NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
I was with the friends at Groton, Dec. 7-12, and found nearly all of them firm in the truth and growing in grace. Formed an acquaintance with a young man who is attending the theological school in Rochester, and found him considerably interested in the truth, at least so much so as to express the purpose to candidly and thoroughly investigate the subject of the Sabbath. Dec. 14-18, I was with the friends in Parma. The health reform is testing some of them pretty closely, especially in the matter of tobacco; but the plain testimony seemed to be gratefully received at last, and there is strong hope that all will get the victory. Prejudice and opposition seem to be subsiding, and the interest and attendance were much better than when I was here before. Here I found a young Catholic who attended the lectures last spring and was convicted on the truth, but who did not dare to obey on account of his friends, fully decided and firm in keeping the Sabbath and performing all Christian duties, notwithstanding the opposition he meets, which is a great deal, as there is a strong Catholic element in the place. He is about eighteen years of age, and seems to realize in a good degree the responsibilities of a Christian, and his prayers and testimonies give evidence of a genuine experience. He is studious and anxious to learn, and some one may possibly find it duty to assist him. Was at Groton again from the 19th to the 24th, but during the time visited Genoa and held a meeting with the church there. Mannsville and Pulaski, N. Y., Dec. 25.
In connection with Bro. A. H. Hall, I held three meetings at the Haight school-house, about three miles from Mannsville. Finding the people interested, we promised to return. We then visited the churches at Mannsville and Pulaski; and Bro. Wm. H. Brown, our new director, accompanied me to Pineville and Pine Meadows, to look after the T. and M. work, in which most of the brethren were desirous of engaging. On returning to the Haight school-house, we found the people anxiously awaiting us. Notwithstanding the bad condition of the roads, the interest has increased, and on Sunday evening the house was crowded. We have now reached the Sabbath question. Bro. Burdick has labored some here, and left a favorable impression. We held thirteen meetings at Pierrepont. This church has passed through many trials; but as the result of these meetings, all their difficulties are settled, and union, love, and confidence are restored. Three have united with the church; we think more will unite soon. We have had large congregations, some coming a distance of six miles to hear for the first time, and many are deeply interested. Bro. H. H. Wilcox, who has helped in these meetings, remains to follow up the interest. I came to this place, Dec. 14. Found two brethren near here who commenced keeping the Sabbath about one year ago, as the result of reading our works. I know of no other Sabbath-keepers anywhere in this part of the Conference. I have held five meetings, with a good attendance and good interest. The people generally are intelligent and very hospitable. Some have already invited me to make it my home with them while I remain, and they seem anxious to hear the truth, although it is entirely new to them. Have been invited to hold meetings in four other school-houses within five miles of here. My address, at present, is Starrucca, Wayne Co., Penn. E. W. WHITNEY. West Pike and Hector, Potter Co., Pa.
West Pike and Hector are seven miles apart. We have held two meetings in each place, alternately. As the going was bad, we gave them two nights to rest in in each place. As a result, twelve in West Pike are now keeping the Sabbath, and in Hector sixteen. In each place a class is organized. Others will soon join them, we have no doubt, for a spirit of inquiry and investigation now prevails. I must now leave them till after our quarterly meeting at Port Allegany, McKean Co. My experience for the past five weeks has been one that I have longed for. The language of my heart has been, “As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Brethren, pray for Pennsylvania.