Labors with Churches in Vermont
By Albert Stone
SINCE the first of September, I have labored with the churches in Stowe, Johnson, Eden, Richford and Berkshire, Vt. Spent two Sabbaths and first-days with the brethren at West Bolton, and preached in several neighborhoods where there are no Sabbath-keepers. I have also visited several families of Baptists and other friends, in Johnson, Waterville and Lowell, with whom I formerly labored as a Baptist preacher. In all these places I was well received, and the truths of the third angel’s message were listened to, in most cases with marked attention, and in all with candor. The signs of the times are being discerned by many, as they have not been in times past. The voice of God, as heard in the attitude of the elements the past year, the immense amount of suffering and loss of life occasioned thereby, the ratio of crime in all its forms—these utterances of the voice of God, which have no parallel in past history, are opening the eyes of some, others are convicted that these things are harbingers of the day of God; and prelibations of his wrath in which the world is soon to be submerged. Prejudice against the truth in Vermont is to some extent yielding to the combined force of God’s providence and grace. Our meetings with the churches are of a more elevated character than heretofore. The camp-meetings have been useful, and their effect has not yet ceased. We are thankful for the late visit of sister White. By it we trust an impetus is given to the cause in our midst. In September I baptized my youngest son at Richford. Last Sabbath was a day long to be remembered by the church in Richford. Plain remarks were made on preparing the way of the Lord by putting away our sins, and defects of character. The testimonies given by the brethren and sisters, mingled with confessions, as they were to the point, took effect. Eyes were suffused with tears, and hearts, we trust, broken. One person decided henceforth to keep all the commandments of God, and faith of Jesus. In the evening the church met and organized a society for the distribution of our publications agreeably to the suggestion of Bro. White in REVIEW. Twenty-five dollars were raised and nearly all paid to purchase books and tracts for distribution. ALBERT STONE.