Canaan, Me., Conference.
By E. L. Barr
BRO. SMITH:—On my return to this State last March I found the cause in a languishing condition. In some places the number of honest-hearted disciples have been diminished by Brn. going West. Others have fallen asleep; while there are other vacancies for which we sorrow as those that have no hope. There are many true-hearted lovers of truth yet left, some of which have been passing through trials of a fiery kind, and are coming forth as gold, for which we would adore the name of our God who guides his saints and will eventually bring them to their eternal rest. The late trying scenes that have thinned our ranks is a preparatory work for the final triumph of truth. Those left have stronger faith, love each other better, and the world less, and in view of the perils that God has brought them safely through, are constrained to consecrate their all to God in a more perfect manner than ever before. The offering has been accepted of the Lord, and proof given of that acceptance by a manifestation of his power to save soul, body and spirit, when the powers of darkness were combined to destroy. A few have recently embraced the truth, while we never witnessed a more serious, candid listening to the truth in large congregations by all than we have for a few weeks past, for which we thank God and take courage. Our late Conference was one of interest and profit to the scattered saints, and we believe the beginning of better days to the cause of the Third Angel's Message in this State. Our first meeting was honored with the presence of the Spirit of truth, which continued with us and wrought for us, especially at the close. The coming of Brn. Philips of Vt., and Folsom of Mass., was like the coming of Titus. Their prayers and exhortations were blessed of God to the good of his weary saints, who felt the importance of being dead to sin and alive to God, having all consecrated to his blessed service, together with a fixed determination not to rest till the work was accomplished. Their fervent prayers and soul-stirring exhortations at our last meetings were proof that the refining process was going forward, and that God had not led his people out here to perish. One honest soul came forward resolved to go with us to Mount Zion. We were also cheered by meeting with one of the scattered saints who had for many long years been striving to obey the truth, but never enjoyed the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith till now. Lord bless the lonely ones, is our prayer. Our business meeting on First-day morning, was harmonious. The subject of Tent-meetings was taken up; and inasmuch as some leading Brn. in Vt. feel anxious that the Tent owned by Brn. in Me., Mass., N. H., and Conn., should be manned and in the field this season in these States, and have also given some little encouragement in regard to sending some help to labor with the Tent, it was the decision of the Conference that this Tent ought not to go West. Hence, Resolved unanimously, That Brn. Barr and Philips act as agents to enlist laborers to go with the Tent. Resolved, That when suitable laborers are enlisted we will do what we can to sustain them in new fields as the way may open to hold meetings in each place, as long as the interest will justify. Resolved, That Bro. Stockbridge Howland, of Topsham, be Tent Treasurer for this State. E. L. BARR. Canaan, Me., June 19th, 1856. P.S. Those wishing Tent-meetings in this or the other States, will please write me at Canaan, Me. E. L. B.