Report from Bro. Loughborough by John Norton Loughborough

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Aug 14, 1866

Report from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

THE Sabbath after the Conference in Ill. and Wis., I spent, in company with Bro. Ingraham, at the Quarterly Meeting at Waukon, Iowa. At this meeting, most of the Brn. and sisters were present from the churches of West Union and Elgin, and some were over from Wisconsin. The house of worship was quite well filled on Sabbath and first-day. Bro. Ingraham and myself each gave two discourses to interested audiences, on health-reform, and other points of present truth. On first-day morning before the discourse, we had an opportunity to celebrate the ordinances, which was indeed a refreshing season. We were glad to see the prosperity of these churches, under the watchcare of Bro. Geo. I. Butler. May the Lord still bless him in his efforts to help the flock.

After the Quarterly Meeting, Bro. Ingraham and myself journeyed on, with his team, to Pleasant Grove, a distance of eighty-three miles, over the prairies, and through ravines, stopping to eat our plain, hygienic diet of graham, strawberries, &c., by the roadside. We examined the wonders and beauties of nature along the way. At one point we came to a cave, extending about ten rods into the side of a rocky bluff. It appears to have been made by the separation of the rocks by an earthquake, or something of the kind. The sides of the cave, some twenty feet in hight, are so smooth as a wall of masonry, and the top is covered by massive flat rocks. This was probably all produced by the shock, in an instant of time. A beautiful stream of clear water runs out of the cave, which may have been running there ever since the flood.

Journeying on, we came, refreshed, to the place of the Conference. Here we had a day for rest, and to visit with the kind family of Bro. Pierce, formerly from Vermont. His old friends will be glad to hear of his present position in contrast with his former one. He says his business in Vermont, was to work on his farm, and to preach when he had time; but now, in Minnesota, his business is to preach the truth, and if he has any time besides, he will devote it to his farm. Although this family seemed embarrassed to think they had so small a house, we enjoyed a good visit, and trust with the blessing of God they will soon be in a better condition even as to a dwelling place.

The Conference was held, as appointed, at Pleasant Grove; but it was found that the School-house was too small to accommodate the people; so on Sabbath, we went to a beautiful grove of plum trees, adjoining the house of Bro. Harris, in which seats had been prepared, and held the remainder of our meetings there. There was quite a general rally of the friends in Minnesota at this Conference. It was a meeting in which perfect harmony prevailed; and we trust it gave new life to those assembled. All seemed gratified with the efforts made to help Minnesota; and especially do they rejoice that Bro. Pierce has come into their midst to encourage and strengthen them, and Bro. Ingraham to labor to plant the standard of truth in new places.

Bro. Ingraham was with us at this Conference. Four discourses were given to good, quiet congregations. The health-reform, and other topics of truth met a hearty response among those who heard. Two were baptized on Sabbath afternoon. When I left Minnesota, I felt greatly encouraged in regard to that State. May the Lord speed on his people and cause there, is my prayer.

On my way home from the West I spent a day in Chicago, and had the privilege of speaking to twenty or more at the house of Bro. Stevenson. Some were there who had lately embraced the truth, and one sister from Will. Co., who has many years kept the Sabbath, with the Review as her only preacher. These were encouraged. Others were present who are investigating the truth. May they see their way out into all the truth.

I arrived at home July 12th, in better health, even, than when I left.

After my return from the West, I had the privilege of spending two weeks with the Battle Creek church. It is ever a treat to meet with these faithful souls, who have so long borne burdens, and whose hearts are fully engaged to press on in this work. I had good freedom in speaking three times while at home. While the most of this church are fully posted on all points of present truth, they are so deeply imbued with a desire for its advancement, that the truth is a very part of their being, and they feed upon it whenever they have opportunity to hear it.

Some suppose Battle Creek to be a place where there are no trials. Here they mistake. Satan will not slumber in a place where so important a work is being carried forward, as is in that place. It is true, we have none of those bickerings or straw-pickings with our brethren and sisters, which exist in some localities. We have learned that it is the privilege of the Christian to live on a plane, high above such works of darkness. As all strive to seek an experience in the things of God for themselves, such unfruitful works disappear. When those churches, afflicted with such trials, get nearer to God, the nature of their trials will change.

As it is, in Battle Creek, some of our keenest trials are more direct attacks of the adversary, to cast gloom and darkness, affliction and perplexity, upon us, to test our faith and hope in God. These are the trials, which, if borne faithfully, patiently, and in an unwavering manner, will give us more patience, experience, and hope; and we shall come forth from the furnace, not ashamed, but with the love of God shed abroad in our hearts.

Be it known, that Battle Creek church is no place for idlers. Here, if anywhere, burden bearers are found, and burden bearers are wanted.

I found the Office business going on at its usual brisk rate.

