Letter from Bro. Rhodes.
By S. W. Rhodes
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I want to say through the Review, that in reviewing my labors in the cause of Christ, for a few years past, and reflecting upon some occurrences by the way, and from recent light from the Lord through his Word, and from the admonitions of faithful brethren, I see some things (which I have not seen clearly till of late) said and done by me contrary to the Spirit of the gospel of Christ which call for a confession on my part, which indeed is humiliating but shall be freely and frankly made, the Lord helping. First, under other influences than the meek Spirit of Jesus, I have at times spoken hastily and acted accordingly, and thus hurt in a measure the cause of God. I have not at all times possessed enough of the mind of Christ and have been left to a hurried, overbearing, oppressive spirit, and to deal out rebukes sometimes that were not dictated by the Spirit of the Lord. I have not exercised the patience toward opposers that I ought to have done. I have not had at all times, that forbearance toward enquirers after truth that I should have had. I have not had all that long-suffering toward erring brethren that Jesus has had toward me. (And he is my example of character and suffering.) I have thought more of my opinion than I have of the opinion of some of my brethren. I find selfishness in my own heart which must be crucified. I have not always “in honor preferred my brother.” I have not at all times manifested the humility that I should. I have come short of the glory of God in many things. As I feel now, I would rather confess (if necessary) from this time till Jesus comes than have a stain of sin on my garments, or the frown of God upon my soul, after our High Priest shall have left the Sanctuary. I would heartily repent of these faults and wrongs, and do deeply regret that I have been left to grieve the Lord and his people, or to lay a straw in the way of any one’s coming to Christ. I am sorry indeed that I have digressed (though it may have been ignorantly, and through temptation) from the highway of holiness, trod by Christ and the prophets, and to mar or wound the cause of the dear Lord and Saviour, which cause I most ardently love. I would ask all whom this may concern, to forgive me wherein they have seen me err from the holy religion and Spirit of Jesus, and pray that this confession may serve as an everlasting barrier against my ever giving away in the future to any unchristian emotion of soul. Paul said “be patient toward all men.” Again, he said, “Preach the word; be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” I think I shall try to obey this injunction of the Apostle. I crave the blessing of God upon my labor, and hope the saints will pray for me, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. Though I fall, yet shall I rise again, and God will bring me forth to the light, purified as gold tried seven times. Your unworthy brother in Christ,
July 23d, 1853. S. W. RHODES.