Meetings in Pennsylvania by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1856

Meetings in Pennsylvania

By John Norton Loughborough

From Bro. Loughborough.

BRO. SMITH:—I left Bath, fourth-day evening, April 9th, and arrived at Genesee station, Alleghany Co., the day following, where I met Bro. Ingraham, who came 18 miles on horseback, to carry me to my appointment in Pennsylvania. The roads were very bad, so that there was no traveling save on foot, or on horseback. We pursued our journey, alternately riding and walking, and reached Ulysses in safety. We commenced meetings in a school-house near Bro. Ingraham's, at the commencement of the Sabbath. Gave five discourses on Sabbath and First-day. Some interest seemed to be manifest in the word spoken.

April 15th, commenced meetings in Lewisville, two miles from Bro. Ingraham's. We spoke on the First Angel's Message of Rev. xiv, and while speaking of the subject of the judgement as introduced by that Message, we claimed that orthodox teachers held that there were two judgements: one at death, and the other at the resurrection.

After we had finished our discourse, one Eld. Thomas, a Baptist minister, arose and denied that orthodox teachers believed that men were judged at death, and called on us to prove it. I stated that I had discussed with several individuals on the subject of immortality, and they claimed that men were judged and went to their reward at death. While I was making this statement he interrupted me saying, "Yon'll have a chance to discuss again before you get through." I looked on his remark as a challenge for a discussion, and accepted it. We deemed it expedient to meet him in a public discussion if possible from the fact that he with others had been preaching around on the hills against the Advent doctrine, and trying to prejudice the people against our views of the state of the dead, &c. We knew that if a discussion was held, many of those who had heard him would come who knew nothing of our faith, and would have the privilege of hearing for themselves on this point of our faith at least.

The discussion commenced April 23d, and held two days. It was held in quite a large school-house, which was filled to its utmost extent. Eld. T. came on with Luther Lee's work on the soul as his principal testimony, and confined himself as closely to reading his book, as ever a note preacher did to his notes. He read to us in the course of the discussion nearly all that Mr. Lee says in his work on the present condition of man, the state of the dead, and the eternal torments of the wicked; while we endeavored in the freedom of God's Spirit to present the Scripture testimony on this subject. The result was, some of his own members are uneasy about the doctrine they have believed, and quite an interest was awakened to hear on the reasons of our faith entire. They, we trust will soon have an opportunity, as it is contemplated that the Tent will be pitched among them.

There seems to be a large field open in Penn., where much good can be done. There has been for a time past a steady opposition to Bro. Ingraham, from the professed shepherds, but yet his heart has been cheered by seeing many embrace the truth of God, and we hope, with him, that this is but an earnest of what will yet be seen. The field in which Bro. Ingraham labors is new. He needs your sympathies and prayers. Let the saints remember that field.

On First day, April 27th, I gave three discourses in a new place, some seven miles from Bro. Ingraham's. The congregation was good and attentive, and seemed desirous of understanding our faith. The next day I started for this place, where I arrived May 1st. I expect to labor in new fields in this vicinity some two weeks.

I still feel like trusting in God, for he will water his truth and cause it to bring forth fruit unto eternal life.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Winfield, N. Y., May 5th, 1856.