Southampton, England: by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 24, 1879

Southampton, England:

By John Norton Loughborough

Southampton, England:

THE work here in Great Britain is still progressing. Since my last report a family consisting of a man, his wife, and two daughters have fully taken their stand with us. This addition greatly encourages the little company here, and is a help in our Sabbath-meetings.

In our Sunday afternoon Bible class, after tracing the testimony of both the Old and New Testaments on the Sabbath question, we have been examining secular history as to how, when, and by whom the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday. Thus far the sessions have been very interesting and have resulted in establishing all present in the fact that it was a human, and not a divine power that undertook to change the Sabbath, while in God's word the seventh-day, as ever, is still the holy Sabbath of the Lord.

Our meetings are well attended, and many are becoming interested in our views, and believe that our position is correct. We are sending many copies of the SIGNS, and writing letters to different parts of the kingdom, and in return are receiving favorable responses. The paper is read with interest and in most cases more are wanted. Last week a lady who had received from us the SIGNS through the post, came several miles to converse with us on these truths, and to thank us for the paper, and wishing further conversation on these important topics she wished me to come to her house that her family might also be benefited. I am to visit them to-day. This lady said she and her husband were deeply interested in the paper.

In a letter just received from Norfolk Co., a gentleman says:—

“I have received three different pamphlets, called the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which I have read with great interest. I am much pleased with the paper, but would be much more so to know who it is that so much cares for my soul's welfare. If it would not be too much trouble would you please send me your creed, &c. I would like much to correspond with you. If you can learn by any means my friend to whom I am indebted for the paper, I would like to thank him.”

All letters, however, are not as favorable as this. I give as a sample one just received from Oxfordshire:—

“I have received several copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES from you, but as they are not according to my views I decline to continue them. I pass them about, and enclose twelve penny postage stamps for those I have had.”

We do not regard the effort made in this case as lost, for while the gentleman refuses to accept the papers and the truths therein contained, we know not what influence the SIGNS may have while passing from one neighbor to another.

Our friends in America are doing well in furnishing us clubs of SIGNS, mailing papers, and corresponding with individuals. With the large addition to our club of SIGNS made last week, we have all that we can manage with our present force. We have now sent to the V. M. Societies in America three hundred and eighty-two names. With these they are doing missionary work. We daily pray the Lord to give them wisdom and great success in their work.

Last week we concluded a bargain for a canvass tent, ten oz. duck, sixty feet in diameter, nine-foot walls, with side poles, center pole, and flag-staff, pole ironed off with ring for hook of upper tackle block, a fifteen-foot English flag, guys, ground stakes and all complete for erection, $425.00. The tent is to be completed April 21. We hope to have suitable weather for tent meetings by the month of May. We have had a few days of fine weather, but just at present it is quite cold.

While we are waiting tent season, in order to make a thorough effort in public we are not idle by any means. In connection with my present labor I am taking occasion to learn the ways and doctrines of the different sects of Great Britain, so as to know how to adapt our teaching to the circumstances and conditions of the people. I give an article this week containing some interesting points concerning these sects, and will speak of others hereafter.

Pray for us that in all our efforts to reach the people we may be guided by heavenly wisdom. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

March 25, 1879.