Report from Bro. Whitney.
By S. B. Whitney
BRO. WHITE: Having again entered the great harvest-field more fully to devote my time to the work of preaching the word, I accordingly submit my report. Oct. 11, I left home for the Quarterly Meeting at Adams' Center, stopping at Sanford's Corners over night. Spoke four times at the Center, and held two social meetings. Did not enjoy as much freedom in speaking as at some other times, owing to the effects of fatiguing, manual labor, from which I had not had time to recover; but while attending the Ordinances, the sweet blessing of the Lord rested upon us, so that we all felt we were in Bethel. Sister Sanders was admitted to the church. First-day evening, went with Bro. Chas. Green to Houndsfield, where I visited among the friends till Tuesday evening, when I returned to the Center. Wednesday eve, spoke to the brethren again with more liberty, and they in turn heartily responded to the truth, after which I went to the hospitable home of Bro. Walsworth. Spent the next day in sweet converse with this dear family, and Friday, accidentally missing the train that was to take me to Mannsville, went to Bro. Miles' in Adams, who, with his family, accompanied me to Mannsville Sabbath morning, where I spoke twice with freedom, after which, free and spirited testimonies were borne. Held one meeting also on first-day, and a prayer-meeting at Bro. Lowry's evening after the Sabbath. After spending two days here, resting and writing, I came the 24th to Bro. Robinson's and spoke in the school-house near by in the evening, with good freedom, although the attendance was small. The next day came to Oswego to attend the Quarterly Meeting the 27th and 28th. Sabbath morning was so stormy that for a while we almost despaired of seeing the brethren from the country, but, at the appointed hour, they came, dripping with rain, but better prepared to enjoy the meeting and work for the Lord, for the sacrifice they had made. On account of a misunderstanding, most expecting that this meeting was to be held at Roosevelt, and the paper containing the appointment not reaching them in season, some came from Roosevelt or West Monroe; but the Spirit of the Lord aided in speaking the word, and the church were encouraged. Tuesday, the 3d, visited our dear sister Rhodes who is suffering extremely with a cancer that is fast consuming her vitality. She is an example of patient suffering, is resigned to the will of God, and not able to express her gratitude for his goodness to her. Also visited the friends in Granby where I gave lectures last winter, and found them still interested in the truth and trying to keep the Sabbath. May the Lord help them to see all the truth, and to feel the importance of associating more fully with his people in order to gain strength to overcome, and live out the truth consistently. Nov. 3 and 4, was with the church at Roosevelt. The influence of this meeting was dampened somewhat by the affliction of Bro. Treadwell, whose brother died of typhoid fever Sabbath evening, while two other members of the family—his wife and oldest child—were dangerously sick with the same disease. But the Lord helped us to rise above our sadness, and our meeting was interesting and profitable. Bro. Edson was able to be with us, and gave a most instructive and encouraging testimony. The prayer of the church is that the Lord will raise him up, and strengthen him to fill his place in the church and the cause. May it be granted, is my prayer. Visited among the church and sympathizers, laboring for them as best I could, and speaking once, until Thursday, when Bro. Drake brought me to West Monroe. Was much encouraged while among this people by beholding what the Lord has done for them. Enjoyed freedom in speaking the plain truth, which was gladly received. A number of the youth and children were ready to do their duty in the meetings.207May the Lord bless them, and help them to be faithful, and to get an experience that will stand by them in the time of trouble. Tuesday, the 18th, came to Bro. Patten's to enjoy his pilgrim's home a while, and spoke twice to a goodly number with freedom. Yesterday came to this place, and am now enjoying the hospitalities of Bro. Kinne. Kirksville, N. Y., Nov. 16, 1866.