REPORT FROM BRO. HUTCHINS.
By A. S. HUTCHINS.
The first Sabbath in July, I preached in Addison, Vt., with good freedom. Following the sermon, was a conference meeting, appointed for the Advent church. Eld. D. T. Taylor was present. A number of our brethren and sisters had liberty in bearing their testimony. Two who embraced the Sabbath when Bro. Cornell was here, were present, and seemed decided to continue to walk in the light. We hoped to meet the Advent preacher, who had just commenced keeping the Sabbath (living some thirty miles away), but I learn that he has still a growing interest in the truths of the Bible, as presented by Bro. Cornell. On first-day, at 5 P. M., I spoke to an attentive audience in the Methodist house, at Weybridge, on “Repentance and Faith.” In speaking on repentance, I compared our views on the law of the ten commandments, with the Methodist’s, as set forth in their catechism and discipline. This examination showed that we are both harmonious with the Bible, touching the sacredness and perpetuity of this holy law. The Methodists distinctly teach that the law is the “rule of our obedience.” Then why are we not agreed on the observance of the Sabbath, which this law enjoins upon all men? Why not walk by the acknowledged rule? Who is consistent? Those who say, and do not, or those who obey? We ask, who? While in this vicinity we unexpectedly met with our much-esteemed Bro. H. S. Lay, M. D., from the Health Institute, at Battle Creek, Mich. The interview, though brief, to us, was very precious. In the evening of the 7th, I preached in Granville, at the house of Eld. D. T. Evans. A few love the truth here. The present interest indicates that others may receive it, if the right course be pursued. But we hope and pray for men of real solid worth. Those whose Christian experience shall lead them to lives of consistency and true devotion; who will shed a holy, sacred, and saving influence on all around them. One sister told me that her REVIEW came alone to this town, fifteen years, and that she did not lose one number. Sabbath, the 11th, we enjoyed a refreshing season with the brethren in Roxbury. God’s people were greatly encouraged, and those who had no hope were melted to tears. One sister was received as a candidate for baptism, and the ordinances were celebrated. The next Sabbath, though nearly sick with a bad cold, I spoke to the little church in Andover, on the subject of the Judgment. The awful solemnities connected with the day of Judgment, passed with some degree of vividness before our minds, and measurably, at least, affected the heart. The ordinances of the Lord’s house were attended. One sister, who through discouragement had given up the Sabbath, was present at the first meeting. The Lord opened her heart to a consideration of the subject to which she had listened. She thought of the broken law,63and that by it she must be judged. She counted the cost, the inconceivable loss, if she remained in disobedience, and before retiring to rest that night she decided to return unto and obey God. There is joy over her return. From here I went to Jamaica. Braintree, Vt., Aug. 6, 1869.