Report from Bro. Whitney.
By S. B. Whitney
Dec. 7, thanksgiving day, held a meeting with the church here, and about midnight started for Adams' Center to attend their Monthly Meeting the 9th and 10th. Enjoyed sweet and comforting freedom, as usual, with this dear people. Eld. Green, a colored man from Syracuse, who was soliciting means for a colored church in Auburn, and who is favorably noticed in the Syracuse prints, came into our meeting Sabbath, P. M., and being asked to preach he did so to quite good acceptance, considering that eleven years ago only, he was fleeing as a fugitive from the land of whips and chains. Books on present truth, and a few dollars in money, were furnished him as an evidence of the interest felt by our brethren in the welfare of the freedmen. From here I went to Oswego, and in company with Bro. Goodwin visited a neighborhood in Granby, where I preached twice last winter and was invited to come again, and the way opening, commenced meetings the 13th. Exceedingly stormy weather and the holidays prevented the interest from becoming very general; but a few were deeply interested, and four or five decided to obey the truth. Four subscribed for the Review and one for the Instructor. Remained there till Jan. 5, giving twenty lectures and meeting twice with the church in Oswego during the time. Attended the Monthly Meeting at Roosevelt Jan. 6 and 7. The severity of the weather prevented a number from coming out, but some freedom was given in speaking the word, and some good victories gained in our social meetings. Held a meeting there the Tuesday eve following also. Filled my appointment in Bro. Robinson's neighborhood the 13th and 14th. The condition of the weather and roads prevented a general gathering here also, but the season was enjoyed by the few friends of the cause in that vicinity. Held two meetings in Bro. Ballou's neighborhood during the following week. At Mannsville, the 20th and 21st, had the privilege of joining Bro. Taylor in their Monthly Meeting—he having postponed it a week to harmonize with my appointment. The meeting Sabbath day was profitable. Close and pointed testimony was borne by Bro. T., which was responded to quite generally by the brethren present; and the meeting for ordinances was quite refreshing. Sabbath afternoon it began to snow and blow, as it does sometimes in this northern climate, and the succeeding forty or more hours witnessed such a storm as but seldom visits us. Our public meeting first-day, was entirely broken up; but around the family altars where the brethren were principally stopping, truly refreshing seasons were enjoyed and sweet victories gained. One started to serve the Lord for the first86time, and some who have been bound for years by their own unfaithfulness and the inconsistencies of others began to work for themselves, and expressed their determination to go through with the people of God. A goodly number from Adams' Center, Bro. Goodwin from Oswego, and Bro. Cross from Vermont, were with us. We all felt that the meeting was quite as profitable as it would have been otherwise. Enjoyed another brief season with the church at Adams' Center, meeting with them the evening of the 23d. Attended the Monthly Meeting at Norfolk the 27th and 28th. This meeting was characterized by more than usual promptness on the part of the brethren to do their own work, and a disposition to rise with the message. On the whole I returned from this tour refreshed, and with a stronger determination to be more faithful in the work of the Lord. Dear brethren and sisters, the Lord is on Israel's side and when we come up to his help against the mighty He will do great things for us. May we be enabled so to do.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Grass River, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1866.