Letter From Bro. Loughborough by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 23, 1858

Letter From Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

DEAR BRO. SMITH : I can hardly express what I feel in my heart of joy, peace and victory. God's hand has of late (in this State) been set with power to the Third Angel's Message. When I read Bro. Cornell's statement that it was a great wonder to the people that the servants of God had so much freedom and power in presenting the truth, I felt that I could say, it is just so here. Never since I professed to follow the light of the Third Angel's Message have I felt more as though an ALL POTENT arm was under it, than I have since I have been in Ohio. God's Spirit has at times rested on me in a powerful manner, more especially since I have been in Republic. The people are filled with wonder, and almost think the servants of God are prodigies, not realizing that we are poor, weak, earthen vessels, and that the excellency of the power is of God, and not of us.

I never have seen a greater stir made in so short a time than has been made by the six lectures already given in this place. The Lord helps to bring out the truth, and it seems to go down into the heart. The people seem compelled to yield consent that this is the truth. May the Lord give them strength to come out into the whole truth, is my prayer.

If I can judge by my own experience for the past three months, this message is rapidly rising in power: soon will the earth be lighted with its glory. The best description I can give of my feelings is of a bird loosed from a cage into free air. I am free, my soul doth magnify the Lord. I hope ever to remain God's free man. God is blessing his servants. There is power in the truth to reach hearts. We may expect success if we move out in the counsel of the Lord. The message is onward. Brethren and sisters are we rising with the message; are we doing our whole duty, and by every possible effort putting side and shoulder to the work to move on the message? Don't allow the message to lag for means. I believe the time has come to begin to push matters more extensively than we ever yet have done. The facilities for getting out the truth were never greater among us than now. Brethren don't be afraid to make investments, for this work is of God and must triumph. Awake to your duty; don't let the message suffer in any of its parts, but let self stand second at least, and let the message go. If those God has enlightened in regard to their duty, will not act, God will, doubtless, raise up others who will sacrifice, and leave doubting 'Demas' to his 'love of the world' with TEKEL written upon him.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Republic, Ohio, Sept., 6th, 1858.