THE CAUSE IN VERMONT by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 5, 1877

THE CAUSE IN VERMONT.

By A. S. Hutchins

With gratitude we note a few items connected with the work of present truth in Vermont. When Bro. Haskell was with us, the work of clubbing the SIGNS, as previously recommended by Bro. White, commenced. Up to this date, about two hundred have been taken in this way. Every church visited so far, but one, has done something in this branch of the work. I have not had time to visit all. The recent action of the churches in Jamaica, Bordoville, and East Richford, in this direction, we hope may prove a blessing to them, and the means of shedding much light upon others.

On my return from the south part of the State, I preached at Bristol one evening, and on the Sabbath, and also held a meeting in which the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated. This was a profitable season for the church. The spirit of confession came into the meeting, giving freedom, and reviving hope and joy in Him whose dying love we had assembled to commemorate.

From Bristol I went to Weybridge where a few are keeping the Sabbath. Spoke once in the Methodist house to an attentive audience. Enlarged the fund for the club of SIGNS, sold some of the “Way of Life,” and tried to encourage the brethren to take hold of the work of canvassing. Since then, I learn that one brother, finding more interested to read than he expected, has sent ten dollars direct to the SIGNS Office to increase the number of copies for that place. The people are anxious to hear more preaching. A holy life accompanied by the good works of the little company here, will prove effectual preaching.

Two young brethren are talking the truth some in a school-house where one of them taught school last winter. He writes me, “God blesses us. Twelve have arisen for prayers, seven of them heads of families.” Another brother who has been presenting the truth some, as he could leave home duties, says, “Two have come out strong on the Sabbath.”

I spent Mar. 17 and 18 at East Richford. Had very good meetings. A young man here, who had heard Brother C. O. Taylor, in N. Y. State, speak on the Sabbath, recently started in the service of the Lord in meetings conducted by the gospel workers; whereupon he decided if he took upon himself the duties of the Christian, he must keep the Bible Sabbath; and obedient to his convictions of duty, he at once commenced its observance. This, though resulting in the loss of his place of labor engaged for the next six months, gave him no fears of being “starved” into disobedience. The way at once opened for work the ensuing season. The leaders of these gospel meetings are men of candor, and seem to desire to do good in their labors. They say if any are led to embrace religion under their efforts in East Richford, they think it best for them to unite with the Seventh-day Adventists. Well, that is connecting the gospel and the law together; and is in the highest degree harmonious with the teachings of Christ and the apostles. It is the good old Pauline theology; “Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20: 21. Several others are interested in the Sabbath. May they not smother conviction, and lose what light and blessing they already have.

I have recently received a good letter from a brother who has been keeping the Sabbath some five months. I visited him in January and with him enjoyed precious seasons. He has formerly been connected with another branch of Adventists. He separates himself from them for the sake of truth on the Bible Sabbath and other important subjects, in the same section where I left the Free-will Baptists twenty-five years since. He is reading our leading works with interest. May the Holy Spirit aid in all researches for the truth.

A canvasser from the south part of the State writes some very encouraging things. Among others he makes mention of a conversation of two hours with a man who subscribed for the SIGNS. This man pleads for a lecturer to come into his village and give a course of lectures. He heard a little preaching under the tent in Mass., which inspired a thirst for more. He says he will help pay a minister who might be sent, and will furnish a house in which to hold the meetings. Says there are many anxious to hear. Following the brother to the door, to still farther plead his cause, almost his last words were: “Do send us a preacher who can meet the opposition and not be put down.”

The interest aroused in this promising village is measurably owing to the earnest efforts of a brother and his companion, in circulating reading matter within the few months they have kept the Sabbath, it being their former home. Let Tract and Missionary workers note this. And while we are indeed grateful that our Conference is “under the wing of the General Conference,” in view of the whitening fields, and the urgent demands for labor, we look beseechingly toward that body, and from the depth of our souls cry unto it: “MEN OF ISRAEL, HELP.” A. S. HUTCHINS.