The Vermont Annual Conference.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
It is with pleasure and satisfaction that we pen down a few lines concerning this Conference, which has just closed. We are prepared to say that this was truly a good Conference. It commenced, progressed and closed under the sweet, uniting and soul-reviving influences of the Holy Spirit. There was quite a large concourse of brethren and sisters from different parts of Vermont and Canada East, who came with a mind to work for the Lord and engage in his worship. The business meetings were characterized with unanimity of feeling and action. The reports of ministers and churches evinced that the cause in Vermont is steadily arising. While Bro Stone was giving a report of his labors he feelingly remarked that he had preached for forty years, that his faith had grown brighter and brighter, and that he had been more blessed in preaching during the past year than he had ever been before. He also remarked that he could see a growth in all the churches which he had visited. Sabbath morning one hour was profitably spent in prayer and social meeting. Fervent prayers were offered, and several rich testimonies were given. The Holy Spirit was copiously poured on the people, who expressed their union with the body and their interest in the cause of present truth. Many rejoiced, and tears of gratitude were shed in view of the goodness of God toward his people. Some remarked that this was the best social meeting they had ever attended. Though we were sorry that Bro. Loughborough was not with us, yet we believed that we were remembered by him, and by those who are interested in the prosperity of the cause among us. These exercises were followed by a practical discourse by Bro. Stone from 2 Pet. iii, 17. 18. In this discourse the speaker dwelt on some of the deceptive influences which have a tendency to lead the church away with the error of the wicked, and on the necessity of growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He closed up by showing the riches of grace and the preciousness of the blood of Christ. In the afternoon Bro. Hutchins gave an interesting and encouraging discourse on the subject of holiness. Sunday morning Bro. Pierce spoke with freedom and clearness to a full house on the signs of the times, bringing out interesting facts and showing some of the peculiarities of spiritualism as delineated in the sure word of prophecy. Truly the saints were instructed, and we have reason to believe that unbelievers were benefited. In the afternoon Bro. Hutchins gave the closing discourse on the nature of genuine hope, proving that he who has this hope purifies himself from sin which is the transgression of the law. 1 John iii, 3. This discourse was highly practical and left a good impression on the congregation. This Conference was held in the new meeting-house which was none too large for the occasion.