p. 164 | A Question by J. H. Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1870

A Question.

By J. H. Waggoner

BRO. ANDREWS, Dear Sir: I have read your article in REVIEW Vol. 35, Nos. 8 and 9, headed, “Our use of the visions of Sr. White.” I wish to ask you one question in regard to your last proposition with reference to the reception of members into our churches. You say on this subject, “We desire to know two things; first, that they believe the Bible doctrine of spiritual gifts; second, that they will candidly acquaint themselves with the visions of Sr. White, which have ever held so prominent a place in this work.”

The question I wish to ask, is, whether, after candidly acquainting themselves with the visions, (or writings) of Sr. White, they become thoroughly convinced that they are not given by the Spirit of God, should they, or should they not, have a right to speak out their convictions in any of our social meetings?

W. RANDALL.

Oakland Co. Mich.,

ANSWER. We do not consider it brotherly or Christtain-like for any one to pursue the course above indicated, that is, to oppose the visions in our social meetings, because it is well known that we, as a people, indorse them; and therefore to oppose them in a social meeting is to disregard the feelings of the church, and introduce discord and confusion in a season of worship, where all should be harmony and love. If an individual cannot worship in peace with a people, in accordance with their established faith, he can leave them in peace and go to a people with whom he can agree, if indeed he can agree with any.

But the above letter should not, perhaps, be passed without a notice of its intention, and a statement of facts. The evident object is to commit us to a position which may appear to be arbitrary and oppressive. Such a position we have never taken. The writer of this letter was elected deacon of the church in Oakland, and being of a positive mind, assumed a controlling place in the church, openly rebuking those

who ventured to speak in favor of the Testimonies, though the elder and many of the members believed them. And not only were the believers in the common faith of the church kept in silence on this subject, and their consciences bound, but through the influence of Deacon R., a person whom he had assisted in expelling for unchristian conduct, was permitted to come into the social meetings and deliver tirades against the Testimonies. Such an arbitrary course we seldom find pursued by any professing regard for Christian fellowship. It would appear better for him to go and make confessions to his injured brethren, and try to undo the sad work of distraction which he has done in the church of Oakland, than to endeavor to show that the same oppressive spirit exists with the believers of the truth. We have no disposition to be arbitrary, but we do hope to see the time when contrary spirits will become converted, or separate themselves from those with whom they refuse to walk in peace.

J. H. WAGGONER.