p. 188 | Is it So? by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1866

Is it So?

By R. F. Cottrell

HAVE we reached the time when a religious journal, and one professing the Advent faith too, can publish a challenge to others to discuss a matter of dispute in its columns, and then, when the challenge is accepted, coolly decline it on the ground that \"our regulations will not allow of a discussion in the Crisis;\" and besides this, withhold from its readers the fact that the challenge had been accepted; thus giving the impression that the opposition had not confidence enough in their cause to risk a fair discussion of its merits?

As this sad fact came to my knowledge through the REVIEW, I could not help contrasting the fairness and liberality of the World's Crisis with that of others. Eld. N. V. Hull invited me to the discussion of the question of man's nature and destiny, in the REVIEW. I accepted of it on condition that it should be published also in the SABBATH RECORDER; whereupon its columns were readily and freely opened to our discussion.

And not only so, but during our discussion I have written a number of articles for the RECORDER on other subjects, calculated to invite inquiry into our peculiar faith as Adventists, and its liberal editor has given them a conspicuous place in the editorial department of his paper. For this he is entitled to, and has, my sincere thanks.

The inquiry comes up, Why this marked contrast? I will say what suggests itself to my mind as the answer, and leave the question open for a better solution, if there is a better. I have thought then that faith in the entire law of God makes better men, more upright and honorable, than the faith that that law has been in part or wholly abolished.

R. F. COTTRELL.