THE WORK AT DANVERS, MASS.
By M. Wood
Doubtless the readers of the Review are as anxious to hear about the work in Danvers as we were a year ago to hear about the work in Rome, N. Y. I think there never was a time since our organization when the pages devoted to the progress of the cause were perused with such intense interest as at the present time. Although the reports from Danvers have been of such a character as to stimulate the faithful, patient, waiting child of God, and give a new impetus to the work generally, the half has never been told. A few months ago even the name Seventh-day Adventist was unknown in the city of Danvers. Eld. Canright went there an entire stranger to all in the city. He pitched his tent and commenced his labors. At first, as in all new places, he was looked upon with distrust, and was classed among Mormons, spiritualists, or something worse, if possible; and the weak lambs were advised by the wise ones to give the tent a wide berth. But time sped on, and every blow struck by Eld. C. just settled the piles deeper and deeper upon which to build the largest church in New England. And to-day the name of Seventh-day Adventists is as familiar in Danvers as the most common household word, and their reputation is irreproachable. Eld. C. has labored in this place incessantly for several months, and has just finished a second course of lectures. The last lectures have had a most beneficial influence upon those already established in the truth, besides bringing out nearly a score of others, to take their stand upon God's sacred truth. The interest does not abate in the least. Merchants, mechanics, ministers, men of means, of mind, and of moral integrity, are embracing the third angel's message, and uniting with the Danvers church. The sound is gone out all over the country. People come in from every quarter to hear the word of God in its purity, some coming over one hundred miles to attend the meetings. Even the ministers of the most popular churches, exclaim, when they see, as they do here, drunkards reclaimed, and skeptics and infidels converted to God, that it is marvelous in their eyes. God has certainly wrought in a most wonderful manner in this section of country during the past few months. It would have rejoiced your heart, dear reader, to attend the Sabbath-school in Danvers last Sabbath. There were nine classes. Each individual, from the grandsire to the little child, sought to become familiar with the word of God. Brethren, is not all this in accordance with the teachings of the Holy One of Israel? We believe it is. One little girl of three summers, after reciting a perfect lesson in the first chapter of Genesis, came to me and named all the books in the Old Testament with a degree of accuracy which would put some of the older brethren and sisters to shame. May God bless the Sabbath-keeping children. And may the prayers of the dear saints ascend daily and hourly to the throne of grace, that strength and grace may be given his servants to faithfully prosecute the work.