Ministers, Order and Organization

Some ministers have fallen into the error that they cannot have liberty in speaking unless they raise their voices to a high pitch, and talk loud and fast. They should understand that noise, and loud, hurried speaking, are not evidence of the presence of the power of God. It is not the power of the voice that makes the lasting impression.T14 18.2

Ministers should be Bible students. They should thoroughly furnish themselves with the evidences of our faith and hope, and then, with full control of the voice and their feelings, present these evidences in such a manner that the people can calmly weigh them, and decide upon the evidences presented. And as ministers feel the force of the arguments they present in form of solemn, testing truth, they will not lack feeling, but will have zeal and earnestness according to knowledge. The Spirit of God will sanctify to their own souls the truths they present to others, and they will be watered while they themselves water others. I saw that some of our ministers do not understand how to preserve their strength so as to be able to perform the greatest amount of labor without exhausting it.T14 19.1

Ministers should not pray so loud, and long, as to exhaust the strength. It is not necessary to weary the throat and lungs in prayer. God's ear is ever open to hear the heart-felt petitions of his humble servants, and he does not require them to wear out the organs of speech in addressing him. It is the perfect trust, the firm reliance, the steady drawing upon the promises of God, the simple faith that he is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him, that prevails with God.T14 19.2

Ministers should discipline themselves, and learn how to perform the greatest amount of labor in the brief period allotted them, and yet preserve a good degree of strength, so that if an extra effort should be required, they may have a reserve of vital force, sufficient for the occasion, to draw upon, which they can employ without injuring themselves. Sometimes all the strength they have is needed to put forth effort at a given point, when, if they have previously exhausted their fund of strength, and cannot command the power to make this effort, all they have done is lost. At times all the mental and physical energies may be drawn upon to make the very strongest stand, to array evidences in the clearest light, and set them before the people in the most pointed manner, and urge them home by the strongest appeals.T14 19.3

As souls are about on the point of leaving the enemy's ranks, and are coming upon the Lord's side, the contest is the most severe, and close. Satan and his angels are unwilling to yield one of their men, who has served under his banner of darkness, to take their position under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel.T14 20.1

Opposing armies were presented before me who had endured a painful struggle in battle. The victory was gained by neither. At length the loyal realize that their strength and force is wearing away, and they are unable to silence their enemies unless they make a charge upon them, and obtain their instruments of warfare. It is then, at the risk of their lives, that they draw upon all their powers, and rush upon the foe. It is a fearful struggle; but victory is gained, the strongholds are taken. If at the critical period the army is so weak through exhaustion that it is impossible to make the last charge, and batter down the enemy's fortifications, the whole struggle of days, weeks, and even months, is lost, and many lives sacrificed, with nothing gained.T14 20.2

A similar work is before us. People are convinced that we have the truth, and yet they are held as with iron bands. They dare not risk the consequences of taking their position on the side of truth. Many are in the valley of decision, where special, close and pointed appeals are necessary to move them to lay down the weapons of their warfare, and take their position on the Lord's side. Just at this critical period, Satan throws the strongest bands around these souls. If the servants of God are at this period all exhausted, their fund of physical and mental strength expended, they think they can do no more, and frequently leave the field entirely, to commence operations in a new field. And all, or nearly all, the time, means and labor have been spent for naught. Yes, it is worse than if they never had commenced the work in that place, for the people, after they have been brought to the point of decision, have been deeply convicted by the Spirit of God, and are left to lose their interest, and decide against these evidences, cannot again be brought where their minds will be agitated upon the subject as easily as before. They have in many cases made their final decision.T14 21.1

If ministers would preserve a reserve force, and at the very point where everything seemed to move the hardest, then make the more earnest efforts, the strongest appeals, the closer applications, and, like valiant soldiers, at the critical moment make the charge upon the enemy, they would gain the victory. Souls would have strength to break the bands of Satan, and make their decisions for life everlasting.T14 21.2

Well-directed labor at the right time will make a long-tried effort successful, when to leave the labor even for a few days, will in many cases cause an entire failure. Ministers must give themselves as missionaries to the work, and learn how to make their efforts to the very best advantage.T14 22.1

I have been shown that some ministers at the very commencement of a series of meetings become very zealous, take on burdens which God does not require them to bear, exhaust their strength in singing, and in long, loud praying, and in loud talking, and then are worn out and must go home to rest. What was done in that effort? Literally nothing. They had spirit, zeal, a feeling, but lacked understanding. They manifested no wise generalship. They rode upon the chariot of feeling, and there was not one victory gained against the enemy. His stronghold was not taken.T14 22.2

