Untitled article by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, February 18, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 10

THE CAUSE.

By James White

The cause of truth and reform in all its branches must be sustained, and for our brethren to do this properly, not leaving one branch to suffer, while another is overdone, the comparative importance of the several branches, as far as possible, should be understood. We do not claim to fully understand this matter, and only wish at this time to make suggestions, and offer a few reasons, and shall be glad to hear from others on the subject. In importance does not the subject of the several branches of the work rank as follows?

1. The ministry. The proper support of our ministers seems to me of the first importance. Are they in want from sickness, or from other causes, they should at once be relieved. If they are hindered in their work, the cause is hindered and suffers. Do they cease from labor for want of means, the cause ceases to progress. And more—without their labors the cause loses ground. We would call attention to the General Conference fund which must be very low at this time. The amount of missionary labor is large the present year, and will require about $2500 to meet expenses, and next to nothing is coming into the treasury for this object. Churches and individual brethren who have means to help the cause should remember that missionary labor is first in importance.

2. The publications. The Review and Instructor, I would suggest, should be of a size, and at such a price, as to sustain themselves after sending a few hundred copies to ministers, and to the poor, free. Our larger books, and our pamphlets and tracts generally, should be sold at prices to meet cost. Tracts, and a class of reading of vital importance to the cause, yet objectionable to the unconsecrated, should be given when certain persons refuse to purchase. In close connection with the work of our ministers, and next in importance to the ministry, is the circulation of our publications.

3. Widows, orphans, and the worthy, suffering poor in general, have claims on the church of Christ. Careful readers of the sacred Scriptures cannot fail to see this. We do not say that such persons should look to the church for support, and be made to understand that the church is to free them from care and labor necessary to their sustenance. Such persons need the especial watch-care of the church, and more or less assistance in helping themselves. Good counsel is all many such persons need.

4. Health Institute. This is a noble enterprise, whose ultimate object is the salvation of men and women. The relief of the afflicted here is worthy of the efforts of the people of God. But to raise them from feebleness, and to free them from disease, so that they can better secure eternal life, and, also, be a help to others in the way of life, is the great object of this institution. Much can be done in this direction for the salvation of souls. More can be done, with the expenditure of a tithe of the means by a well-directed care for widows, orphans, and the worthy poor. Still more can be done through that mighty engine—the press. Our people must read. The public must have a chance to read and become intelligent relative to truth and duty. But above all, and to which all else are but appendages, is the ministry. May God bless those called and chosen servants of his people, and may those who wish to aid in the great cause of present truth care for them in temporal matters with all that tenderness and interest manifested by a faithful shepherd of the flock of Christ.

JAMES WHITE.