Tent Meeting at West Winfield, N. Y by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Aug 7, 1855

Tent Meeting at West Winfield, N. Y.

By John Norton Loughborough

This meeting commenced as appointed in the Review, July 7th, and continued over two Sabbaths. The weather was quite favorable, so that both First-days our congregations were quite large. Other circumstances were also favorable, there being no other meeting in the place the first week of the Tent meeting. We were somewhat disappointed in not meeting Bro. Wm. S. Ingraham at this meeting, as we had anticipated; but we endeavored to move forward in the name of the Lord. We obtained permission to pitch our Tent beside the Baptist meeting-house; but when it was ascertained that we were going to continue the second First-day, a proposition was sent to us to desist from preaching and listen in the forenoon to the sermon in the house, as it would look bad to have two meetings so close together, &c. This we could not consistently do as our appointment was thoroughly circulated and we expected hundreds would be present to hear the truth; but that they might understand that we did not wish to infringe upon their rights, and that the people might have opportunity to understand both sides of the question we sent an invitation to the minister to preach in the Tent, on the Sabbath question. We supposed of course he would accept the offer, as he had already declared war upon us; announcing that if we came to the place and agitated the subject of the Sabbath, we would not get away without opposition. And as he had already preached a discourse the past winter in favor of the (so-called) Christian Sabbath, (Sunday,) we even endeavored to constrain him to read that the third First-day and revise it if he wished; but he declined entirely from discussing the subject, and to our astonishment appointed a meeting in the Meeting-house in the afternoon of First-day, whereas they were in the habit of holding but one meeting.

Winfield is a new field as to public labor, the mass having never heard a discourse on the subject of the Advent. We found, as in other places, prejudice in the minds of the people against us; not that they had cause for prejudice, but because they knew not the reasons of our position. Those who attended the meeting (especially the second First-day) seemed to desire to understand the reasons of our faith. We endeavored to present to them the solemn truths which should interest those who desire salvation at the present time. We trust the efforts to spread the truth there will not be in vain; the Lord will give the increase, and reward the efforts of his children to save souls. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. R. F. COTTRELL.

Roosevelt, N. Y., July 26th, 1855.

P. S. We shall, if providence permits, hold two meetings east of Rochester, and then hold two or three in Western N. Y. This will not occupy the whole season for Tent operations, but we shall probably have suitable weather along the first of October. Would it not be well to hold one meeting or perhaps two in Steuben Co., N. Y.? Will the brethren take the matter into consideration and write immediately to J. N. Loughborough, Rochester, N. Y., that on our return we may be prepared to make arrangements for the meeting. J. N. L. R. F. C.