The Otsego Meeting

At the General Conference session held in November, announcement was made that general meetings would be held in Otsego, Michigan, to begin the next Friday evening and run through Monday. Ellen White, with a number of workers from Battle Creek, attended. Canright presided in Otsego, and she was entertained in the Canright home. In her report of the meetings she stated:3BIO 265.7

The brethren and sisters had come together from different churches, and the house of worship was crowded. The gallery was full, seats were placed in the aisles, and quite a number could obtain no seats. My own soul was strengthened and refreshed in dwelling upon the gracious promises of God. In watering others, my own soul was watered.—Ibid., December 2, 1884.3BIO 266.1

As the meetings progressed, all eyes were on Canright. She continued in her report, “How my heart rejoiced to see Brother Canright all interest, heart and soul in the work, as he used to be years in the past! I could but exclaim, ‘What hath the Lord wrought!’ “—Ibid. In the evening after the Sabbath he gave an impressive discourse, but it was on Sunday morning, when he recounted his past experience, that the people gave their most earnest attention. He declared:3BIO 266.2

It seems to me.... that my whole soul is now bound up in this present truth. I have told my brethren that if the world were before me, the truth is so clear that I know I could make them see it....3BIO 266.3

I want to say that I have been changed right around in my feelings and convictions. I do not say I am fully satisfied in everything; but I believe the truth as I used to believe it....3BIO 266.4

In the twenty-five years I have been with our people, I have traveled from Maine to California, and I have never known one man who has drawn back and begun to harbor doubts who did not begin to separate from God. I have never known one who through such a course has become more spiritual or more anxious to do something to save his fellow men....3BIO 266.5

When I left off preaching, I vowed to myself and to my God that I would go right along laboring as I had done, be faithful in the church, and do my duty every time. Well, brethren, after I had gone that way for a time, I found that I had lost my hold upon God. I lost my spirituality. Now there must be something wrong about such a course; for if it is right it seems to me that a man would certainly prosper in that way.—Ibid.3BIO 266.6

Bringing his confession and his declaration to a close, Canright made a statement that those in the church at Otsego and those who read the report of his address in the Review would not soon forget. Unfortunately, however, within three years he himself had forgotten it:3BIO 267.1

Brethren, I will say this: So far as I am concerned, I will start right here; and all that I have, all that I am, I will put into this work, and take my risk of everything. I will never do this backing up anymore; and I believe that if I ever go back from this I am lost. All I have I will give to this cause. I believe there is in this truth that which will save men. I have seen drunkards saved by it, and the wickedest of men saved by it; and may God help us to triumph with it when Jesus comes.—Ibid.3BIO 267.2

The same issue of the Review and Herald that carried the Canright statement also carried Ellen White's report of the three-day meeting in Otsego. Near its close she not only made reference to his restoration to the faith and the cause but also spoke warmly of her entertainment in the Canright home. She was ecstatic in her description of what had taken place:3BIO 267.3

I could but make melody to God in my heart every moment as I considered the work that had been wrought so wonderfully in this case. Elder Canright saved to the cause! His precious family led into the ways of truth and righteousness! I said in my heart, as I looked upon them, Saved, saved from ruin! If there is joy in the presence of the angels in heaven, why should there not be joy in our hearts? I do rejoice, I do praise the Lord, that mine eyes have seen his salvation.—Ibid.3BIO 267.4