WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · May 9, 1878

FromReview and Herald, Supplement to Vol. 51, No. 19

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE.

By John Norton Loughborough

One thing I would like to see, and my mind has been exercised upon this subject for some time. I would like to see, in California as well as in all of our State Conferences, a goodly number of our people doing what a few are doing with their means. Some are so shaping their worldly affairs as to have a considerable part of their property in ready cash, so that when calls for means are made on short notice, they can step in to fill the gap, loaning their means until others can come in with their donations to supply the lack.

If a few of our brethren and sisters had their means in that shape, and could invest in various enterprises at short notice, either at a small interest or without interest, it would be a great help, and our cause could move on, in its mighty workings, financially unembarrassed.

Bro. White, as we all know, has for years stood thus, ever ready to shift his means from place to place, that the cause might go on freely. About four years ago, my mind was especially exercised in regard to this matter. I felt it a pleasure to sell my pleasant home in California, and since that time I have, for the most part, kept that means invested either in tents, meeting-houses, the Signs Office, or other enterprises connected with the cause. Some of this money has drawn a small interest, but much of it has been and is now thus invested without interest. I esteem it a privilege to be able thus to help a little in this cause.

The work of truth is increasing in its practical operations; more men and women are needed to come forward with their means and place it in the gap, as Bro. White has been doing all the way along. May the Lord move on hearts to be ready to donate of their means according to their ability, and fill the gaps by loaning their means as above suggested, that all the machinery of this glorious work may move in beautiful harmony.

We are without doubt in the time when the great day of the Lord is upon us. The little flock is being gathered to whom it will be said: “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” We are addressed in these solemn words: “Sell that ye have, and give alms: provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” Luke 12: 33. What greater evidence can we give to the world of our confidence in the truth, and faith in the Lord’s coming, than to use our means so that it will tell in advancing, unembarrassed, this glorious truth? Worldly schemes are failing; confidence in men is weakening; banks are breaking; but he who invests in the cause of present truth is investing in that which is not like a worldly scheme, but has, as its security, the success and permanence of the cause of God.

Some of our people, in times past, have been urged to thus invest their means in this cause. Instead of so doing, they have chosen to invest in doubtful enterprises. They have not only brought upon themselves much perplexity and care, but there is a prospect that they may lose interest and principal in these worldly schemes. Let us take warning, and not waste our Lord’s goods, but invest where his name and cause may be glorified, and souls may be brought to his truth. May we move humbly in the fear of God, seeking in all things to glorify him.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.