Eastern Tour by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 24, 1863

Eastern Tour.

By James White

FROM the Vermont meeting we came on to Madrid Station, St. Law. co. N. Y., and found brethren Hilliard and Whitney at the depot waiting for us. We were weary, but enjoyed sweet rest of body, and refreshing rest in spirit, at the excellent pilgrim home of Bro. Hilliard and family. Thursday P. M. Nov. 5th, we filled an appointment at the Seventh-day Adventist red church in the place near the former residence of Eld. John Byington, now in Michigan. In the midst of a severe storm there was quite a gathering to the place of meeting of the scattered brethren from several towns. We had an excellent meeting. The cause in Northern New York, which has been well nigh shaken to pieces in consequence of mistaken notions, is evidently gaining strength. Order is so far restored that we think that labor among the little churches in Northern New York from such experienced men as Eld. Andrews or Eld. Loughborough would tell on the cause. In such places where the cause has been weakened and reproached by fanaticism, rebellion and confusion, the best help should be employed or none. Such are no places for the boys. When they have tarried at Jerusalem long enough, let them go into new fields, and prove their calling by raising up sound believers. If they have not faith, consecration, zeal and back-bone sufficient for this, they may as well conclude they have mistaken their calling. We would here say to Bro. Byington that we expect to see the red church which in building he did much, yet crowded with consistent believers in the third message.

The change that has taken place in our own feelings since we were here two years since, when nearly all the brethren in this State went against organization, language cannot describe. We did not expect to be restored to our former freedom and hope. Thank God for what he has done for the cause and for us.

We attended the State Conference at Adams' Center, the 7th and 8th. This was far the best meeting we ever enjoyed in the State. We became much attached to our very dear brethren and friends in this place. Here nearly a whole Seventh-day Baptist church, meeting house and all, has been converted to the Seventh-day Adventists. We would be happy to join Bro. Andrews in a protracted meeting with this church at a favorable opportunity. The members of the church might be greatly increased, with such an effort. We shall doubtless see an interesting report of the New York Conference from the pen of the Secretary, therefore we will not dwell upon the very interesting meeting at Adams' Center.

Sabbath and first-day the 14th and 15th we held meetings at the chapel near Bro. Abbey's in Brookfield. The cause in this region has suffered fearfully from the miserable influence of some of its professed friends. But within the last year there has been a strong gathering influence resulting from the faithful labors of Elder Andrews. While we look at the present state of things with a degree of pleasure, we can but mourn for the slaughter that has been made in Central New York in consequence of the sullen opposition to organization of some so long as they could hold an influence over the flock. The Lord has rescued his people from their influence, blessed be his name! and they now enjoy unity, and see the work of the Lord reviving among them.

On first-day we had a special call to the young. Parents and children wept together, and before the meeting closed, ten or more of those from manhood and womanhood down to thirteen years of age arose and freely spoke of their desires and determinations to be Christians. This was an exceedingly interesting season. Blessed fruits are these of order in the church. This work follows organization in every living church. In this way God sets his seal of approbation to organization as verily as if his approving voice were audibly heard from heaven.

By the urgent entreaties of the brethren we consented to remain over another Sabbath and first-day, and have our two-days meeting over again, so that those who are seeking the Lord may be baptized and added to the church before we leave.

In consequence of the recent draft in Michigan, which must cause considerable confusion, we decided to defer our proposed tour in that State two or three months, and return at once to Maine, where Mrs. W., can have a chance to complete her third volume. Her time when not in meeting or traveling, since we left Michigan in August has been wholly occupied with local and personal testimonies. Since we left Battle Creek she has written not less than five hundred pages. Her book was nearly written before we left home. She now decides to travel no more till she prepares the work for the press. When we visit Michigan we shall doubtless remain till after the General and State Conferences. Our address is Topsham, Maine.

Brookfield, N. Y., Nov. 17, 1863.