To the Brethren in Iowa.
By M. E. Cornell
I SEE by Bro. Snook's letter that there is talk of a conference at Marion of those who are disaffected, and that E. W. Shortridge is fellowshiped by them. I wish to say that I cannot have any fellowship for those who will join hands with such a man as E. W. S. has proved himself to be. There must be something wrong with those who have any desire to be in alliance with him. In business transactions, and in many other respects, he has proved himself unworthy of the confidence or fellowship of a Christian people. I wish to say that I am personally acquainted with nearly all those who were at the trial of E. W. S., and I have the utmost confidence in their decision. I have thought that perhaps justice had not been done to the cause of truth in not giving a full report of all the facts developed in the case. But I cannot believe that those who will take sides with E. W. S., and take his word against all who conducted that trial, are worthy of our fellowship. When Satan rebelled, all that sympathized with him were cast out with him. A spirit of rebellion, or murmuring, cannot be tolerated among God's people. See Num. xi, 1; xii; 1 Cor. x, 10, 11. I have no fears for the ark of God. Those who are not for us are against us. Let the lovers of truth and order stand in their places, and give no countenance to any spirit of rebellion. I do most earnestly exhort my old friends at Marion to beware what steps they take in this matter. How can you exchange those who have labored for you, and have ever proved themselves worthy of your confidence, for one who has no such claim? Most affectionately would I entreat of you to consider well, and inquire what spirit is leading you to cut loose from the tried and faithful in the best of all causes. When we have proved a people good, we should hold them fast. Let me ever be found on the side of the humble, tried people of God, for he is with them, and will be with them to the end.