p. 8 | The Cause by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 26, 1859

The Cause.

By James White

Bro. Smith: I am tired of seeing statements of want among our preachers and appeals for funds in the REVIEW. I am tired of writing them. These general appeals to everybody, and nobody in particular, do not amount to much besides filling up the paper, and paining the reader. These things hurt the REVIEW, and are a blot on the cause.

To the above, the real friends of the cause will respond a hearty amen, and look about for a better way, while the careless and stingy will say amen, and do nothing.

Well, what shall be done? These general appeals, and this trying to raise means without form or order, seems to be proving a failure, and something must be done more definite and effectual.

While riding in the cars this morning from Jackson, and pondering over this matter, I soon got out paper and pencil and began to figure. Said I, there are at least 1600 Sabbath-keepers in Michigan. Should only 1000 of this number give—500 brethren 10 cents per week, and 500 sisters 3 cents per week—the amount for one year would be $3380. It will be seen that we have not reckoned 600 which we allow for the very poor, and those under 18 years of age. It is supposed that all the 1000 are fully able during the year to raise the small sum stated with perfect ease.

Then suppose that these 500 brethren possess on an average only $500 each, and pay each week only 2 cents per every one hundred, and the amount annually would be $2600. Total $5980, a sum sufficient to sustain the cause in this State, and to sustain five missionaries still further west. And this sum can be raised without the least sacrifice of property on the whole, or any privation of the necessaries of life. Let the readers of the REVIEW look at these facts, and act promptly, and let the unpleasant appeals for help cease for ever from the REVIEW.

Again, let each church manage their own funds, and apply only where there is need. We want no salaried managers or agents, as others have, requiring a large per cent for their services, and applying funds as they please. No, let each church apply their own funds as they see need.

And again, here are those among us who are worth from five to twenty-five thousand. The small rates stated, would not call for only about one tenth part of their interest money, or a small share of the increase of their property. For a moment consider what these brethren have to do before they can begin to sacrifice.

They will have to give from six to ten times as much annually as the above rates, before they touch the principal to begin to sacrifice, or to consume it. We as a people have professed to consecrate ourselves and our substance to the Lord, and have said that we were ready to sacrifice to advance the cause of truth. A very few have made some sacrifice of property; but as a body we have done no such thing. And it will be seen by the above statements, that with our present habits of industry and economy, the friends of the truth can meet all the wants of the cause ten times over, before they could begin really to sacrifice. Then, let the professed friends of the cause cease forever to bear testimony in regard to willingness to sacrifice, while there is want of means to sustain the cause. God knows all our vows and fair promises, and how we perform them. A record is kept in heaven, and by that record we shall be judged.

J. W.

Adrian, Mich., May 20th, 1859.