Tour in Jefferson and Lewis Counties
By F. Wheeler; H. Edson
From Brn. Wheeler & Edson.
DEAR BRO. SMITH : While our hearts are cheered by the accounts we read of what the Lord is doing for his people in other parts of the great harvest-field, we would also acknowledge his mercy towards us in this part of the vineyard. We have just returned from a tour in Jefferson and Lewis Cos., where we have been holding meetings among the brethren and in new fields. Sixth-day and Sabbath, Jan. 1st and 2d, we met with the church in Jefferson Co., at the house of Bro. Lowree, in Lorrain. Our meetings were seasons of profit to the church, and of refreshings from the presence of the Lord. They are endeavoring to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, and to obtain the gold, white raiment and eye-salve. The result is a gradual rising in holiness, and a more deep and full consecration of themselves and all to God. Sabbath, Jan. 9th, we spent in Watson, Lewis Co. At this place a few discourses had previously been given on present truth, and some interest awakened. Circumstances were unfavorable for holding meetings, on account of sickness which prevailed in the vicinity. We however gave seven discourses in W. among the Seventh-day Baptists, and three in an adjoining school district in New Bremen. Our congregations were not large, but good attention was paid to the word spoken. The few that were striving to obey the truth were much strengthened ; others were convinced of the truth, and we trust will obey the same. We left, feeling that a goodly number were in sympathy with the present truth. Our next meetings were at Indian River settlement. Here we gave six lectures, and although there was some opposition made when the perpetuity of the ten commandments was presented, yet the truth found its way to some minds, and one at least expressed a determination to keep all of the commandments of God. Others were investigating the truth. From here we passed through the forest eight miles to Diana and Pitcairn, St. Law. Co. Gave one discourse in P. to a small company of attentive hearers. We next sought an opening at Harrisville. The school-house was kindly opened for our use. It was well filled, and most listened to the truth with deep interest. We gave six discourses when the teacher of the school objected to the house's being longer occupied for evening meetings. The house was closed, evidently against the wishes of most of the district. A friend offered to open his dwelling-house for us the next evening, which we occupied, and thus closed our labors in that place for the present. Before leaving we learned that the truth had made a deep impression on many minds; even on some111who had been far from God, who expressed their determination to seek salvation. Several made up their minds to obey God in all of his requirements, the Sabbath not excepted. There is a large field of labor in that vicinity, where the Advent doctrine has never been preached, and where there are honest souls famishing for the bread of life. From what we have seen of the work of the Lord on this tour, we feel new courage to still visit the "highways and hedges," and with this last compelling message labor to rescue the honest from that destruction that is soon coming on the earth. Has not the time come when the church should put up one united prayer that God would raise up and send out more laborers into the wide harvest-field? "The harvest is great, but the laborers are few." Parish, N. Y., Feb. 1st, 1858.