We this morning sit down to bestow a moment's thought on what has been the success of the Tent-meetings this season, in New England. We can say that, manifestly, the Lord has approbated the pitching of the tent in every place. We are satisfied that one fourth of the congregation could in no ordinary way have been called out to listen to our faith; and we have aimed to move in the counsel of kindness and love: feeling that we could not drive any into heaven, or to embrace the truth; but "He that winneth souls is wise." In so doing we are confident that a great amount of prejudice is removed, and that in every place the way is open to be followed up by laborers to strew the broken-up fields with the third angel's message.
The tent-meeting at Ashfield, Mass., commenced Oct. 12th. The weather was the most inclement of any that we have had, yet we had quite a good attendance: the influence was good; the saints were much refreshed, and have a determination to press nearer to a gospel union. Some we left in tears, feeling the deep conviction of truth presented.
Oct. 20th, we pitched our tent in the village of Topsham, Me., near our dear brother Howland's. The weather was fair and most beautiful. The congregation numbered from 500 to 600, who appeared candid and interested; and some we have reason to believe, from what they expressed, will embrace the whole moral law of God.
We would say, that it is painful to see, that the liberalities of the saints are cast in like the one in our Saviour's day. The widow's mite is free, while others out of their abundance deal out with a painful scantiness, that illy becomes the humble saint who is professing to be looking for the coming kingdom of Jesus. The voluntary assistance rendered by the influential to keep order where the peace and quiet of our meetings was threatened, demands our gratitude.
F. WHEELER.
J. HART.
E. EVERTS.
Topsham, Me., Oct. 23d, 1854.