The Cause Is the Lord's.
By R. F. Cottrell
The message of truth which we hold and proclaim is that which is promised in prophecy. Rev. 14: 6-12. Those who believe God's word and providence can ask for no clearer evidence than we have that the time is come for these, the closing messages of probation, to have their fulfillment, and, as a consequence, that the last warning to mankind is being given. Startling as this is, the truth cannot be disproved that the message is on its way, which is to test mankind, and decide the destiny of the generation now living on the earth. The third angel's message has come in the order given in the prophecy, preceded by the preaching of the first and second, and is to be followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap the harvest of the earth. And the declarations of the message itself prove that it is final, closing probation and deciding the destiny of the living. It is to be followed by the day of wrath, without mixture, upon all who do not heed its warning. “If any man worship the beast, and his image, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” What an awfully solemn declaration is this! Can it be possible that it is now being given? It cannot be otherwise. God's word in promising and describing it, and his providence in fulfilling it, are perfectly reliable; therefore, the believer is shut up to the conclusion that this is the work of the Lord. The history of the rise and progress of this work to the present time shows it to be in harmony with God's manner of working in other days. From a very small and humble beginning, and bearing the most unpopular truths, and, consequently, meeting with the greatest opposition possible, it has risen to its present state of development. The pioneers in this cause were poor; and while they labored to write and publish the truths into which God had led them by his word, his providence and his Spirit, they were obliged to venture out by faith, trusting in God for the means to perform their work. And many a time God's hand was evidently seen in supplying their wants, and in opening the way for them to go out with the message. Particular instances might be given, but this is not my design. Others, abler and better acquainted with the facts, have given them. But an idea of the progress of our work may be gained by a comparison of our publishing interest in the beginning, and at the present time. The first number of a paper to publish these truths was, after being consecrated to God, and commended to his blessing with thanksgiving, prayers, and tears, carried to the post-office in a hand satchel, or traveling bag. Now, from an office of publication belonging to the cause, with power presses and the best facilities, more than fifty bushels of matter for the mails goes forth in a week. With such a small beginning, and with the truths of God so unpalatable in this age of fables, its steady advancement and permanence show evidence of the guiding and fostering hand of God. We believe that this work is of God. If it is not, it is a stupendous delusion; and good men ought not to favor it in the least. Brother, sister, are you decided on this question? If you cannot, by an examination of all the evidences, come to a decision on this point, you will do best to give it up. Be decided on something. “Either make the tree good and its fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit.” This is a special movement in fulfillment of prophecy, as we think. It is either from Heaven, or of men. If it is of men, do not countenance it. Perhaps you say, “Its teachings are all right—all the commandments of God, and all the faith of Christ.” If that is so, it is from Heaven. No earthly tree can bear these fruits. But if we decide that this is a Heaven-sent message, be assured, it means something. If we believe we have the truth that is to test the world, as the third angel's message must, of necessity, we should act as if we believed it. Can we see our fellow-men going down to death, and make no effort to warn them of their danger? Will not their blood be found on us? Truly, we have a great work to do. Let us engage in it in the fear of God. R. F. COTTRELL.