MEETINGS IN ALLEGAN, MICH by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 21, 1858

MEETINGS IN ALLEGAN, MICH.

By John Norton Loughborough

DEAR BRO. SMITH: I wish to say a few words respecting our meetings since we left Battle Creek. The first Sabbath, which was Jan. 2nd, we spent in Monterey. On going to the new meeting house at 10 A. M., one half hour before the appointment, we found it crowded to overflowing. Quite a stir had been made in adjoining neighborhoods by one who had been a professed infidel, who had heard lectures on the prophecies at the time of our meetings in Monterey five weeks before and had been led to lay down his war against the Scriptures, and pursue an investigation of the truth. Deep interest was manifested by those who came to hear. More came than could find even a standing place inside of the doors, even on the Sabbath, and many stood near the windows, anxious to hear all that was spoken. Deep solemnity pervaded our meetings while in five discourses we tried to show them the work of preparation to meet Christ, the faith necessary to stand in these times, and the two-horned beast with which the saints of God are soon to have a conflict. And in our last discourse, conviction seemed to fasten on the people as we traced through the fulfillment of the seven trumpets, and showed that we were standing in the time when great voices were about to be heard in heaven, even the voice that will come out of the temple from the throne saying, "It is done."

The church in Monterey are striving to arise, in heeding the counsel to the Laodiceans and the strait truths connected with it, and while they strive to heed these truths, God blesses. In no way can God's people arise, but to rise with the light. Two were baptized during this meeting; seven were baptized also by Bro. White five weeks before. After our meetings closed in Monterey, we found we could not commence meetings in Allegan as soon as we had anticipated, and so decided to visit the churches in Waverly and Otsego before commencing here.

We were led in these meetings to reflect on the awful danger of those who are not keeping pace with the counsel of the true Witness, and do not zealously repent of their sins. Although these meetings were scenes of trial, yet the Lord gave us the victory, especially in the last mentioned place, where wrongs were reproved, and to all was it outwardly manifested that God's Spirit was present. Bro. White joined us at this meeting, and spoke on the Sabbath with freedom, on the Unity and Gifts of the Church.

Yesterday morning, meetings commenced here in the new court house, with good interest. The congregation increased in the after-noon, and in the evening the room was filled more than in the daytime, although it rained smartly. There seem to be hearing ears in this place, and we hope there will be many understanding hearts that will receive and obey the truth.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Allegan, Mich., Jan. 11th, 1858.

P. S. I would say to those brethren in Wisconsin who have written me of late in regard to my laboring this Winter in that State, that circumstances are such that I cannot visit them at present; but the way may open for me in the future, to visit that State. I would say the same respecting the calls from Ohio.

J. N. L.