p. 78 | Vermont by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1872

Vermont.

By A. S. Hutchins

On the 17th ult., I attended the funeral of a child in Wolcott, also preached there in the evening. Sabbath, the 20th, spoke in Sutton, at the house of Bro. G. M. Dean. The Lord has graciously manifested his love and sustaining power in behalf of this brother and his companion (the only surviving sister of Mrs. H.) since our last camp-meeting, where he decided henceforth to keep the Bible Sabbath.

Circumstanced as he was, by occupation a miller, it was a gigantic struggle to decide on that course which would so greatly endanger him in his business. For a season, that which he feared came upon him. He rested upon the holy Sabbath, and his mill rested most of the time. But, with his companion, he stood firm and unshaken in Him in whose cause they had enlisted, with increasing confidence in the truth, and the power and willingness of God to sustain the faithful. Happy in the service of the Lord, and prosperous in his business, they are now able to say, “Our trials have been nothing compared with the blessings received.” “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” Bro. Dean’s parents are keeping the Sabbath. These additions to the number of believers in S. gives a thrill of joy to the hearts of the old, tired friends here.

By request of the Free-will Baptists, I spoke to them in their meeting-house on first-day, P. M. The discourse was well received. The next morning, being urged by some of these friends to remain and speak again in the evening, I consented, though laboring under the influence of a bad cold and general prostration of the system. Considering the time for the notice, there was a good attendance. Never did I speak to any people with greater freedom. The subject, repentance and faith. Prejudice gave way, precious souls came near, my heart was drawn out in love for them, and I felt deep solicitude for their salvation.

Some in this large church believe as we do on the nature of man, and on future rewards and punishments. And some see considerable light on the signs of the times. To remain here, fearing to speak on these important truths, seems much like putting new wine into old bottles. Who, oh! who will lead the honest out into the clear light and freedom of the gospel?

An anxiety was awakened to hear more, and the next morning several friends offered very liberally, in fare, board and means, if I would stay longer, or come again. It would have been a matter of great satisfaction to have been able to remain awhile, visiting and speaking what I could, had it seemed right to leave the friends here now. Oh! that many faithful shepherds may be raised up to gather from thousands of hills and plains the scattered and hungering sheep.

Sabbath, the 27th, spoke twice at the house of Bro. H. W. Barrows, in Irasburgh. Freedom in the presentation of the truth, and a ready witnessing to it from believers, rendered this a good meeting to all. Brethren, sisters, friends, and backsliders, could all testify to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Oh! may it ever be with us.

In my absence, Eld. A. Stone spent one Sabbath and first-day here. His labors were well appreciated. The interest remains good in our midst. Some new ones have commenced to keep the Sabbath, since my last. We hope to be remembered by those who have access to the throne of grace in fervent prayer.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

West Bolton, Vt., Feb. 5, 1872.