Letter from Bro. Loughborough by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Nov 29, 1853

Letter from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

MEETINGS AT LAONI AND FREDONIA.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We had a pleasant journey to this place, found the brethren well, rejoicing in the truth.

Our meeting on the Sabbath was one of deep, solemnity; there were but few of us assembled, but the Lord verified his promise, and met with us. A brother who has kept the Sabbath several years, alone, came some seven miles to hear on the subject of present truth. The subject of the Sanctuary deeply interested him and cast light on his path, as he testified.

On First-day, our meetings were held in the Christian Meeting-house, in the forenoon. A few came out who listened with considerable interest. But few have an interest to hear in Laoni, as the blighting influence of Spiritualism has passed through this village, and near two thirds of its inhabitants are believers or mediums of Spirit manifestations; and, of course, while Satan has the charge of their minds, no place is found in them for the truth.

By invitation, in the afternoon, I attended the funeral of a believer in the Spirit manifestations. His widow is an Adventist, and a sister of Bro. Adam Miller. The Lord helped to make some remarks on Job vii, 21, and John xiv, 14. I endeavored to show the formation of man, that he was not created immortal. His fall by transgressing the moral government of God. The state of the dead. The hope of the Christian, a resurrection to Eternal Life; and then passed to give them a Bible exposition of Spirit manifestation. The Lord stood by me, and I never had greater freedom on the subject than when trying to show them the awful delusion in which they were fallen, and the solemn certainty it gave us that Jesus was soon coming. There was a congregation of about 200, and I was informed that about one half were either mediums or believers in the spiritual workings. I felt as though perhaps it was the last opportunity I should have to warn them, and I meant to clear my skirts. Said I, That this work of moving tables, &c., is an evidence of the existence of some power present more than human, I do not deny; that the communications given, show that that power possesses intelligence, I also admit; and even farther, that it is the work of spirits; but what are they? Why, says one, the spirits of the dead. The difficulty is, you have forgotten that there's a Devil. This is that work pointed out in the Apocalyptic Vision, the spirits of devils working miracles, to deceive the world. There was much of squirming, twisting and wry faces, which evinced to the beholder the uneasy position of the mediums; but I am thankful that they were kept quiet until an opportunity was had to faithfully warn them. May the God of truth arrest some of them from the awful snare, if they are not too far gone.

Yesterday, in the forenoon, in company with Bro. Miller, I called on Bro. Wilson, an Adventist in Laoni, who has been much opposed to the Sabbath-keepers. We talked but a few moments before he manifested some interest, as also did his wife. We talked with them about three hours; and left them more favorably impressed. Last evening, held meeting at Bro. Hamilton's, in Fredonia. Quite a room-full came out to hear; among them was this same Bro. Wilson and C. Low, the Advent minister in the place. After closing my remarks, he said he had indulged hard feelings towards his brethren. This, said he, was wrong. I believe, said he, they are honest. Bro. Wilson confessed that he had almost wished them dead, and asked them to still try to show him the light. Said he, if the Sabbath is binding, I want to keep it. Said he to me after meeting was closed, I cannot gainsay your arguments. A daughter-in-law of Bro. Hamilton was also present, who listened with deep interest. Oh Lord, lead these souls into the truth. Another meeting is appointed for this evening: the result you shall know by my next.

Although it looked dark when we came here, the Lord has worked. He has blessed my soul. Praise his name. We will endeavor to go forward, trusting in the Lord; for in his name is all righteousness and strength. Pray for us, that the Lord may open some door of utterance in Ohio. I believe the Lord will work. Give our love to the dear saints in Rochester.

Still looking for redemption,

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Fredonia, N. Y., Nov. 22d, 1853.