I was shown that ministers of Jesus Christ should discipline themselves for the warfare. Greater wisdom is required in generalship in the work of God than is required of the generals engaged in national battles. Ministers of God's choosing are engaged in a great work. They are warring not merely against men, but Satan and his angels. Wise generalship is required here. They must become Bible students, give themselves wholly to the work, and when they commence labor in a place they should be able to give the reasons of our faith, not in a boisterous manner, not with a perfect storm, but with meekness and fear. The power which will convince, will be strong arguments presented in meekness and In the fear of God.T14 22.3

Able ministers of Jesus Christ are required for the work in these last days of peril. Able in word and doctrine, acquainted with the Scriptures, and understanding the reasons of our faith. I was directed to these scriptures, the meaning of which has not been realized by some ministers: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you, a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”T14 23.1

The man of God, the minister of Jesus Christ, is required to be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. A pompous minister, all dignity, is not needed for this good work. But decorum is necessary in the desk. A minister of Jesus Christ should not be regardless of his attitude. If he is the representative of Jesus Christ, his deportment, his attitude, his gestures, should be of that character which will not strike the beholder with disgust. The ministers of Christ should possess refinement. All uncouth manners, attitudes and gestures should be discarded, and they should encourage in themselves humble dignity of bearing. They should be clothed fitting the dignity of their position. Their speech should be in every respect solemn and well chosen.T14 23.2

I was shown that to make irreverent, coarse expressions, relate anecdotes to amuse, present illustrations that are comical to create a laugh, is all wrong. Sarcasm and playing upon the words of an opponent are all out of God's order. Ministers should not feel that they can make no improvement in voice or manners; much can be done. The voice can be cultivated so that quite lengthy speaking will not injure the speaking organs. Ministers should love order, and discipline themselves, and then they can successfully discipline the church of God and teach them to work harmoniously as a well-drilled company of soldiers.T14 24.1

If discipline and order is necessary for successful action on the battle field, the same order is as much more needful in the warfare in which we are engaged, to that degree that the object to be gained is of greater value and more elevated in character, than the warfare of opposing forces upon the battle field. In this conflict in which we are engaged, eternal consequences are at stake. Angels work harmoniously. Perfect order characterizes all their movements.T14 24.2

The more closely we imitate the harmony and order of the angelic host, the more successful will be the efforts of these heavenly agents in our behalf. If we see no necessity of harmonious action, and are disorderly, undisciplined and disorganized in our course of action, angels who are thoroughly organized, and move in perfect order, cannot work for us successfully. They turn away in grief, for they are not authorized to bless confusion, distraction and disorganization.T14 24.3

All who desire the co-operation of the heavenly messengers, must work in unison with them to the same end. If they have the unction from on high, their efforts will be to encourage order, discipline and union of action. Then can the angels of God co-operate with them. But never, never will these heavenly messengers place their endorsement upon irregularity, disorganization and disorder. All these evils are the result of the work of Satan to weaken our forces, and destroy courage, and successful action.T14 25.1

Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious action. He well knows that everything connected with Heaven is in perfect order. Subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Satan's studied efforts are to lead professed Christians just as far from Heaven's arrangement as he can. Therefore he deceives even the professed people of God, and makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to the spirituality of God's people; that the only safety for them is to each pursue his or her own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Christians who are united, and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action. All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, and are feared as popery, a restriction of right and liberty.T14 25.2

These deceived souls consider it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any man's say so. They are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan's especial work to lead men to feel that it is God's order for them to strike out for themselves, and choose their own course, independent of their brethren.T14 25.3

I was pointed to the children of Israel. Very soon after leaving Egypt they were organized and most thoroughly disciplined. God had in his special providence qualified Moses to stand at the head of the armies of Israel. He had been a mighty warrior to lead the armies of the Egyptians in their warfares. His generalship could not be surpassed by any man.T14 26.1

The Lord designated a special family of the tribe of the Levites to bear the sacred ark. He did not leave his holy tabernacle to be borne indiscriminately by any tribe who might choose. He was so particular as to specify the order he would have observed in bearing the sacred ark. When it was for the good of the people, and for the glory of God that they should pitch their tents in a certain place, God signified his will to them by the pillar of cloud resting directly over the tabernacle, and there it remained until he would have them journey again.T14 26.2

