REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 12, 1869

REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.

By John Norton Loughborough

The last report from the work here was made by Bro. Bourdeau, Nov. 30. Since that time we have held eighteen meetings in this place, and I have spent a Sabbath and first-day in Petaluma. We have visited from house to house daily, and evenings that we had no meetings here. A half dozen, or more, have taken a decided stand upon the truth. Our labors in this place are nearly closed for the present. Although but few have come out, we think our labor has not been in vain. Considering the circumstances under which the meeting has been held, and the place, we do not feel disheartened by the result.

Windsor is a small place. Just in the town, Spiritualism has a strong hold on many, and they can see no other way. With the farmers of the surrounding country, as rains have commenced and mellowed the soil, it has been a hurrying time in plowing, and sowing their wheat. Rain has also affected the size of our congregations. A Methodist protracted meeting has taken its share of the hearers for the last week, so that with this and the rain, our congregations have not been large. Those that have come have, for the most part, been very attentive. As the Methodists desired their house for their protracted meeting, and as we had appointments out for meetings before we knew of their intentions, we continued, removing to the free house in which the meetings commenced. A stove was put into the house, and it is quite comfortable.

We have sold in this place upwards of $40.00 worth of books, and given away some $10.00 worth. After another Sabbath, establishing regular meetings and Sabbath School, we expect to spend a couple of weeks in Petaluma, and then enter some other new field together. We want to be active in the work of the Lord here. We desire to be guided by him in selecting a proper field of labor, and believe if we trust God, walk humbly before him, and throw our whole energies into the work, that he will help and sustain us. As we shall have more or less rain for the next three or four months, we shall have to be active in meetings when it does not rain, and active in visiting from house to house when it does rain. Thus our time can be all applied to advantage. We feel that time is short. A large field is open here before us. We want to be active, using all our strength in the cause.

At Petaluma we found those who had come out firm on the truth, still holding on their way, and another brother had taken his stand since we left. Their meetings and Sabbath School and Bible Class are interesting. A beginning was made on S. B., and figures were put down amounting to over $200.00 per year. When all give in their figures it will probably amount to over $50.00 more. Brethren, still pray the Lord to guide in the work here.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Windsor, Cal., Dec. 21, 1868.