Report of Meetings by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1862

Report of Meetings.

By A. S. Hutchins

BRO. WHITE: Last week Bro. D. T. Bourdeau and myself returned home from our tour South. We were absent four weeks.

Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 18 and 19, we met with the church in Berlin, Ct. Though our brethren and sisters here had not been favored with preaching before for over two years, we found them pressing forward and toiling on for mount Zion. They had felt the necessity of order in their midst for some time, and were anxiously waiting for organization. We enjoyed good freedom in our meetings, both in preaching and in the work of organization. About twenty were united as a church, covenanting together to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. We were happy to see the strict regard for the observance of the holy Sabbath here. The Author of this sacred institution must smile with approbation upon such. Their tables were furnished on the Sabbath with plain, healthful food, prepared on sixth-day. Why cannot others do likewise?

In Ashfield, Mass., the Lord gave us good liberty in speaking upon, and answering objections to, our view of the gifts. Let us all heed the injunction, ‑Despise not prophesyings.‑ 1 Thess. v, 20.

In Vernon, Vt., we gave a few lectures, but the interest was not sufficient to give a full course at present. Bro. G. F. Richmond, who with his companion embraced the Bible Sabbath last winter in N. Y. from reading a few of our publications sent him by his mother, went forward in the ordinance of baptism.

In Jamaica the brethren felt the need of more order, and manifested a desire for it, by completing the work of organization.

The brethren in Andover also expressed a desire to have things set in order. A meeting was held for this purpose, which we trust resulted in great good to the cause here. It was truly painful to witness the sad work of the busy, mischievous tongue in this little church. But we hope there may be a speedy, thorough, and permanent reform in this respect. Says David, ‑I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.‑ This is truly a worthy purpose! After the removal of hindrances, a church was organized, consisting of all found in union and Christian fellowship.

While in Ct. we received several urgent requests to visit other sections, with which we would gladly have complied, but we had left our team two hundred miles from home, which we must drive about three hundred more on our return to meet previous arrangements; and as it was too late in the season, we feared we might soon meet with cold weather, snow, and bad wheeling; and as I write to-day, the fast-falling snow, with the quantity already upon the ground, reminds us that such fears were not groundless.

With emotions of gratitude we call to mind the refreshing seasons enjoyed with the people of God on this tour. We also feel thankful for their readiness to administer to our temporal wants. May we all be of one mind, that the God of love and peace may be with us, and we all finally share in the inestimable reward of immortality and eternal life.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Barton Landing, Vt., Nov. 9, 1862.