STOWE CONFERENCE. According to appointment, this meeting was held in the Union Meeting-house.—Three or four hundred brethren assembled from different parts of the state of Vermont, some from New York and New Hampshire. The brethren came together expecting to have a good meeting; but it was evident that they did not come trusting in God, as they should have done.
We were indeed happy to meet with old, tried friends of the cause; also, with many who had embraced the truth the past year. But when we met together, there was a great lack of the Spirit of God among us. A number of good reasons might be offered why the Lord did not come up in the fullness of the Spirit, with the brethren. And we must here be allowed to speak plainly for the benefit of others.
1. God has greatly blest and prospered the cause in Vermont, and has added many, and some strong men, to the number of Sabbath-keepers. And we have reason to fear that there has not been that trusting in God, as there has been when their number was less. We hope the brethren will remember Gideon's water-lappers, and never trust at all in numbers.
2. The Lord has heard their prayers, and has in a wonderful manner raised up the sick among them, so that they have seen no need to call an earthly physician. God can do but very little for poor mortals, from the fact that they are in danger of suffering the devil to exalt them while in prosperity. The furnace, the furnace, is indispensable to keep God's people humble. Lord, let us pass through the furnace. If our dear brethren in Vermont had let these displays of the Divine Power humble them greatly, and had come to the conference praying, weeping and sighing for more of the mind of Christ, and more humility, the Master would have come up with them, and his melting power would have been displayed.
3. There has been a lack of experienced laborers, to take oversight of the flock, and timely correct errors. Bro. Ingraham, who has the past year faithfully labored in Steuben Co. and vicinity, N. Y., has been missed in Vermont. Our dear Bro. Baker has been in the field but little, (but is now giving himself wholly to the work,) and some others, with less experience, have not been in a place to help the flock. It is no time to put on the minister, and lose a sense of the worth of souls. Better stay at home, than to go out in this time of darkness without the whole armor.
Dangers are all about the little flock. We must watch, watch. Pride of appearance and dress will creep in, unless utmost care is taken. Those things in that peculiar people that God is now purifying to himself and fitting for heaven, greatly grieve the Spirit of God.
Our meeting at Stowe was one of labor. There were four discourses given on First-day and evening, to large and attentive congregations. Those who spoke to the people did not enjoy their usual liberty, even before an unbelieving congregation, from the fact that the church stood in the way, not standing in the counsel of God. The fact that the church of Christ, at this day, who have made a profession so high, stand in the way of sinners, is really heart-rending. But we wish to give only a faithful statement of facts.
On Second-day, the brethren began to see and feel their condition, and to confess. The cloud began to gradually part and pass away. And it was the general feeling of those present that it had been a very profitable meeting. We think all went from the place feeling the importance of walking carefully and living humbly as they had never realized it.
Bro. W. Morse seemed to see and feel his past error, which with the errors of others have caused the church in Vermont much trial. We hope he will see his way clear to make a strait forward confession in the REVIEW. We have ever loved this dear brother, and do still, and beseech him to make strait paths for his feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.
Let no one receive the idea that the good cause is running down in Vermont. It is not so. We do not know of one giving up the truth. But on the contrary, additions still continue to be made to the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. Bro. Stone of Eden, an Advent Minister, has of late come out fully. He was present at the meeting at Stowe. And will, doubtless, be a blessing to the cause. The flock need the faithful labors and counsel of such men as Brn. Stone and Baker. We hope they will be able to keep in the field. The Lord has faithful stewards in Vermont who are ready to use their Lord's money in his cause.
But it requires faith to go forth now, and preach the unpopular doctrines of the present truth. Brethren, pray for your preachers, and pray in faith. As they go out into a cold world, with all hell stirred against them, they need your faithful prayers. Shall they have them? At the family altar and in the closet. O, remember the servants of Christ who are searching out and feeding the scattered flock.
And preaching brethren, go out leaning on the arm of your Master. Have faith! faith!! FAITH!!! a little more FAITH! Without it you can do nothing. Don't go out to give light to others, while you are enveloped in darkness yourselves. Enter into the solemn work of God, and never rest satisfied unless you feel the responsibility of your calling, and the worth of precious souls. Don't get in the way of the church. O may God help us as a church to be as a city set on a hill; to let our light so shine, that those around us may, by beholding our order and good works, be led to glorify God in observing all his commandments.