The State of the Cause.
By James White
Our brethren who attended the late General Conference are aware of the necessity existing for Bro. White to withdraw from the numerous burdens hitherto resting upon him in Battle Creek. There seems to have rested upon the minds of many the impression that the whole responsibility of management must be laid upon the President of the Association. This is a mistake. According to our Articles, the responsibility is with the Board of Trustees, and although Bro. White, as President of the Association, is Chairman of the Board, the state of his health is now such that it becomes the duty of the remaining members to assume the responsibility from which they have hitherto considered themselves in a measure released. The church in Battle Creek are now enjoying a precious work of God in their midst, and with them must the burden of that work be principally left. Having received light enough in the past on which to act, they must do their own work, and not lean on others. In this way only can this church be brought up to that position which it is the Lord’s will it should occupy in this central place. But there is most pressing need of help for the proper management of the general interests of the cause, especially as relates to the Publishing Association. It is utterly impossible that any individual devoted to the labor of any one department of the publishing work, should be able to oversee, or have an intelligent oversight of all the departments. A general agent or superintendent seems to be imperatively demanded to meet the wants of the Association at this time. But this brings us to another difficulty. There are individuals who are competent, with a little experience and consecrated effort, to do this work; who have professedly given all to the Lord and his cause. And now they stand waiting, willing to act when Bro. and sister White shall say it is their duty to come! This may meet their ideas of relieving Bro. White of responsibilities, but we do not look upon it in that light. To dictate to another, or to assume what is his duty, is the greatest responsibility. It is not right that any one should come who has not the consecration and love for the cause sufficient to induce him to throw himself into the work without reserve. But who can judge of the consecration of any one except by his own actions? To put individuals forward so as to assume all the responsibility of their action, is sometimes the heaviest burden that can be borne. We hope they will look at this matter in a more reasonable light. And we pray that God may fasten conviction of duty upon them till they shall be ready to move out in his fear, and feel that their calling is from God and not from man. Then, and then only, will they feel that responsibility to God which is the best indication of ultimate success. The General Conference has, at several seasons, indicated their desire to relieve Bro. White by inviting others to throw themselves into the work. Their backwardness has made it necessary for Bro. White to withdraw himself entirely from cares at Battle Creek for a season. This action on his part the board of trustees heartily endorse; the state of his health renders this step absolutely necessary, and if the cause suffers, the blame will rest upon those whose duty it is to devote themselves to the work in this time of need. It will be no excuse for them to say they cannot obey the call now—their business is in such a condition that they cannot leave it just at present. This is a fault of their own, for which they should greatly humble themselves before God. They have long heard the urgent call, and if they have suffered Satan to ensnare them, and let “the god of this world blind their minds,” and bring darkness over their pathway, they should not urge it as an excuse for their neglect. Brethren, what will you do? We may have more to say on this subject next week.