Report from Bro. Fuller.
By N. Fuller
I VISITED Lancaster, July 20–23, and held meetings in connection with Bro. R. F. Cottrell. It was a Quarterly Meeting, but on account of haying and harvest, there were not as many out as were expected; yet we felt the deep movings of the Spirit of God in our hearts, melting them into tenderness. And as we viewed the future, a path through deep peril, we all resolved to buy of the true Witness the gold tried in the fire, and also get the eye-salve, that we might see to shun the dangers of the way, and follow the path that leads to the City of God. After visiting some of the lonely ones and encouraging them what we could, and stopping with Bro. Cottrell at his new home, we went to Olcott, where we spent six days with the church; held what meetings would be profitable, and visited from house to house. Notwithstanding they are very pleasantly situated so far as this world is concerned, they are reminded that the curse is not removed from any part of the earth. Sickness was among them. We spoke to them with good freedom, and as we joined with them at their homes in asking God to stay disease, we felt greatly blessed and had evidence that our God was a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. Our hearts were drawn out to God in prayer, that there might be a more thorough work wrought in the hearts of some of the young members of this church. Most of them are young; just where they can be useful in the cause of God. They have many things to encourage, and but few to oppose them. If any are found wanting they will be without excuse. Fathers and mothers are doing all they can to encourage and help them on in the heavenly journey. Will they go through without the loss of one? It is our earnest prayer that they may. Thence we journeyed eastward, stopping at Rochester, where the hand of affliction has left its mark.174We think it will remain until it teaches a lesson of submission. We all miss Bro. Orton, but we must all submit to the dealings of God with us. He does all things well. Aug. 2; I reached Bro. Patten’s, where I found a pilgrim’s home indeed, and plenty of hygienic food. From thence to Roosevelt, where I spent several days with the church in that vicinity. We had a revival of the work of God, which was much needed. The work which commenced last winter among them, had died away for want of having been finished at the proper time. The good brethren at Roosevelt have need to learn how to keep right; for I have thought of late that it is of but little use to learn how to get right, unless we learn how to keep right. Then when we get right, let us keep right, and go forward. I gained an evidence that God loved this people, and wanted to save them. They know the truth, and it only remains for them to live it out. They can be saved themselves, and be the means in the hands of God of saving others. Much has been given, and much will be required. We shall all have to give an account of our stewardship. I next visited the church at Adams’ Center, where I felt much at home with warm-hearted friends of the cause of truth. All seemed to be revived and strengthened. I had hoped to find more engaged in the Health Reform there than I did, but I trust others will soon see the light and follow it. From thence I turned my course to Oswego City, where I labored to encourage the few who are striving for a home in the kingdom of God. Some were interested who had never been converted. They seemed to be honest inquirers after truth. May God bless them, and bring them to a saving knowledge of his truth, that we may finally meet them on the sea of glass, when we get the harps of God. I then journeyed to Verona, where I was met by Bro. Satterlee whose hospitality I shared largely while laboring in that place. I am satisfied that it is the privilege of the church at Verona to be more engaged in the work of God. They seemed to be coming up, and I trust will strike for freedom in the Lord. Too much care of the world chokes the seed, and it cannot bring forth fruit. According to appointment I labored two evenings with the few faithful friends at Kirkville, where unexpectedly I met Bro. and Sr. Gardner. It rejoiced my heart to meet with, and listen to the testimonies of those who have been long in the way. We found this branch not withered, but standing in the counsel of God. Their influence is good. Many came out to hear the word of the Lord. From thence my appointment led me to West Monroe, where I found a work had been commenced, and left unfinished. After hearing my testimony in favor of the cause of truth, especially that which pertains to health reform, which was well received, I tried to impress the necessity of a deeper work of grace in the hearts of the young. Good resolutions were made which if lived out will lead to final victory. I went from there to Mannsville, where the brethren met for Monthly Meeting. We enjoyed a free and refreshing season. Prejudice began to give way, and there was an ear to hear the truth. Lectures were called for, and no doubt good might be done in that vicinity. Our brethren who met on that occasion were encouraged, and if they hold on to God by faith, in due time a work of saving souls may be accomplished, and the truth of God honored. But let the man who goes there, know that the Lord sends him, or he may find himself without a message. My next appointment was at Brookfield, where I found a home in the family of Bro. Ira Abbey. Here both mind and body were greatly refreshed. May God reward them for their kindness to his unworthy servant. The meeting was one of deep interest. Brethren were there from Deansville, Verona, and West Winfield. I spent two Sabbaths with the Brookfield church, visiting from house to house, saw nearly all its members, and counseled them as duty seemed to dictate. Some had become interested in the truth last winter, and as the work was left unfinished, the Devil had found the gap, and come in and snared them. I tried to rescue them, and trust their eyes were somewhat opened. Oh may God, pity and spare and save honest souls! After stopping two days with Bro. Halcomb, whose companion found the Saviour at the time of the Brookfield meetings, I journeyed to the State Conference, at Roosevelt, where we were made glad by meeting so many of the faithful friends of the cause of God. But we felt to mourn when we saw some of the afflicted ones. Our hearts were full of grief, and sympathy, when we saw the emaciated form of Bro. White, knowing as we did that he had been worn out in the cause of God. Our State Conference was far the best ever held among us. We went from it with hearts full of courage to labor on in the cause of truth.