p. 2 | Publishers' Page by George I. Butler

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

Publishers' Page

By George I. Butler

Conducted by the Department of Circulation of the Review and Herald Publishing Association

The Church: Its Organization, Order, and Discipline

We are exceedingly glad that Elder Loughborough has taken up the subject of organization so thoroughly and in such a competent manner as he has in this pamphlet. Elder Loughborough is about the only man now living who was officially connected with the work preceding and during the organization among us as a people. Those of prominence among us at the present time have mostly come into the work at a later period. It is well known that Elder Loughborough is a very diligent collector of statistics and facts, probably more so than any other man in the denomination. He has been a true and faithful laborer during a long period. Under all the conditions and circumstances, he is especially fitted to give this subject careful consideration.

The book covers two main features. The first part gives a very full and complete summary of the Scriptural teaching with reference to the church and its work. The second part enters into the real history of our cause previous to organization, recording the events that led up to the organization, and giving a careful statement of the history of the work of organization and its practical benefits in the progress of our cause. The summary of questions growing out of the subject of organization, on pages 161-176, is worthy of careful study, and will be a great help to many of our younger members who are not familiar with the phases of this important subject. The answers are most excellent.

The time of the appearance of this publication is also exactly in place. There were a great many different ideas prevailing in the denomination before, and even at the time of, organization, but the question was most thoroughly and carefully considered in all its bearings. The necessity of organization was apparent to every considerate lover of the cause. Before organization was effected, and also immediately after, our people were very thoroughly instructed upon its principles and its importance. There was at that time a very general agreement that organization was an essential feature of our work. Our people generally recognized it as a most important factor in all that pertained to the interests of the cause; but since that time there has been comparatively little said about it, as it had become a great established feature of the work, and one that was recognized by all true Seventh-day Adventists. Some forty-five years have passed since this question was settled. A new generation has come upon the stage who had not received this previous instruction, and it is not to be greatly wondered at that a further consideration of this subject is necessary.

There is another feature that should not be forgotten: All the way along, individuals have arisen, who, having become dissatisfied because of some personal disagreements, began to manifest a faultfinding spirit with the work. In all these instances that have come to the attention of the writer, we have noticed a common tendency to strike against the principles of organization which have done so much to make our people what they are.

There has been a plan in operation for a period of years which is calculated to disintegrate and modify the system of organization adopted in 1861, and which has been a great and important factor in our progress as a people. “The independence-of-our-churches” theory—that all the organization we need is local church organization, without any connecting link, or general management, every church doing just as it pleases—is what some now suggest. The logical outgrowth of the theory would be that every man can do just as he pleases, and is not responsible to any one. Perhaps with these few remarks the reader can see why the writer claims that the appearance of this volume at this time is very opportune. The time demands just such a book as Elder Loughborough has written, and the thanks of the denomination ought to be extended for this invaluable treatise.

As soon as the pamphlet came into the hands of the writer, he was so pleased that he gave it a careful perusal at once. It is an excellent book, and every Seventh-day Adventist ought to read it and become conversant with its teaching. No one who loves this cause and has a candid mind can receive from such perusal other than a feeling of deep satisfaction that such a comprehensive book has been issued upon this subject.

It is not necessary that the writer take up any portion of the book and discuss it. Our brethren throughout the field should obtain it and read it for themselves. We bespeak for it a large circulation among our people, and if it does have a large circulation, we shall not have any fears of any opposing influence on the subject of organization. It will settle the question with all true believers, if their minds have become in any way unsettled on this question. Organization came to us when we were but a very small people, and under its benign influence tens of thousands of believers have come into the faith. They have come from all parts of the world and from all denominations. It is a sublime thought that to-day, wherever our people are to be found, they are all of the same mind and believing the same truths. Their lives are governed by the same general principles. They all have the same grand ends in view, and organization has had a great deal to do in bringing about this unity.

May the Lord bless our aged brother who has had the time and strength to write such a book as “The Church: Its Organization, Order, and Discipline,” at a time when it is so greatly needed. May our people gladly welcome it, carefully study it, and put into practise the grand principles set forth in it. The price is only 25 cents.

GEORGE I. BUTLER, President Southern Union Conference.