Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

W. C. White to C. H. Jones, Aug. 24, 1886

W. C. White
August 24, 1886
C. H. Jones
Dear Brother:

Your good letter of July 30 is at hand, and I have received from Dr. Waggoner his criticism of 100 Bible Facts. Suppose you know something of how the Canright tracts came into existence.... MMM 24.1

[Selection in letter follows on second page.] MMM 24.2

I am sorry that we are so unsettled on this law question. It is unfortunate to have our school teaching opposite views. I hope that a candid comparison of ideas will materially lessen the points of difference, some points in Bro. Canright’s book do not look reasonable to me, and many of Dr. W’s arguments have seemed to me to be reasonable; but there are many points on which I am not clear. I have tried to avoid taking any responsibility in the matter because I realized that I did not understand it. I do not remember of giving Dr. Waggoner any advice about publishing such a series of articles as are now going through the Signs. MMM 25.1

There is something about the added law on which mother has received light, but it has now passed from her mind. There was something in Eld. Waggoner’s position on this which she saw was incorrect. Our brethren may have used this fact to condemn much more than it really referred to. Mother has sent for her old manuscript in the hope of finding, or recalling what she has seen on this subject, but I do not know how the matter will come out. MMM 25.2

I think that Dr. Waggoner should be one of the delegates to the next General Conference. And I hope he will have wisdom to act with all modesty and discretion in maintaining and presenting his views. The present unfortunate position of his father will make it very easy for prejudice to arise and interfere with a candid hearing. Besides this I hear from some quarters that the firm business-like way in which you and I and Eld. Waggoner have maintained our position and advanced our opinion at the conference has given the impression that the California delegates are quite self-confident. The fact that we have been drought in contact with the dignitaries at Review and Herald may have given color to this impression. MMM 25.3

I am rather sorry for the Dr., for though it seems to me that he is right in the main, I can see that he is getting into a tight spot. I hope you will do what you can to help him. If he goes to the conference with the right spirit, he will both do good and get good, even although he may be misunderstood by some. If he goes to fight a battle of his own, no good will follow. [Selection ends here.] MMM 26.1