Note to Bro. Read by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 24, 1856

Note to Bro. Read.

By Editor

DEAR BROTHER:—Yours, in which you inquire whether we "will insert in the Review a reply" to our letters to you, was duly received, but not noticed sooner on account of sickness.

Should the Editor of the REVIEW answer, No, we will not insert a communication from your pen, you and others would doubtless regard him as sectarian, and the readers of the REVIEW would regard him rash in his decision; for who knows but a communication from you is just what is needed at this time.

But should he answer, Yes, we will publish your communication—a communication which he has not seen, and knows nothing of its spirit or sentiment—he would be regarded by every reflecting, candid reader of the REVIEW as totally unfit for his office. Who, in his sober senses, could expect a faithful, careful Editor to promise to publish articles which he has never seen, from men he has never seen? men too, who in his certain knowledge have recently advanced sentiments unscriptural, and in their nature destructive to the faith and sweet spirit of the Third Angel's Message!

It is true that we commenced publishing works on the Law, Atonement, and the Nature and Destiny of Man, before they were fully written; but it was with the understanding that the authors of these works should consult with each other in regard to the sentiments advanced.

But few realize the toil and perplexities of a religious Editor, especially one who stands in defense of unpopular Bible truth in these times of uneasiness, deception and treachery. Some have such views of "freedom," and "free investigation of all Bible questions," and of their rights in a religious periodical, that they would strip the Editor of that right of freedom as a man, a Christian, which Heaven gives him, and which his office should allow him. They make him the only slave to the opinions and dictates of other men, to be found in the free States. And should he refuse to publish unwritten articles, they would at once brand him as "Sectarian."

Eld. J. M. Stephenson, in his private letters especially, denounces the REVIEW in the most unsparing manner as "Sectarian." And why is this? Only fourteen months since he wrote to the REVIEW Office as follows: "My sympathies are all with the Review. It is that paper or none with me." See Vol. VI, No. 25. What has produced so great a change in so short a time? Has the REVIEW changed its course? Not at all. A statement of facts may throw light on this matter. Nearly one year since, Eld. S. wrote to the Office, asking if we would publish articles from him, (which we had never seen, and knew not as they were written) on unfulfilled prophecies touching the future age. We expressed our unwillingness to involve the REVIEW in a discussion of that subject, and at the same time referred Eld. S. to the Committee, stating that we would abide their decision. The Committee was not consulted in the matter. Our hesitating to say yes, was enough for Eld. S. to commence his unrighteous war on the REVIEW. Suppose all the patrons and correspondents of the REVIEW should entertain the same liberal(?) views of "Free investigation," and should come on with views not especially connected with the Third Message, which the Editor considered not "meat in due season," and should take a similar course to that pursued by Eld. S., how much freedom think you the poor editor would suppose himself in possession of after a few assaults? Poor soul! Heaven might pity him, though he might look in vain to his brethren for sympathy.

We love freedom, and shall plead for the oppressed editor, that he may now and then draw a long breath in the atmosphere of sweet freedom. And while we join with all candid, sober, reflecting minds, in repudiating the course of those who have raised the cry of "Sectarian," because things could not move off at once according to their notion, we say, Let the Editor be the choice of God and his church, then give him "elbow room," to act his part as God's free-man. If he becomes unfaithful, let the church see to it in a scriptural manner; but not in the least countenance the selfish course of those persons who are ready to inflame others with prejudice because they cannot get their selfish ends answered.

The REVIEW has never been open to debates. We have reviewed the writings of men which we have regarded as erroneous, giving both sides, and, probably, the REVIEW will pursue the same course. We would here call attention to the first editorial remarks, in the first number of the first volume of the ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD, published Nov., 1850:—

"To Our Readers.—The REVIEW AND HERALD is designed to be strictly confined to those important truths that belong to the present time. We hope to be able to send you this enlarged size of the paper quite often, containing a simple and clear exposition of those great and sanctifying truths embraced in the message of the third angel; viz., the "Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus." It is truly lamentable to see Second Advent papers, that once advocated the pure, naked and cutting truth, applicable to the time, now devoted to the discussion of questions foreign from the present truth, which cannot possibly benefit the dear saints that are perishing for spiritual food. Among other charges given to Timothy by the apostle Paul is the following: 'But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.' This we intend to do."

For every departure from this course marked out more than five years since, we are sorry. May God forgive. And had all who have undertaken to handle the Third Message during this time adhered to such a course, our trials (as a people) would have been less, and our numbers and graces would now be greatly increased.

Communications sent to the REVIEW Office are read, and either published, with or without remarks, or carefully preserved in the Office one year at least, unless called for. We shall be happy to hear from you, brother, and shall treat communications from you as above.

James White