brethren in P. Q
By A. S. Hutchins
By request of Bro. L. Bean, I accompanied him to P. Q., where we held meetings at four different points. Our brethren are quite scattered here. It is at some sacrifice that they keep their meetings up. We are thankful that they choose to make this rather than forsake the assembling of themselves together. To meet with us in Compton, Brn. Bates and Claxton drove some twenty-five miles. Bro. Hool and son, the same distance to get to Linda. Here we held six meetings in the school-house, near Bro. Claxton's. There seemed to be but little interest in this place to hear the word of life preached, except on the part of the brethren and sisters. Yet, we felt that the visit with our friends here was not lost, as they all seemed much encouraged and strengthened to press forward for the prize. It is not often that any of our preachers come here to labor. Indeed, the brethren do not expect much preaching, yet they feel, and say, “the cause is one.” They promptly pay their S. B. in their currency, giving the Conference the premium. Several joined the T. and M. Society, and aided in the poor fund. We feel a lively interest in the prosperity of the cause of truth with these dear brethren. In past years, they have had much to weaken their hands, and discourage them, spiritually. While some have been set adrift upon the sea of fanaticism and rebellion, and know not whither they are floating, there are a few in P. Q. who love the cross-bearing way of truth and righteousness, and highly prize union with the people of God. With gratitude of heart, I call to mind the sweet visit and much-needed rest at Bro. Claxton's, a few days. Thirteen years have rolled away since visiting here before. May God bless the parents, and may their children with them find life eternal. The labor of Bro. Bean, both in public and around the fireside, were appreciated. Oh! how much the solemn and all-important work of bearing the last message of mercy to dying men needs active, faithful, and godly ministers and helpers, who bear in their bodies the “marks of the Lord Jesus,” in every circle and family where they go, living epistles, “known and read of all men.” And oh! how sad to hear it said of a minister of the gospel, “When he is in the desk, he ought never to come out; and when he is out, he ought never to go into it.” Says Peter, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but, willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” “If love to God and love to men
Be absent, all my hopes are vain;
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal,
The work of love can e’er fulfill.”