p. 268 | ENGLAND by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · April 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 17

ENGLAND

By John Norton Loughborough

Taunton.—Since my last report, three more have been baptized at Southampton, making sixteen in all who have been baptized at this place.

I have also spent four weeks at Taunton, Somersetshire. A few there had commenced to keep the Sabbath, and they wished to learn on other points of present truth, that they might be in harmony with the work of God for this time. The most of them had been Christadelphians. The faith of that denomination consists quite largely in negatives. They believe in no pre-existence of Christ; no devil; no Holy Spirit aside from the word; no law; no resurrection for a large portion of the human race. And they look for a kingdom consisting of a mixture of mortals and immortals, with a special probation for the Jews, etc. One object of this, my first visit to Taunton, was to examine the Scriptures with them on the above subjects. Most of our meetings were held in Bro. Veysey’s school-room. I am glad to report, as the result of our investigations, that the company here is now in harmony with us on these points. Seven signed the covenant. Besides these, some others are investigating with interest.

We held two meetings in Assembly Hall, Market House, which were quite well attended; but as there was great political excitement consequent upon the dissolution of Parliament and the election of a new one, and as the charge for the hall was a little over $5.00 per night, we did not deem it best to risk so great an expense in such an exciting time. We hope the meetings held in Taunton are only the beginning of a still greater interest to be seen there in the future.

A Parliament canvass here is unlike a Presidential campaign in America. There, you will have the excitement until next November; but here, Parliament was dissolved March 24, and the elections must be held, and all returns made, within a month from that date. Though the canvass is short, it is earnest and exciting. Members of Parliament who wish to be re-elected, or others wishing election, not only make speeches setting forth the principles of their respective party, but they say in so many words, “I want you to vote for me.” These candidates also go from house to house, calling on every voter in person, and getting, if possible, a promise to vote for them. So there is excitement all the time. Most of the elections will be over this week; and whether “Tory rule” is to continue, with Beaconsfield as Premier, or Liberalism is to again have power, as under Gladstone, will soon be known.

Amid all the excitement and confusion of earth, we wish to be found at our post, active in the canvass for the “King of kings,” who is so soon to take his power and reign, when all earthly rule shall cease.

April 1. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.