Report of Meetings in Vermont.
By L. Bean
Left home June 9, to attend the T. & M. quarterly meeting at Jamaica, which was held June 12–13, according to appointment. There met Bro. and sister Hutchins, and joined them in their earnest effort to get the church into working order, and where a greater degree of union might prevail among the members. Our hearts were made glad to hear some confessions that were made, and we felt that the power of the enemy was being weakened. When a call was made for those who had lost their first love, and for backsliders and those that had never made any profession of religion, who desired the prayers of God's people, to come forward, almost the entire audience responded. Among them were two young men that, to our knowledge, had never manifested any seriousness before, and if we could judge by their appearance, the Spirit of God was operating on them in a powerful manner. By rising upon their feet they expressed their determination that henceforth they would keep the Sabbath of the Lord. On Monday, the 14th, at a meeting appointed at 4 P. M., we attended to the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper. We felt that our work for this church was done for the present. I wish to notice one fact that was a matter of encouragement to me, and also to the church. As I arose to address the church, I saw before me eight individuals who thirteen months ago, when I was holding meetings there, offered themselves as willing candidates to follow their Master in the ordinance of baptism. Five of the candidates were sisters, their ages ranging from 11 to 22 years. All remain steadfast, their interest increasing. If an older sister could be brought to feel the claims which God has upon her, the parents might well say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The 17th, at 10 o'clock, met with the little church at Andover, at the house of Bro. and sister Pierce. Bro. P. has been brought near death's door, yet God has prolonged his days. We were glad to find them striving for victory. We tried to speak encouraging words to them. We hope God will add to this church such as shall be saved. Sabbath morning, the 19th, met with the church at Bristol. Our hearts were made glad by finding the house nearly filled with brethren and sisters from Granville, South Huntington, Starksborough, and adjoining towns, and some that had embraced the truth since we were there in February last. The Lord has been working for this church. While I was speaking, Bro. and sister Hutchins arrived, and, though not feeling usually well, Bro. H. spoke in the afternoon. June 20, after a prayer and social meeting, we attended to the business of the T. & M. Society for this district, also of the general quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society. After a discourse by Bro. H., we repaired to the water where five followed their Lord in the solemn rite of baptism. We returned to our home with a glad heart, thanking the Lord for his goodness and willingness to help those that try to seek him with all their hearts.