p. 196 | THE CAUSE IN THE WEST by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 6, 1868

THE CAUSE IN THE WEST.

By James White

THERE is a great work to be done for the brethren in the West. The love of the things of this world, the cares of this life, and the deceitful power of worldly gain, have a fearful influence over many. For this reason our meeting at Clyde was not attended by some in Illinois, and many in Wisconsin, who most needed the benefits of just such a meeting. Such an effort was our last remaining hope for such. As they have not availed themselves of this opportunity, we have reason to fear for them.

It seemed almost impossible to wake up those who were in attendance at the Clyde meeting. And it was not till near the close that the brethren seemed to feel their lost condition without decided change. Confessions were made by many, and a good degree of freedom came. But the thought is painful indeed, that brethren living from thirty to one hundred miles from that meeting excused themselves from attending it because home matters seemed to them urgent. They could have attended the meeting by sustaining a little pecuniary loss. They chose to avoid this, and let the spiritual blessing go. This is a sad mistake. A few such may learn this when the Master rises up, unready to have their account closed.

In proportion as our brethren take on the spirit of this world, and reach out for more land, do they lose their interest in the circulation of books. Some seem to have done caring for the cause. They respond to but few, if any, of the calls for means. They have no idea of laying up a treasure in Heaven as Christ commanded, and feel at full liberty to lay up treasure here, which he positively forbade. God save them from utter ruin! They are asleep, and it is not so easy to wake them to a consciousness of their terrible condition.

In proportion as our brethren awake to their real condition, do they take hold of the book enterprise. At the Wright Camp-meeting I sold and gave away more than a ton of books and tracts. At that meeting more than $600 were pledged to assist in giving to those who should have our books. At Clyde I sold and gave away nearly half a ton of books and tracts, and received pledges amounting to nearly $300. This important branch of the work must be pushed ahead. While the world is terribly cursed with erroneous and mean books, let us bless some at least with those that are true and good. From this fund I circulate, and give ministers to circulate, at the lowest rates, such works as Life Incidents, Law and Gospel, God’s Memorial, Review of Objections to Spiritual Gifts, and Little Will. As it shall increase, the catalogue will also be increased. I shall appeal to our people here upon this subject, and report the result.

JAMES WHITE.

Pilot Grove, Iowa, Oct. 1, 1868.