All this time, however, we have felt that the whole church should, in some way, be given the facts concerning the controversy, as nearly as it is possible to get at them, we have also been convinced that if the controversy and division of sentiment continued until the majority of the church arrayed itself on one side or the other and that side carried the day, it would be with great disaster to the church, especially if this were done without giving to each the best possible opportunity of getting all the facts in the case. We have believed, and still believe, that the best and least disastrous way out of the difficulty is to come together in the spirit of Christians, talk and pray over the matter, and ask God to show us some way of compromise that would enable the two factions to continue to co-operate and work together in unity. Hence, we suggested the idea of a general and entirely nonpartisan convention. But, to our surprise and regret, the leaders of one side of the controversy have, up to this time, failed to manifest any desire for such a convention, or any willingness to co-operate with the convention should one be called, and, of course, a convention without the co-operation of both sides would be useless. It seems, therefore, that the Convention idea must be abandoned.

In order therefore that the church may get at the facts, the only way left is to open the paper to those directly involved in the trouble, on both sides, for a kindly Christian presentation of the facts as they see them, that our people may the more intelligently make up their minds as to what the truth is and act accordingly. Hence, in this issue will be found a short article from Bishop Barnaby on the question. And it will be understood that those engaging in the controversy will be expected to manifest a Christian spirit toward their brethren of the opposite view, and that they will cheerfully comply with the rules governing such controversy, We also trust that our readers will calmly, and as far as possible without prejudice, weigh what may be said on both sides and, when all is said, conscientiously make up their minds as to where the wrong is. The wise man says: "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him," and "He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out." Another was beautifully said: "Disagreement is re-freshing when two men lovingly desire to compare their views to find out truth.—Controversy is wretched when it is only an attempt to prove another wrong." Let us also remember, as another has said, "The evils of controversy are transitory, while its benefits are permanent."

Let us therefore be calm and Christlike. Let us write what we write on the question in the interests of truth and righteousness. Let us read what is written with a view of getting at the truth and then, as nearly as possible, make up our minds without prejudice, and let us all earnestly pray, not that our side may come out victorious, but that the right may prevail and the church be saved from division and disaster, for this, rather than that any man should be vindicated, or found guilty, is what every true United Brethren is working and praying for. Much better that a few men, even innocent men, go down than that the church be destroyed and the cause of the Master suffer.