Report from Bro. Whitney.
By S. B. Whitney
My last report was made during the season of fasting and prayer. That was a profitable season to the church here, as we were led to close self-examination and humble repentance before the Lord. Spent one of the four days with the church at Norfolk, where the Spirit of the Lord was also at work. May 19 and 20, attended Quarterly Meeting at Perry's Mills. Here also the Lord helped his people to see and repent of their lukewarmness, and the wrongs consequent upon such a state. Preached three times, and enjoyed a good social meeting. The 26th and 27th was the time for Quarterly Meeting here. A general representation of the church at Norfolk, and Bro. Lawrence from Bangor, were present. Bro. and sister Taylor were with us, and they came in the fullness of the gospel of peace; and as Bro. T. portrayed before us the condition of the Laodicean church, our eyes were more fully opened, and the hearty confession of wrongs, and the strong resolutions to overcome, that were made, gave some evidence of the work of repentance that was going on in our hearts. The faithful labors of Bro. T. were especially blessed to me in enabling me to see my lukewarmness and unfaithfulness to the Lord and to his people; and I wish to say to the brethren and sisters where I have labored, that with deep sorrow and regret I confess my unfaithfulness and inconsistencies, and humbly ask their forgiveness for all the losses they have sustained, and the trials they have endured, on account of them. I have failed to heed the counsel of the Lord to "encourage in myself more energy and perseverance," and consequently my efforts have been feeble and half-hearted, and my usefulness almost destroyed. My state of mind in view of my condition is well described in the fifty-first psalm. But I trust the Lord has forgiven me my great wrong, and helped me to commence the work of reform; and in his love and tender mercy grants me the light of his countenance, and the communion of his Spirit. The work of overcoming appears of great magnitude, but still it can and must be done. Sabbath, June 9, was with the church at Norfolk, and enjoyed a really refreshing season. Some who labor under trying and discouraging circumstances were comforted and encouraged. One who had almost given up effort, and even hope, expressed a desire and determination to once more try to overcome and go through with the people of God, and one who was formerly a strong opposer of the present truth was present under a great burden of sin, and called earnestly for the prayers of the church, that she might be forgiven and blessed. All had their prospects brightened, and felt that there was light ahead. The 23d and 24th, attended Quarterly Meeting at Bangor. This was quite a general gathering for Northern N. Y., and the Lord met with us; and although "Satan came also," in the form of some fanatical spirits outside of the truth, the Lord's people were enabled to discern the spirit and not to be bound by it. I enjoyed the sweet blessing of the Lord while confessing my wrongs, and talking of the dealings of the Lord with me, and exhorting my brethren and sisters to greater faithfulness in the work of zealous repentance. Hearty confessions were made; strong resolutions were formed; the tempted and desponding were lifted up, and all went away feeling that the Lord was at work for his people. May the Lord help us to put away all our idols, prepare our hearts for the Saviour, and open the door that he may come in. Amen. Grass River, N. Y., July 4, 1866.