LETTER FROM BRO. ANDREWS.
By John Nevins Andrews
DEAR BRO. SMITH: In the good providence of God I have reached this place, and have entered upon the work for which I came. I found strength from God to perform the labor necessarily devolving upon me on my way here, and would offer sincere thanks to him. In this tour I have been permitted to meet once more with many old friends whom I had not expected to see again until the people of God shall be gathered home. I have been reminded also by the absence of familiar faces that others have been consigned to the grave. However, we are getting, as I trust, near to the time when death shall be vanquished and the people of God taken to himself. At Olcott and Somerset the Lord met with his people, and it seemed that his word did take effect upon some hearts. The Wesleyan minister at O. attended the meetings held in that place. At the close of the last one he told me the great things he should next day prove in behalf of Sunday. I suggested that he should also prove to his congregation that there was a commandment for keeping it. "No," said he, "I shall not undertake that." I feel a great interest in the people at Somerset where the meetings were held on Sunday, and would suggest that perhaps this would be a very favorable location for a tent-meeting in western N. Y. I hoped to see Bro. Cottrell at this place, but was disappointed. In Rochester did not attempt to hold any meetings. Found sister Seely a very great sufferer; the greater part of her body being entirely paralyzed, and yet alive to exquisite pain. I hope that she will be remembered in the prayers of the people of God, that the light of heaven may shine upon her in the dark valley of conflict and suffering through which she is now passing. I hope also that in her present state of want she will be remembered by the stewards of the Lord. Matt. xxv, 34–40. At Mannsville I was happy to meet Bro. Wheeler and to find him still engaged in the work of the Lord. I trust that our meetings in that place will be blessed of God to the good of his people and to the advancement of his cause. Such will be the case if each will strive to excel in likeness to Christ. Had the privilege of calling at Buck's Bridge, Malone and Perry's Mills. My spirit was refreshed in meeting with old friends. At Malone was happy to form the acquaintance of Bro. S. B. Whitney and his mother. Bro. Whitney has given himself to God from childhood, to labor in his cause. In accordance with his own and his mother's views of duty he has designed to labor as a foreign missionary, but now wishes to enter the work of God to preach the present truth. I trust that the good providence of God will open the way before him, and that the blessing of God will make him an instrument of much good. At Roxbury, Vt., I was privileged to meet with quite a number of those who have long been in the cause of God, and also to meet with others for the first time. Was painfully reminded that death had seized as his victims several of those who formerly mingled with us in the worship of God. But the hope of the Christian is full of consolation and encouragement. Our brethren seem to be steadfast, and to be pressing onward toward the kingdom of God. From Roxbury came directly to this place and have commenced the investigation of the history of the Sabbath. I am encouraged to hope that I shall meet with good success in this undertaking. Shall remain here for the present. I hope for the blessing of God in this investigation. Worcester, Mass., March 29th, 1860.