The cellar wall of the new meeting-house is laid, 40 by 65, all in readiness for the frame. The material for the house is mostly on the ground, and in a few days it will be in process of erection.

Just at present, the main object of particular interest, is to get the "Health-Reform Institute" in a condition to receive patients and Hygienic boarders, by Sept. 5th. This enterprise, our people, not only at Battle Creek, but elsewhere, are entering into with commendable zeal! And here I wish to speak of its real position and importance as connected with this cause.

1. We view it as a branch of this cause, because it will give to our people an opportunity to more thoroughly learn how to take care of their bodies, that they may have strength to resist the wiles of the Devil, strength to overcome wrong habits and evil passions, and be found clean vessels, fitted up for the latter rain of God's Spirit; fitted to endure in the time of trouble, when bread and water shall be sure; fitted for translation into the kingdom, when the Lord comes.

2. This Institution will fill its place in this cause, from the fact that scores who come to it to be healed of temporal maladies, who learn the lesson of self-denial to gain health, may also, by being brought into a place where they become acquainted with the character and ways of our people, see a beauty in the religion of the Bible, and be led into the Lord's service. The Institution will enforce no theory of religion, but will be devoted especially to the treatment of disease; yet, being located at the grand center of this work—

Battle Creek—that place, which, as an Advent center, or rallying point, is in many places spoken against; those who come here, will have ample opportunity, if they desire it, to learn the real facts concerning the management at the headquarters of S. D. Adventists.

3. Even though hundreds of those who come should never learn the truth, or yield their hearts to obey it, they will of course form some acquaintance with this people, and as they scatter forth to their various localities, and the servants of God may be presenting the truth in their neighborhoods, if the tongue of slander is raised against this place, and the managers of this cause, such ones would stand as witnesses for the integrity and uprightness of this people.

But, says one, is it not a denial of our faith to establish such an Institution, when the coming of the Lord is so near? Nay, verily. As far as we are concerned, the Institution will afford our people an opportunity to learn in the shortest possible time, how to apply to themselves those principles which are to fit them to stand at last, like Israel of old, with not one feeble one in all their tribes, and fit us for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of its being a denial of our faith to enter zealously into this work, it is to show that our faith is genuine. This Institution itself, is to me an evidence of the near coming of Christ. God's people rallying to get rid of those things that blunt their faculties, that they may be clean vessels, all prepared for translation when the Lord comes.

Then again, look at the haste and earnestness with which this work is being carried forward. Instead of its being a matter which we look to months in the future to establish, it is right here. Ere you have fairly read these lines, the Institution is to be in operation. Even the rapidity with which this enterprise is being carried forward, is an evidence that it is needful that God's people speedily avail themselves of its benefits.

I presume all our brethren look upon this Institution as a branch of the cause. Those who have the management, temporally and medically, of this establishment, are men of God, and realize the responsibilities of their undertaking. While it is necessary that all should live, and that they shall be in comfortable circumstances, I think they will evince to all, that wealth and honor are not their aim. The necessary sum to properly start this Institution, has already been stated at $25,000. Some $9,000, and upwards are already pledged. It is not right, nor is it necessary, to draw upon means for this, that should be used elsewhere in the cause. But, let us look at it. Every $25.00 placed in this Institute, is a share. Any Sabbath-keeper can take as many shares as he or she may choose, and pay them by December, January, or even next April. Probably the first meeting of the corporation will be held May next, in connection with the General Conference, at which time it is desirable that all the above specified amount of stock, twenty-five thousand, should be paid in. The Institution will be run as judiciously and economically, as possible; yet it will be managed so as to amply satisfy the patients for the sum they pay for board and treatment. All means that are received for patients, &c., after the expenses are paid, will be divided among the share-holders. Perhaps the first year it may not exceed 6 per cent., but the next year, it will doubtless more than double that sum, so that taking the two years together, it is a good interest.

Many of our brethren and sisters aged, or afflicted, have their means invested where it does not really yield them 5 per cent. after their taxes are paid. They at once see that it is to their advantage to invest their means where it will yield them the most, so that they may have wherewith to sustain themselves, and to help in the cause.

Suppose patients should come in at such a rate that the institution should declare a dividend of 20 per cent. or more. It would not be a great length of time ere those investing their means would have a similar amount to what they put in paid back to them to use in the cause, and still be as well off as they are today. But as we said before, money is not the object. Those who have put in their means thus far, have done it trusting in God, and believing the move was in the order of the Lord. Who will manifest their faith and come up to help in this matter? Brethren, awake to this enterprise. Come on with your hundreds, your fifties, and your twenty-fives. And come on yourselves to learn the laws of your being. And may the Lord bless and prosper this and every enterprise which has as its object the prosperity of his people, and advancement of his cause. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Wakeman, Ohio.