Communication from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I send you a brief sketch of some facts connected with the advancement of the cause of truth in this vicinity, which may strengthen and encourage the saints scattered abroad, if you deem it worthy of a place in the columns of the Review. A few weeks since, I listened to two sermons preached by a Universalist minister in Stowe village, upon the subject of the Sabbath, in which he attempted to sustain the First-day theory. This of course subjected him to a severe and difficult task; and, as must necessarily be expected, his arguments were contradictory and unscriptural. At the close of the meeting, during an interview with the speaker, I asked him several questions, two of which I give below with his reply. Q. What is your Bible testimony for the First-day Sabbath? A. The Spirit teaches it. Q. Why does not the Spirit teach me the first day is the Sabbath? A. I do not know: but I do not believe you can be a Christian without you keep it. Two weeks later we reviewed these discourses in the same place, the minister being present. At the close of our remarks he arose and in his great zeal to force us from our position, he seemed to have forgotten his strong premises two weeks before, and proceeded to inform the congregation that the Sabbath fastened upon the next day following six days of labor; whether the labor be commenced at the commencement of the week or in the middle. Here we raised the question, If we commence laboring upon the first day of the week, (Sunday,) is not the seventh day the day which we should observe as the Sabbath? To this he answered in the affirmative. Thus the candid were left to judge whether this teacher really believed that one must keep the first day in order to constitute him a Christian. How futile and unavailing are all the efforts of man when brought to bear against the plain declaration of the sacred Scriptures. "Like some fair monument, with towering form,
The Sabbath stands, unmoved amid the storm."
May 19th and 20th, in company with Bro. Sperry, held meetings at Irasburg and Barton Landing. In this vicinity the cause of truth has been gradually progressing for some months past. Up to this time, for some more than one year and a half, the Meeting House at Barton Landing has been opened repeatedly for those who preach the perpetuity of the Bible Sabbath; but the Sabbath truth has been gaining ground too fast to meet the approbation of its opponents. Consequently an opposing spirit manifests itself more than heretofore. On First-day at 5 o'clock, P. M., the house was closed against us, (or rather occupied by the minister,) notwithstanding it had previously been promised us. Some weeks since a brother by the name of Dean, residing in this place, embraced the Sabbath truth with his family, under the preaching of the third angel's message. Upon the first day of the week, he went about his usual work, (labor in a saw-mill,) for which he was brought before a court the next day, charged with the crime of having broken the Lord's day, and fined one dollar and cost of court, amounting to about eight dollars, which should he refuse to pay, he will be subject to imprisonment. From this circumstance we discover the fact that those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, may expect soon a greater manifestation of the "wrath of the dragon." But the Lord will graciously smile upon those who do his commandments. Therefore "we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man254shall do unto me." "Fear not, little flock : for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." The 26th and 27th we held meetings in Berkshire, where we had a free time in presenting the truth; especially upon First-day, as a goodly number were present to hear. We trust some good was accomplished. We were happy to meet a brother here, who has heretofore preached the New Time. He manifests the spirit of "good will to men," and expresses a desire to know the whole truth. The subject of the Sabbath is clear to his mind, and he has been observing it for some weeks. The 29th we held one meeting in Farnham, C. E. Two followed the example of our Lord and Saviour in the ordinance of baptism. The 30th we held another meeting in Berkshire, at 5 o'clock, P. M. One sister had resolved to keep the next Sabbath, since our last meeting here. The 31st at 5 o'clock, P. M., we had a refreshing time in presenting the truth in the school-house at North Hyde Park; and in listening to the soul-cheering testimonies of the brethren and sisters. Sabbath, June 2d, we met with the brethren and sisters in Stowe. At this meeting Bro. S. buried six young friends with Christ by baptism. May the Lord give to each of them sustaining grace to stand firmly in all the truth, till our trials and conflicts are ended. Yours in love. A. S. HUTCHINS. New Haven, Vt., June, 1855.