MEETINGS IN SUTTON AND DUNHAM, C. E.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: In my last report reference was made to these meetings. After leaving Vt. the way opened favorably for us to give a course of lectures in North Sutton, nine miles from any Sabbath-keepers. Our meetings commenced January the 6th and closed the 27th, we having given twenty-three lectures. Every first-day the house was occupied once or more by other preachers, besides several evenings while there, for different purposes. Before our first meeting the old familiar cry of "Mormons," with other things entirely new, was raised. But our congregations were large and attentive, some of whom were not afraid to hear Bible truth, though it showed new duties and new crosses. Said one Advent sister who embraced the Sabbath, "I don't always want to read in my A, B, C's." After we had given four lectures Bro. Sperry joined us. When we presented the Sabbath question we were opposed by Dr. Cutter (Adventist) with his no-law theory. This effort proved favorable to the truth, rather than otherwise. A few thought we ought to give some one time to present the evidences bearing against us on this subject. We agreed to this if some man should be selected that the congregation chose to hear. Elder P. West, Adventist, was brought forward. A vote was taken expressing a desire that Elder W. preach against us the next evening. Bro. Sperry then presented the subject of the restoration of Bible truth in the last days. As he was closing his remarks, Eld. W. left his seat, coming with a bound over the desk forward of him, and seated himself by our side. What such a precipitous move as this could mean we had not time to speak, before he said he did not want to oppose us; it was the wicked generally that were opposing us, and he did not want to join hands with them, or to this effect. He then arose and desired the congregation to release him from his engagement for the next evening. Said he believed all he had heard, except on the Sabbath, and that might be true. Exhorted them to get the Spirit of the Lord, and that would lead them into the truth. On the evening of the 20th Elder Garwin, a fellow laborer of Elder West's, came to fill his regular ap-101pointment. He occupied the house two evenings in an attempt to show the abolition of the ten commandments, and the re-enactment of all but the fourth. Bro. Bourdeau heard and reviewed both of these discourses. Elder G.'s position was overturned, and his theory shown to be fallacious and unscriptural. The eyes of honest seekers after truth were well opened, while others "walk on in darkness." It is a problem to not a few how our no-Sabbath friends can call Sunday the Sabbath. A blow has been struck against the ten commandments, but nine of them recover from the deadly wound, standing forth in the new covenant leaving the fourth behind. This was the yoke of bondage in the first covenant. Still we need a Sabbath. In support of this new Sabbath neither Elder G. nor Elder W. could give one "thus saith the Lord." In this matter the difficulty is plain; it is in the neck and not in the yoke: they "hardened their necks and hearkened not to thy commandments." Neh. ix, 16. Let the "stiff," "hardened necks" be abolished, be taken away, and the yoke becomes "easy and the burden light." Eight kept the last Sabbath with us. Others have also resolved to keep it; while others are trembling over the cross. Before our meeting closed in S., Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau commenced a course of lectures in Durham, a few miles from us. They are having great congregations and a good, solid interest there. It is thought by our brethren that the tent should be pitched in that section as soon as the season will admit. May the Lord direct. Bro. and sister Sperry left for their home for a season yesterday. To-day I return to Durham to spend some days with the brethren. After our meetings close there we must rest a while, and then enter new fields again if the Lord will. My heart grows warm with anxiety to see this message move in greater power. More soon. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Sutton, C. E. Jan. 31, 1861.