Clarkson Meeting by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Sep 27, 1853

Clarkson Meeting.

By John Norton Loughborough

OUR meetings at Clarkson, last Sabbath and First-day were of deep interest. The seed sown at the grove meeting, the Lord is watering, and causing to grow and bring forth fruit. Praise the Lord, some precious souls have been induced to take heed to the last call of mercy, and are striving to seek a shelter from the storm of God's wrath, which is soon coming upon the heads of the wicked, by "Turning away from polluting God's Sabbath," that thus they may be "Repairers of the breach," [Isa. lviii, 12, 13,] and be found "Standing in the gap," and thus prepared to "Stand in the battle in the day of the Lord." Eze. xviii, 5. The brethren informed us that at their Fourth-day evening prayer meeting last week, they were bountifully blessed, and another Nephew of Bro. Lamson (a son of his brother residing near) confessed the truth, and found pardon and sweet peace in believing on Jesus.

Our meeting last Sabbath in the forenoon was a season long to be remembered on account of the goodness of the Lord to his people. The cases of the three remaining unconverted children of Bro. Lamson rested heavily upon us, and we cried mightily to God in their behalf. They came into our prayer-meeting and began to plead for mercy. The Lord heard their cries and spoke sweet peace and pardon to their souls. Their faces shone with the glory of the Lord as they all began to praise the Lord for his goodness. It was truly a heavenly scene, to see for the first time, that family all united by the holy ties of the religion of Jesus. A sister of Bro. Lamson who was visiting them, was converted to God and his truth during this meeting. Several confessed the truth whose names I do not recollect. The house of Bro. Lamson was truly a blessed place to my soul that day, as I saw the young there confessing the truth and the name of Jesus. It reminded me of former days when there I heard instruction in relation to the second advent doctrine, and when in that house I first professed the name of Jesus before the public. Over five years have flown, and now the Lord had permitted me to meet with them under the sound of the third angel's message. It was truly refreshing to meditate upon the varied scenes that had since transpired.

On First-day nine willing souls were baptized. It was indeed a solemn and impressive, yet rejoicing scene to witness them as they rose from the water happy in God, determined to walk in newness of life. Delightful memorial of the resurrection of our Blessed Redeemer and the protestation of our faith that he will also raise us up by his power.

The Sister and two Nephews were among those baptized. Truly the Lord's hand is thrust down to gather out the jewels in Clarkson. Ten souls have already confessed the truth, and are striving to keep all the commandments of God. As many more are convinced and admit the truth, and, without doubt, will move out upon it. Deep conviction is on the minds of the community. Last First-day evening it was a solemn place while we endeavored to present before them the terror of the time of trouble, which lies but just before us. We thank the Lord, as we see the work still progressing. The third angel's message is rising. May the Lord help us to rise with it, and be prepared to go forth and labor effectually in his vineyard.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 21st, 1853.