Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

G. I. Butler to E. G. White, Dec. 16, 1886

Butler, G. I. to EGW
Dec. 16, 1886
[Selection begins within letter.]

Perhaps I may be allowed to speak of another matter which has caused me great sadness, though possibly you will not care to hear it. It is the course of the SIGNS concerning the Law in Galatians and its attack upon the position always held by all Adventists, on the two Kingdoms, for 40 years. I have written you on this subject heretofore, to which you have never made reply. Very likely you do not sympathize with what I have said. But I cannot see that I ought not to refer to this, on that account, I hope to do it with the Spirit of Christ and with no angry feelings. I am utterly unable to see that the course pursued in opening up this question after long years of leaving it quiet, in Healdsburg College and in public through the SIGNS, was the proper course. MMM 42.1

We have been waiting for years to hear from you on the subject, knowing that its agitation would end only in debate. I am perfectly willing our brethren should cherish their views on the subject, and claim the same privilege myself, till God shall speak. Then I propose to listen and if my views are condemned, I can at least close my mouth. But to usher this question to the world in the manner it has, knowing full well that the opposite view has been largely held, seems to me improper. What right have these brethren to publish to the world in our denominational pioneer paper, which represents to the world what are supposed to be the theological views of our people, views which are NOT held by a majority of them! Indeed, many of us supposed the body had taken a position on the other side. MMM 43.1

In the days of your husband, one of Elder Waggoner’s books, THE LAW OF GOD, which had long been in print, was no longer printed because of these positions on the Law in Galatians. Your husband endorsed other books and they were printed with his sanction endorsing opposite views by our leading publishing house. But I have not favored for years, the agitation of this subject because I knew a respectable minority of out brethren held opposite views. I naturally felt grieved when views which I cannot accept are published broadcast to the world in a paper I am asked to help circulate in every reasonable way. I that is a proper course under the circumstances, then I have no judgment fit for a movement (or moment), to be exercised in such a position as I have (or take). MMM 43.2

I felt constrained by my regard for truth, to present that view of the subject which seemed to me to be right. The view had never been presented at length in the form of an argument. I furnished it to our delegates and leading ministers. I thought it proper to do this in the very way directed by the testimonies, after 4 (or 7) long articles on the other side had been published to the world. With the exception of a few copies of the little pamphlet sent to a very few prominent ministers it has had no further circulation. MMM 43.3

Brother E.J. Waggoner came on, as E.R.J. wrote, loaded for the conflict. The theological committee was ordered, I was to act as chairman, but declined as I, being a party in the matter, might be supposed to favor one side. Elder Haskell was chosen as chairman and appointed the committee. It stood, four—Haskell, Whitney, Wilcox and Waggoner in favor of the SIGNS position—five, Smith, Can-right, Covert, J.H. Morrison and self opposed. We had an argument of several hours, but neither side was convinced. The question was whether we should take this into the Conference and have a big public fight over it or not. I could not advise it, for I thought it would be most unhappy and result only in heat and debate. MMM 43.4

I did advise and drew up preambles and resolutions bearing upon our public course in such matters. All but one of these you will see in the report of the Committee. These positions taken by the Committee, unanimously are such that they cannot be harmonized with (the) course pursued by the SIGNS. I reported one other resolution not endorsed by the Committee, which was not intended to be published, mentioning the course taken by the SIGNS, and very mildly censuring it. It stated simply this—that we could not see in the course pursued by the SIGNES, a harmony with the principles set forth in the preambles and resolutions reported by the Committee in regard to the Law in Galatians, and in regard to the Ten Kingdoms. MMM 43.5

I think, in justice, it ought to have been passed. But this was very distasteful to Bro. Haskell and some others, that even a word should be said implying that the SIGNS had made a mistake. They could usher in a controversy against well-established principles held and taught for years by this body, viz., that on disputed points and well-established positions, opposition should not be introduced until laid before our leading brethren, but a word must not be said about it in public. I did not crowd the matter and did not intend to. I asked Elder Haskell and the other brethren if they thought the course of the SIGNS was right in doing as they had in regard to the Law in Galatians, and out of the nine on the Committee, only E.J.W(aggoner) could be found to justify it. I said, “Then you admit the resolution is true, but are not willing to say so,” and they could not deny it. MMM 43.6

Everyone on the Committee had to admit that Elder Jones’ course in publicly attacking the position that the Huns were one of the Ten Kingdoms, the position held by all of our writers for forty years, published in all our books treating on the subject before it was laid before our leading brethren, we inconsistent. But of course it must not be said before our brethren. The course could be taken and spread before the world, which they had to admit was wrong, but it must not be even hinted at in public. I submitted to all this without complaint, for the sake of peace, after they were forced to admit all I claimed was true. MMM 44.1

One thing I think I ought to say. Brother E.J. Waggoner stated publicly before the Committee that the course taken in publishing as they had, was advised by Bro. W.C. White. Eld. A.T. Jones stated substantially the same in a letter concerning the publication of his views in the SIGNS. I feel, when I see some of my brethren like Bro. Haskell and other prominent brethren, for what seems to me, policy, sustain what they happen to be connected, whether right or wrong, a sadness I cannot express. Some of these things have pretty near taken the heart all out of me, and made me feel that the holding of office and bearing such heavy responsibilities Is more than I can endure. But I have tried to resist these feelings and cast all my cares on the Lord, and love my brethren. MMM 44.2

I cannot see these things to be right, however, whatever others may think. I think ere long however, the old hands like me will stand aside and let our young, impressible brethren take the field. I am sure I shall feel a great sense of relief in so doing, when Providence thus indicates. It would be a wonderful relief to me and my wife. She is in great distress to see me in such a vortex of cares. The young men are evidently coming to the front, and the old ones better give place. MMM 44.3

Do not think me stirred or excited, dear Sister. I never was cooler in my life. Sadness is the only thing I struggle against. I am utterly sick and tired of authority and responsibility for its own sake. But if my Lord wants me to bear It, I can, for His sake, and I trust I can keep my spirit sweet. I have great struggles with the old man. I want him to die, WHOLLY DIE. I am tired of policy. I want to be a kind, noble Christian, like our blessed Lord. Once in awhile I get so I can weep and it is such a relief from the settled sadness that comes over me. MMM 44.4

I have said very little of all this to anyone else. But it seems a relief to do it to a “MOTHER” who knows all about these things. I shall not be a baby, or a weakling, but with God’s help (be) brave and true to duty. All these clouds will clear away. MMM 44.5

I felt much touched by what you wrote of your experience in England, laboring for Bro, Wilcox and Sr. Thayer, etc. I knew you understand all these sad experiences far better than I do. It was all I could do to vote Bro. Wilcox to go back to MMM 44.6

[Selection ends here.] MMM 44.7