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FAREWELL DISCOURSE

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 1, 1868

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 11.

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FAREWELL DISCOURSE.

By John Norton Loughborough

BY ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
I have selected as the foundation of some remarks this afternoon, the thirteenth chapter of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, the 11th verse: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”
Life is made up of events; some of greater, and some of less magnitude. Our course, as well as our enjoyment in life depends on the manner in which we meet these events. We may meet them in such a manner as to make ourselves and all around us miserable, or we may, by God’s grace, meet them in such a manner as to make ourselves share God’s blessings, and strew happiness, by kind acts, in the pathway of all around us.
Events of life, rightly met, which have to do with the formation of our characters, are many of them simply events which might be called comparatively “little things.” Notice, that it is the little things that have to do with the making up of our characters; and because of the proneness of mankind to overlook these little things, the wise man has said in his Song, “Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines.” I suppose he had reference to those who are inclined to overlook small matters.
There are times in a man’s life when he meets greater events, where deeds of greater magnitude are required, where greater sacrifices are to be made; when there is a breaking up of associations, a rending of fond ties that have bound us together. At such times we are led to take a retrospect of the past. It was under circumstances of that character that Paul penned these words I have read. You will find, if you examine carefully these letters to the Corinthians, that he has intimated to them that his reproofs had been abundant, and this must have awakened in his mind the deepest solicitude for their prosperity. So great was his anxiety for them that he says, “I will very gladly spend, and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” Although his love for them should lead him to administer sharp reproofs, if they had failed on their part to appreciate his labors, yet he would love them and “be spent” for them.
But we come to a point in these words where his labors with them were to come to an end. If you notice the chronology of this chapter, A. D. 60, and compare it with the Acts of the Apostles, you will find that these words were penned just before the time Paul was to go to Rome. Knowing that his associations with this people were brought, perhaps forever, to a close, it is a final farewell he makes to them in this admonition which we have read. What is here stated in these words, is concerning an event in life of no small moment. It was an event which would lead him to look over his labors among them to see if there had been any lack on his part, as we conclude there had not been, in striving with all his power to benefit them, and lead them in the way to life. He has not told us in this chapter what he expected or anticipated, but we learn from the Acts of the Apostles that he was expecting burdens, and trials, and persecutions, in the cause of the Lord.
We, my friends, are brought to a point of time this afternoon, which we would not claim to be of as great importance as that in the life of Paul, but to an event of the same character. It has been my lot to be associated with you for a time in the past. These associations are to be broken up. The thoughts I have to offer upon this subject are not the thoughts of a moment.
You are aware, from remarks I have already made, that my mind has been for some months exercised in the direction that my associations with the people of God in this place were by some means to be broken up. As I remarked to a brother in Monterey just before Conference, “If I were as well satisfied where I am to go, as I am that it is my duty to leave Battle Creek, I would be glad. If I understand the leadings of my own mind, my headquarters are to be elsewhere than in Battle Creek.” Said he, “Come to Monterey.” I replied, “I don’t know as it is to be in this State; I am inclined to think it is not.” I came up to the Conference with peculiar feelings, which perhaps some did not understand. I think the Spirit of God was leading my mind in this direction, to release myself from everything that would hold me in this place, that I could do more good by making my headquarters somewhere else. I have had many thoughts concerning my field of labor, which it seems it was in the providence of God to guide me as to where I was to labor. It has seemed to me that I was at some time to go to California. Whether the time had come, whether my brethren would be satisfied to send me, in view of my errors in the past, were questions quite unsettled in my mind. That I should some time go there, I felt deeply impressed.
