The New England Mission.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO. WHITE: Our tent was pitched in Canaan, Me., July 1st, for the purpose of holding a meeting over Sunday and Monday, the 3d and 4th. Elders Howard and Hanscom, both Advent preachers, had appointed a meeting to be held in Canaan at the same time, and we offered them the use of our tent, which they thankfully accepted. Sunday morning, Eld. Howard gave a sound and interesting discourse on the subject of the atonement. The Lord backed up the word by the approving influences of his Holy Spirit. We are happy to say that Bro. Howard gave the moral law its appropriate place in the atonement. In the afternoon, Eld. Hanscom gave a practical discourse, and in the evening Eld. Howard spoke on the signs of the times. Monday morning, preaching by Bro. Cornell, on the nature of man. In the afternoon, a discourse on the same subject, by Bro. Howard. In the evening, Bro. Cornell spoke with clearness and power on this government. The interest was intense, and a favorable impression was left on the minds of the people. At this meeting, prejudice was removed. We became acquainted with several Advent brethren and sisters, who rejoice in hope of the coming of Christ, and gave the people an opportunity to see that it is not necessary to quarrel with, denounce and condemn those who differ with us. If we think we have important truths that others have not got, we ought to show it by a great amount of Christian love and forbearance. If we see others in error, we must remember that we, too, have erred, and that he who styles himself, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth," has borne with us, gently leading us step by step in the way of truth and duty. Let us imitate our merciful Creator in this respect. We can do this, and yet exalt the great truths that we love. We would have remained longer in Canaan if the locality had been more favorable for holding evening meetings. From Canaan we came to Cornville, where we found an urgent request to hold tent-meetings at Kendall's Mills. Bro. and Sr. Cornell, and Bro. Gage left for Kendall's Mills, leaving me to spend the rest of the week with the brethren in Cornville. I had a very pleasant time in visiting the brethren and sisters, and spoke twice on the Sabbath, and once on Sunday. I tried to show the necessity of carrying out practically the truths of the third message. The brethren and sisters seemed to feast upon the truths spoken, and outsiders were interested. We were happy to form an acquaintance with Eld. Stratton. This brother loves the truth. His amiable and teachable turn of mind, and his good experience, qualify him to strengthen his brethren. May God bless this brother as he tries to feed the brethren and sisters in Cornville, and as he moves out with the sanctifying truths of the third message. I came here on the cars this morning, and find the tent pitched, and a good interest started. Kendall's Mills, July 11, 1864.