A SUMMARY
From the communications of the elders, and others.
Agreeably to a notice in our last we give in this number a summary of the intelligence received at this office for a length of time, not inserted heretofore.
Brethren E. Barns and O. Kilborn, of Troy, Bradford Co. Pa. write under date of Oct. 27, of the situation of the church in that place. There were 28 members formerly in that church, but they now number only 20, some previously having gone to the West.—They inform us that there are enemies to the cause of truth in that country, who seek to oppose its mighty influence; but this is difficult: though they may so far succeed as to hinder some from coming into the Messiah's kingdom, yet the time will roll on when falsehoods will be chased away, and the pure rays of righteousness enlighten the hearts of the meek. The saints have only to walk agreeably to their own profession, and the chain of the adversary will be severed. There has been one of late received by baptism into that branch of the church. If any of the travelling elders are passing that way they would do well to call. They close by saying: "Brethren, pray for us, that we may come in full possession of that faith once delivered to the saints, and enjoy, in perfection, the fulness of the gospel.
We have been expecting some of the elders from the West, and do desire the Lord to send some here to instruct us in this region in the way of God more perfectly."
We acknowledge the receipt of money sent by these brethren for papers, with one new subscriber.
Elders D. W. Patten and W. Parish, write from Paris, Ten. under the same date, (Oct. 27th,) giving the vary [very] joyful and welcome tidings that seven have been immersed, and that the prospect for the spread and increase of the work is brightening. They inform us that they have large and attentive congregations, many of whom are anxious searching for truth.
But the usual information accompanies the above, that unceasing exertions are made by men of craft to induce people to turn a deaf ear to the gospel, and that many, in consequence, are hindered from investigating those sacred principles so necessary and all important to the salvation of the soul.
They send us several subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate, which gives an opportunity to our brethren in that place of becoming acquainted with the increase and rapid spread of those items of truth which they have embraced.
We believe those are the first who have proclaimed this gospel in Ten. and we look upon this opening providence as a peculiar manifestation of divine wisdom, to bring from the South his sons and daughters, that when the word of the prophet is fulfilled "To the South: Keep not back!" they may also come with the same song of everlasting joy. May heaven's choice blessings abide with them, and the Israel of God, in these regions!
Elder James Blakslee writes us from Woodville, N. Y. Nov. 12th that, tho' the church in that place is surrounded by unbelievers and wicked men, some are to be found who are willing to hear. He says that there has been, of late a church organized in the village of Sackett's harbor, and that the reformation is still increasing. Also, on Pillow point, a short distance from the above place, there is a church which now numbers between 20 and 30 members; and also, a few miles from the last, himself and another brother have been laboring and baptizing, and find the people, many of them, enquiring what they must do to be saved.
If it was a source of joy to Peter and the other apostles, on the day of pentecost, to be favored with a correct knowledge concerning the plan of salvation, that is, the Lord's only scheme of saving men, it must be equally so now, with those who preach the same "good tidings," when they take into consideration not only the length of time men have been deprived of this knowledge, but the corruption and darkness which cover the minds of men!
He further adds, that they greatly need faithful laborers in that region, there being only two elders beside himself, excepting one recently ordained: and closes, to us, by saying, in substance as follows:
"There are, in this county six churches, and but four laborers for the Lord's vineyard, in these regions. I hope you will use your influence to send faithful laborers, as soon as possible. The Star has been a means of doing much good."
May the Lord send by whom he will, and save some of this generation who are perishing for lack of vision!—The cause is his own.