Before I came to Conference I had no definite light in reference to duty further than this: I was to remove from this place. Our consultation and investigations concerning entering this mission has resulted as it has. I have no doubt, no misgivings in the matter. I believe the move is right. I have entered upon the work of preparation for the journey with all the earnestness I ever entered upon any work. I know not what have been your feelings, but my mind is settled that this move is of the Lord. The Spirit of God seems to say to us that are going, “It is all right.” We have had misgivings with regard to other proposed fields, but when we settled down with the idea that California was our field of labor, light seemed to rest upon us. Some have met me since the decision was made, saying, “I wish I was going; it will be such a nice trip.” But such little knew what they were saying. You little know what it is to tear yourselves away from former associations, and put 6000 miles of ocean between you and your brethren. If I sought simply worldly pleasure, I would remain at my comfortable home in Battle Creek. It is not the seeking of earthly pleasures and honors that leads us to take this step. Reviewing the exercises of my mind in this matter, in connection with the decision that has been made, has given me confidence that God is still willing to guide me, if I humbly trust in him.
I once had the opportunity of deciding whether I would go to California for worldly honors. Seventeen years ago I had a most splendid offer to go to that State. A gentleman offered to pay my expenses there, if I would join him in a lucrative business to which I could readily turn my hand, I to share in the profits, and he to pay all the expenses. We were both believers in the immortality question. He calculated I would speak some on that subject, as I was then preaching, still the great object before us was worldly gain. Worldly inducement was not enough to lead me to make the sacrifice of home and friends to go. I do not think worldly inducements would lead us to make the sacrifices we are making now, especially under the circumstances in which I am now placed, breaking the tenderest family ties; leaving my little one, to go. You cannot certainly look upon it as a pleasure excursion. The thought of leaving you has brought up in mymind reminiscences of the past. Since I have been connected with the work of God, it has been my lot to occupy, the most of the time, a position near the center of the work, first at Rochester, and lastly in Battle Creek. Looking over these opportunities, the question in my mind has been, Have I made improvement by these opportunities to prepare me for the important mission to which God has called me?
As far as my associations with the people of Battle Creek are concerned, they will ever occupy a place in my recollections. There are some things, on my part, connected with these associations, that I wish were different, but I think you can all bear me witness that I have wanted to do right, have wanted to do that which I thought would be acceptable in the sight of God. For this reason I believe God has forgiven me my wrongs.
My first associations in Battle Creek commenced when there was but little to this part of the city. Fifteen years ago this present spring, I first visited Battle Creek. I met Bro. Dodge by a little red woolen factory on the spot now occupied by Mr. Wallace’s large woolen factory. It was previously agreed by letter, as we were strangers, that he should stand on the bridge by his clock wagon, so I should know the man who was to bring me up to this part of the village. There was at that time about ten houses in the portion of Battle Creek now called Canada. There are now in this part upward of five hundred houses. At that time, from the west as far as this meeting-house was woods. The first meeting I held here was in father Hewitt’s house. When I was first here, Bro. Dodge and myself went into the woods to have a secret praying season for the success of the work. As near as we can now determine, that praying season was held on the spot occupied by the dwelling-house I sold two years since.
Comparing Battle Creek now, with what it was then, we can see that there has been great progress. But there has been no greater progress in the place, than in the increase of numbers of the people of God here. This is the third meeting-house we have built here. You can perhaps have a better idea of the increase of the numbers of Sabbath-keepers here, when I tell you that the first meeting-house was what now constitutes the little wing of the house that stands on the corner this side of our old meeting-house. The first Seventh-day Advent Conference held in that house thirteen years since, well represented the cause in this and other States; but the house was not more than two-thirds filled.
Fourteen years ago the present month, Eld. Cornell and myself pitched the first tent that was ever used by Seventh-day Adventists for meetings. Tent labors commenced in Battle Creek. The tent was pitched on a point of land just beyond lawyer Stewart’s residence. There is where commenced our association with tents. These recollections are strongly impressed on my mind, as we are about to commence in a new field with a tent again. We have not had all the wisdom we should have had in managing tents, but hope we have learned something by our experience in this matter. We used to talk about running tents, and we did run them. We had fifteen tent meetings the first season. We have learned something in this matter; to hold a tent meeting long enough to do some good. We shall now hold on. In this we have some encouragement for success.
