A Short Tour among the Saints.
By R. F. C.
BRO. SMITH : I left home Oct. 17th, in company with Bro. Ingraham for his former residence in Ulysses, Pa., and on the following Sabbath we met with the church in West Union, N. Y. There are upwards of twenty in this place and vicinity, that have embraced the Sabbath within the past year, under the labors of Bro. Ingraham. After the Sabbath meetings, on the evening of the first day of the week, we had a meeting for the purpose of setting in order the church, and for the breaking of bread. They felt the importance of gospel order, but some trials had existed among them, in their former church organization, which seemed to debar their union, and which, after a severe struggle, were happily removed by confessions, and the object of the meeting accomplished. An overseer and a deacon were chosen with much unanimity, and set apart to their work by the laying on of hands. And, after midnight, in accordance with the apostolic example at Troas, we broke bread and enjoyed a heavenly sitting together in Christ Jesus. May the blessing of the Lord abide with the church at West Union, and may the light of truth shine out thence to the surrounding country. The next Third-day we met with the church at Ulysses, and, with the unanimous voice of the church and, we trust, the approval of the Holy Spirit, Bro. Nathan Fuller was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. There are others in this church that the Lord, we trust, is preparing for the work, and the cause in Pennsylvania will not, I hope, suffer in consequence of the removal of Bro. Ingraham to the West. May the Lord lead them, keep them in the way, and speed on his work through their instrumentality. The church are well united, and seem to be rising together. We enjoyed a precious season with them in attending to the institutions of our blessed Lord. Here I parted with my beloved brother and fellow-laborer, perhaps never more to meet till the kingdom of God shall come. It is my earnest desire to meet him and all the saints of God there, where there will be no more painful partings. On Nov. 3d, I met with a few of the scattered saints at Wheeler, Steuben Co., N. Y. The Lord is reviving and encouraging his people here, and delivering them from the strong influences that have had a tendency to bind them. We enjoyed a refreshing season together. The Lord abide with them and comfort their hearts, not only those that met, but those that did not enjoy the privilege. I am now holding some meetings at Catlin. On5the Sabbath we had a good meeting with the church. The Lord is with them, and I believe they are rising with the Message. Bro. J. W. Raymond came here with me from Wheeler. The brethren in this vicinity are satisfied, as far as I have learned their minds, that the Lord is leading him out into the field. That the Lord may direct in this matter is my prayer. There seems to be some interest in this place to hear, but whether any will obey is yet to be developed.
R. F. C.
Catlin Center, N. Y., Nov. 8th, 1858.