Statement of Dr. Russell.
By John Nevins Andrews
The communication of Dr. Russell in the REVIEW for April 25, gives me great joy. It is an occasion of thanksgiving to God when any who have been entangled in the snare of Satan, recover themselves from his cruel power. I trust that our dear brother will continue to press toward the light. In doing this, he will continue to receive strength and help from God. His past circumstances have been, in some respects, unfortunate, calculated to cause him to stumble. I trust that he will nevertheless make good his recovery. It is perhaps proper to refer to his visit to the Institute one year ago last winter. The circumstances under which he left, and his communication published in a western sheet peculiarly hostile to our work, which for the time he seemed to fully ally himself with, was thought to demand some response from the General Conference Committee. Hence the statement that was published in reply, which was written principally by myself. Whether the publication of that reply was a mistake or not I cannot say. Perhaps it would have been better to have said nothing, as doubtless in most cases of this nature it is best to remain silent. The good sense of those who fear God, will, in most cases prove sufficient to prevent serious injury to them from adverse influences and from evil reports. But this I can say, that no feeling of enmity toward Dr. R. existed in my heart, or found utterance in the written “Defense.” What I did at that time was done with pain and regret, and only from a conviction that duty to the cause demanded it. And as I then felt deep sorrow of spirit that Dr. R. should take a course that would eventually involve him in ruin, so now from my heart I feel to rejoice that he is retracing his steps, and returning to the Lord. In this good work I bid him God speed, and promise to help him in every way that is in my power. J. N. ANDREWS. 65 Dorchester Street, South Boston, Mass.