p. 68 | REPORT OF MEETINGS by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 17, 1860

REPORT OF MEETINGS.

By John Norton Loughborough

BRO. SMITH: Since I left Battle Creek I have tried to keep myself busily employed in the vineyard of the Lord. The meeting appointed for Northern Ills. was held with the Round Grove church, in the school-house near Bro. Wick's. As the school-house was small, the brethren had made a bower of green bushes over the door, and arranged seats to accommodate about as many outside as the house itself would hold. We had good congregations both Sabbath and first-day. We did not see so many brethren from other places at this meeting as we had hoped, owing to the shortness of the notice.

The Lord gave freedom in bearing a plain testimony on the unity of the church and perpetuity of the gifts. On first-day the seats and school-house were well filled, and we had unusual liberty in speaking on the conditions of the inheritance in God's kingdom. Matt. xxi, 43. Our own heart was cheered by this meeting, and the church seemed strengthened.

We were much encouraged while there by a letter Bro. Andrews had just received from his sister in England, who is now keeping the Lord's Sabbath. She told of an independent minister with whom she had been talking, who had about made up his mind to keep and teach the Sabbath.

From Round Grove we went with Bro. Lathrop to Crane's Grove, where we spent a day very agreeably with the brethren and sisters, and in the evening had considerable freedom in speaking to them on the unending character of the law and Sabbath, even as taught in the New Testament.

Went from Crane's Grove to Mackford. Found the tent had come all in good order. The tent was pitched, and meeting was commenced sixth-day evening. Quite a goodly number of brethren and sisters assembled at this meeting which was one of deep interest, and we trust will profit those who were assembled. Bro. Steward was unavoidably detained, so that he could not join us at Mackford. Bro. Allen of Illinois (who is laboring with success in Wisconsin), was with us and joined us in the labors of this meeting. On first-day two were baptized by Bro. Allen.

Last sixth-day we pitched our tent in this place. Although we have given but six discourses, there is a great interest awakened. People think they never saw so much truth before. We cannot tell how the matter will turn, but know of no other way than to preach the truth straight out, and let that and the Spirit of the Lord work in the hearts of the people. Bro. Steward is here with me, and Bro. Baker of Mackford is taking charge of the tent. More soon.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Marquette, Wis., July 2, 1860.