WE design giving the readers of the REVIEW a brief account of the Meetings we may hold, and of the state of the cause in those portions of the field we may visit. And in doing this, we shall endeavor to give a plain statement of facts in regard to the progress of the cause, the errors and discouragements, as well as encouragements and joys, we meet. Thus far the good hand of the Lord has been with us, and we are in the enjoyment of health and freedom of spirit.
POTTSDAM CONFERENCE.
This meeting was held at the house of Bro. John Byington. A convenient shade was prepared in front of the house where about three hundred persons could be seated. This, with Bro. B's house, was sufficient to convene a large congregation. It was an excellent place for the worship of God.
There were about eighty brethren and sisters present. Two sisters came sixty-five miles, and felt abundantly paid for the fatigue of the long journey with their private carriage. The congregation on First-day was large, considering the bitter opposition in the vicinity, who listened to the word with good attention.
We were happy to meet Brn. Andrews and Edson at this meeting. Being much fatigued by labor and want of suitable hours of sleep before we left Rochester, and also by the journey, we were unprepared to speak to the people; but by the blessing of God, Bro. Andrews spoke to them with clearness and liberty. We were delighted with his discourses. The congregation was held in perfect order and silence, and the scattered saints feasted on the bread of heaven.
The evening following First-day, the meeting was moved about two miles to the Wesleyan Meetinghouse in Morley. The Spirit of God seemed to go with us. As the people were coming in, the brethren sung with the Spirit and understanding also. The85place was heavenly. God's Spirit rested down upon us.
Bro. Andrews then gave an excellent discourse from Titus ii, 13. He spoke with freedom of the "blessed hope" and of the period when it would be realized. The congregation was large and attentive.
Hitherto there has been the greatest prejudice against our views in the minds of the people in that vicinity; but it is evidently giving way; and we believe that a blow has been struck that will hereafter tell for the cause in that community. Some for the first time confessed the truth, and others, we trust, will soon.
For the first time, we met at this meeting our dear brother and sister Buck. They have quite recently embraced the Lord's Sabbath. Bro. Buck has been for a number of years a preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. May God bless him and help him to preach the present truth.
Second-day in the forenoon the brethren assembled again; and while some remarks were made relative to the importance of church order, the Spirit of God was graciously poured out. The whole congregation was at times in tears. Errors were reproved, and the plain testimony was fully received by all present, with one exception.
The cause in Northern New York is young and there are many good brethren with little experience who need the counsel of those who are experienced. There are, however, some who are pillars in the church, among them is our much beloved Bro. Byington. May God bless him, and prosper his efforts to build up the cause and feed the flock of Christ.
"It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us," to set apart our dear Bro. Lawrence to the work of the gospel ministry, to administer the ordinances of the church of Christ, by the laying on of hands. The church was of one accord in this matter. We hope our dear brother will be able to give himself wholly to the study, and the preaching of the word; and wherever he may labor, give from the word alone the reason of his hope. There has been, in that part of the field, too much dwelling upon feelings. But the brethren are now seeing the importance of having a well-grounded faith on Bible truth. They also see that the Spirit and Word agree, and that those who have most of the Word, have most of the pure Spirit of God, abiding with them. JAMES WHITE.