THE CAUSE by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 7, 1902

THE CAUSE.

By Editor

WE remember that when Elder James White stood alone as editor of the REVIEW, he frequently presented articles entitled, “The Cause,” in which he would discuss the various phases through which the work was passing, the influences which were arising against it, the duty of its friends in reference to the circumstances, and how the crisis should be met. We have again reached a time when, if he were living, we believe he would speak out anew with reference to the situation. There are rumors afloat now that the cause is suffering under a heavy load of odium, and that an offer is made to relieve the cause of the odium that rests upon it, by placing the Review and Herald Office upon a new basis, and transferring the plant to other ownership than that of the S. D. A. Publishing Association, who first incorporated it. From this it would appear that the odium under which it is averred that the cause rests, is concentrated upon the Publishing Association. There are some of us who have a very tender regard for this association, and feel very sensitive in reference to any insinuation that the charge of odium can justly rest upon it.

For instance, the writer of these lines had the honor to be one of the charter members when the institution was founded, May 3, 1861. He was present when the act of incorporation was formed, when the act under which it was incorporated was secured, when its constitution was adopted, and its by-laws formulated and accepted. Moreover he is acquainted with all the principles that were talked over by the original promoters and founders of this institution, and, besides, has been almost continuously a member of the board ever since, and has known of the policy and intentions by which it has sought to govern itself. Hence we feel at liberty to inquire where the odium comes in, and to which of the transactions of the association it attaches itself. The Publishing Association has endeavored to maintain a scrupulous regard for the rights of all its stockholders, so that no member has ever lost a dollar by its operations. It has always been true to its obligations to the government, paying its taxes when due, and meeting its bills so promptly as to be allowed a cash discount on its settlements. Odium attaches to a corporate body when it proves false to its corporate obligations. No such acts can be charged upon the Publishing Association. We repudiate all such charges. Let us be understood. We would not, speaking as a member of the board, claim that we have not been liable to misjudgment, and erred in opinion, as is common to mortals in this state. So we plead guilty to all the charges against selfishness, and the conditions and obligations devolving upon the Laodiceans, so forcibly of late set forth in the REVIEW and the sermons during the Week of Prayer. But the question arises how the odium would be lifted by transferring the property to another organization.

The association was organized as a body that belonged to the cause. It was a representative of the whole work. It was never a personal or private body, but a public factor in the cause. It was the original S. D. A. institution, not run for any personal or private ends. Its officers were placed in position by the voice of the people. Consider the good it has done, the thousands it has brought into the truth, and the associate institutions to which it has extended a helping hand. Any of our institutions trying to get upon their feet would fall back for support upon the Review and Herald Office. In this way it has helped sanitariums, schools, Conferences, and is now carrying above forty thousand dollars of indebtedness for the Battle Creek College, besides other large sums for our other institutions—nearly a hundred thousand dollars in all. It has thus acted as the mother institution, the fostering body for all other S. D. A. institutions, and all persons should be careful not to speak in a manner to injure its credit. These points should all be borne in mind before an insinuation detrimental to the standing of this institution is entertained. The old adage is that “a lie will go around the world while the truth is putting on its boots.” This institution has been considered the strongest and safest organization among us. Its credit is still good, and will continue to be so, so long as its friends stand by it. We have faith to believe it will do a much grander work during the remaining period of the Third Angel’s Message. EDITOR.