Dear Brethren and Sisters: Our position, before the opposers of our faith, is such that we need to move understandingly and cautiously. From what we have seen of the discussion of the Sabbath question we may now be satisfied that our opponents cannot hinder the progress of the cause of truth by all the arguments they can bring against our position. We see that the efforts against the cause of truth have proved effectual in its advancement.
And seeing that they have failed here, their next attempt will probably be to heap upon us reproaches, and prejudice the people against us; therefore the necessity of walking wisely before all men, that the opposers of our faith may have no cause to reproach us. When we speak of the position and course of our opponents, it should be done with the utmost care, with the glory of God in view. God forbid that we, knowing that we have the truth, should indulge in a careless spirit of triumph over those who are in error, but rather be in a position to weep over the erring, and show them by our godly lives and sober, holy conversation that the God of truth and holiness is with us.
Some have gone out to teach the truth with a hasty, rash spirit, who had better have tarried in some Jerusalem until endowed with the sweet, melting, weeping Spirit of Christ. As we have heard of, and witnessed the withering effects of their imprudent course, and fanciful teachings, we have felt like weeping tears of blood. We would say to such, Let the Lord's work alone, until you can show all the fruit of the Spirit, which is "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, &c." Gal. v, 22.
A man may teach the truth, and the whole truth, and still manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Here we wish to say that those who oppose the truth of God will not be satisfied with the spirit we manifest until we renounce the precious truth we so much prize. This we shall never do to suit any one. Those who oppose the truth must certainly be poor judges of the Spirit of truth. God's word shall here be our standard, and that teaches that we should forsake every earthly friend sooner than the truth of God. But while proclaiming the most cutting truths of Revelation, and separating ourselves from sin and sinners we may exhibit all the fruit of the Spirit of God.