Is it Egotism? by Roswell F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 27, 1871

Is it Egotism?

By Roswell F. Cottrell

THE cause of God calls for devotion and sacrifice. The people need to be aroused to take part in the work. The number of believers is increasing, and many need to learn how the proclamation of the third angel's message has worked its way to its present position; how it has been sustained by arduous labor, self-denial, and sacrifice, in order to understand their duty to engage in bearing the burdens of the work.

God has called Bro. and sister White to take the most leading part in the work. Satan hates the cause of God, and directs his assaults particularly against those at the head of the work. He raises false accusations against them, in order to keep people from embracing the truth that will save them. He stirs up jealousies against them, in order to divide those who believe, and thus hinder the work. Hence it becomes necessary that the moral character and course of these servants of God should be vindicated from these vile aspersions, for the advancement of the cause and the salvation of men. God chooses those to lead in his work whose character and conduct are above reproach. And if Satan can make it appear that our leaders are vile and selfish persons, it is his strongest argument against the truth of God which we hold and advocate. Therefore their true character must be known, and the course they have pursued understood. And all lovers of the truth must and should feel a deep interest to have them vindicated from defamation, and to have their exemplary labors and sacrifices known, so that their zeal may provoke others to follow their example. 2 Cor. 9:2.

Is it egotism for them to speak of these things, stating the facts themselves? Perhaps others are at fault that they are compelled to do so. But they know the facts better than any one individual, and therefore can state them best. Was Paul to blame for commending himself when he was compelled to it for the good of the cause? 2 Cor. 12:11. Was he wrong to refer to his abundant labors, his stripes, imprisonments, perils, and sacrifices, in the cause of Christ? Chap. 11:23–28. Was it egotistical for the prophet Samuel to demand of the people: “Whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith?” 1 Sam. 12:3. Was it wrong for Moses to vindicate himself in his administration as a leader in Israel? Num. 16:15.

No. Let those who love the prosperity of the cause of God stand by those whom he has chosen to lead in his work. And, for the sake of the truth and the salvation of men, defend them from calumny, and thus wrest from Satan his strongest argument against the truth. The Lord has said, “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord,” and such he chooses for his work. God will certainly honor those who stand up for his chosen servants, and repel the attacks of those who would traduce them. R. F. COTTRELL.