To the Readers of the Advent Review.
By Editor
It is well known to many of our friends abroad that a number of disaffected persons are at the present time engaged in the circulation of unfavorable statements respecting the ADVENT REVIEW and those associated in conducting it. As this course has been pursued for some time past, it may be proper that we state the reasons why no reply has been made to these persons. The work to which God has called us, is a high and holy work. It is nothing less than the presentation of the important truths which God addresses to the present generation. Whenever men have assailed our faith, or attempted to overthrow the position which we occupy, we have deemed it duty to meet them in the spirit of candor and show the fallacy of their arguments. But we have now another kind of attack, and one that exhibits far greater malice than any former effort on the part of our enemies. From what we have seen, we judge that no effort is spared on the part of these persons in getting up and circulating all kinds of scandalous and contemptible stories with the sole object of blackening the character of those against whom their assaults are made. To engage in such a controversy would be to leave the work of God, and come down to the same level with those who are engaged in this attack. The contemptible course which these persons have pursued evinces that there is nothing to which they will not stoop; and that they are never likely to be out of scandal with which to assail those who have incurred their displeasure. What therefore shall we do? It may be duty that we state some facts in regard to these persons, that none may be deceived concerning the character and motives of those engaged in this work; and to this end we call upon our brethren who are acquainted in this matter, to furnish such testimony as would be to the point in regard to those things of which they may have personal knowledge, but to so far lose sight of our mission as to come down and meet all the inventions of their malignity we think not best. It is but a short time since a notable instance of this kind occurred. We refer to the wicked and malicious conspiracy formed against the Editor of the Advent Herald. It is true that Elder Himes gave his enemies an utter discomfiture; but what was the result upon the cause in which he was engaged? We think that it was exceedingly disastrous. His energies were expended in meeting the malicious attacks and wicked falsehoods of his foes. As a matter of course they were not expended in the work to which he professes to have been called. Spiritual death and darkness followed as a natural result. We think that the great object of our arch foe in stirring up his agents at the present time is to engage us in defending ourselves from their malice and scandal. Should we engage in such business, we conclude that little time would be left us for the work of God. And to engage in the refutation of scandal would be to disgrace the columns of the ADVENT REVIEW, and to sicken and disgust the hearts of the people of God. Moreover the character of the sheet which publishes to the world the folly and malice of its conductors is its own sufficient refutation. Those who are able to relish such food as its columns furnish, can have little taste for the word of God and the powers of the world to come. None who love or make a lie can injure the cause of God by separating themselves from it. Were we to engage in this work with these persons, as a matter of course, not only ourselves, but all the brethren interested in the REVIEW, would be drawn away from the work of God to an unprofitable controversy. But there is a better course for us, and by the grace of God we intend to steadfastly pursue it. Brethren, we entreat you to cleave to the work of God, and to leave to themselves those who would call you to another work. We have no other feeling toward them than that of pity; but if they will not serve God themselves, let us not suffer them to hinder us. "Dearly beloved avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath." We are charged with adopting another rule of faith than the Scriptures of truth. The columns of the ADVENT REVIEW, from the first volume until the present number, are a sufficient refutation of this charge. We do not deny the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but we regard them as designed only to lead men to the word of God. This has ever been our position, the malice of our enemies to the contrary notwithstanding. It remains that we say a word relative to Brother White. His faithfulness in attempting to correct the wayward and fanatical course of these men in the past, makes him now the special object of attack. It is with pleasure therefore that we here express our confidence in his integrity and uprightness. The course which he has pursued in the management of the ADVENT REVIEW, meets our decided approbation. We feel sure that those who have witnessed his untiring efforts to serve the cause of God, will not be moved by the calumnies of those who have not the fear of God before their eyes. As these disaffected individuals influence the minds of some honest persons by their slanderous falsehoods, we would say that if any brother or sister wishes an explanation of any of their statements they can obtain it by addressing the Publishing Committee. J. N. ANDREWS, R. F. COTTRELL, URIAH SMITH, Publishing Committee.