p. 48 | Maine Conference by E. L. Barr

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 17, 1857

Maine Conference.

By E. L. Barr

THERE was a good gathering of the friends of the cause of truth, while many were absent that we should have been glad to see at this conference. A lack of strait forward, gospel discipline in cases of wrongs, has produced a withering effect upon the cause, which suffers much in this part of the State. It was distressing to witness the interest manifested to hear by those not in the truth, while the way seemed to be hedged up by the sad state of things in the church. We have sorrowed much because these things were so, and because that our efforts at this meeting did not have that salutary effect upon the church here as in other States; yet we hope the effort is not lost, and believe the honest ones will now show themselves by faithfully confessing their own faults, and cutting loose from every ungodly connection with the world, that has always proved a curse to vital godliness. O that all might realize the awful threatening that is out against the lukewarm, and zealously repent. The cause is destined to rise in Maine, and when it does, those that rise with it will not rise with those dead weights that have so long been a hindrance to the cause. We feel

deeply for those that love the truth, and pity those that do not. O for grace, wisdom and courage to live out the truth acceptably to God in this trying hour.

There was a hearty concurrence in the decision of the other conferences to make the tent operation one in New England, and not sectional. It was also decided to hold another conference at Topsham in two weeks.

This conference is now past, and we feel glad of the privilege of saying to the dear suffering saints in Maine that God’s hand is evidently set to the work to bring up his people here. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear. The searching Spirit of truth brought out those deep, heartfelt confessions of faults that we have heard elsewhere. The backslidden were reclaimed, the weak were strengthened, and the strong grew stronger, while two daughters of Bro. Brown of Litchfield made up their minds to keep the commandments and go with the saints to the kingdom. May God bless and keep them and all of his dear saints from all evil.

From the interest manifested to hear on the subject of present truth at Canaan, Phippsburgh, (a new place,) and at Topsham, we are shut up to the conclusion that the gathering Spirit of the Lord is out after honest souls in Maine, and only waits for the church to rid itself of the rubbish, when it will bring to the knowledge of the truth all such as can be reached and benefitted by the same. O brethren, arise and improve this last solemn moment, and secure for yourselves the great gift of eternal life.

E. L. BARR. Portland, Me., Nov. 25th, 1857.