p. 148 | EXPLANATION by John Harvey Waggoner

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 30, 1858

EXPLANATION.

By John Harvey Waggoner

It will be remembered by the readers of the REVIEW that a correspondence passed between Bro. Solomon Myers, of Plum River, Ills., and myself, in reference to some statements made by him in the Messenger relative to the "cause in the West." Having at that time no acquaintance with Bro. Myers, and no means of judging of the circumstances or motives that gave rise to his communications, I regarded him solely as the correspondent of a slanderous sheet, uttering statements which he could not sustain, and treated him accordingly. I am now satisfied that I judged him too harshly, inasmuch as the exceptionable matter and expressions in his letters, were taken from, what he believed to be, reliable authority. We rejoice to find that Bro. Myers is firm in the present truth, and that the misunderstanding which has so long existed will no longer prevent our cordial co-operation in the blessed Cause. We sincerely pity the honest-hearted ones who were so unfortunate as to be found in such "bad company" as the "Messenger" party, and hope they may all, like Brn. Phelps and Myers, come out decidedly, and free themselves from the influence of such a connection. That the position and feelings of Bro. M. may be understood, I take the liberty to publish the following extract from a letter received from him since my return home.

J. H. W.

“We are as willing as others have been, to acknowledge that we have been in bad company. It is a matter of deep regret to us that while we only supposed we were trying to correct wrongs and errors, by being thrown in connection with others, we have stood in the way of the spread of the truth, for which we are now willing to make all the amends we reasonably can.

“We trust you will also suffer us to say a few words to Bro. and sister White. Dear Bro. and sister, it is a cause of grief to us that we have added to your pangs and wounds, when we realize how many you have suffered to get the truth before an indifferent public, who are evidently not aware of the danger they are in; and we have no doubt your faithful, persevering labors will be rewarded at the coming of the Lord. Our short acquaintance with you and brother Waggoner has resulted in a strong attachment; such an attachment as we can form for none but those who we believe are earnestly striving to obtain an incorruptible inheritance. There is no doubt you know how to forgive.

“Suffer us to say to those brothers who have become disaffected and with whom we have been connected in a manner, we are now satisfied that there is great necessity that we all become united, that is, all Sabbath-keeping, Advent believers. Christ has but one body and if we are members we should be united with the body. Besides, our enemies, however much they may differ about other matters, unite to destroy those things which we esteem the most sacred truths, and they seem not to care what weapons they use. Any thing that comes to hand. And if, in their desperate efforts to teach that the fourth commandment is no longer of any practical force, they hit and wound each other, it is all taken in good part, however

much they may resent a difference of opinion on other subjects. Dear brethren suffer, then, an explanation in a few words: the effort to divide the flock has resulted in evil, and brought sadness and grief upon us. Let us then try to look over all small matters and become united in one body and labor for the salvation of men, by the spread of the truth. For nothing but the truth believed and obeyed can save. Our common enemy is strong and persevering; let us face him with an unbroken front; and we may expect great victory if we trust in Israel's God. For while we keep the ark in view, and obey the holy precepts that it contains, we need not fear an arm of flesh, though it be the arm of a giant.

“Your brother in tribulation and patience. SOLOMON MYERS.