THE CAUSE IN JAMAICA, VT.
By A. C. Bourdeau
The cause of present truth is still onward in Jamaica. In the spring of 1867, at our first visit to this place, there were eight members belonging to the organization. Since then their numbers have increased to about thirty. The brethren here are all poor in this world's goods; yet the past summer they made a good start on building a house of worship. But the sudden and terrible death of Bro. E. Sage's only son, on the second day of last August, and the circumstances connected with that occurrence, brought deep affliction upon this entire church. On this account, till quite recently, the cause here was languishing, and the work on the meeting-house progressed very slowly. Two weeks ago, in company with Bro. and Sr. Wm. White, Mrs. B. and myself came to this place. Thus far we have held three meetings, besides those on the Sabbath; have assisted on the meeting-house enterprise, etc. Bro. White, who four years ago, when young in the truth, made quite a lift in building our house of worship in Enosburgh, and has ever since then been ready to bear burdens, has just purchased a farm among the brethren in this place; and yesterday, as he and Sr. White left to return to their family, they liberally donated of their means to help in completing the meeting-house here, which we purpose to have ready for dedication by next June. In this they show that they are coming here to help, and not to get rid of bearing burdens. While it is known that farms among the hills in Jamaica and vicinity can be bought at a very low price, we hope that no Sabbath-keepers will come here to locate, except isolated ones, and those who can be spared by the churches to which they belong, whose hearts are in the work, and who are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel. I am happy to say that the efforts which are made for the upbuilding of the cause here, are signally blessed with success, and the brethren and sisters are taking new courage in the Lord. Brethren, pray for us. A. C. BOURDEAU.
Jamaica, Vt., Nov. 3, 1868.