LABORS IN ILLINOIS by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1857

LABORS IN ILLINOIS.

By John Norton Loughborough

DEAR BRO. SMITH: The cause of the Lord is still moving steadily forward in Illinois. Since writing my last I have held meetings at Hazel Green and Round Grove, and nearly every Sabbath at the Hiddleson school-house. In Hazel Green I gave four discourses. Quite an interest was manifested in the truths presented, and a desire has been expressed by many since, to hear more.

Our meetings at the Hiddleson school-house have continued to increase in interest. In almost every meeting one or more new converts have borne their testimony for the truth and asked the prayers of the church.

March 3d, we met at the Hiddleson school-house. A discourse was delivered on the subject of baptism. After the discourse we repaired to the water, where nine were buried with Christ in baptism, and we trust rose to walk in newness of life. Several of them had never before made any profession of faith in Christ.

March 13th, we met just before the Sabbath. Four more were baptized. In the evening we repaired to the house of Bro. Wick, and enjoyed a precious season in attending to the ordinances instituted by our Saviour on the night of his betrayal.

Quite an interest has been awakened among the young. Several from the age of seven to sixteen have stated their determinations to go to the kingdom. One girl about twelve or thirteen, who was once declared by the rapping spirits to be a medium, made a start to obey the Lord, although her parents have been opposed to the truth. We feel, by what we see in Illinois, and what we hear from other parts of the field, that truly the promised work of Elijah the prophet has come. A Sabbath School and Bible Class have already been established for the coming season. Our earnest desire and prayer is that the good work begun in Ills., may go on until the last message of mercy shall have sounded its last note of warning, and redemption come.

I am now on my way to Iowa. I expect to spend a few days with the church at Wawkon, and then if the providence of God permit, I shall visit the churches in Wisconsin. I expect Bro. Hart to join me at Lake Mills April 18th. We feel that this journey should claim an interest in the prayers of the church, especially those who feel for Wisconsin. We want to go richly laden with the blessing of God.

I much desired to be at the Conference, April 10th but feel to deny myself, that if possible I may do some good to others while there is an opportunity. We shall probably remain in Wisconsin some four weeks.

I feel encouraged to still strive to press on towards the kingdom. In the strength of the Lord we can go through; for if we "hear his voice," "be zealous and repent," and open the door, he will come in and sup with us. I want to overcome and gain the prize at last. May it be so.

Your brother, looking for redemption soon. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. On board Steamer, Mississippi River, March 31st, 1857.