REPORT FROM BRO. HUTCHINS.
By A. S. Hutchins
In Jamaica, I preached four times, besides one funeral sermon. The meetings were good. Deep feelings were manifested by some of the young, and promises were made to live more consecrated lives. Others in tears expressed a desire to be Christians. About six years have passed since our last visit here. We were happy to find the old friends of the cause firm. They have learned self-denial and sacrifice to God. They love the narrow way, which leads to life. A few brethren have purchased homes and moved here, within the past year. Some of these bid fair to be a real help to the church. The comfortable house of worship, built at a sacrifice on the part of these dear brethren, is nearly completed. They were in need of some more ready means to finish it this fall. Since leaving there I have collected a little for them. On our way to Braintree I baptized a member of the family of Bro. R. M. Pierce, in Andover, one who has learned to love the Lord in the morning of life. The scene was solemn and impressive. The meeting in Braintree, Aug. 7, was a profitable one. Freedom was enjoyed in preaching the truth, and by the brethren and sisters in witnessing to it. We hope we shall all be the better, and live nearer to our divine Master, for having this privilege. We think those who truly love the Lord, his cause, and service, will. A circumstance occurred here, which reminded us of the parable recorded in Luke xviii, 9–14. Of one there spoken of, the Saviour says, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.” So may we say of one at this meeting. We loved this brother, we felt for him, and wept with him. His humble testimony did us all good. Since then, we have visited him at his home. The interview was pleasant, and we believe profitable. Though not fully identified with us as a people, his sympathies are with us. As we parted, he voluntarily handed me ten dollars, five for the Jamaica meeting-house. How much more pleasing must this be in the sight of God, than for one to enjoy the freedom of going to Heaven, through obedience to the third angel's message, and yet publicly “thank God” that he is free from the bands of church organization, Systematic Benevolence, the reform, &c. Oh! that such men enjoyed the freedom to which that wisdom which is from above leads, rather than that which descendeth not from above. Says James, “Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James iii. It had been my intention to visit my aged father, living in another part of this county, after this meeting. Aug. 11, I went to the old home, but not to be welcomed by him, as in past years; not to hear his voice, or see his face—no, a mournful vacancy now was here, father was sleeping in the embrace of death. Suddenly and unexpectedly he passed away, soon after the close of his day's work, July 27. The message failed to reach me in time to attend the funeral. As I wept at the grave of this beloved parent, who, though not a professor of religion, ever treated my religious faith with respect, I could thank God for every precept of His sacred law, one of which teaches us to HONOR our parents. Turning in sadness from his silent resting-place, the language of my heart was, “Fly swiftly round ye wheels of time,
Ye passing moments fly,
And bear me safely to my home,
Where loved ones never die,” Sabbath the 14th, I spent at Williamstown, where I spoke to a few brethren, and several friends who listened attentively for the first time to a discourse on present truth. On first-day I baptized one. The next Sabbath met with a few friends of the cause, at the house of my wife's father, in Worcester. A lady who is a member of the Congregationalist church, in this place, has recently commenced observing the Bible Sabbath from reading our books, and comparing them with the Bible. She possesses a sound mind, and is evidently a woman of piety and devotion. She is examining other points of truth with interest. I also learn that one of the most substantial members of the Methodist church, in this place, has become thoroughly convinced that the seventh day is the only Sabbath to be observed, by reading “Life Incidents.” So we see truly, that “wisdom shows a narrow path, with here and there a traveler.” Reached home on the 24th, after an absence of over eight weeks, considerably worn, and feeling the need of rest; and above all desiring that rest that remaineth to the people of God. Wolcott, Vt., Aug. 31, 1869.