Meetings in Maine: Richmond, Brunswick, Deering, Woodstock
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Meetings in Maine: Richmond, Brunswick, Deering, Woodstock
By J. B. Goodrich
June 25, at 7½ P. M., I met with the friends in Richmond village. There were but few out to hear. Some were detained at home by sickness. The 26th, evening, I met with the church in Brunswick, and the 27th, at 7½ P. M., I commenced a monthly meeting at Deering, holding over Sabbath and first-day. Although the gathering was not as large as usual, yet there seemed to be an interest with some to hear; and they are convinced that we have the truth. May the Lord help them to take their feet from off the Sabbath, call it a delight, and receive the blessing that follows acts of obedience. Here a tract and missionary meeting was held, and by the reports handed in it was evident that some interest had been manifested in scattering tracts. But some did not report. This is not as it should be. All should report what they have done, and the principle and design of the T. and M. Society should be carried out. July 4, I commenced meetings at Woodstock, Me., holding over Sabbath and first-day. At first, the interest was low, but as our meetings progressed, the interest increased until the last. Sunday, the seats were very well filled with attentive hearers, and I had good liberty in speaking; and judging by the way tears flowed, the word spoken made a deep impression upon the minds of those who heard. After the close of the afternoon meeting, we attended to the ordinances, and two united with the church. An urgent request was made for meetings to be held about six miles from here. Oh! that God would raise up faithful laborers, and thrust them into his vineyard. There never was a time in Maine when there were so many calls for help, and so many doors open to hold meetings and preach the third angel’s message, as now; and it is a wonder to me how men who have talent, and the ability to preach this message to the people, can fold their arms and content themselves to stay at home, month after month, and not heed the call of the people, and feed the souls that are starving and dying for want of the bread of life. There is a day of wrath coming, a time of trouble. Do we believe it? We say, We do; but do our actions show that we believe what we say? Solemn scenes are before us; the Judgment will soon close, and we must give an account of our stewardship. If I cannot do as much as others, by the help of the Lord, I will do what I can. Sabbath, July 12, I meet with the church at Norridgewock, and the 13th, at the Moore school-house in Canaan. The 19th and 20th, I attended the monthly meeting at Athens. Although it rained Sabbath forenoon, yet a goodly number came from Norridgewock, Cornville, and Hartland. Sunday was a pleasant day, and the interest to hear was very good. This church has been almost broken up by removals, and I would here caution our brethren against getting the moving spirit, unless they are sure it is for the glory of God and the advancement of his cause. There are a few in this place who are still holding on firmly to the truth, and are looking for the return of the Messiah, and a home in the kingdom of God, and may the Lord especially bless them, is my prayer. Sabbath and first-day, the 26th and 27th, I met with the Canaan church. Here some interest was manifested in the tract and missionary work. Ten united with the society. We hear good results from the tract and missionary work. Souls are being led to Christ, and to acknowledge the authority of God’s holy law. We also hear good news from the Maine mission tent. Brn. Blaisdell and Webber are meeting with good success; souls are being converted and brought into the truth. This cause is onward. There is no failure in this message. God’s hand is in this work, and it will finally bear off the victory. Brethren, pray for us. South Norridgewock, July 29, 1873.