LABORS IN ILLINOIS by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1857

LABORS IN ILLINOIS.

By John Norton Loughborough

It may be a matter of encouragement to the brethren and sisters to learn how the cause of God is prospering here in Whiteside Co. I came into this State about the first of January with Brn. Hart and Everts on their return from Iowa. I have labored in connection with them, striving to stir up the church to "be zealous and repent," and in getting the truth before others. We found on coming into this State that the truth had been taking effect in the Heidles-ton district where Brn. Hart and Everts held meetings last Summer, and where the conference was held when Bro. White was here. Twelve in that district had commenced to keep the Sabbath.

We commenced meetings in the town of Genesee, in a large school-house, the night after our arrival here. But few came in at first, but the congregation continued to increase till the house was crowded. A deep interest was manifest, as the truths relative to our present position, our present duty, and the last merciful work of our great High Priest, were brought out before the people. We have given twenty discourses there. A thorough search is being made by the inhabitants there on the Sabbath question. Said one woman in the neighborhood, speaking of the interest on these subjects, "There is scarcely any thing else talked of, but these meetings and what is taught in them."

After we had given about fourteen of the above named discourses, we received a challenge from a Disciple preacher, to discuss the two following questions: First. "The seventh day, or Sabbath, is still to be observed by Christians." Second. "The first day of the week is set apart for Christians to meet for worship." Seeing there was quite an anxiety on the part of the people that we should discuss with the man; and thinking it might tend to confirm those who were investigating; and fearing if we refused it might be made to appear to them that we were not able to meet the arguments of the opponent, we reluctantly consented to discuss with him.

We spent four evenings, each of us occupying from one hour, to an hour and a half each evening, on the first question. The opponent's position was that the law was abolished. When called upon to show where it was abolished, he took five different positions. He first claimed that there was no formal repeal of it, but a new institution was brought in, and as two institutions of heaven on the same subject could not exist at the same time, the first must cease to be in force when the second came in. In his next plea he claimed that the Sabbath was abolished by Christ when he went with his disciples through the corn-field. Thirdly, he claimed that when the convention of the apostles was called at Jerusalem to consider the law of Moses nothing was said concerning keeping the ten commandments, they were abolished there. Fourthly, he claimed that it was abolished at the cross. 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii. And lastly, on the day of Pentecost, "when the apostles were seated on twelve thrones, (in the regeneration—reformation,) the law for this dispensation was to be given through them, and they said nothing about the ten commandments; therefore they were abolished there."

We endeavored to enforce the idea that the Sabbath was based on facts: which facts it would be necessary to remove before the Sabbatical institution could be set aside. We claimed that the reason we were to keep the day holy, was that God had made it holy—"sanctified it." God had given us a plain precept to keep that day holy. No repeal of that precept could be found. And to make the thing more sure if possible, Christ, the foundation, chief corner-stone of the church, not only enforced the ten commandments in his teachings, but showed also that they should all stand "till heaven and earth pass."

It would be useless to repeat the different arguments introduced in the discussion. But to show how the minds of the people stood as the result of this investigation, I will here present an extract from a petition that was laid on the desk, signed by many of the most prominent citizens of the neighborhood; just as we were about to commence the investigation of the second question:

"Mr. J. N. Loughborough, Dear Sir: We, citizens of the South-west school district in the town of Genesee, would represent to you, . . . that this Winter you were delivering a course of lectures, and in the midst of them you were challenged to debate the Sabbath question, and you accepted. We think that your opponent in debate spends too much time in personal criminations, and yet declares that many of your arguments go unanswered for want of time, and we are requested to call upon him at some future time to receive their answer. "Now Sir, we would much prefer that you would discontinue this worse than useless discussion, . . . and spend what time you have to spare in this region of country in the continuation of the above mentioned lectures. Respectfully yours, Signed by many citizens."

The discussion closed with that evening's investigation of the second question. The community in general are convinced that we have the truth on this question. Several have decided to obey God and keep all his commandments. Some ten or more have taken up their cross to keep the Sabbath since these meetings commenced. Last First-day we gave two discourses. Solemn feeling seemed to pervade the minds of the people. Still the work of the Lord is moving on.

While we have been striving to get the truth before our neighbors, we have strove to enforce upon the church the necessity of heeding the message the Lord has sent to us. This message has shown us in a measure the leanness we have brought into our own souls, while we have been wandering away from God and striving for an earthly inheritance. We as a church here have struggled some before the Lord with fasting and weeping. The Lord has witnessed that he is on the giving hand, by giving us some of his sweet Spirit as we have strove to get the doors of our hearts open. Those differences in feeling, which Satan fastened while we were in a lukewarm state, begin to vanish as the blessing of the Lord begins to come in.

The Lord is cementing the hearts of his children together here. We want to realize the awfully solemn time that has come upon us, and as we strive to do it, and the blessed Spirit of Jesus comes into our hearts, it crowds out the love of this world. But this is a great work to die to self, to die to the world and all its charms, to die to sin and all its deceitfulness. It is not the work of a moment. Once struggling before the Lord will not do it, Satan is loth to quit his hold upon us. We must struggle in secret places, and then watch, lest he steal away the victory we do get in our hearts.

I am satisfied when the Lord does bless us we often lose the blessing by laying down our watch. Sometimes we trifle away God's Spirit by light and vain words. O let us remember more, that "for every idle word that men speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." What a solemn thought! James tells us, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."

When we declare our freedom in the name of the Lord, and resolve to press our way through, we take a stand where Satan's darts will be hurled at us. Then, if ever, we need to buckle on the armor, know our weak points, and never lay down our watch. Victory is for us if we strive for it. I am glad for the tokens of good I see among God's people here. My heart is encouraged to still toil on. Soon an incorruptible crown will richly repay us for all we endure here for the sake of Jesus. Your brother striving for the victory. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.