p. 188 | Eastern Tour

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 10, 1863

Eastern Tour.

HAVING obtained a large trunk full of finished Charts, we left Maine, Oct. 21, for the Newport, N. H., meeting, by way of Boston. We were glad to meet Brn. Loughborough and Cornell at the meeting. The influence and results of the tent-meeting in this place were good, but not so great as in many places in the West. There are a few firm, consistent believers in Newport. Our two days' meeting has had a still deeper influence upon many minds, and we doubt not that a good church will be built up in that place, if they can occasionally have the labors of some of the Lord's faithful preachers.

After spending several days in writing at the house of Bro. Wakefield and family, we took stage, then cars, then stage, then private conveyance, to this place, up among the mountains of Enosburgh, Vt.

Here we found the Brn. Bourdeaus prepared as far as possible for the meeting. There is no meeting-house here, and the school-house is very small, so they had fitted up barn-floor, carriage and wood-house, all in connection, with stove, for the meeting. Sixth-day afternoon the brethren began to come in. But Sabbath morning those who had stopped for the night at different points near by, came winding up the hills in long strings of carriages. There was quite a general gathering of the old friends in Vermont and Canada. The meeting was large. The place was crowded. It is judged that at least four hundred were present, one-half of them, at least, Sabbath-keepers.

We spoke four times with freedom, and Mrs. W. followed us with good liberty. Besides these four meetings where all were present, we had two or three smaller meetings with that portion of the brethren who stopped at Bro. Bourdeau's and near by. In these meetings we spoke more freely upon the duty of preachers and people, the object of organization, the duties of State Conference Committee, labor for the young among us, and for the backslidden, and the building up of the cause. On these points we were especially impressed, and what we had to say seemed to meet with general approbation.

The brethren assembled in business meeting voted unanimously, requesting that Vermont and Canada East be considered a portion of the Eastern Missionary field. The Vermont Conference, and individuals at the meeting, donated $74 to the Mission, and extend an urgent invitation to Bro. Loughborough to labor in Vermont when duty dictates. If Bro. Pierce could join Bro. Loughborough, and they labor together as Bro. Loughborough and Bro. Byington did in Michigan last winter, much good would result. We therefore suggest that as soon as convenient these brethren go through and hold meetings at most important points in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island; that Bro. Pierce be considered a missionary at present, at least, and be encouraged to take the position which his experience, sound judgment, and ability, require that he should take. Bro. Pierce is worth more in such a place than ten young, inexperienced, preachers, who think they are smart. The time has come when men and women who have not the weight of the work upon them should no longer go from place to place to set a bad example before the flock. We want laborers, working men, those who walk with God.

When we spoke of the young, the children of Sabbath-keepers, and of our duty to help them, and labor to reclaim the backslidden, a spirit of exceeding tenderness came over the meeting. Fathers, mothers, and children, wept freely. Oh may God send out men to gather the scattered sheep and lambs into the fold, in whose compassionate, melting testimony may be recognized the voice of the true Shepherd. "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me." God bless you, brethren. Let the sweet voice of the Shepherd lead off, and let the scattered sheep and lambs hear and follow. Don't get behind the flock with a gad, but let them follow whither the voice of the Shepherd leads.

At this meeting we saw the only son and only daughter of Bro. Pierce. We were struck with their sober, manly and womanly appearance. May God qualify them for the responsibilities of home, while their honored father leaves in search of the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

We were happy to meet Bro. Stone at this meeting, whom we love to honor as a father in Israel. Though somewhat advanced, yet he retains that firmness and activity of mind, which, with his experience and cheerful solemnity, eminently qualify him to labor in the cause.

The home of the brethren Bourdeau has been ours since we came to the place, and it has been a most pleasant home. Their course has been straight forward. We know where to find them every time. May God bless them in their labors to build up the cause.

We go from here to Grass River, New York, and the N. Y. Conference at Adam's Center, in good health and good spirits.