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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 24, 1879

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 5.

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND.

By John Norton Loughborough

Our tent-meetings still continue in this place. We have now given forty discourses, and are just entering upon the Sabbath question. In conversation we have explained the subject to a number who have commenced to observe the Sabbath with us. We also see good results every week from the effort made in sending out reading matter by post. Some are already embracing the truth from reading.
It has been rainy and cold most of the time since we erected our tent. There have not been twenty-four consecutive hours without rain. On the first of July there was a heavy gale, with rain. The tent had to be let down flat to the ground, to save it from damage. Our tent is already badly mildewed, and if such weather continues during the entire season, the canvass will not be fit for service another year.
We have much prejudice to contend with; first, because the Church of England claims all the people as under her jurisdiction. I am told that the old law is still on the statute books, requiring all to attend meeting at the church once in six weeks, or pay a fine. There are too many dissenters, however, for the law to be enforced. One churchman used the following argument against us the other day: “If the seventh day is kept, it will make another company of dissenters.”
Secondly, there is a prevailing distrust of foreigners, especially if they introduce anything new to the people. This we expected, but such prejudice is increased by false reports being circulated by those who do not attend, and who do not know of what they affirm; but even this stirs up some to come and hear, and with the candid, such curiosity turns to interest. On the whole, considering all the circumstances, I do not know but we are doing as well as we could expect.
In opening any new mission, it requires work. We try to do all that health and strength will admit. We request all to pray that the Lord may help us so to labor that his blessing may be granted with our efforts, and then all will be well.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
July 4, 1879.