TENT MEETINGS IN CONNECTICUT by A. S. Hutchins; E. L. Barr

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1856

TENT MEETINGS IN CONNECTICUT.

By A. S. Hutchins; E. L. Barr

WE have now closed our labor in this State with the tent. Our first meeting was held at Hampton, July 26th and 27th. We held a very interesting meeting here last season. Several have since embraced the truth. Others were disappointed, at the time, on account of rainy weather on First-day, and the meeting's being closed so soon.

This year our meetings came at a time when the farmers were in the midst of their haying. The notice was short, and but few attended. We concluded to let the tent stand another week so that those that had an ear to hear should have an opportunity. But it was very evident that those that did not embrace the truth last season, as a general thing, have since lost their interest, and will not be very likely to awake from their slumbers until it is forever too late.

Our third meeting was held at Collinsville, Aug. 9th and 10th, where the present truth, the Third Angel's Message, had never been preached. Before we had obtained a place to locate our tent, it was evident that some of the leading religionists of the place were disposed to judge a case before they heard it, and would have been glad if the inhabitants generally had done likewise. Nevertheless we obtained the most pleasant location in the place, and upon the first day of the week were favored with a good congregation, which listened attentively to three discourses at the tent.

Bro. Bates was with us, and preached the first discourse in the forenoon and the fourth, in a large and commodious hall, in the evening, to a good congregation. Early Monday morning we repaired to the water-side where one brother was buried with Christ by baptism.

Our fourth meeting was held at Norfolk, South St., where several embraced the truth last Winter. Here we enjoyed an interesting meeting Sabbath and First-day. We had much liberty in presenting the truth which was listened to attentively by most present. Many purchased books and manifested a disposition to search and see if these things are so. May the Lord lead them understandingly into all his blessed will.

From this place we went to Canaan Mountain where we held our fifth and last meeting, in a community where there were none that kept the Sabbath of the Lord. Here we were kindly received by the friends, and were well provided for, free of expense, while we tarried with them. The Lord gave us liberty in presenting his truth, which was listened to attentively by many. After the close of the public meetings, Sabbath-day, we repaired to a natural pond of pure water, where two believers went forward in baptism. There was quite a gathering on First-day. A goodly number furnished themselves with books, while conviction seemed fastened upon many minds that we have the truth. We were favored with the privilege of forming somewhat of an acquaintance with Bro. Dexter Daniels at the last two meetings, who has been laboring some in this part of Conn., and still has a mind to work. Lord bless him, is our prayer, and enable him to rightly divide the word of life.

While our dear friends in Connecticut have faithfully administered to our temporal wants, we do most ardently pray that God will reward them for their kindness, and supply all their spiritual wants and they become rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him.

A. S. HUTCHINS. E. L. BARR.