The Cause in the East by E. L. Bair

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 5, 1858

The Cause in the East.

By E. L. Bair

BRO. SMITH: In relation to the eastern tent, I wish to say that I deeply regret that the report of the Conference at Roxbury, Vt., last Spring did not appear in the Review according to our expectation. Inasmuch as it has not been published, and many know not why it is that our tent is not in the field, I would say that as near as I can remember, at that Conference two reasons were given why it was not deemed expedient to move out with it the first of the season.

First, a lack of help to labor with the tent.

Second, the unprepared state of the church to co-operate in the work.

Neither of these causes are yet removed; yet I believe that God has already begun his fearful work here in the East that will prepare the few that are left, to finish the solemn work of this last message of mercy to man. Those wrongs of every kind that have so long grieved the Holy Spirit, and injured the cause of God, and burdened his true-hearted children, are about to be removed forever from the church. May God in mercy give every honest soul to see this matter in its true light, and while the dreadful blow is falling that separates the precious from the vile, may they be sure not to be in the wrong, nor accessory to the same.

Arise ye that are heartily in the truth, and, in unison with the present order and work of God, and heed faithfully the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, and give a testimony that shall ring in the ears of the lukewarm, the self-righteous and the insubordinate ones, and clear your garments from the blood of all men! Characters are rapidly developing here, as God brings every work into judgment with every secret thing. No hiding nor covering up wrongs now! No half-way work any longer! "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy." Prov. xxix, 1. "And it shall come to pass that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts shall be cut off and die." Zech. xiii, 8. Mark this: it is a final work; not only cut off, but shall die. Now read 2 Thess. ii, 9-12, and then turn to Rev. iii, 15, 16, and remember that God's threatenings are as sure as his promises, and those who have no eyes to see it, and make a mighty effort to escape it, will soon feel it when it is too late. But the work does not stop here. The humble, patient, persevering ones are destined to finish up the great work of the Third Angel's Message, gather in every scattered jewel, conquer every foe, and wear the victor's palm on the sea of glass.

E. L. BAIR.

Kensington, Ct., July 26th, 1858.