PLAIN TALK by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1877

“PLAIN TALK.”

By R. F. Cottrell

Plain talk and plain dealing are best. These traits should characterize the people who hope to be of that number of whom it is said, “In their mouth was found no guile.” Rev. 14:5. I am glad of the labors of Bro. Canright in our Conference, and of his plain talk, and also that of Sr. C., in Review of March 15. I earnestly desire and pray that all disaffected ones may be benefited.

My dear friends, my brothers and sisters (may not I say, My dear children?), whoever you are that are disaffected, I beg of you to heed, and be benefited by, the plain talk of our beloved brother. Do not pretend that there is no disaffection with you, when there is; for that is guile. Since you have spoken disparagingly, if not rebelliously, of God’s chosen servants, it is not enough that you cease, and purpose to drop the matter, avoiding investigation. A frank acknowledgment of the error is what the cause demands, and what your own souls demand, in order to regain the freedom which you once enjoyed, and which you now have lost. Come, begin anew to serve God, to believe his word, and have confidence in his work.

The message is from Heaven, and not of men. I still thank God that I “received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” This is the anchor that has held me amid the storms of rebellion; and I hope and pray that it may hold me to the end. Bro. C. has set before you the truth in regard to the way in which the Lord always works. Unity, harmony, and continuity are ever characteristics of his work. He never has failed, and never will, of doing his work harmoniously, so that its unity may be seen. Let us, my dear friends, be in unity with his work, and with each other. Be pleased to accept this word of exhortation from one who loves you in truth.

R. F. Cottrell.