New England Conference by A. S. Hutchins; L. Bean

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 28, 1859

New England Conference.

By A. S. Hutchins; L. Bean

THIS conference was held agreeably to appointment, at Fitchburg, Mass., the 9th and 10th inst. The number present was not as large as we should have been glad to see. We doubt not many more of our brethren and sisters would gladly have been present, had the notice of the meeting been longer, and if it had not been such a hurrying season of the year with farmers.

The tent was pitched near the house of Bro. Luther Farnsworth. On the Sabbath the congregation was not large, though some came in to hear, who listened attentively to the word spoken. On first-day a goodly number came together, most of whom seemed interested in the truth spoken. They listened attentively to a discourse on the subject of the Sabbath in the afternoon, nearly two hours in length.

At the close of this meeting most of the brethren felt it duty to leave for home, but were anxious for one more prayer and conference meeting together. Our social meetings had all been more or less bound, by the indifference of some, and other influences.

We repaired again immediately to the tent, where we enjoyed a refreshing season. We think, with one or two exceptions, every brother and sister bore a testimony. From the commencement to the close, or near the close, of this meeting, the friends were gathering into and around the tent; so that if we had had strength we would gladly have preached another discourse to our congregation called together, not by the ringing of bells, nor by appointment, for public meeting.

In our last meeting, four stated their convictions that we have the truth on the Sabbath question. Three of the number, a man and his wife and his mother, were friends from some distance, who had attended the meeting from its beginning. The women decided to keep all of the commandments of God. The man said he should examine the subject still further, and should take a stand with us, if he became fully satisfied that we have the truth. The love which he has felt, in past years, for the glorious appearing of the Saviour, and his anxiety still to know the truth, entitle us to the opinion that he will take a stand in favor of the third angel's message.

It was quite a disappointment to the brethren and sisters that Brn. Stone and Sperry were not at this meeting. Never having seen Bro. Stone, they were especially desirous that he should be present. We learn however that a previous appointment called him in another direction. Bro. Sperry was engaged in N. Y. Had we been favored with more help, we should have held more meetings.

At the close of the meeting on first-day, it was thought best for us to hold meetings at the same place next Sabbath and first-day. Consequently our appointment stands for meetings on those days. We have held one evening meeting in the tent this week.

A. S. HUTCHINS. L. BEAN.