The Cause by Solomon Myers

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1864

The Cause.

By Solomon Myers

BRO. WHITE: By reading the article in Review No. 12, entitled "The Cause," I have concluded that it may be my duty to make a short explanation for the comfort and encouragement of those who have known my connection with the Messenger party, and also with Elder M. Hull, lest some may fear that I too may follow after the same example of unbelief, as I have often trembled for others.

When I connected myself with the Messenger party, I was laboring under the impression that the visions of Sr. White were a species of mental hallucination or fanaticism, and that they were the greatest impediment that the truth had to contend with. At the Koshkonong Conference they were stigmatized as being from the evil one, by persons that were acquainted with you and sister White. I here acknowledge that it sounded harsh and uncharitable, it did not sound like the voice of the good Shepherd; but my imperfect knowledge of you and the course you had pursued in the past, and the false reports that had been circulated left me in doubt and uncertainty, until the downward course of the prime movers of that scism opened my eyes to the dangers of being led by ambitious unsanctified men.

I found M. H. a preacher among the Age to Come people. He seemed to be sincere and to possess a good talent to elucidate his views and as I felt a great interest in the message it was but reasonable to use all laudable means to bring him to see the truth; we had frequent conversations on the subjects connected with the present truth. I also sent to the office for publications for him, and he acknowledged that they convinced him. I accordingly felt a great interest in his welfare, and you will remember how I pointed out to you his weaknesses, and requested you to take a parental care for his interest.

It was a great relief to my mind when he was removed to Battle Creek, as he would there have more of the watchcare of his preaching brethren, which it was evident, he so much needed. And had he made a suitable use of the care that was taken for him, and the admonitions given him, humbled himself in view of his own infirmities he doubtless would have become a pillar to the cause, and had many stars in his crown of rejoicing. He is greatly to be pitied and mourned for, and so are all who with the light that now shines from the sacred Scriptures, can be induced to slip their anchor and suffer themselves to drift without compass or helm on the fatal ocean of doubt, infidelity and spiritualism.

Now dear brethren if any of you that have formed a personal acquaintance with me, have ever felt uncertain what effect the apostasy of preachers that have been loved and cared for among us has upon me, I would say that it humbles me, gives many sad feelings, causes me to pity them greatly, but does not tarnish or bedim those precious truths that have led us to brave opposition, contempt, ridicule and sneers of professors of religion and the wicked multitude. It leads me to pray for more faith and grace that I may not be taken in the snares that the enemy may have set for me.

If we are to gain instruction from the past history of God's people, it is not to be expected that all that leave Egypt will enter the promised land; and every one that falls should be a warning to us, and lead us to close self-examination and cause us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

SOLOMON MYERS. Yankee Hollow, Feb. 21, 1864.