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MEETINGS IN VERMONT

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1859

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 13, No. 19.

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MEETINGS IN VERMONT.

By A. S. Hutchins

BRO. SMITH: Since my last, in company with Bro. Sperry, I have held meetings as follows: Sabbath and First-day, Feb. 5th and 6th, at the house of Bro. Enoch Colby, in Charleston. Here we met with a goodly number of brethren and sisters from different counties in Vt., and three Brn. from Canada, also Brn. Bean and Evans.
Our conference at this place was one of deep interest, and we hope may prove of lasting benefit to the church. We have no doubt however, that far more good would have been accomplished had the meeting continued longer. Our prayer is that the good resolutions formed at the meeting may both be borne in mind and reduced to practice.
From here we went to East Richford, where we spent the next Sabbath and First-day, endeavoring to strengthen and comfort the few commandment-keepers present, which we are confident was the result of our labors.
On the 19th and 20th, we were refreshed and cheered with the dear brethren and sisters at Bakersfield. Here we were happy to meet with Brn. Taylor, Czechowski, and A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau, and to find them pressing forward for the kingdom, and persuading others to do likewise. We seldom enjoy a more precious season with the remnant than we did at this place.
Brn. Taylor and Bourdeau aided in speaking the Word. Bro. Czechowski also spoke once to the French brethren, in their tongue. His discourse was spirited and stirring, and instructive to those who understood him. At its close, Bro. D. T. Bourdeau gave a brief interpretation of it, which rendered it interesting to us all.
From Bakersfield we crossed the mountains to Johnson, where we had a short but pleasing visit with Bro. Loveland's family; but as we received information here that sister Phillips lay at the point of death a few days before this, we felt anxious to reach Roxbury before her death, or in time to attend her funeral if possible. But her eyes were already closed in death; we could hear her voice no more. However, we reached the place just in time to attend the funeral, on Friday. We remained here over Sabbath and First-day, and held meetings in the meeting-house. Good attention was paid to the word spoken, and an increasing interest manifested by the hearers to the close of the meetings.
From here we returned to Stowe and Morristown, and then visited the brethren in Eden. And last Sabbath and First-day, in company with Bro. Barr, we met with the brethren and sisters and friends at Bro. Bean's, in Morristown. This conference we believe will prove highly beneficial to the church. Also we believe there was awakened in the minds of some present a spirit of inquiry and research for the truth. One believer in the near coming of the Saviour gave us encouragement that he should keep the next Sabbath.
In conclusion I would say for the encouragement of the lovers of the present truth, that the way seems opening in the East for a more extensive spread of the last message of mercy. Calls from different directions are sent us to come and present the evidences of our position. Meeting-houses and school-houses are being opened for us, and hearts to receive the truth, where dark, cruel prejudice has hitherto closed up ears and hearts and places of worship against the truth and against God's messengers. O may the Lord help us to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." "And he that winneth souls is wise." O that we might all heed the counsel to the remnant church, and let the Saviour come in and sup with us. "Without me," says he, "ye can do nothing."
"Is Christ a vine? His heavenly root Supplies the boughs with life and fruit, O let a lasting union join My soul to him, the living vine." A. S. HUTCHINS.
Wolcott, Vt., March 10th, 1859.