In Brother Loughborough’s preface he stated that the 100,000 Seventh-day Adventists that then comprised the church showed an energy and zeal that made them seem like 2 million. Using the same ratio, could we say now that our 6 million seem like 120 million? What challenges does his recounting of the early years bring to the church today? GSAM 11.4
We leave with you some unanswered questions we pray this new edition will raise: GSAM 12.1
(1) Where has the “movement” gone? GSAM 12.2
(2) Has it been true to its foundations? GSAM 12.3
(3) To what degree can the changes we see in the church since Loughborough’s day be explained by changes in society or by the Lord at work in our midst? GSAM 12.4
(4) Why are we still here some 150 years after the movement first began proclaiming the near return of Christ? GSAM 12.5
In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 196 GSAM 12.6
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.—Proverbs 22:28 The Adventist Pioneer Library Committee Loma Linda, California, March 1, 1992 GSAM 12.7