THE CAUSE by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1857

THE CAUSE.

By James White

THOSE who have labored in the cause of present truth for ten years, can thank God and take courage, as they compare the present with the past. Ten years ago we published the first number of the little sheet called Present Truth. Then Sabbath-keepers who were looking for the Second coming of Christ, numbered about one hundred. We sent the first number of the Present Truth to all that we could hope would read it, and took them to the Post Office in a carpet bag. The few believers were generally poor, and but three among them who publicly taught the truth, and two of them could not give themselves wholly to the work for want of means. Without publications, these penniless men went forth trusting in God. And as they now look back over these ten years of toil, battle, and great spiritual blessings, they are led to exclaim, What hath God wrought!

NOW we number several thousands. The weekly Review is freely sustained, with a circulation of near two thousand, and present prospects give hope of a wide circulation. We have six Tents in the field, and men enough to man them, when rightly marshaled, some of them doing a great work. There is also wealth in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers, alas! too much for the spiritual welfare of some of the most wealthy. But, thank God, there are some who have put themselves and what they have on the altar of God, a consuming sacrifice. Our ministers, editors and printers will find enough to do, and a convenient support while they preach, write and print the truth, and the whole truth.

True we have been scourged a little by false brethren, but what a blessing to the cause. This has had a tendency to draw out a plain, independent testimony which God approbates, and has taught his people a practical lesson, to trust in God—not in man. Those who went out from us are now scattered and silent. O, may this prove an everlasting blessing to the cause, a warning to others not to murmur against the work of God or those whom God employs in his work. The honest among them are all coming along with the remnant. How precious to meet, and weep with those precious souls who now see clearly their past lack of judgment, and where the work of the Lord is. These past trials have already resulted in good, in uniting the hearts of God's people, and a great increase of confidence in the work of God, and in his humble servants. The way now seems prepared, as never before for the cause of truth to move forward.

In the State of Michigan alone, at least one hundred souls have embraced the Lord's Sabbath since the first of June. Brethren in other States are having good success. And will not the fact that God is signally blessing his people, and giving success to his truth, in the hands of his servants, cheer all, and arouse all to action? God grant that it may. There are those among us, east and west, who have talent, and experience in the work of God, and those who have means who should at once push out from the shore, who should give their whole energies to the work. Some are too cautious, while others run before they are sent. God first requires consecration, then a venturing out by faith, with what evidence he pleases to give. "We walk by faith not by sight." The Lord is moving on the hearts of his servants to push out into the wide harvest field. God grant that preachers and people may keep pace with his opening providence, that his work be not hindered and marred. Onward! onward, brethren! The Lord is our shield and strength

"Jesus says he will be with us to the end; For He has been with us—still is with us, And He's promised to be with us, to the end." J. W.