Giving for the Cause by James Sawyer

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1861

Giving for the Cause

By James Sawyer

From Bro. Sawyer.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: I have been thinking of late that I had not offered enough for the promotion of the cause of truth. I have pledged myself for one share only. While meditating on my duty, it seems as though the enemy has thrown numerous obstacles in my way, endeavoring to quiet me by saying I need this and I need that, my property is so unavailable (wild land) that I must not venture to pledge. But when my Master calls upon me for the interest on the "talent" I do not wish to tell him I hid it, or say, Lord thou gavest that kind of property that brought me no income. Bless the Lord! Since I made the resolve to do more for the Lord, the rain has come down in torrents, and my mind runs to that passage in Malachi iii, 10, 11, and Mark x, 29, 30.

I would like to lay up a little treasure in heaven. I would like to say, Lord I love thy cause, and have my means bear me out by clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and giving the hungry meat in due season. I will take another share and pay within 1861.

I thank the Lord for his truth, which is about to be proclaimed in more power than formerly. The church are becoming united. I feel in union with the address published in Vol. xviii, No. 3, of the Review. May the Lord keep his servants diligent and watchful, so that they may learn of him the modus operandi of leading his people through to the promised land, is my prayer.

Though we may meet all sorts of attacks, and sometimes be born down with heavy burdens, let us remember that the hand of the Lord is mighty, and it can bear up his weak and afflicted ones.

Yours wishing to be faithful, JAMES SAWYER. Coopersville, Mich.