Ten years ago last fall my residence was permanently taken up in Battle Creek. For ten years this has been my home. I have not been, of course, a regular preacher in this place, but have labored here more or less. Those ten years have been memorable years in my life. Some of the most memorable scenes of our history as a people have taken place within that time. Organization of churches, Conferences, &c., has been effected. Different enterprises have come up, and triumphed over difficulties, and the cause in its different departments has been placed on a basis, where, with the blessing of God, we expect it will prove a success. Of course I could not remain in a place ten years, and be called upon to labor as I have from time to time, and that more frequently within the last three years, without having my sympathies deeply drawn out for this people. I love this people. I love the spirit of sacrifice that has been manifested among this people. Wherein I have committed errors in my past labors here, the most I can do is to ask your forgiveness, believing that the Lord has forgiven me. Wherein I have tried to preach the word of God, follow that word. Take Christ as your pattern; walk in his steps. We have endured some trials together—some afflictions. My lot, as it appears within the last year, has been a scene of affliction—a scene of trial of mind, such as I never passed through in any twelve months before in my life. The enemy has tried to cast me down; to make me think there was no hope in God for me. But I thank the Lord to-day that he has raised me above these temptations. These feelings are gone. I part from you, hopeful in God, believing that if I strive to do God’s will, his blessing will attend me.
There seems, to my mind, to be a great significance in that the providence of God has selected this place as the center of the work of the third angel’s message. Battle Creek—there is more significance in that word than there was in the minds of the three innocent Indians who were fired upon by the misguided zeal of two surveyors, who had camped at the junction of the two streams in this place. As one of the Indians was slain in this skirmish, his companions gave the place the name of Waupokisco—meaning Battle Creek. Battle Creek is the center of the battle, the center of the third angel’s message. Here the armies are mustering that will be called to stand against Satan’s last work. Here is the grand central fort that is connected with this work. How important that this fort be properly garrisoned. This fort must be properly kept. Brethren here must be like minute men. Stand at your post. Be ready to do, and act well your part in the work. May God help you thus to do, and walk in the light, that from this center of the work your light may emanate to every quarter.
I do not know as I could say anything better than Paul has said it in these words selected on this occasion. I thought on these words as Bro. Bourdeau was speaking this forenoon. We want a fresh conversion every day. This is necessary in order to prove to us what are our errors. We want to discover our errors, and substitute right paths for wrong ones, and walk in them. Every time you do thus, and accomplish such a work, thus far you are converted. That is the work we want to go on in our hearts. We don’t want, any of us, to come to the point where we think the work is about all done for us, and we have nothing more to do. We want to be searching up our errors, whether it is in the shape of unsubdued tempers, carnal appetites, or whatever it may be, we want these things all searched up, and let the work of preparation go on in us. Have we lacked in love one for another, we want to be converted there. We want to heed the instruction we have had concerning the proper improvement of the talents God has intrusted to us, and demonstrate that we have in us the real righteousness of Christ. I hope the truths we heard during our late Conference will never lose their effect upon my mind, or upon your minds. Let us determine that we will carry them out, and thus go on in the work of preparation. While the truth shines in our path, and light increases in the way, it shows us more and more how we should move to glorify God. As the light shines, it discovers unto us our errors. Don’t let us sink down in despondency, but be of good comfort. There is comfort for us. There is consolation in Jesus, and we can have it if we cast all upon him, and have appropriating faith. We can have that comfort, enabling us not to sink under trials and temptations, but to glory in tribulations, because the love of God is manifested and his grace sustains us.
