Spirit of Persecution by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1875

Spirit of Persecution.

By James White

A CORRESPONDENT takes exception to the article of Bro. Lamson entitled, “I’m a Stiff Methodist,” in the REVIEW of Feb. 18, 1875. He thinks the spirit manifested by the individuals referred to is so seldom found among professed Christians that it is unjust to present them as evidence of its existence to any large extent. Had the objector been on the ground he would know that these were only examples, and hardly the worst manifestations, of intolerant bigotry shown by church members; and they were publicly and privately backed up by more than one preacher. In truth, the instances of courtesy, not to speak of Christian kindness, were the exceptions in the neighborhood, instead of the rule.

Many misjudge our statements as well as our motives when we record the unchristian course pursued by opposers of the commandments of God, because they have never come in conflict with the spirit of intolerance which is almost everywhere existing, though not always apparent. So the many prophets of Israel might have rebuked Elijah for so strongly condemning the course of Ahab and Jezebel. But had they placed themselves openly against popular wrongs as Elijah did, they would soon have learned to appreciate his work, and would have justified his words. We had no idea of the prevalence of religious bigotry until we endeavored to separate ourselves from popular errors. We recommend our friend more carefully to read Rev. 13: 11–18. J. H. W.