The Korean Mission Field, August 1913.

Sent by Liam C.

AN EXPLANATION.

            Mr. Hollister of the Millenial Dawn Society states that we published “a slanderous statement ” relative to their association, "over Mr. Bonwick's signature without his permission." The article signed by Mr. Bonwick was a printed circular which he prepared at the request of the Tract Society committee, published over his name, and sent to every missionary. We with others received it, and as such printed circulars are considered public property, we reproduced it on the pages of the Field. Mr. Bonwick states to us that the only thing he would wish to change, was the expression “masquerading.” which he would not have used had he expected the letter to appear in the Field. He also states that he did not feel aggrieved at our publishing this paper or he would have notified us of the fact.

            Although Mr. Russell and his followers may not intend to “masquerade,” in the use of the various names under which they propagate their belief, they certainly are likely to mislead, as these names do not indicate in any way the wide difference in teaching. What we consider grave error, goes under names appropriate to accepted truth, and this is the pity of it and probably the reason for Mr. Bonwick expression.

            Mr. Bonwick’s statements we understand, were made on good authority, but Mr. Hollister sends a periodical in which it is asserted that Mr. Russell does not ignore the Holy Spirit in his teaching, and does acknowledge the existence of a kind of Hell. It is not easy to formulate a creed for these teachers, but what they plainly acknowledge and every where proclaim, as their belief about the nature and work of Christ, is enough to put us all on our guard. We are sorry Mr. Hollister feels aggrieved, and would be sorry to misrepresent him, but we are in duty bound to do all that we can to protect our sheep, as good under shepherds, hoping and praying meanwhile, that Mr. Hollister himself may come into clearer light.