VERMONT by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 30, 1879

VERMONT

By A. S. Hutchins

Cabot and Warren.—Oct. 11, 12, I held meetings with the little church at Cabot. Bro. R. S. Owen, on his way to the southern part of the State, was with us. We think our visit was timely, encouraging believers.

The work on the meeting-house is progressing. Paul bears record as to the willingness of some of his brethren to work “beyond their power;” and so may we say respecting the sacrifice some of these brethren have made in thus far completing their house, but they must have more help if they complete it this fall, as should be done for the good of the cause in this locality. It is very much needed for their weekly meetings, and that a course of lectures may be given there early in the ensuing winter, if the General Conference Committee send us help to supply the place of Eld. C. W. Stone, by them called from the State.

The following friendly words from some one watching our work here, I clipped from a Montpelier paper of a recent issue:— “LOWER CABOT.—The Seventh-day Adventists are rapidly progressing with their new church, and the prospects of its completion before cold weather are good. The church is small, but it is better adapted to a small audience than a large one would be. When finished it will be neat, plain, and pretty, nothing being put in for mere show. We shall then have four churches in town instead of three, in consequence of opposition; and that opposition to a new sect tends to increase its numbers and energize its forces. Clergymen would do well to thoroughly investigate the scriptural authority for the change of Sabbath from the seventh to the first day, lest the ‘blind lead the blind and both fall into the ditch.’”

Agreeably to appointment, meetings were held in Warren on the 18th and 19th inst. Brethren and sisters were present from each side of the Green Mountains. The State secretary of the tract society, two directors, and the secretary of the State Sabbath-school Association and temperance organization were present, which contributed to the interest of the meetings.

The word was preached with freedom, an interesting Sabbath-school was held, the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated, and two persons were added to the church. A tract society meeting was held, in which many words of good cheer were spoken; and the first local H. and T. club of the State among S. D. Adventists was organized.

I am satisfied that we, as a religious body, looking for the soon-coming of Christ, and hoping for the rest that remaineth to the people of God, should, with the blazing banner of health and temperance reform, stand ahead of every other people.

Temperance is one of the fruits of the Spirit, against which “there is no law” nor sound reason. Peter would have us “give all diligence” in adding one Christian grace to another, in doing which we must add to knowledge temperance; and if the man of God does not do this, he not only lacks knowledge, but he certainly will fail in erecting the monument of Christian graces.

Paul says: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.” A. S. HUTCHINS.

Oct. 21.