NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Wellsville and Niles Hill, N. Y.
I ATTENDED quarterly meeting with these churches, July 6 and 7. Both churches were well represented, and a good interest was manifested. There are flourishing Sabbath-schools in both churches, with growing interest. Systematic benevolence was promptly paid by nearly all. Five were baptized, and united with the Niles Hill church. OSWAYO, PA.—July 9, I came to Oswayo to visit tent No. 10. We find here a remarkable interest. Twelve or fifteen have already commenced to keep the Sabbath, and these are among the best class of people in the community. The interest now is greater than at any previous time, and we had the privilege of speaking to an intelligent congregation of between one hundred and fifty and two hundred, and the best of attention was given. When the brethren Robinson and Whitney came here three weeks ago, the weather was very unfavorable, being both wet and cold. For a time it looked as though the effort would be a failure; but instead of giving up, the brethren went to visiting from house to house and have labored on till now they have a first-class interest, with every indication of most favorable results. The people are already talking of building a church, and materials are being offered. I intend soon to return and assist in the work here for a few days. Go to-day to visit Bro. Wilcox and Lane, who are laboring with a tent in an adjoining county. Tent No. 1, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.
JUNE 17, we concluded our meetings at Aurora, and shipped the tent to Jamestown. The 18th, I started to see my family and the grave of our once pleasant home. We were detained, and did not arrive at Jamestown until the 25th. The mildew had so rotted the tent that all efforts to make it water-proof were unavailing. Found the tent pitched in Jamestown on the common: but everything proved adverse, and on consultation with Bro. Whitney, we went to Sinclairville, a large, flourishing village in the northern part of this county. The Lord as clearly opened the way here as he had closed it at Jamestown. From the first, everything proved favorable. The situation and surroundings are all that could be desired. The rain, so far, has not once interfered with our meetings. The interest and attendance are excellent, and the people kind and generous. Bro. B. L. Whitney’s duties as president of the Conference and tract society call him away, but we hope for his aid in the latter and more critical time of our meetings here. Tent No. 2, Newfane, N. Y., July 10.
THE interest in this place still increases and is extending for miles around. The Baptist minister continues his efforts against us, and is beginning to use harsh epithets, which work well. On Sunday evening last his church was not even opened for service, although service was announced in the morning; while the tent was crowded, and there were two hundred or more on the outside. Some have already decided to obey the truth, and we hope for good results. Tent No. 7, Sabinsville, Pa., July 9.
WE have given, to date, twenty-six discourses, and eight have taken a stand on the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” There are as many more who acknowledge their duty to obey, but custom, popular religion, and the world have a strong hold on their affections. May the Lord help them to break loose from the chains that bind them, and go free in Christ. Three of those who embraced the truth have left off the use of tobacco, determined to be free indeed. The times here are very hard, and money is scarce, so that our book sales have amounted to but very little. The opposition we have met has increased the interest. People come a distance of ten miles to hear the truth. May the Lord give us wisdom that the work may not come to naught, but that precious souls may be gathered in.