TENT MEETINGS IN N. Y by Roswell F. Cottrell, John Nevins Andrews,; C. W. Sperry

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 31, 1860

TENT MEETINGS IN N. Y.

By Roswell F. Cottrell, John Nevins Andrews,; C. W. Sperry

AFTER the conference at Roosevelt, which closed June 3, we pitched the tent at Constantia, Oswego Co., June 8, where we remained and held meetings ten days. A few that came in from some miles out of the village were deeply interested, and we trust that some good was accomplished. But in the village the interest was very small, not sufficient to induce a hearing. No one invited us to their houses, nor offered us so much as a cup of cold water. Not gaining a hearing here, we pulled up stakes, hoping to find a place where there were ears to hear. The Lord heard our earnest prayers, and directed us to such a place. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Our second meeting was held near Kirkville, Onondaga Co., where we commenced meetings Sabbath evening, June 22. Here we found an ear to hear. Each evening, wet or dry, they came out. All the near neighbors to the tent were kind and courteous. We were invited to call on them and make our home with them as much as we would. May the Lord reward them for their labor of love. And we believe he

will.

We held meetings here three first-days, two Sabbaths and the fourth of July, besides meetings each evening during our stay. We cannot state definitely the number that have embraced the truth, but from what we have learned we think it safe to say that the number is between twenty and thirty, and others are investigating, and it is hoped that they will decide for the truth.

Ministers as well as their people came out to hear, but we are sorry to say that they took up against the truth. One of them preached on the subject of the Sabbath after we left, but did not go to the Bible, but to church history, for his proof. One who had not decided to keep the Sabbath on hearing this, remarked that if there was no Bible evidence for the change, he should keep the seventh day. We hope he will keep his word. One of the first here to embrace the Sabbath was a German of some sixty years. He arose in the congregation and said he could not express himself in English, but that he would read from his German Bible Rom. ii, 13. He then asked that it should be read in English: "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." When that was read he added, "That is enough for us all." The effect on the congregation was thrilling. He seemed to love the Lord and his truth. He took a number of our German tracts to send to his friends. The work there seems to be onward. Bro. Sperry remained there the Sabbath and first-day after we removed the tent, and arrangements were made to have meetings continued there on the Sabbath. Hope they will be sustained. This tent-meeting closed July 8.

We are now at Pompey, Onondaga Co., where we pitched July 13. Have had thirteen meetings here. There is a good interest, and though there is a strong prejudice in the minds of some, yet there are many that hear us gladly. The Methodist and Disciple Ministers have attended our meetings when not engaged, and we understand that one regular appointment on first-day was taken up by the Disciples that all could come to the tent to hear. They offered us their house for meeting last evening, it being cold and windy, and we accepted the offer, went in and tried to bind up the testimony and seal the law among the disciples.

We have good reason to hope that our meeting here will not be in vain. We have agreed to stay another week, and hope to have something to report from this place hereafter.

We have had the tent up constantly since the commencement, except time enough to make the removals, and each appointment has been filled. Each evening, notwithstanding some stormy weather, there have been some out to hear; but on two occasions we left the tent and held the meetings in houses. Brethren, still remember us in your prayers.

R. F. COTTRELL. J. N. ANDREWS. C. W. SPERRY.

Pompey, July 24, 1860.