“Be of one mind,” are Paul’s next words. I suppose that one mind is a mind to do everything in our power for the building up and advancement of the truth of God. This is particularly important in the position that you occupy here at the center of this work, that there should be union. Not only should there be union of feeling, but unity of action. I expect you are a unit in sentiment. You may go to every member of this church, and inquire of them in relation to the cardinal points of our faith; they are united on the truth. But being of one mind in the sense that Paul speaks, means more than that. I think it means also to have a mind to bear burdens and manifest therein the love Christ manifested for us. Have that one mind that was in Christ. What did he do? He died for us, and if we have his mind, it will lead us to do everything we can for the salvation of our fellow-men. Now if we can take such a course as this, when we go into a place where we are called upon to make friends to the truth, if we manifest that love and earnestness in seeking the advancement of the truth that Christ manifested for us, do you not think we shall live in peace? Paul says, “Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” If we do all we can for the advancement of the truth we can have a share in the blessing of God. Although we may in a few weeks from this, be thousands of miles apart, yet God’s providence is the same there as here. If faithful, the same blessings will be showered upon us there that you receive here. As the brother said this forenoon, “The refreshing may come before we meet again,” but if we stand in the counsel of God, we can have it there as well as here. It all depends upon whether you stand in a place to receive it, and it is the same with us. We hope to stand in that place that we may share the sustaining grace of God from month to month as we labor, and when the refreshing comes we shall drink largely of that also.
The thought is impressed upon my mind, as I look over this congregation, that we shall never all meet again. In a few hours from this we shall part never all to meet again. The question was asked us, How long are you going to stay in California? I answer, We are not going on such a mission for less than two years, perhaps for life. But great changes take place in two years. Many in this congregation will, perhaps, be in their graves in two years. Who it is, we know not. You, perhaps, think of the gray-headed and feeble ones; but they may outlive you. It is no evidence because they are feeble that they will go first. We have seen evidences of this the past year. Some that bid fair to live the longest have passed away. In this respect, there will be changes. Some of you will be asleep; others will apostatize. There will be great changes. The question I have asked is, What will these changes be? Some have been trying to live out the truth; but in a little while where will they be? If I should be permitted to return here again, whom shall I find still holding on, and making progress? Who will have apostatized? My young friends, who have had such plain testimony borne to you, you can make advancement if you will. There is help for you in God. Will you seek to do his will, and throw your whole energies into his cause? If you do this, you can overcome. The question is, Will you do it? Will you, my brethren and sisters, all of you, take hold with diligence and activity in the service of God?
I believe I speak the mind of Bro. Bourdeau as well as myself, when I say, I hope that in the next two years there will also be some change wrought in us. We hope, if in the providence of God we are permitted to see you again, that we shall have no less love to the truth than we have to-day; that we shall be enjoying more of the favor of Heaven than now, and be where God’s grace will be manifested to us more abundantly than at the present time. We desire with earnestness and zeal to enter upon our duties, make any sacrifice, and bear any crosses that may be required of us.
We are going to a field, as yet, untried. We think we have been led in this direction by the Lord. As we enter upon the work of preparation for the work, the Spirit seems to say “Go.” We expect the signal blessing of God to attend. Need I ask you to follow us by your prayers? With the feelings you have toward us, I believe you will look with interest upon this mission. You have given me evidence from time to time that you sympathized with me. I don’t know as there is anything between me and the brethren at Battle Creek. If there is, let me know it before I leave these shores, and I will try to get it out of the way. As far as I know, I believe we are in harmony. When we are gone, still with you we may meet around one common mercy-seat. Though we are 6000 miles away, there may be an angle formed by our prayers at the mercy-seat. May God’s blessing rest upon you and upon us.
As our labors here are brought to a close, I can simply say in the language of Paul, “Farewell.” Concerning the errors of the past, may God forgive. That which has been done right, may he bless. Again we say, Farewell. May the God of love and peace be with you, may we labor unitedly in the work, and meet at last in the kingdom of God. There are liabilities of danger in our journey, but we do not start out with the idea of going to the bottom of the ocean. We start with the idea that God has been leading us in this matter. We expect the angels of God will go with us, and we be protected in the way, and be instruments of doing some good in the field of labor we enter, and may we all live to enjoy God’s blessing. Farewell.