Loughborough’s Call to Ministry by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Oct 28, 1852

Loughborough’s Call to Ministry

By John Norton Loughborough

From Bro. Loughborough.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I would like (by the help of God) to say a few words to the saints scattered abroad.

Some four and a half years since, I heard the first and second angels' messages, and became satisfied that the coming of the Lord was at hand. This was my first profession to know the love of Christ. No sooner had I settled my mind in regard to baptism, than I began to feel the worth of souls, and was constrained, by the Spirit of God, to go out and proclaim the note of warning, "Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come,"

I endeavored to go out trusting in God. I felt blest in endeavoring to let shine what light I had, but still saw but little fruit of my labor, and felt that there was something lacking. I could not reach the hearts of the people as I wished to. I continued in this condition till about one year since, when my mind was called to the subject of the two-horned beast, and the time of trouble. I became satisfied that both were in the future, but supposed that they were to be fulfilled by Papacy. The fore part of last Winter I had some conversation with Bro. Edson on the subject, and became satisfied that the United States, (civil and ecclesiastical) is the two-horned beast. But still I did not see the commandments.

Last Summer I was invited to examine the subject of the Sabbath, but I was mind full of prejudice, so that the truth did not reach me.

During the time of the last conference of Sabbath-keepers, held in this city, I was invited to attend and hear on the subject of the third angel's message, the Sabbath, &c. I declined, plainly stating that I would not attend the meeting. But afterwards my heart condemned me, and on First-day I went to hear.—My mind was arrested by the Spirit of God. I could not keep away from the meeting, nor resist the power of arguments presented.

I had always supposed that there was but one law, and that done away in Christ. Still this position looked as though God changed, and it confused me. But thank God, when I saw the two laws, all was plain. Then I could understand Paul, when speaking of falling from grace, by keeping the law of ordinances, and how the law that contained the commandments, could remain holy, just and good.

I had supposed there was no Sabbath, and, therefore, observed none. But when the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened to my mind, the first thing I saw was the commandments under the mercy-seat, and now the Sabbath to me is a delight, and I love to keep God's holy law.

My mind has rested, from the first, on the history of the church. I saw that she had been persecuted in all ages; and the question arose, Are God's people to escape in the last age of the world, without persecution? I began to search, and this solemn expression of scripture pressed upon my mind: "There (at the time Christ is to be revealed) shall be a time of trouble such as never was." But of those who have kept God's word, it is said: "I also will keep thee."

May God help to sound the note of warning. I see my duty. My heart is full. And God helping, I will do my duty. I hope those who have faith, will remember me, as I endeavor to speak the truth to my fellow men. May God's Spirit accompany the word.

I thank God that a goodly number in this city are keeping the Sabbath, and more are investigating.—Brethren, be strong in faith, giving glory to God, for what he has promised, he will perform. Amen.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 25th, 1852.