MEETINGS IN VT by A. S. Hutchins

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1857

MEETINGS IN VT.

By A. S. Hutchins

BRO. SMITH: We have been somewhat encouraged in our meetings recently. Our Tent was pitched on the 29th of May, at Right’s Mills in Montpelier. We remained here two Sabbaths and First-days; but the weather was so cold that we held our meetings in a meeting house near the Tent, most of the time. The interest to hear the truth increased. When we first went there, a few men seemed to think that with a slight effort we could be disheartened and worried from our purpose to spread our position before them. But no, no, we have too much love for the blessed truth, and too much confidence in the God whom we serve, to think that man, whose breath is in his nostrils can counteract the purpose of God.

Some good confessions were made in public by a brother living near, who had professedly kept the Sabbath for years, and who acknowledged he had had more of the theory of the message than the spirit. This led his family and others to feelings and reflections quite different about the truth.

This brother followed the example of our Lord and Master in the ordinance of baptism, as he had not before. His family followed down to the water-side, and there the blessing of the Lord rested down. His mother (eighty-six years old) a keeper of God’s holy Sabbath, was present, and rejoiced with us. His companion here resolved to keep the Bible Sabbath. Two weeks from this time (the Sabbath and First-day after the Tent meeting at Morristown) we returned here and held meetings, which were deeply interesting. Again we went down to the peaceful and pleasant river, where the companion of the brother above referred to and their daughter were buried with Christ by baptism. The daughter had just embraced religion. Her confessions, exhortations and entreaties to her parents, husband and brothers and sister were deep and feeling, at this place. Praise the Lord. Others decided to keep all the commandments of God, and others when we left were greatly interested. May the good Shepherd of the flock regard his people with tender care in this place. Brn. Sperry and Pierce, and other Brn. were with us here.

Yesterday we had the privilege of baptizing four lovers of the last message of mercy, in this vicinity. May the Lord graciously preserve and keep them in the path of duty and they finally share in the reward of eternal life.

Our visit with Bro. and sister White in our place was refreshing and encouraging to us. I might speak of other meetings of interest among the remnant, recently held; but I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face.

Yours in love and hope. A. S. HUTCHINS. Barton Landing, Vt., July 1st, 1857.