"Is it the Best they Have?"
By Editor
BRO. SMITH: A friend has called my attention to an editorial of yours in the Review of Aug. 2, with the above caption. On reading it, I thought it would be right in the sight of the Lord to state a fact or two, for the benefit of yourself and readers. First, The article of Prof. Whiting, published in the Voice of the Prophets, was called for by a friend who had some difficulty on the word Sabbath, as used in the texts quoted. Second, The re-publication, without note or comment, in the Voice, was by the request of a friend, who saw your reference to the article in the Review, in connection with your reply to Eld. Preble. This friend sent for the paper containing it, and if we could not send that, to give it in the Voice of the West. As a single copy of the paper was not at hand, my agent having care of the office in my absence published the article from the volume, of course without my knowledge. Thirdly, I have never seen or read your criticisms on Prof. W.'s article. With the above facts now before you, you will see that you have unwittingly placed me in a false light before your readers. I cannot think you will let this remain as it is, in view of one of the commandments hanging before you, and so I ask the insertion of this explanation, as a matter of common justice. I am yours in Christian bonds. Fentonville, Tent-meeting, Aug. 6, 1864. We cheerfully give the above note from Bro. Himes. It is a good explanation of how the article came to appear, both in the Voice of the Prophets and the Voice of the West. But shall we understand from this that had he been at home, the article would not have appeared in the Voice of the West, and that the view set forth in said article, namely, that no one is to judge us in relation to the Sabbath, because it has been blotted out and nailed to the cross, is not his view? We could wish that his note had been a little more definite on these points.