Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

G. I. Butler to E. G. White, Jun. 20, 1886

G.I. Butler
to Ellen G. White
June 20, 1886

One other matter I will speak of, which makes me feel badly. I learned when upon the Coast by the inquiries of those who had attended the College at Healdsburg, of me, that there had been quite strenuous efforts made by brethren E.J. Waggoner and A.T. Jones to impress upon the minds of the theological students that the “added law” of Galatians 3 and the law which is “our Schoolmaster” to bring us to Christ is the moral law of the commandments. The same arguments are passing more or less occasionally through the SIGNS. Some of these students come to me to enquire about this and wanted my opinion. You cannot fail to remember that this question has been agitated largely in the past. MMM 18.1

I am positive that by far the largest number of our people and of our ministers hold the view that the “added law” added because of the transgression of the moral law is the typical remedial system pointing to Christ, and that law which is the main subject of discussion by the apostle in Galatians is the ceremonial law. MMM 18.2

Elder J.H. Waggoner was always much opposed to this view, and I judge the young brethren in the office share his sentiments. Your husband, Elder Smith, Canright, myself and many others have held this view. But some of us have felt we ought to keep rather quiet on this subject, seeing there was not unanimity of opinion on it by all our leading brethren. But when we learn that the opposite view held by the minority is being vigorously pushed in one of our colleges among our Bible students and published to the world in the SIGNS, I confess it does not please me very well. I have written Brother Jones about it and talked with Brother Brownsberger and E.R. Jones about it. They know this to be true and Professor Brownsberger regretted it much. I heard it intimated years ago that you had light concerning the added law, to the effect that it related to the remedial system rather than the moral law. I think this question ought in some way to be set at rest. It would be a most bitter pill to many of our leading brethren to be compelled to see the idea taught generally, that the law which was added because of transgression was the moral law itself. MMM 18.3

We believe that law to have always existed but that its transgression required another law to be added because of sin, viz., a remedy for sin. This brings in the law of types and shadows, leading to Christ.

Much love to you and the other dear friends.
(Signed) George I. Butler

P.S. I will add a few lines more, concerning Sr. Burnham and Bro. Cudney going to Australia and New Zealand. Bro. Corliss has earnestly plead for some help to assist in editing the BIBLE ECHO. He is the only minister in that important mission who is able to go out and lecture in tents or public places. Elder Israel is good help in managing and Bible and Colporteur work, but cannot go out to lecture. Now you can readily see that if Elder C. is obliged to look after all of the proofreading and other literary work of the paper, it will inevitably keep him from lecturing considerably. This will more be apparent after the numbers increase. MMM 19.1

Sr. Burnham is perfectly willing to go and look after much of the work on the paper if all are willing. I have felt loath to take a single step in this direction without consulting you. I think this has been referred to you, but I have as yet received no word from you, and heard nothing either. We shall act according to your wishes in the matter. But we should like to know your mind about it, if you are willing to let us know it. We should be loath to take Sr. Burnham away from you if you feel that you cannot spare her services. We think she could be useful there, and hardly know who could so well fill the place. It falls to some of us to provide help for these missions. We much desire to do this in the best way possible. Please tell us, Sr. White, whether you are willing we should send Sr. Burnham or not. MMM 19.2

There are a great many openings for labor there. Corliss wants us to send other help. What would you think of the propriety of Eld. E.W. Whitney going to Australia to help Corliss? Corliss wants him to come. He is his first choice for that field. He has rather killed his influence in New York. Would you think it a good move for him to go? But this need not be done before the General Conference, perhaps. MMM 19.3