William E (Part II)
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there is any definite counsel from the Lord. I feel sure that all would
accept it, including Brother and Sister E
.
“Personally, I feel very sorry for them both and have confidence
that they are trying to live right, and I wish to encourage them in every
way that is right. His past is so checkered and so widely known that we
fear to advise him to labor in the ministry, but the fact is he is doing it,
and the Lord apparently blesses his efforts. Shall we advise him to quit
preaching, or shall the Conference accept his labor and pay him for it?
If he labors he must be paid and then what about his credentials?
Sincerely
(Signed) C. F. McVagh
[230]
“Written at the request of the Alabama Conference Committee.”
On September 14, Elder White placed this letter in Mrs. White’s
hands, and on September 15, Elder White conveyed Mrs. White’s
counsel in the case to Elder McVagh. W. C. White’s letter is as
follows:
“Dear Brother McVagh: It is two or three weeks since I received
your letter of August 15, regarding the perplexity which has arisen in
the Alabama Conference over the case of William E
.
“Since our return from Southern California, Mother has been weak
and weary, and I did not place this letter in her hands until yesterday.
Then she read it all through, and when she recalled the sad experiences
through which Brother E has passed, she felt very sorry for him and
for our brethren whose hearts have been made sad through the past
years by his weak and wicked course
.
“Mother says that those who have dealt with the perplexities arising
from his many transgressions in the past should take the responsibility
of advising regarding our present duty toward him. Mother does not
wish to take large responsibility in this matter, but she says regarding
Elder E as she has said regarding other men in a somewhat similar
position, if they have thoroughly repented, if they are living such lives
as convince their brethren that they are thoroughly in earnest, do not
cut them off from fellowship, do not forbid their working for Christ in a
humble capacity, but do not elevate them to positions of responsibility
.