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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 23, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 12.

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VERMONT

By A. S. Hutchins

GRANVILLE.

Jan. 29 and 30, held meetings at Granville. Both the weather and traveling were such as to render it very difficult crossing the mountains to get to this meeting, yet a goodly number of the brethren and sisters were present. One brother sixty years of age crossed the lofty range of the Green Mountains on foot to meet with us. One sister walked eight miles on returning home. Preached in the town hall on Sabbath. The Spirit of God was present to help and to set the truth home in power to the hearts of some not of our faith.
The evening following the Sabbath, and on first-day, attended to the business of the quarterly meeting. This is a new district, separated last August from the main body of Dist. No. 4, lying west of the Green Mountains. It had at the time of the meeting but thirteen members, all poor, or in but moderate circumstances, yet as a body active in missionary efforts. They show considerably the largest number of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed of any district in the State. Systematic Benevolence was renewed, and two persons were received as candidates for baptism. A spirit of courage and good cheer seemed to pervade the hearts of all as we separated.

BRISTOL.

Feb. 5 and 6, held meetings here. Preached twice on Sabbath. Some had a great distance to drive, making them late, which, with a cold house all day, and other causes, rendered our meeting not as profitable as we could desire. Some of these things we need not, and trust we shall not, meet in the future.
On first-day morning had an excellent social meeting. Resolutions made on reading the “Earnest Appeal” of the General Conference Committee, and on spending the first Sabbath in January of this year as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, were referred to and renewed, and other vows made on keeping more sacredly the Sabbath of the Lord, and visiting the lonely ones, which we hope may be remembered.
The reports of tract and missionary labor were not as full and encouraging as we could have hoped; yet some here certainly have a mind to work, and have been trying to do what they could. There are heavy responsibilities resting upon some of the members of this church, and most gladly would they do more were they not bound at present by circumstances beyond their control.
Several have been added to the Bristol church within the past year, some of whom are moving far ahead of the old members on the principles of health reform. One of these brethren, living in another State, writes of his strong confidence in present truth, of the clear light shining forth fromour publications, and of his wish to do all he can in scattering them. Systematic Benevolence was renewed, and one youth received as a candidate for baptism. Am sorry I could spend no more time in this place, and that brethren felt they must hurry home so soon.

JAMAICA.

Was with this church from Feb. 11-15. Visited every family of Sabbath-keepers but two, and held meetings three days. Our meetings were very encouraging. At the close of the last we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. As we parted with these brethren hope and courage seemed to fill their hearts.
Scattered as are these brethren among the thinly settled Green Mountains, we cannot expect that amount of missionary labor that we do in some other localities. Remote from market, and unable to raise much to sell, financially they can not do all their love for the truth would prompt them to do. Still I know of no church in our Conference that more promptly pays their S. B. Some have made pledges for different branches of the work. They have not been able to pay, but only ask for time to meet them.
Had the spiritual strength of this church been increased proportionally with its increase of members on the settlement of so many brethren here some years since, it might to-day have been a bright and shining light. Union and united action are needed in bearing out to the world the closing message of salvation.
Reports of tract and missionary work from this small district were of an encouraging character. A letter from a sister in another State, who, with her companion, is canvassing for our publications, visiting and praying with the families, speaks of the joy she experiences on seeing the readiness with which some received them, with the good tidings they publish, and the books and periodicals they carry to their doors.

WINDHAM.

From here I went to Windham, fifteen miles, where two young brethren formerly from Jamaica reside. Spoke once with good freedom; and after the close of the meeting answered several questions on Bible subjects raised by a man of infidel sentiments. The candid received help. Soon after these brethren moved into the place a minister came and preached against the Sabbath, stating that the ten commandments were abolished. To this his hearers objected, telling him he must be in error. The people wish to hear more. Here would be a favorable place for a course of lectures, I judge. But I could stop only one evening. May our brethren here prove themselves good representatives of the truth they hold. Says Christ, “Ye are the light of the world.” A. S. HUTCHINS.