LETTERS by S. W. Rhodes

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 22, 1861

LETTERS.

By S. W. Rhodes

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Bro. Rhodes.

THE reasons why I resign the commission given me by our Lord Jesus Christ, as published in the Review Vol. xvii, No. 5, are several. I will refer to a few of them. First, a discovery of a lack or deficiency on my part, of those qualifications indispensable necessary in order to execute the labor devolving upon the preacher of the gospel, while administering to the spiritual wants of the flock of God, to divine acceptance; viz., with all long suffering, with perfect patience, with moderation and carefulness, with weakness and wisdom, &c., all, yes, all in love. Admirable and lively graces indeed are such, speaking loudly, and preaching effectively to all who see them manifested in the labors of the servant of God.

I shall assign as a reason why these heavenly graces and Christian characteristics have not more fully appeared in my public labors, neglected duty, first, by my guardians in youth, and more especially by myself within a few years past. A large share of self-will, self-sufficiency, and independence of spirit from childhood, growing with my growth and strengthening with my strength, stood directly in my way, hindering me from submitting readily to the kind admonitions of a faithful God, ever ready and willing to rise up against rebukes, and to resist reproofs when given. Doubtless had I sought the Lord with all my heart for strength to overcome these carnal developments, grace would have been given, and evils stayed, and great good to myself and others would have been the result of ready submission to God in his kind admonitions. Though I had made confessions of wrongs, and supposed when I left for the West in 1857, I had done all my duty to the church in the acknowledgement I had made of past error, yet of late I have found painful evidences that the efforts made to correct wrongs, and wrong influences, were not sufficiently thorough to satisfy the displeasure of God, nor the demands of the reproofs, nor to bring to my own soul that joy and confidence in, and peace with, God, that flows from Christ to him who lives in close communion with the Saviour. The evidence is before me that thorough work has not been made in wiping out the stains, that error in judgment, spirit, and hastiness in moves, &c., have left on the garments of that church that should be without spot or wrinkle.

In consequence of neglected duty I have been left to labor in the dark, without the clear sunshine of God's counsel. Unaided by the Spirit, moving forward in the Lord's work not enjoying his approbation fully, leaves one exposed to the darts of Satan, liable to wound the cause of Christ, the hearts of God's people, and his own soul. This I have experienced to my present sorrow, but I trust future profit.

I wish to say right here while I feel somewhat the spirit of it, that my unfaithfulness and disobedience to the heavenly visions given to chasten and correct me, have especially perplexed and grieved Bro. and sister White, whom the Lord has doubtless called to bear a very straight testimony in the church, and lay the axe at the root of the tree. I realize that not only myself, but the church, has sustained a loss, and perhaps a great loss, through my neglect of duty to God, and my own failing to give close attention and early heed to the timely admonitions from heaven, given to purge the leaven of the old man not slain by the law of God. I acknowledge the justness of the Lord's ways towards me, and of the reproofs given from time to time through vision, and their fitness to my temperament, condition, and frame of mind. My naturally hurried spirit and impetuous nature have seemed to forbid my stopping to look these faithful warnings in the face, and to consider their just claims upon me. But at this late hour, disease (catarrh) in my head, and bronchial affection, together with much impaired mental faculties conspiring together, have forced me from my public labors. And as I review the past, I see to some extent how far short of the glory and honor of God I have come in my ministration to the church.

I weep, and in bitterness of soul, and would in luxury weep till the last heart's drop fills my eyes, if such repentance alone could heal up the wounds my wrongs have made. But tears alone will no more accomplish this work of healing than Joshua's weeping on his face to the earth, would purge Israel from Achan's sins. Confessions must be made to glorify God. I am astonished at my heedlessness, and careless manner of treating the divine revelations made for my personal benefit. I am astonished at the long-suffering of God, his patience and mercy toward such an unworthy and sinful worm of the dust. O, the infinite goodness, mercy and condescension of God in noticing a worm, even to correct his faults. I am grateful for the patience and forbearance of my brethren toward me in my lukewarmness, with my unyielding spirit, set ways, lack of courteousness and kindness, in short, a lack of almost everything good, lovely, and Christ-like. I trust the goodness of God is leading me to see and do my whole duty to my fellow-men. More in the future if the Lord will. Pray for me, ye who can, in faith, that I may have strength and wisdom from God to route and drive the spirit of darkness far away, and be clothed in a right mind and spirit at Jesus' feet.

Your brother in affliction.

S. W. RHODES.

Jan. 3, 1861.