NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
North Creek and Indian Lake, N. Y.
[We give the following report of the settlement of a church difficulty, at the special request of Bro. Whitney, as he says that it had become extensively known, and the hearts of many will be cheered to learn that the matter has been happily adjusted.] We felt great anxiety for our meeting with the church here, as they had been for months in a state of trial that had been a source of great discouragement to the brethren, as well as an injury to the cause. The matter had been badly managed, and the difficulty, which at first might have been easily adjusted, had grown larger until it had resulted in loss of confidence, and division in the church. On going to our place of meeting at North Creek, Sabbath morning, Feb. 23, we found that but one or two of those particularly connected with the difficulty were present, so we appointed our meeting for the next morning at Indian Lake twenty-five miles distant. Most of the brethren and sisters present at our Sabbath meeting went with us, and we held our meeting till Monday evening. We labored to have these brethren feel that the only hope in the case was that each should for himself repent of his wrongs and confess them, instead of looking at the faults of others. There was manifested a disposition to heed this counsel, and at our meeting Monday afternoon the melting spirit of confession came in, and with it the sweet blessing of the Lord. All present made hearty confession of their past wrong course, and the softening influence of the Spirit of God seemed to touch each heart. We had a powerful meeting, and felt to thank God for so much of his blessing as we felt in our midst. We counsel these brethren to be careful not to let the enemy come in and destroy the good work commenced there. He will surely try to do this; but we hope the advice given will be heeded, and that they will learn from this lesson to avoid such trials in the future. We believe these brethren love the cause of God, and they ought to learn from this experience that it is an easy thing to bring a sad reproach upon it. We confidently hope for better days for this church. Monday evening we had a meeting to consider the missionary work here. Twenty-two copies of the Signs were subscribed for, and several subscriptions were obtained for our other periodicals. Sold thirty dollars’ worth of books. B. L. WHITNEY.
A. H. HALL. The meetings continue here with unabated interest. We have had dark nights, rain, and mud; but these have affected our congregations but little, and Sunday evening last the house was filled, gallery and all. Last Sabbath we had our first Sabbath meeting, which was a good one. There were over forty out besides children. Quite a number of them have already commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are strongly convicted. The ministers are becoming disturbed over the matter, and are visiting among the people to quiet their minds; but we hope for a goodly number to obey the truth. South Bay, N. Y., March 5.
Have held meetings here nearly every evening since my first report. The attendance and interest have been good from the first, although of late the weather and bad roads have kept away some who were interested, and obliged us twice to take up our appointments. Many admit the truth, so far as they have heard, but seem slow to decide to obey it. Two kept last Sabbath, and others are deeply convicted, for whom I hope. Expect to remain to visit among the people and hold what meetings I can until the commencement of the Biblical Institute at Rome. I learn by letter that the friends at Scott Center are still firm in the truth.