MEETINGS IN GREENFIELD, N. Y.
By A. S. Hutchins
DEAR BRO. SMITH: Agreeably to request, Bro. Sperry and myself attended the meeting at the dedication of the house of worship in this place, June 8-10. This house was built by a sister (a widow), who felt that God desired a house here for the benefit of his people and for the accommodation of such as have a desire to hear his word preached. It is plain and convenient, and of suitable size for this place. At an early hour the first day of the meeting, the house was well filled with attentive hearers. The next day (Sabbath) we were happily surprised and greatly encouraged to find our congregation so large, and manifesting so much interest in the unpopular truths of God’s word. First-day again the house was crowded. On Sabbath morning our hearts were rejoiced to meet Bro. and sister Wheeler, who were on their eastern tour. Second-day morning Bro. and sister Sperry left for the central part of the State. Bro. and sister W. remained with us one week longer and aided much in presenting the solemn, sacred truths of the last message of mercy. The last three weeks I have been alone doing what I could in my feeble state of health, in preaching and visiting from house to house. And I think I may safely say the interest in this section has gradually increased to the present. Congregations on first-days have been as large as could have been expected, considering the number of Sunday-schools, prayer-meetings, and preaching by different denominations near us. One week ago last Sabbath, three confessed the Bible Sabbath, and resolved to keep it hereafter. Others are almost persuaded to keep it, while more are quite interested in the meetings and the word spoken. While the church here, hitherto scattered and much discouraged, seem to manifest an interest to arise with the rising and spreading message of mercy. O may the Lord give them the decision of character and grace requisite to stand in this evil time. Four have followed the example of their Lord in the ordinance of baptism. I would not here be understood that we have no opposition, for the opposing spirit with some moves briskly. And if they can say here, as a Methodist said in Vt., “I enjoy my mind first rate when I oppose you” (or equivalent to this), I think I shall leave some of this people in a very happy frame of mind. May the Lord grant that we may all have “another spirit,” one which yields peace and happiness by following him fully, and that we may be brought into the land of promise and possess it forever and ever. To-morrow, if the Lord will, I leave for Jamaica, Vt.
A. S. HUTCHINS. P. S. The church hope to see Bro. and Sr. Wheeler here on their return.
A. S. H.