p. 189 | TAUNTON, ENGLAND by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Apr 22, 1880

TAUNTON, ENGLAND.

By John Norton Loughborough

SINCE my last report, three more have been baptized at Southampton, making sixteen in all baptized at this place.

I have also spent four weeks at Taunton, Somersetshire. A few there had commenced to keep the Sabbath, and they wished to hear on other points of present truth, that they might be in harmony with the work of God for this time. The most of them had belonged to the Christadelphians. The faith of that denomination consists quite largely in negatives. "No pre-existence of Christ, No devil. No Holy Spirit aside from the word. No law. No resurrection to a large portion of the human race. A kingdom consisting of a mixture of immortals and mortals, with a special probation for the Jews," etc.

One object of this, my first visit at Taunton, was to examine the Scriptures with them on the above subjects. Most of my meetings were held in Bro. Veysey's school-room. I am glad to report as the result of our investigations, the company are in harmony with us on these points. Seven signed the covenant. Beside these, some others are investigating with interest.

We held two meetings, which were quite well attended, in Assembly Hall, Market House, but as political excitement came on, consequent upon the dissolution of Parliament, and electing a new one, and as the charge for the hall was a little over $5.00 per night, we did not deem it best to risk so great an expense in such an exciting time. We hope the meetings held in Taunton are only the beginning of a still greater interest to be seen there in the future.

A parliament canvass here is unlike a presidential campaign in America, There you will have the excitement until next November; but here, Parliament was dissolved March 24, and the elections must be held, and all returns made within a month of that date. Though the canvass is short, it is earnest and exciting. Members of Parliament who wish to be re-elected, or others wishing election, not only make speeches setting forth the principles of their respective party, but they say in so many words, "I want you to vote for ME." These candidates also go from house to house, calling upon every voter in person, and getting, if possible, their promise to vote for them. So it is excitement all the time. Most of the elections will be over this week, and whether "Tory rule" is to continue, with Beaconsfield as Premier, or Liberalism to again have power as under Gladstone, will soon be known.

Amid all the excitement and confusion of earth we wish to be found at our post, active in the canvass for the "King of kings," who is so soon to take his power, and reign, when all earthly rule shall cease. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. April 1, 1880.