NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Have had eleven meetings here in a new place in Great Valley. Interest as good as could be expected in a country place in haying time. Four have determined to keep the Sabbath, and there is reason to hope for more; but the interest is not sufficient to continue evening meetings at this time of the year. Bro. Welch came unexpectedly, and has helped in the work. Wellsville, N. Y., Tent No. 1.
Owing to the fact that we are now in the midst of the busy season of haying and harvest, we concluded to pitch our tent at this place instead of in Bolivar, where we should have been obliged to depend entirely upon a scattered farming community for our audience. In this we had the advice of the brethren in this locality, who have aided us very materially in pitching the tent and making preparations for the meeting. We have a fine location, an organ, and a choir of four to lead the singing. Commenced meetings evening after the Sabbath, July 28, with a congregation of about three hundred. A heavy shower coming up at the hour of our appointment Sunday afternoon, nearly broke up the meeting, but in the evening we had an audience of four hundred, who gave good attention. We ask the especial prayers of the brethren for the work in this place. Pulaski, N. Y., Tent No. 2.
Our interest here keeps up remarkably. About a half dozen decided to keep the Sabbath last week, and last evening we had about four hundred out. There are quite a number now who are just on the point of decision, so we conclude to “hold on.” Have obtained quite a number of subscribers for the Review, and have the promise of more. The clergy of the place are getting somewhat stirred up, though as yet they have shown but little open opposition. Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Tent No. 3.
Our tent at Jamestown is located in the public park, by special permission of the board of trustees. This is a very large village, an embryo city, of between ten and twelve thousand inhabitants. It has two daily and three weekly papers, and is a busy, bustling, go ahead, business place, rapidly growing in wealth, position and population. We decided on a new departure, and inaugurated preaching every afternoon, followed by a social and inquiry meeting. This has proved a decided success; the attendance is good and the interest very great. Many attend both afternoon and evening meetings; but quite a number, who from infirmity, age, or home duties, cannot attend evening meetings, are thus helped to a knowledge of the truth. The attendance has not at any time been exceedingly large, but the interest is excellent. The congregations are composed of those who seem desirous to learn the whole truth. We have just reached the Sabbath question, and some have decided to obey. Our first regular Sabbath meeting is appointed for next Sabbath, Aug. 4. Unless some unforeseen impediment arises, there will be a good company of commandment-keepers in this place. Surely the Lord is on the giving hand, and in pitying love is answering the prayers of his children to bless every effort made for the advancement of his truth. Bro. Stephen B. Craig of North Parma church is with me, and proves an efficient tent master, and trustworthy, able counselor. The labor of afternoon and evening meetings is heavy, but we are humbly relying on the promise, “As thy day so shall thy strength be,” and each day it is verified. We visited the church at Cedar Creek, on Sabbath. Twenty-eight were present. We had a good meeting, and a blessed baptismal scene. Another head of a family, earnest and zealous in the truth, was added to this company. May the Lord continue to help and bless them.