Meetings in Vermont by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 8, 1863

Meetings in Vermont.

By A. S. Hutchins

Bro. White: I returned home last week, after an absence of seven weeks. After the quarterly meeting at Roxbury, it was decided that Bro. Pierce and myself should hold some meetings in Vernon, Vt. Agreeably to arrangement, I left for Vernon, expecting he would there join me the next week. But before the time arrived for him to leave home, the appointment for the Conference at Enosburgh, appeared, so he did not meet me. This appointment I did not see till I reached Vernon.

Our brethren had engaged the Advent meeting-house and circulated the appointment for a course of lectures. At this point it was not an easy matter to determine with certainty what my duty was. I had a desire to attend the Conference, but must leave the next week if I did, as I was some two hundred miles from Enosburgh. All things considered, I decided to remain longer; in this, probably I erred.

At the highest point of interest in our meetings, the colored preacher, a professed Adventist, residing in Vernon, returned home, and after listening to a discourse on the three calls, Luke xiv, violently opposed our views on the third angel's message and the Sabbath. He also objected to our having the meeting-house, agreeably to the arrangement made with the committee, who seemed to be peace-men. Our meetings were therefore moved to a dwelling-house. This circumstance was rather an unfavorable one, though we had a chance to speak to some new hearers. In all we preached over twenty discourses, besides attending several prayer meetings and other meetings for the church. One Adventist took a bold stand for the Sabbath and made a good start with commandment-keepers. He supplied himself with our books and subscribed for the Review. One wanderer heartily confessed his backslidings and stated his wish and purpose to go with the people of God hereafter. Another who had no hope in God, spoke with tearful eyes in these meetings, and expressed an earnest desire to become a Christian.

The church unanimously voted to organize, and did so. Eleven united in church fellowship. Others expect to unite hereafter. Several of the brethren and sisters had never heard but a few lectures on present truth before. But few of them had before been present where the ordinances of the Lord's house were attended. All felt encouraged and strengthened to move on in their heavenly pilgrimage. May union, peace and prosperity, grow and abound in their midst.

Our meeting with the dear afflicted brethren and sisters in Jamaica, was a good one. We enjoyed a refreshing season while following the humble example, and commemorating the dying love, of the blessed Saviour. Our brethren in this part of the State have a desire to move with the body. The plan of S. B. is carried out. I never have seen any, more ready and earnest on this point than some here.

I also heartily concur in the doings of the recent Conference in Vt. I am thankful that Vermont, and Canada East, are to be considered as a portion of the Eastern missionary field. This looks like the order of the Lord. And may the Great Head of the church give increase to the word which may be spoken by men sent out to labor for the advancement of the cause, both in the East and West.

May the union and perfection of the church be hastened and the time speedily come when the ransomed of the Lord shall be gathered to Mount Zion, is my ardent prayer. In hope.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Nov. 25th 1863.