Untitled article by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 28, 1868

MEETINGS IN BURLINGTON.

By A. S. Hutchins

Agreeably to previous notice, I attended the Monthly Meeting in Burlington, the first Sabbath in this month. We were very sorry that Bro. Byington was unable to meet with us, in consequence of the severity of the weather and the feeble state of his health.

I spoke to the brethren and friends on the importance of being decided to serve God with the whole heart, and of leaving no duty undone, or sin unconfessed, which should be attended to now. The brethren and sisters followed with good testimonies, expressive of a willingness to heed the word spoken, and a strong desire to overcome by bearing the cross.

On first-day the church met to renew S. B. pledges. In this direction, I thought the majority present showed a living faith in God.

On fourth-day a portion of the brethren and sisters came together to examine some matters of trial, which in a short time were harmoniously adjusted, and the parties concerned pronounced themselves reconciled with each other, and perfectly satisfied with what had been done to relieve their minds. Before entering upon the investigation of the matter of difference, I read the following scriptures: Matt. vii, 12; vi, 14, 15; Col. iii, 13; Jas. v, 9; by which the aggrieved agreed to abide in the settlement of the trial.

Did we all in our daily life, live in harmony with such scriptures, and were we as ready to accuse ourselves of wrong as we are our brethren, how much more peaceful, happy, and useful would be our lives.

On learning that Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews were to be at Battle Creek the next Sabbath, we felt that we could not deny ourselves the privilege of

meeting with them there. Therefore, we returned to B. C. on the 10th inst., though we had intended to remain at B. another Sabbath. The privilege of again seeing these beloved servants of God, and hearing the words of life from them, was sweeter than tongue can express. The angels of God and his Holy Spirit attended them.

Sabbath, the 18th, I was again at Burlington, where I met with the church in four meetings. Once on the evening of the Sabbath, twice on Sabbath-day, and once in the evening following the Sabbath. These meetings I trust were highly profitable to the cause here. A close, heart-searching spirit was in our midst, which seemed to be welcomed by old and young. And as these dear brethren and sisters reviewed their lives under its influence, they could call to mind past acts and words which they felt should be confessed, and especially did several of them most deeply regret having attended some places of amusement in the past, and promised to not grieve the Spirit of God in the future, by sanctioning such gatherings, either by taking part in them or being present. With such confessions I am confident God and good angels are well pleased. Our meetings closed by attending the ordinances, which was a refreshing season.

I feel truly grateful for the privilege of renewing acquaintance with these brethren on this occasion, and also of forming others.

May the Lord bless and strengthen each one of them to run with patience the race set before them, and so run as to obtain the crown of life.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Health Institute, Jan. 21, 1868.

P. S. It is due to the liberality of this church to say that I received at their hands $22.00 for my benefit. A. S. H.