Report from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
BRO. WHITE: July 12, I preached at Bro. Currier’s in Sutton, C. E. Sabbath 14th at North Troy, Vt. A goodly number of brethren from different towns came, and we had, we think, a profitable season. It was the first preaching in this part of the town for some years. Some formerly professed the truth here, but they proved a reproach to the cause, rather than an honor. We most earnestly hope those living here now will show forth the excellent fruits of a life wholly consecrated to God. Quarterly Meetings are established here for the benefit of this part of the State. Systematic Benevolence was renewed. Since that time, I have spent two Sabbaths at Wolcott, one at Stowe, and one at West Enosburgh. The heart’s desire and prayer to God, of his people, seems generally to be, The Quarterly meeting at West Enosburgh on the 4th and 5th inst. was a good one. In consequence of the death and burial of Sr. C. S. Saxby in their midst but a few days before, it seemed on the Sabbath like being in the house of death. We had great freedom in speaking from the words, “And there shall be no more death.” After which, some thirty or forty sweet, heavenly, testimonies were borne. This was a season long to be remembered. On first-day, after the public meeting, the brethren came together to renew their S. B. pledges for 1866. Yesterday this church talked their faith; to-day, they acted it out. They seemed to remember that the apostle speaks of giving “as God hath prospered,” not as they feared he might not prosper them within the year. The elder of this church is striving to fill well his responsible calling. He does not drive the church into duty, but leads out, and says, “Come brethren and sisters.” Oh that all leaders could say, Come. The church in this place do not forget to pray earnestly and much for their absent and beloved preachers, far away from their homes in the battle-field of truth. We felt somewhat encouraged in our Quarterly Meeting here last Sabbath and first-day; but this might, and ought to have been a better meeting. We wish all our brethren and sisters who attend such meetings, would come prepared to work for the Lord. If so, we might all be strengthened and encouraged together, and a wholesome impression be carried out in every direction, and the same influence remain behind also. For one, I am trying to heed the counsel of the faithful Witness. I hope my efforts may not be a failure. I can do but little, and I would be where I can do that little well. In hope of life. A. S. HUTCHINS.