p. 37 | THE CAUSE IS ONWARD by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1877

THE CAUSE IS ONWARD.

By S. N. Haskell

We have only to open our eyes to existing facts to be convinced, not only of the progress of this work, but of its divine origin. By progress we do not mean that the masses are being converted to present truth; but that there are unmistakable omens of this work’s reaching its final triumph,—of the nearness of the coming of the Son of man and the closing work of probation. The providence of God is leading the way by preparing hearts for the reception of the truth, and by influencing men of piety and learning to embrace it, and thus connect their influence with the special work of saving souls.

The Sabbath reform, in connection with the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, is gaining friends everywhere. In Rome, right under the thunders of the Vatican, where antichrist, who changed the law of God and proclaimed his right to do it, has his seat, the Sabbath controversy is revived, and the Sabbath is there vindicated. Atheistical France also furnishes witnesses to God’s down-trodden Sabbath. In fact, every nation of Europe has either small companies or scattered individuals that have separated themselves from formal Christianity and taken their stand upon God’s down-trodden law, and have also expressed their faith in the speedy return of our divine Lord.

One prominent feature of this work is the missionary spirit begotten in the hearts of those who receive it. When the truth of God once takes possession of hearts, it begets an interest for others. It was thus at the first advent of Christ. When Andrew learned of Christ “he first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias.” It was the same with Philip. He, too, went in search of Nathaniel, and saith unto him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Thus it ever has been with those connected with the work of God; they at once become light-bearers, and the light is communicated to others.

The following will serve as an illustration of a multitude of instances which are of daily occurrence in connection with the truth: “About two years ago, the REVIEW was sent to a lady in Switzerland who could read English. She became interested in the truths it advocates, and forwarded it to her brother, who also was familiar with the English language. He became interested, and forwarded the paper to a friend of his, an educated physician, in Italy, who also embraced the truth, and sent the paper to a brother physician. He, too, took his stand upon the law of God, and gave the paper to his friend. The following I quote from a private letter from the gentleman in Italy: “I have given the paper and publications to a gentleman who has gone to Alexandria, in Egypt, who assures me he shall preach the doctrine there, having fully received the Sabbath and advent views.”

Another feature of present truth is the union and harmony existing among believers, whether in Europe, Asia, or Africa. No schism rends this people. It is the truth, accompanied by the Spirit of God, that has brought together a people from every nationality, from every rank and grade of society, from every sect and denomination, and also from the ranks of skepticism. Scarcely a company of a score can be found but that many different denominations will be represented, in connection with those who have never made a profession, thus showing that it is not a certain caste of minds which thus unites the believers, but something more permanent. It is God’s work, and the truth, accompanied by his Spirit, is uniting a people who love his law and revere his holy name.

There have been those ever since the rise of this work that have, from time to time, gone out from us, because they were not of us; and in nineteen cases out of twenty, where this has been the case, they were the subjects of church trial months before they left, not on account of some doctrinal point, but for some unsubdued trait of character, which was ever causing themselves and others trouble.

There are divine characteristics and evidences that, more than mere theory, hold the people. The work is still enlarging, and its influence is becoming far more extensive, notwithstanding the bitter opposition which arises from the carnal hearts of those who are “not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be.”

The truth, like its Author, does not depend upon popular favor for its success; but quietly, like the rays of the rising sun, it finds its way to dark hearts, being attracted by hearts that are willing to yield to God. And the genial rays dispel the gloom, and lift the soul and connect it with Heaven. These are some of the characteristics of this work, and certainly they bear the divine mark. We therefore conclude that the work is from Heaven.

S. N. HASKELL.