Meetings in Peterborough, N. H.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. WHITE: We have given twenty-three lectures in this place. The interest continued to rise steadily from the commencement of the meetings. We enjoyed good freedom in speaking the word. An anxious inquiry, “What is truth?” has been awakened in the minds of the people. The word of God is being searched, and our books are in brisk circulation. A general conviction seems to weigh upon the minds of this people, that we have the Bible on our side on the Sabbath question. May they believe not in word only, but in deed and in truth. After our position on the law of God and the Sabbath was fully set before our friends, Bro. Bourdeau requested all present who believed the first day of the week to be the Sabbath, and could give one text of scripture in its defense, to manifest it by rising upon their feet. All were silent; no one of our large congregation arose. After two weeks’ labor with the friends here, and the brethren in another part of the town, it did not appear to be duty for us all to remain longer in the place; and as circumstances seemed to demand the return of the Brn. Bourdeau to their home, they left me last week, intending to hold meeting at Washington the following Sabbath. Last Sabbath we enjoyed a refreshing season together in Peterborough. A goodly number of friends met with us. I spoke to them twice, once on suffering with Christ, and once on overcoming, and the overcomer’s reward. At the close of the social meeting I requested all present who had decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord to signify it by standing upon their feet; ten arose. Others are deeply convicted, and will, I think, keep all the commandments of God. Two who heard most of our lectures had previously embraced the Sabbath and gone to their homes, one living in another town, and one in Mass. These meetings have not only awakened an interest among those who have not previously heard the third message, but our brethren and sisters are arousing and girding on the armor anew; children come forward for prayers in tears, and express a desire to go with their parents to the kingdom of God. They are also committing portions of Scripture to memory, and reciting them to me on the Sabbath, or when I go to their homes. In behalf of the sick the Lord is also answering prayer, and raising them up. May he speed on the good-begun work, and we to his holy and reverend name give all praise and honor.