The Cause of Present Truth.
By John Nevins Andrews
I have not one doubt in my heart that this is the cause of God. I have not hastily arrived at this conclusion. Many years have I shared in the joys and sorrows of this work, and during these years I have had much opportunity to learn its nature and character. I have been slow to learn, yet have not lost all the lessons which God by his Spirit or his providence has taught me. I have carefully examined the doctrines which distinguish this people and this movement. I may add that, in the light of what the ablest opponents of this cause have written, I have repeatedly re-examined the foundations of our faith. I have always closed such examinations with the decided conviction that in all essential particulars we are sustained by the teaching of the Bible. Nor can I doubt that God has been leading in this work by his Holy Spirit. It is not the work, nor the cause, of man. It is designed to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. I firmly believe that this design will be consummated. Here is the patience of the saints. Now is the time in which God purposes that we should13learn humility, self-sacrifice, and submission to him. These are all lessons of unspeakable value, but they are learned in affliction rather than in circumstances which are agreeable to ourselves. If we go through the school of Christ aright, we shall learn all the precious lessons which are designed to fit us for the kingdom of God. My heart earnestly desires the perfection of Christ's work within me, no matter at what cost to myself. J. N. A.