BRO. T. M. STEWARD by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1859

BRO. T. M. STEWARD.

By James White

This Brother, whose experience and labors have been in Wisconsin, was present at our Conference. We were glad to see him. The association of his name with Stephenson, Hall and others in the Messenger, which he had never confessed, placed him where he could not so freely unite with the Conference. However, at the sunrise meeting Second-day morning he made remarks satisfactory to all present, and to save time, read the following condensed statement of his feelings and views. Then Bro. Waggoner made remarks, and requested all who could receive Bro. Steward's confession, and extend fully to him the hand of sympathy and fellowship to rise; and the entire body present rose up. Here is Bro. Steward's statement. J. W.

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel under obligation to God for his goodness towards me. I can say with the Psalmist, "O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men."

Dear brethren and sisters, I have felt for a long time that I ought to make a confession to you generally. I do sincerely regret the association of my name with those connected with the Messenger party. And if I have injured your feelings by this, I now humbly ask your forgiveness. Although I never advocated the Messenger nor its doctrine, yet I do not lay any blame to any of you for looking up on me with suspicion. I was for a while influenced against the Review. But, thank the Lord, these feelings did not exist long, and my sympathies for the Review and its conductors began to increase, and increased more and more, until of late, or for one year past, I have felt that it would be a great relief for me to know that I had the sympathy of all the believers in the Third Angel's Message.

Dear brethren, this message has not lost its power with me. I feel that it is high time that we awake and pay our vows to God. I mourn over the course that was taken in Wisconsin touching the Messenger. I am satisfied that it grieved the Spirit. O how often I have asked God to forgive me that wrong; and I do praise his name, for I believe he has.

Now if any of you were grieved, (and I fear many were,) do now forgive my negligence in not removing this before. Be assured I feel in perfect sympathy with those engaged in the Third Angel's Message. I believe it to be the last message of mercy to the world. How important that we should be united in our labors. Yes I am ready to toil on, to suffer on, to sacrifice with you, dear brethren, until victory turns on Zion's side. May the Lord bless you, and speed on the Message with angel velocity till we all get home.

Dear brother and sister White, I have felt prejudiced against you, and said wrong things of you. I pray you to forgive me this wrong. Finally, brethren, I think I can say in sincerity of heart, I love you. Amen. T. M. STEWARD.