ENCOURAGING MEETINGS IN N. Y.
By N. FULLER
According to arrangement, I have been laboring in connection with Eld. R. F. Cottrell on the Western District, N. Y. After the Quarterly meeting at Olcott, I remained and followed the interest by a protracted effort, which was greatly blessed both to the church and those without. The church commenced to seek the God of their fathers with all their hearts. The Lord met them as soon as they took a step in advance. The result was, four young persons come inquiring what they must do to be saved. Some of them had severe contests with the enemy; but they have gotten the victory by faith, so as to feel that they have a hope that is like an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. Backsliders were reclaimed, cold professors began to feel the holy fire kindling in the soul, and they resolved to no longer stand in the way of the work of God. Each resolved, by the help of the Lord, to hold every step they gained, which, if they do, they will see the work of God prosper in their midst. “Oh that each from his Lord
May receive the glad word,
Well and faithfully done.” We left just in season to reach the Quarterly Meeting at Lancaster. A good representation of brethren and sisters from Olcott, and several from Rochester, were in attendance. The meetings were characterized by the same good Spirit we had felt at Olcott. Wrongs were searched out and confessed, and the church seemed to be prepared to go on their way rejoicing. Satan has desired to have some of the dear saints at Lancaster, that “he might sift them as wheat.” I trust many can truly say as the Saviour did to Peter, “I have prayed for thee.” Oh! may the Lord rescue them; and he will if they continue to trust in him. From thence we went to Nile Settlement, to attend the Quarterly Meeting for Allegany. Here we found the need of much labor with the church. We at once set about the work. The church entered into a covenant to seek God with all their hearts, and seek him now. An interest begun to awaken, not only in the church, but among those who did not profess religion. Nine offered themselves for prayers, most of whom were not Sabbath-keepers. Two confessed the Saviour and found him precious to their souls. They also acknowledged the claims of God’s law, Sabbath and all. Our meetings commenced at sunset, evening after evening, and the Lord greatly blessed our earnest effort. But the time came for us to go to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Roulette, Pa. We left an appointment here again as soon as we could return. The Lord was with us at Roulette, and the church were greatly strengthened. We found a willingness on their part to take hold of the work of God in good earnest. May God bless and strengthen them. We then returned to Allegany and resumed the work. There was an increasing interest both within and without the church. The time being at hand when Bro. Cottrell must go to attend the Farmington Quarterly Meeting, it was decided that I should remain and continue the meetings, which I did until evening before last. Over twenty have offered themselves for prayers. Seven or eight have taken up the cross. Some, with hearts all melted by the Spirit of God, said they should fight against the law of God no more. I think the work has not reached its height yet. It has been a soul-reviving and sin-killing time. Heaven rejoices to see men turning to God, being willing to have his law written in their hearts. I write hastily while waiting for the cars to take me to the Quarterly Meeting at Catlin, after which I am to return and continue the meetings at Nile. Belvidere, N. Y., March 20, 1867.