Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1911

Editorial

By Editor

THE cause of this threefold message of Revelation 14 can never be popular. It represents the gospel of the power of God, and necessarily, therefore, there is in it the cross of Christ, which has no attractions for the world. But what progress the message has made, against all the tide of this world, within a few years, within the active lifetime of men and women who saw its rise!

THE first minister ordained among Seventh-day Adventists, we believe, was Elder J. N. Loughborough, still among us, by the blessing of the Lord. In the REVIEW of Oct. 28, 1852, we find the first communication from his pen, which still writes for our profit. In that first word, he told of his conversion, under the 1844 movement, and of his labor for souls in the years subsequent to the disappointment, though with the feeling that there was something lacking in the message that he bore. Then the light of the third angel's message came.

LIKE most others, to whom the message comes with its call for an entire change in the life, Elder Loughborough had his battle over the question, and then surrendered unconditionally as the sword of truth smote down every barrier. He wrote in this first contribution:—

Last summer I was invited to examine the subject of the Sabbath, but I was mind full of prejudice, so that the truth did not reach me. During the time of the last conference of Sabbath-keepers, held in this city, I was invited to attend and hear on the subject of the third angel's message, the Sabbath, etc. I declined, plainly stating that I would not attend the meeting. But afterward my heart condemned me, and on First-day I went to hear. . . . My mind was arrested by the Spirit of God. I could not keep away from the meeting, nor resist the power of arguments presented.

I had always supposed that there was but one law, and that that was done away in Christ. Still this position looked as though God changed, and it confused me. But, thank God, when I saw the two laws, all was plain. . . .

I had supposed there was no Sabbath, and, therefore, observed none. But when the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened to my mind, the first thing I saw was the commandments, under the mercy-seat, and now the Sabbath to me is a delight, and I love to keep God's holy law. . . .

May God help to sound the note of warning. I see my duty. My heart is full. And God helping, I will do my duty.