p. 230 | Reports from the Field by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jul 31, 1879

Reports from the Field.

By John Norton Loughborough

Southampton, England.

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 already 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 by reading.

It has been rainy and cold most of the time since we erected our tent. There has 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 it continues such weather the whole 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 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 great argument against us the other day, "If the seventh day is kept it will make another company of dissenters."

Second, There is prejudice against 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. 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 our new mission it requires work. We try to do all that health and strength will admit.

July 4, 1879. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.