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Some Plain Words

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 37.

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Some Plain Words

By Editor

A DELIBERATE attempt is being made to blind the minds of our people to the real issue involved in the recent experiences in the denomination by claiming that those whose wrong course, faithfully reproved by the spirit of prophecy, has been dealt with, are being persecuted for righteousness’ sake — because they would not yield to the pressure brought to bear upon them to teach righteousness by works. This is a misrepresentation of the facts. Five years ago doctrines were presented to this denomination for acceptance which, “followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy;” but no opposition has been made against them by the very one who now makes such an outcry concerning our Sabbath-school lessons. What is the explanation of this difference in zeal for the truth? An open warfare is being waged by this same one upon the principles of organization adopted by this denomination and approved by the spirit of prophecy, and his course has made it necessary to take some action in his case, and now the people are told that this has been done because of his loyalty to truth. When such an accusation, utterly contrary to the truth, is publicly made, it is due to the people that the facts should be stated. For this reason we deal with this matter at some length in this issue of the REVIEW. We do not do this from choice. We have not taken the initiative in this further development in our situation. We regret that it is necessary to devote time and space to defending this denomination from such charges made by a former fellow laborer, but when such charges are based upon unfair manipulation and sophistical reasoning, we feel in duty bound to let this be known. And when the way is being prepared for further disorganizing efforts among this people under the specious plea of the necessity of preaching the everlasting gospel to those who have apostatized from the truth, or have been shut away from it by their leaders, we think it time to let a little light in upon the actual situation. If we are compelled to say more and to be even more explicit, we can do so, but we hope it will not be necessary.