We have been much refreshed and cheered in spirit for a few weeks past in meeting with the brethren in different places in Northern New York and Vermont. There is not that zeal and devotion manifested by the friends of truth that there should be, and that progress of the cause that we should like to see, yet the brethren stand firm, and there is some increase of numbers in most every place, and we trust of graces and strength.
In our last we mentioned the Tent-meeting held near Buck's Bridge, St. Law. Co., N. Y. The brethren tarried in that place over two Sabbaths, and held a meeting at 6 o'clock, P. M., of each day through the week. Some of our meetings were seasons of labor, while others were exceedingly refreshing and powerful. The burden of testimony at that meeting seemed to be in regard to the Advent movement as symbolized by the angels of Rev. xiv, and illustrated by the parable of Matt. xxv. The importance of pointed testimony on present truth which links the past with the present and future was deeply felt.
The Tent was next pitched at Perry's Mills, N. Y., on the farm of Bro. J. G. Whipple. The location was retired and beautiful, and the weather fine. The brethren came in from Canada, from Plattsburg, and from the region round about, making quite a congregation of believers, many more than we expected to see. On First-day we had a very attentive congregation, and most perfect order on the ground. We do not now recollect that any person showed the least disrespect to us or our views during the meeting. This respect for the unpopular truths we teach may be attributed, in part at least, to the judicious course pursued by the devoted and intelligent friends of the cause in that region. On Second-day at 6 o'clock, P. M., we had a very interesting meeting at Champlain village, in which several took part. Two or three who not long since left the church of Rome, who attended the Tent-meeting, resolved to keep the Sabbath. One of them said, "It was a great cross to leave the church of Rome, but this is a still greater cross." On Third-day at 6 o'clock, P. M., we met with the brethren at Plattsburg.
July 13th the Tent was pitched at Wolcott, Vt.; but a short time before the Sabbath it was prostrated to the ground by a fierce wind which suddenly arose. Thus it remained till after the Sabbath. At this providence some were saddened, while others could say, All things work together for good. Sabbath morning at half past seven, enough brethren were on the ground to commence prayer-meeting. On reaching the place of meeting about this hour, we heard the solemn voice of prayer from our beloved Bro. Ingraham, who has spent some time in a new field in Pennsylvania, but has returned to this State for a few weeks. And as we looked about the beautiful hill where preparations had been made for the saints to worship, and heard the solemn and fervent prayer from our dear brother, we thought of the mountains where Jesus prayed and preached, and as we thus reflected, we could not refrain from weeping aloud. The brethren continued to gather to the place till at ten there were near 200 present. On the south side of the hill lay the Tent. On the west, north and east, was a ring of carriages, where the feeblest took their seats, shaded by umbrellas, nearly surrounding those who occupied the north row of seats. In this position these commandment-keepers listened with deepest interest to three discourses, besides spending several hours in conference and prayer-meeting. The last discourse closed at half past three in the afternoon, when it was suggested that the feeble and tired might leave the ground, while others would remain during the hours of the Sabbath, and be ready to erect the Tent. But two or three left, and the meeting rose in interest till near six o'clock. The cool breeze and the clouds intercepting the rays of the sun nearly all day made our situation quite comfortable, while the continual dropping of heavenly manna made the place glorious. A portion of that congregation was on the ground with no permanent shelter for ten sweet hours, and while enjoying so long and so rich a feast could really pity those poor souls who usually sit in cushioned and carpeted pews of these steeple-houses, forty-five minutes, and feed on husks. Brn. Wheeler, Hart, Ingraham, Stone, Hutchins, Sperry and many others took part in this meeting. After the Tent was erected, there was the same evening a very free and cheering social meeting held in it. Social and preaching meetings on First-day were interesting, and we hope profitable, yet the peace of some was a little marred by the conversation of some who having ears hear not, and having eyes see not.
The cause in Vermont is firm, and gradually moving onward. There has been quite an increase of numbers in some places, and the scattered, hidden jewels of the Lord, here and there are coming to the light. The mass have no ears to hear, while their hearts seem as cold and unmoved as the rocks in the bottom of the ocean. Babylon is fallen. She will never rise. The present truth will reach and draw out but a few. Yet we should raise the standard, and cry in the ears of the people, that those who can hear, may hear. The parable of Matt. xxv, 1-11 is fulfilled. God save us from shunning to declare the whole truth on these points. The truth will reach and favorably affect those who have ears to hear and hearts that can feel.