EASTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 1, 1859

EASTERN TOUR.

By James White

Our visit to New England was decidedly the best we ever enjoyed, and our meetings, especially in Vermont, were excellent. The brethren in New England have a growing interest in the cause. Their care for us in doing all they could for our comfort while with them, and in helping us on our journey, was more than we could ask or expect. It is true that we met some things which need reforming, and, perhaps, rebuking; but it is a matter of great rejoicing that the church as a body are becoming so firmly united in the truth and in the Spirit of the truth, that the truth plainly spoken in love, instead of scattering, brings and binds the church together.

The following resolutions were unanimously passed at the conferences at Roxbury and Berkshire:

1. Resolved, That we approve of the plan of Yearly Conferences, and appoint Brn. H. N. Austin, J. Barrows, H. Bingham and S. Pierce a Committee to arrange for Yearly Meetings.

2. Resolved, That we approve of the doings of the Battle Creek Conference on the subject of Systematic Benevolence.

On our way to Mannsville, N. Y. conference, we stopped and held one meeting with the Buck's Bridge church. It was a sweet, good meeting. The church deeply feel the loss of dear brethren who have left them and have moved West; but they are not discouraged. They are growing in grace and Christian union. They are acting fully on the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and value the institution highly.

At Mannsville our meetings possessed great interest. About one year before, in company with Bro. Loughborough we held a few meetings in this place, and found things in a sad condition. The friends of the

truth were in a scattered state, starving for spiritual food. Medicine had been administered, and that of the harshest kind, until they were very weak. Well, we remembered the words of Jesus, Feed my sheep, feed my lambs, and did the best we could. They seemed to revive. Their numbers who meet to worship have about doubled the past year, and they have built them a nice place of worship. Sabbath the house was crowded, and several brethren left the house to give their neighbors room.

Suffering with a hard cold, we spoke five times to this people in two days. The surrounding circumstances were so favorable, all ears being open to hear, that we could hardly fail of a good degree of freedom. While Mrs. W. was speaking on first-day, the house rang from full shouts of praise from several in the congregation. This refreshing season seemed a foretaste of heaven, sweet heaven. The interest in the community is good, and we shall be greatly disappointed if they do not have an addition of numbers.

In this church is wealth and intelligence, at least, a good share of common sense. They have been disgusted by errors and wrongs. God help them to leave these things, and be careful of another extreme worse than the first. If they would prosper they must live humble and holy. If they would see others coming to the truth, they must not only be kind and courteous, but show by their works that they believe the third angel's message. We ardently desire that this church may soon have the faithful labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews.

We think the Conference at Brookfield was profitable for those who were present. Many brethren within a day's drive, and some half the distance, had not interest sufficient to move them out to this meeting. The lack of interest manifest led to sad reflections. We have no rod for the scattered saints in that portion of the State. Jesus never said, drive my sheep! No, feed them. They hear the shepherd's voice, and follow. If the under shepherd has the spirit of the chief Shepherd, and calls, they will hear and follow.

We were cheered by the following from Bro. Edson. Nov. 22d.

"The new church at West Monroe (N. Y.) now number seventeen, and a prospect of more deciding for the truth."

When wrongs which have existed in that State are fully seen, and are put away, the Lord will visit the brethren there as in other States, and a great harvest of souls will be gathered.

At the conference at Lapeer Mich. we were happy to join Bro. J. N. Loughborough. There was quite a gathering from Orion, Shelby, Thetford and North Branch. The weather was fine, and the attendance was good. Their house of worship had never been so crowded before. The word had free course. The church was much strengthened. On second-day the church met at deacon Higley's. Bro. H. in a humble and affectionate manner addressed the church, resigning the office of deacon. Many were in tears. The church then passed a unanimous vote entreating Bro. H. to retain the office properly given him. The meeting closed with a sweet influence. God bless the dear church at Lapeer. We shall not forget their kindness and the liberality of that conference. J. W.