p. 84 | Looking Forward by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 13, 1879

Looking Forward.

By A. S. Hutchins

NOTWITHSTANDING we are now shivering with the piercing cold of winter, the fast-flying moments bear us on toward our tent season. Military prudence and foresight have an adage, “In time of peace, prepare for war.” And why may we not, at this early date, say a word about tent labor for 1879?

These questions revolve in my mind: How many tents will run in Vermont the ensuing season? Who will go with them to labor, with hearts filled with love and anxiety, for perishing souls? In this great and all-important work, shall we depend upon our own feeble help? or may we look to the General Conference for a strong and experienced man for the term of one or two years? “Run, speak to this young man,” has been ringing in my ears for days. And while I speak to this young man, I would also speak to that one.

Of late, the prospect for laborers in our State has brightened, and we have thanked God, and taken courage. A few of our young men are at the College in Battle Creek, studying with a view to consecrating their time and strength to the service of God. One brother has been there about one year. It has been the mind of himself and companion to return to their native State, and, in some branch, engage in the work of the Lord. Another brother is there, who, for his first effort, rendered good service with the tent last season. Hoping for his return, we have located him in our minds with one of the Vermont tents for 1879. With the spirit of consecration and the help of holy angels, he may win souls to the Saviour.

But a sound comes from the sunny West, telling us that these brethren are urged to labor in some of the strongest Conferences among S. D. Adventists. As we have thought of that young man, associate, or acquaintance, who would lead these young men from our poor and feeble Conference, we have reflected: Oh! for some Nathan

to utter a parable to those who have “flocks and herds many.”

As these brethren have, perhaps, no especial local interest to call them back, they may leave us, but I doubt it.

“To study self is earnest work, And poise the scale with care; And weigh the motive for each work That we’re achieving here.”

In view of the great number of Vermonters found in the Western States, a certain politician once said, “Vermont is a good State to be born in, but the people soon emigrate from it.” This we have found to be true with respect to our ministers, especially if men of talent and usefulness.

Every one acquainted with the facts, knows that for the last twenty years or more there has been a heavy tide of emigration of Sabbath-keepers from our State westward, bearing away strong men and means; while there has not been a large accession of numbers to our churches.

The last time Eld. James White was in Vermont, in speaking of some of the Western States he remarked: “I shake hands with more Vermonters there than persons from any other State.” And still the sound is, “gone West,” and “going West.”

True, the great cause is a unit wherever the message of the third angel sounds. Truth is the same, and fully received into the heart and reduced to practice, it produces similar changes in thought and action, and is fitting up a people everywhere for translation into the everlasting kingdom. We would not cherish selfishness, nor give countenance to that spirit that would do nothing for the support of the cause unless the truth can be preached at our own doors. Still, the success attending tent-labors in our State last year, justifies the conclusion that with sufficient help something may be done to gather souls here. Our plea is for Vermont. And may we, as churches and individuals, be saved from apostasy, and then work as we should, and the cause of truth will arise. Yes, it will.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Feb. 28, 1879.