REPORT FROM BRO. HUTCHINS.
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. Smith: Since returning home, in addition to setting things in order there, which seemed necessary after being absent so long, I have visited a few brethren, and attended meetings in different churches. Have met with the brethren in Wolcott four Sabbaths. Our numbers here are few, several of the brethren and sisters having moved from here within fifteen months, and gone to other churches. We hope they are striving to overcome, and that those of us who still remain, may so live as to meet them in the home of the redeemed. We were happy to meet with the brethren and sisters in W. again after so long an absence. Think our seasons of worship together were profitable. The last Sabbath in June we spent with a few believers in Johnson, at Bro. R. Loveland's. This family have passed through many deep afflictions. But they have drawn sustaining grace from the Most High, which enables them to say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” Dear brethren and sisters, it is your privilege and mine, to grow in grace and to hold sweet communion with the dear Saviour, even in the depths of trial. Our visit with these dear friends, also with our beloved brother and sister Wiswell, was refreshing. Last Sabbath we spent with the church in Sutton. Held three meetings here. In the last, the ordinances were celebrated. Was glad to meet with a few from a distance. It is good to see the strength and decision of character which some of the lonely ones manifest. The Lord will bless the faithful, and give strength equal to their day. I was also glad to here meet again with a brother of the Advent faith, who embraced the Bible Sabbath fifteen years since, while Bro. Sperry and myself were holding meetings in Northern N. Y. This brother we respected and loved. He ran well for a season. He says he does not now see it to be duty to observe the seventh-day Sabbath, yet he frankly confessed that it was not till he had backslidden that he ceased to observe it. We feel deeply anxious that he may again see the light and truth on this important subject, and once more be numbered with commandment-keepers, with them suffer, with them overcome, and with them “enter into life.” A blessed and glorious prospect is held out before such, and their reward will soon be given. Irasburgh, Vt., July 15, 1868.