After our Meeting in Boston, we went to Topsham, Me. To meet with the firm, tried friends of the cause there, with whom we had toiled and suffered when our friends were few, was indeed refreshing. There have been no recent additions to the small church there; but all stand firm. They were among the first Advent believers that embraced the Sabbath, therefore suffered trials, and made sacrifices that most of those who have recently embraced the Sabbath know nothing of. We spent several days with the devoted family of Bro. S. Howland who have had the care of our eldest child for five years. At first we left him with them for a short time only. Soon attachments between them became very strong; and having perfect confidence in their ability to train the child for heaven, we left him with them. Sr. Frances, daughter of Bro. Howland, has had the care of the child five years without the least expense to us, and now returns our dear Henry to us a well trained, praying boy. We are not able to express the gratitude we owe that dear family, not only for their care and labor for our child, but for their labors of love to us in time past when the friends of the Sabbath were very few, and the cause feeble. May heaven still bless them here, and richly “recompense them at the resurrection of the just.”
From Topsham we went to Palmyra, where our parents reside. Our visit with them, also the families of two sisters in the same county, were most agreeable, and we trust beneficial. First-day, Oct. 2nd, we spoke to a good congregation at the Palmyra Union Meeting House. Subject in the forenoon was the institution, design and perpetuity of the Sabbath; in the afternoon, the fulfillment of Rev. xiv, 6–12, in the past present and future. These subjects were new to that people; yet we and our views were treated with kindness and respect. And we fully believe that our labors in that place will not be in vain.
Oct. 7th and 8th, we held a Conference with the Brethren at Dartmouth, Mass. For several years there have been a few faithful souls in Dartmouth, firm in the present truth. But the past year their numbers have been more than doubled. We were happy to meet with three brethren by the name of Ashly, also their wives, who had joined the Sabbath-keepers since we last visited the place, also several others.—Our meeting was quite full, and will result in good. The opposition is strong; yet there are those candidly inquiring for the truth, and we fully believe they will yet walk in it. On the morning of the 9th, the brethren and friends assembled at the water where three were baptized. The Lord was with us. It seems that some, at least, of the heavenly host hovered over that little brook where these believing souls were buried with Christ in baptism. It was easy singing, praying and shouting. Glory to God! how refreshing to the spirit to look back upon such sacred seasons.
We then assembled at the house of Bro. Collins to show forth the Lord’s death, by partaking of the emblems of his broken body and spilt blood. This was also a precious season. The Advent people should prize this ordinance above all others who profess faith in Christ. It not only points back to the scenes of Calvary, but also to Christ’s second coming, when we shall behold the person of our Lord, and be with him, when we shall no longer have use for the emblems. “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” 1 Cor. xi, 26.
To those who would observe the first day of the week as a Sabbath, to commemorate the works of redemption we would say, you have no need, neither have you a right, to steal the holiness of the seventh day, and give it to the first day of the week, and then keep it to celebrate redemption. Heaven has provided memorials of the crucifixion and the resurrection, with which the church should be satisfied, and let the Sabbath rest remain as a memorial of Jehovah’s rest on the first seventh day of time. The Lord’s Supper was instituted to shew forth the Lord’s death, while baptism shews forth his resurrection.
“Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death?—Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Rom. vi, 3–5.—Here then is the glorious memorial of the resurrection. But the Papal church having corrupted the ordinance of baptism, using in its stead a few drops of water only, was prepared to take another step, and rob the seventh day of its holiness and give it to the first day of the week, and then profess to observe the first day of the week because Christ arose from the dead on that day!
According to appointment, we met with the brethren in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 15th and 16th. There was quite a gathering of the brethren from Connecticut, Ashfield, Mass., and other places. On the Sabbath, and the evening following, we spoke three times in Currier’s Hall, and twice on First-day in Root’s Hall. But few came out to hear besides those who are in the faith. Our meetings were full and interesting. There we formed a happy acquaintance with Bro. Paine and his family from Ware, also Bro. Dexter Daniels, whose hearts seem to be in the good work.
Our last meeting in the place, at the house of Sr. Skinner, was very interesting and powerful. Several felt deeply, especially three young women from Connecticut who were not living in the enjoyment of religion. The Spirit of God moved upon them powerfully. And while some wept aloud, a disposition was manifested to steady the Ark by one who had no part to act in such business; but this did not hinder the work. The daughter of Bro. Moore of Kensington, Conn., immediately arose and spoke of her desire to seek and serve the Lord. This was an excellent meeting. The Spirit of God moved powerfully; tho’ all present did not know enough of the work of God to keep in their proper place. How unfortunate for some that they do not stop to learn the truth and the work of God themselves, before they begin to teach others, even those who have had experience, and have borne the burden and heat of the day.
We became strongly united in sympathy with the dear brethren in Springfield. Their experience in the message has been short; and they are in the midst of the bitterest opposition. United they will stand, and prosper, and the Lord will add to their numbers.—
May the Lord save them from uniting in any way with those who break and hate the fourth commandment. On the present message, and nowhere else may they safely unite.