Visit to Lapeer, Mich by John Norton Loughborough

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1859

Visit to Lapeer, Mich.

By John Norton Loughborough

DEAR BRO. SMITH: After giving four discourses to the people in Convis, I journeyed on towards Lapeer. Although the roads were very bad because of rain and thaws, yet I succeeded in filling all my appointments on the way, and getting through to fill my first appointment in Lapeer.

Monday, Feb. 21st, I drove 22 miles to Windsor. Here a few brethren, and some of their neighbors, assembled at the house of Bro. Carman, and we endeavored to speak to them. The brethren here seemed to be of good courage to press forward.

Tuesday, drove 36 miles to Locke. Got through to Bro. Avery's at half-past 6 o'clock. Found quite a room full already assembled to hear. Two young men (nephews of Bro. Wm. Miller) who were somewhat interested to hear on present truth, walked 16 miles to attend this meeting. They were very anxious that I or some other messenger should present the truth in their neighborhood, near Owasso, Shiawassee Co. Although we were much wearied with journeying, we endeavored to address those assembled. We had considerable liberty in talking to them on the duties of the "last time." While striving to speak I felt that the promise that he that watereth others shall be watered himself, was truly verified to me. Although I was strongly urged to go to Owasso, appointments ahead would not permit me to go then, and the weather and going being unsettled on my return, I have not yet seen the way clear to go.

Wednesday, the 23d, I drove to Tyrone, 30 miles. Although the evening was dark and rainy, quite a good congregation assembled in the school-house near Bro. Isaac Cornell's. I spoke with some freedom on the christian's hope. Here I came in contact with one who claimed that christians here enter into their rest when they fully believe in the Lord. We informed him that we understood from that text that they entered into it only by faith, or as Wakefield translates, "For we believers are to go into that rest." As he urged the doctrine it looked to us as though the man was in danger of foundering his bark on the shoals of old fashioned Spiritualism; which spiritual view is that after any have faithfully labored till they overcome, they will enter into their rest and stand even here perfected with no foes to fear. When we informed this friend that we thought his view would lead him to the same conclusion, he answered, No; he believed when the saints entered into the rest they would see more to do than they saw before, and have more labor to accomplish than before they entered into their rest. This looks indeed like a laborious rest!

Friday, the 25th, drove from Tyrone to Lapeer, about 43 miles. I found the church glad to hear the word of life. I tarried with them about ten days, during which time I spoke some twelve times. The church, who still number thirty-five, seemed to be encouraged by the word spoken.

Others attended and manifested considerable interest to hear, and we hope some of them will yet join those who are striving to press on in the way. Our last meeting, on Monday evening, March 7th, to attend to the ordinances of the Lord's house, was refreshing to the few assembled.

Tuesday evening, the 8th, I addressed quite a large audience in Enterprise hall, Canandaigua, on the subject of the christian's hope. Good attention was manifested while we addressed them upwards of an hour. We found nine in this place and vicinity keeping the commandments and wishing for baptism; but as our appointments hurried us on our way even that evening, we had no opportunity to administer the ordinance.

Wednesday, the 9th, met with the church in Shelby. We had two meetings. I was glad to meet with some here whom I had not seen for nearly five years. Was glad to find them still firm on the truth. We left them after our evening meeting, and journeyed towards home, by way of Locke, Windsor and Convis. At Convis we found some three had come out on the truth since our last meeting. I arrived at home March 15th, in good health, and after a short rest from this journey, hope to still engage in the work of the Lord.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Battle Creek, March 20th, 1859.