An Experience by Wm. A. Westworth

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 16, 1901

An Experience

By Wm. A. Westworth

INASMUCH as I have received many inquiries with newspaper clippings, asking me for particulars in regard to our recent experience at Berea, W. Va., I will take this opportunity to answer all.

Although the reports in various papers from New York to Chicago were in some instances exaggerated, yet the serious condition of affairs brings us to a realizing sense that “the dragon is wroth with the woman.”

Briefly, the events which have led up to the journalistic reports are as follows: Having been challenged to discuss the subjects of conversion and the nature of man, by the Seventh-day Baptists, represented by A. McLearn, D. D., and libelous and false statements having been circulated against the truth and our people, and especially against the Spirit of Prophecy, I accepted the challenge.

Truth prevailed, the enemy suffered a stinging defeat, which was witnessed by the slander heaped upon the servant of God by the opposition. Sunday evening, March 17, the discussion ended, and Tuesday evening, the 19th, as we were going home after a good service, we were attacked, and several were struck with eggs. A sympathizer, but not a member of our church, ran to see who did the deed, and was followed by one of our brethren. They soon overtook the assaulting party, and they in turn were followed by two more of our sympathizers. The attacking party were plainly told that they would not be attacked, as we did not want to fight, but finding themselves liable to be discovered, they drew knives and pistols; and while no one was shot, four were cut—three of them badly. Our friends used no weapons, the assault being entirely on the other side.

The county authorities have taken the matter up, and the three leaders are now under heavy bail to await the action of the grand jury on the charge of felonious assault. While the affair was deplorable, it nevertheless has turned public sentiment in favor of Seventh-day Adventists, and many who are opposed to the doctrine are firmly for us as regards our rights, and are outspoken in our behalf. Our church at Berea is more closely united. Thus the enemy of souls is thwarted in his evil designs. The injured ones are recovering, and we praise God that His care has been over us, and rejoice that we are accounted worthy to suffer for Christ.

WM. A. WESTWORTH.