JUSTICE TO WHOM JUSTICE IS DUE.
By M. E. Cornell
IN Ohio and Michigan there has been a feeling with many that Bro. White’s reproof of Bro. R. F. C. was too sharp—that it was uncalled for; and I must confess that at first I had, to some extent, the same fears; but after visiting in several places in different States, and learning what a general distrust and fear of organization, had been caused by those articles of R. F. C.’s, I am perfectly satisfied that Bro. White’s remarks concerning them were just and proper. The Devil feared organization, and many were unconsciously leaning to his side of the question. Bro. White, after suffering for years from the want of order (bearing13burdens and suffering anguish of spirit, which is perhaps not yet appreciated, very cautiously and modestly introduced the subject for the consideration of the brethren. He simply asked that if any had objections to his suggestions, they should "write out a plan on which we as a people can act." How appropriate then for Bro. R. F. C., or any other one of our writers, to have suggested amendments, or to have written out an original plan to supply what he must have known was an absolute necessity. Under such circumstances how inappropriate and uncalled for were the articles in question. By them the feelings of opposition to organization already existing were kindled to a flame at once. When I have talked with them they have almost universally referred to those articles. While at Gilboa, Nov. 2 and 3, T. J. B. complained of the treatment Bro. C. had received, and vindicated his cause with as much zeal as if he was acquainted with all the circumstances, and had entered into a contract to defend that side of the question. I replied that I did not think that Bro. C. would thank him for any such defense. But it is said Bro. R. F. C. wrote in such a good spirit, and Bro. White used such sharpness. I answer, the circumstances are entirely different. Bro. White had occasion to use sharpness. The cause he loved, and for which he had suffered so much, had been wounded in the house of its friends. A spirit of rebellion had been kindled up against one of the most important steps ever taken in this great work. Bro. W. saw at once that such articles would do great damage, and therefore made decided efforts to counteract their influence. The load might have been more easy had more of the messengers been ready to put under a shoulder in so critical a moment. It was a desperate case, and required a repetition of the most effectual blows to save the cause. On the other hand, there was no occasion for even the mildest reproof. And of course where none was deserved none should be given. I am sorry for any that have suffered prejudice to blind their minds to that extent that they cannot see that entirely different circumstances govern the two cases. The fact that the articles under consideration were written in a mild style, is just what rendered them capable of doing the greater injury. Such a style is always the most deceptive, and with many it covers up what would otherwise be to them obnoxious sentiments. I fear that R. F. C. has never realized the extent of evil produced by those articles. Nearly all are now ready to acknowledge that organization is right, and the articles wrong. But still some few think Bro. White was too harsh. Let me say to such, I have good reasons for believing that if it had not been for the plain dealing and perseverance of Bro. W., the effort to organize would have been a failure. While about half, both of the messengers and lay brethren, stood opposed, or what was about as bad, stood non-committal, Bro. W. by God's help pushed the matter through; and we can all now rejoice in its complete success. That the machine works well, all agree. Why then find fault with the very means by which it was set in operation? This opposition to strait dealing in the church is alarming. Some still allow sympathy to sway their judgments, and their cry is, "Prophecy unto us smooth things." But if sharpness is wrong under any circumstances, of what use are the following scriptures: "Cry aloud, spare not," "Rebuke them sharply," "Rebuke with all authority," "If I come again I will not spare," "Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head," &c. Some are so afraid that some brother is going to have his head broke, that they get right in the way, and perchance get hit themselves. We cannot have a greater enemy than the man that would ward off well-deserved blows which are for our good. It is my enemy that would seek to destroy the "excellent oil" a friend wishes to pour on my head. Human sympathy in such cases is a disguised enemy. It was this same spirit of sympathizing with those who are justly rebuked, that caused so many angels to be turned out of heaven. All who sympathized with Satan partook of his sin, and consequently shared the same fate. Let all beware on this point. The Lord will have a straight testimony in the church. May we all be prepared for the tests before us by crucifying self, and praying for the "spirit of a sound mind."