We have been much cheered for a few weeks past in meeting with the friends of the cause of truth in Vermont. Our interviews with them at the several Tent-meetings in that State have been most pleasant. Perfect union and harmony seem to exist among the old friends of the cause, and for the past year there have been some valuable additions.
July 20th, the Tent was pitched at Braintree. Bro. and Sr. Howard (who received the present truth at the Tent-meeting held in that place near one year since) opened their doors and furnished a home for a large portion of those who attended the meeting. The attendance at this meeting was good, especially on the Sabbath. The saints were much cheered, and several decided that we had the truth on the Sabbath question. It is a matter of deep interest that so large and intelligent assemblies listen with candor and interest to unpopular Bible truth. Many acknowledge that we have the Bible on our side of the question. But a few only will keep the truth, while the mass will be turned from the truth unto fables. Lord save the jewels.
On our way to Bristol, Vt., we called at Roxbury and spent a day with Brn. Pierce and Phillips and their families. God bless them for their tender care to pilgrims. We also spent one day at Bro. Lockwood's in Warren. This family was among the very first to receive the Sabbath in Vermont. Their sacrifices for the cause, and their care for the Lord's servants have not been small.
It has seemed to us that some of these Vermont friends have loved their neighbor (brother) a little better than themselves. It is certain that in their anxiety to advance the cause they have at least made far greater efforts to help others, than others have made to help themselves. They are anxious to move the REVIEW Office to Vermont, and have the responsibility and burden of conducting it taken off from us, and placed, as it should be, on the shoulders of a number of the old, experienced friends of the cause. Unless the friends of the cause in some more central position shall take this responsibility, it will be proper that the friends and supports of the cause in Vermont should take it. We shall no longer bear the burdens we have borne in Rochester; neither shall we move the Office, East or West. The Office is the property of the church. The church must wake up to this matter, and free us from responsibilities that have been forced upon us, and which we have reluctantly taken. We must have freedom and repose, or go into the grave. Our interest in the precious cause has not abated. All we can do, we will do, but we desire freedom from our present position, and that the cause may be freed from the effects of the whining complaints of jealous ones. Those persons take care and not come to us with their complaints; but we meet their poisonous letters addressed to others relative to our course in all quarters. Be it known to such that Office affairs are open to the investigation of any committee of decent men, at any proper time and place.
July 27th, the Tent was pitched at Bristol. The interest was good. The word had free course, and we trust reached the hearts of many. J. W.