Vermont by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1871

Vermont.

By A. S. Hutchins

Though it has been some three months since I have made any report of my labors, I have met with the church at some point every Sabbath in this time, besides visiting scattered brethren in different towns and counties.

Owing to the light fall of snow in this State the past winter, and the fact that nearly every storm was quickly followed by high winds, the traveling has been bad. Sometimes it would be good wheeling, while in the same county it was good sleighing, or the hill roads might be almost impassable by reason of snow-drifts which rendered it difficult for brethren to come together from any distance.

Sabbath, Feb. 11, held two meetings with the church in Wolcott. Two were received into the church by letter. On the 17th went to Roxbury. Was about four hours driving the last five miles on a mountain road. The brethren received us kindly, and we had a good relish for our dinner between four and five P. M. We were also glad to meet a few brethren who came in from another direction. With these, and the two families residing in the Cram neighborhood, we had a good meeting on the Sabbath. Others would doubtless have met with us, but it was almost next to impossible to get onto the mountain that day.

On first-day, we re-arranged and settled s. b. The church in this section have ever set a worthy example on this point. One sister was received into the church, and arrangements made for holding meetings in the future, which we hope have not been neglected.

God will bless and encourage the humble and obedient who meet in the name of Jesus, though but few in number. Dear brethren, let not the enemy, or self, or the influence of worldly associates, hinder you from pressing together and loving one another with “pure hearts fervently.” We are in danger of spending time in visiting and otherwise, where we can neither do good nor receive any. The closing message to a perishing world is committed to us to bear to precious souls. Oh! how solemn, how important that our lives correspond with our high, holy, and sacred profession!

We visited the friends in Granville, and spoke to them one evening. One candid friend in whom we were much interested, heard our views preached for the first time. We hope and pray that he may unite with his companion in keeping all the commandments of God.

On Sabbath the 25th, with Bro. Evans, held a meeting at Bro. Cardell’s, in Warren. Here we met an Advent brother and his companion, both of whom gave a good testimony. They seem to have the spirit of “love and good-will.” May they yet “delight” in the law of the Lord, and love all of his commandments.

On first-day, we spoke in the meeting-house with freedom. Here we were happy to meet our friend Chipman from Waitsfield, who had come with his companion ten miles; also to meet the friend from Granville (nine miles), above referred to, notwithstanding his ill health and the poor traveling. At W., there are a few who love the truth and earnestly desire the prosperity of the cause. We feel an interest for these dear friends. Bro. Evans has preached to them as circumstances have seemed to admit. It does seem as though souls may yet be gathered here, if the brethren and sisters follow close in the footsteps of the blessed Jesus. A. S. Hutchins.

Wolcott, Vt., May 4, 1871.