Report from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. WHITE: It is not because I have lost my interest in the cause and work of the Lord, nor because I have been altogether inactive, that I have made so few reports, for some time in the past. Perhaps I should here say, to the praise of Him who has spared my life till the present time, that about one year ago, I was so far reduced in health, that I had but little reason to hope for life but a few months longer; unless God should specially sustain me. I had adopted the health reform in diet, &c., from which I have been benefited in some measure; but future prospects for health looked dark and uncertain. The weakness both of body and mind, the restless nights; and the extreme and painful discouragements of my soul, the Lord only knows. Those who best knew the state of my health last fall, advised me to rest more, hope more in God, be more cheerful and joyful in him, and thus put forth a stronger effort for life. And to the glory of my heavenly Father, I can say that my health has considerably improved within a few months. And I most ardently pray for wisdom to spend the little strength I may have in the service of him who has done so much for me. The days of fasting and prayer were days long to be remembered by us in Wolcott. From that time the church has been coming up. The brethren and sisters, most of them, feel resolved to arise from their lukewarmness, to open the door of their heart, and let the Saviour come in. I shall ever hold in grateful remembrance the sweet privilege with the faithful servant of God, who preached unto us the plain, pointed, and heart-searching truths in connection with these meetings. Sabbath and first-day, May 19 and 20, I was at Roxbury, for the first time since Bro. Pierce left there. The meetings in this place, I think were profitable. Though the scattered few in this section miss the faithful labors, ardent prayers, and fatherly and godly counsels of Bro. P., yet I found them ready to hear and receive the truth spoken; and if they live agreeably to their solemn resolutions and promises, they will certainly arise with the people of the Lord. May 26 and 27, I was at Charleston, spoke to the church and friends four times. A deep, holy solemnity filled our minds as we wept, and prayed, and praised our Maker together, and talked of the blessedness of fully overcoming and standing with the Lamb upon Mount Zion. June 2 and 3 I preached at Sutton. These meetings were among the best I ever had in this place. It seems to me that our brethren and sisters here, are fully resolved to arise and walk more closely with God. May they not sink again, but move out agreeably to the clear, solemn, and deep convictions which they then felt they must, or fail to rise no more. In conclusion, let me say, dear brother, my sympathies are with you and Sr. W. and the afflicted servants of God, and I hope soon to meet you all where the inhabitants will not say "I am sick." Wolcott, Vt., June, 1866.