Tonawanda, N. Y by S. B. Whitney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 9, 1875

Tonawanda, N. Y.

By S. B. Whitney

At the time of my last report I was lecturing in the Disciple chapel, but after about a week the house was taken from us for meetings of their own, and we were obliged to return to the hall. This sensibly affected our attendance, which was small at best, but I did not feel at liberty to leave, as some of the leading members of the church earnestly protested against their action and publicly declared their purpose to follow us to the hall, which they did.

I have labored under great discouragements, the weather being very unpropitious and the attendance very small, on one occasion being reduced to three persons, aside from Bro. Nicola and family, although we have advertised freely and done what we could to get the people out.

Still, I have had such encouragement as I seldom or never had before. The owner of the hall is the principal partner in a heavy lumber firm, and president of a banking house run by the same firm. He has attended every meeting but one; has steadily used his influence to get others to attend, advertising at his own expense, taking me into his carriage, driving to the clergymen’s houses, and giving them notices to read; has furnished the hall and warmed it, free of charge, and made me a donation of five dollars, besides freely entertaining me at his house. He sees the truth plainly and advocates the Sabbath, but does not see his way clear, as yet, to obey.

The cashier of the bank, however, who is one of the elders of the Disciple church, has informed me that he is convinced of the truth and must obey; and as he is a man of large influence among them, and a number of others of the same church are almost persuaded, we confidently hope for more fruit. Those interested are among the best in the church and community. Under these circumstances I have felt forbidden to leave the ground.

Some two weeks ago, having received an invitation to hold meetings at a place on the railroad about six miles from here, called LaSalle, and the hall being occupied so much of the time, I went there thinking I could look after the interest here at the same time. I obtained the Methodist house, but after holding a few meetings it was locked against me, which stopped my operations there for the time being, but learning that the trustees are not in sympathy with the move, but decidedly opposed to it, I visited them yesterday and obtained a written certificate for the use of the house for a series of meetings of indefinite length, and am to resume to-night, the Lord willing.

S. B. WHITNEY.

December 1, 1875.