Meetings in Portland, Me.
By John Nevins Andrews
In company with Bro. Cornell, I had the privilege of meeting with the brethren in Portland and vicinity, on Sabbath and first-day, July 8 and 9. We had, I trust, a profitable series of meetings. The word of the Lord was precious to those who spoke it, and seemed to interest and benefit those who heard. Our seasons of social worship on Sabbath and first-day mornings were encouraging and precious seasons. The Sabbath-keepers in Portland and the adjacent towns are not numerous; yet to me it was very encouraging to meet so many in a place where in times past the cause has been so feeble. Thank God for what has been accomplished in the East. There is still some interest to hear in Portland. Our meetings were attended by a first-day Advent preacher and his wife, who acknowledged their strong conviction that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment ought to be observed. God give them grace to act up to their convictions of duty. Our brethren in Portland have a very pleasant and commodious hall. If they walk worthy of the high calling with which they have been called, others will be added to their number of such as shall be saved. They cannot have preaching indeed only at long intervals, but they can have interesting and heavenly seasons of social worship. Yet to secure these, each member of the church must have a living experience in the things of God. Such I trust will be the case in Portland. The consistent lives, and godly example of our brethren there, will exert a powerful influence in behalf of the present truth. But if these things be lacking, the cause of truth will be wounded in the house of its friends. "A city set on a hill cannot be hid." I have devoted considerable time since I came to Maine, to writing. I trust that I shall be able now to give myself to the work of teaching the word of God, and visiting from house to house. I have a most earnest desire to accomplish some good, in a humble way, in the cause of God. Bro. Cornell has resumed labor in Augusta with some tokens for good. Our meetings will be on the coming Sabbath and first-day, in Cornville. Letters may be directed to me at Topsham. Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. Topsham, Me., July 19, 1865.