It will be proper, and no doubt interesting to the scattered brethren, for us to give a brief statement of this meeting. The number of believers in the present truth at this meeting, was about one hundred. Brn. Holt and Rhodes were present, and bore the true testimony with much freedom. Here we met with Brn. Pool, E. D. Cook, Stocking, Alden, and many others for the first time, and we felt that our hearts were united in the truth, and in the love of Christ.
The brethren came together in the spirit of the gospel, and perfect harmony and union existed quite through the meeting. It was frequently remarked during the meeting that this was like Second Advent meetings in 1843 and 1844. The brethren were greatly comforted, and strengthened in the truth. Some who had not heard all the reasons of our faith presented, became fully convinced, and now feel resolved to take their stand fully with those who keep the commandments of God.
The principal subjects presented, were the 2300 days, the Sanctuary, the commandments and law of God in the New Testament, gospel order in the church of Christ, and the "good works" that God's "peculiar people" should, and will be "zealous" of. The subject of the seven-years time was not mentioned. In fact, we know of no one in this State, or in the west, who teaches it. Some may suppose from our remarks in No. 2, that the seven-years time is held by quite a large portion of the brethren; but it is not so. The view has been mostly confined to the state of Vermont, and we learn by Bro. Holt that most of the brethren there have given it up.
But we will return to the conference. First-day, in the forenoon, Bro. Holt spoke on the commandments and law of God in the New Testament, in a very clear, spirited, and convincing manner. The truth seemed to take deep root in the hearts of all the brethren present.
The brethren at Oswego are well united and strong in the truth. They have made strong efforts to help advance the precious cause, and are much blest in so doing. Though poor, they do much for the cause.
Bro. Lillis is in union with the church there, having confessed his error referred to in No. 2. He and his companion and children are seeking to walk blameless before God. We had a very pleasant visit with them, and the other dear brethren in Oswego.