MAINE by A. O. Burrill

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 17, 1885

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 7

MAINE

By A. O. Burrill

NORTH BERWICK AND PORTLAND.—January 28 I left my home at South Lancaster to begin labor in my native State, from which I have been absent almost seventeen years. I arrived at North Berwick, that same evening in the midst of a severe snow-storm; but I soon found comfortable quarters at the home of Bro. J. L. Prescott. I spent nearly two days in North Berwick, visiting from family to family. As we rehearsed the evidences for the soon return of our Lord and the important work which is going on among our people, new courage seemed to come to all present. One sister ordered an outfit for canvassing, and, I trust, will be successful in carrying the light of present truth into many families. A good assortment of tracts and Bible-readings have been shipped to them. There are two who intend to begin holding Bible-readings, and thus scatter the seeds of truth. Now is the time to sow it among our neighbors.

From Friday till Wednesday I was at Portland. Held eight meetings and two Bible-readings. The weather was very cold, and a portion of the time stormy. Just outside of the city the mercury dropped to 30 below zero and at Yarmouth the thermometer registered 41 below. At no service was the attendance large, yet the meetings were good. Our brethren are having a good interest; already more than a dozen have begun to keep the Sabbath, and more invitations to hold Bible-readings are received than can be accepted. There is much prejudice against Sr. White and her work; and this is favorable, for it affords opportunity to fully canvass the subject of spiritual gifts, and bring the nature of her work before those who are seeking for the truth. The canvassers are having remarkable success. It seems as though heavenly messengers accompanied them from house to house. I am much encouraged about the work in this city. At our last meeting all expressed a willingness to pay their tithes. This mission is struggling to meet rent, and I am sure our people in Maine will not let such a noble work stop for want of a few dollars each month. Those who want to make donations to it can send them to the State Secretary, Miss Rose N. Redmond, 113 Pearl St., Portland, Me.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” The cause now is in great need, and those who now help will be laying up a good treasure for time to come. My courage in this work was never better. It is sure to triumph, and if we keep humble and faithful, we may triumph with it. Mail sent to South Lancaster, Mass., will be promptly forwarded to me.

A. O. BURRILL.