J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 29, 1885

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

The Great Controversy, Vol. IV.

I HAVE found this book so deeply interesting, and profitable, that I am exceedingly desirous to see it extensively circulated. It is not only reading matter of that nature to interest all who give it a candid perusal, but its warnings concerning the deceptions of Satan, so soon to be practiced upon the world, are of that character that the people should have the book in their hands. The Jewish people, in the days of Jerusalem's destruction, met with an overthrow because they "knew not the time of their visitation." They had opportunity to know, because, by the teachings of Christ and his apostles, they were warned of the event, and of their danger, but when they chose to reject that instruction, the responsibility of their fate rested upon themselves.

In Vol. IV. is a warning respecting the great deceptions soon to be practiced by Satan to deceive the world. The Lord has been pleased to place in our hands, light concerning these deceptions. Can we be clear in the matter if we are content with simply a personal acceptance of this light, and do not exert ourselves to bring the warning to the attention of our fellow-men? It seems to me that, in principle at least, this question is answered in the words of the Lord to Ezekiel, "If the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." Ezek. 33:6.

In every church of our people, where it has not already been done, an effort should be made to place this book in the house of every Seventh-day Adventist family. Our efforts should not stop with this, but canvassers should be secured who will make a thorough effort to place the work in the hands of all who can be induced to buy it. The book contains the very instruction and warnings the people need, and we, as a people, shall be remiss in duty if we do not do all in our power to get the light before them. Are there not many in our ranks who will prepare themselves to take hold of the thorough canvass for "Great Controversy," Vol. IV?