p. 217 | Untitled article by John Norton Loughborough

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · September 17, 1867

REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.

By John Norton Loughborough

On my way to Monterey, August 28th, I stopped over night at the Kalamazoo House in Kalamazoo. I had been there but a few minutes, before a man came in to stop over night who had once kept the Sabbath, and in discouragement, had given it up. We had opportunity for considerable conversation. I tried to persuade him to take hold, again, of the service of the Lord. We retired in the same room where after continuing the conversation for a time we bowed before the Lord together, calling upon the Lord to bless the effort which had been made in his behalf, commending him to the grace of God. May the Lord help him to carry out his convictions of duty.

I commenced meetings in Monterey with the Sabbath, Aug. 30. Although the weather was bad,—rainy, a good number assembled from Monterey and the surrounding towns to hear. The Lord gave me liberty in trying to show the people the false hope of those who seek their interest in this world, Matt. xvi, 26, and the sure provision the Lord will make for those who make the kingdom of God of more consequences than every earthly benefit. Matt. vi, 33. On first-day we tried to show them the importance of overcoming, fully, entirely. Rev. iii, 21.

During the following week I visited from house to house inquiring into the spiritual condition of the brethren and sisters, which effort we believe was not altogether in vain.

I also tried to speak to them on the evening of their weekly prayer meeting, on the times in which we live, and the willingness of the Lord to help those who will agonize with him and earnestly strive to gain the victory over the darkness and flood of unbelief the enemy would throw upon us. In the former part of the week, we were cheered by the arrival of Bro. and sister White, who came in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel to speak the words of life to the people of God in Monterey. On Sabbath and first-day, the 7th and 8th, they had good liberty in addressing the people. Their effort was to show us the importance of returning to primitive simplicity and humility, if we would have the blessing of the Lord as enjoyed among us even in former days. The effect of the plain truth, spoken in power and in love, was good. The tearful eyes evinced melting hearts, and were a witness to us that the truth was finding its way into the church. May the good work still go on deep and thorough in Monterey.

At the earnest solicitation of Bro. White, and deeming that duty demanded it, I have accompanied them to Battle Creek, where their help is needed, and where we hope the Lord will give them freedom to speak the word.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 12, 1867.