In all their journeyings they were required to observe perfect order. Every tribe bore a standard with the sign of their father's house upon it. And every tribe was required to pitch under their own standard. And when the ark moved, the armies journeyed, the different tribes marching in order, under their own standards. The Levites were designated by the Lord as the tribe in the midst of whom he placed the sacred ark to be borne by them, Moses and Aaron marching just in front of the ark. The sons of Aaron were to march near them, each bearing trumpets. They were to receive directions from Moses, which they were to signify to the people by speaking through these trumpets. These trumpets gave special sounds which the people understood, and directed their movements accordingly.T14 26.3

A special signal was first given by the trumpeters to call the attention of the people. Then all were to be attentive and obey the certain sound of the trumpets. There was no confusion of sound in the voices of the trumpets, therefore there was no excuse for confusion in movements. The head officer over each company gave definite directions in regard to the movements they were required to make. None who gave attention were left in ignorance of what they were required to do. If any failed to comply with the requirements God gave to Moses, and Moses to the people, they were punished with death. They had no excuse to offer that they knew not the nature of these requirements, for they would only prove themselves willingly ignorant, and would receive the just punishment for their transgression. If they did not know the will of God concerning them, it was their own fault. They had all the benefits of the knowledge imparted that others of the people had, therefore the sin of not knowing, not understanding, when they had all the opportunity, was in the sight of God regarded the same as if they did hear, and then transgressed.T14 27.1

The Lord designated a special family of the tribe of Levi to bear the ark. And the Levites were to bear the tabernacle and all its furniture. These were specially appointed of God to engage in the work of setting up and taking down the tabernacle. And if any man from curiosity, or from lack of order, got out of his place, and touched any part of the sanctuary, or furniture, or even came nigh any of the workmen, they should be put to death. God did not leave his holy tabernacle to be borne, and erected, and taken down, indiscriminately, by any tribe who might choose the office. Proper persons were chosen to the office who could appreciate the sacredness of the work in which they were engaged. And these men appointed of God were directed to impress upon the people the especial sacredness of the ark and all that appertained thereunto, lest they should look upon these things without realizing their holiness, and should be cut off from Israel. All things pertaining to the most holy were to be looked upon with reverence.T14 27.2

The travels of the children of Israel are faithfully described. Also the deliverance God wrought for them, their perfect organization and special order, their sin in murmuring against Moses, and thus against God, their transgressions, their rebellions, their punishments, their carcasses strewn in the wilderness, because of their unwillingness to submit to God's wise arrangements. This faithful picture is hung up before us, as a warning to show their example of disobedience lest we fall like them.T14 28.1

“But with many of them God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters as were some of them; as it is written: The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents, Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.”T14 28.2

Has God changed from a God of order? No, he is the same God in the present dispensation as in the former. Paul says, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” He is as particular now as then. And he designs that we should learn lessons of order and organization from the perfect order he instituted in the days of Moses, for the benefit of the children of Israel.T14 29.1

I will now resume the sketch of incidents, and perhaps I cannot better give an idea of our labors up to the Vermont meeting than by copying a letter which I wrote to our son at Battle Creek, Dec. 27, 1867.T14 29.2

“My Dear Son Edson: I am now seated at the desk of Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, at West Enosburgh, Vt. After our meeting had closed at Topsham, Me., I was exceedingly weary. While packing my trunk, I nearly fainted from weariness. The last work I did there, was to call Bro. Howland's family together, and have a special interview with them. I spoke to this dear family, giving words of exhortation and comfort, and of correction and counsel to one connected with the family. All I said, was fully received, followed by confession, weeping, and great relief to Bro. and Sr. Howland. This is crossing work for me, and wears me much.T14 29.3

“After we were seated in the cars, I lay down, and rested about one hour. We had an appointment that evening at Westbrook, Me., to meet the brethren from Portland and the region round about. We made our home with the kind family of Bro. Martin. I was not able to sit up during the afternoon. Being urged to attend the meeting in the evening, I went to the school-house, feeling that I had not strength to stand and address the people. The house was filled with deeply-interested listeners.T14 30.1

“Bro. Andrews opened the meeting, and spoke a short time; your father followed him with remarks. I arose, and had spoken but a few words, when I felt my strength renewed. All my feebleness seemed to leave me. I spoke about one hour with perfect freedom. I felt inexpressible gratitude for this help from God at the very time I so much needed it. I also spoke to the people, Wednesday evening, nearly two hours, upon the health and dress reforms, with freedom. To have my strength so unexpectedly renewed, when I had felt completely exhausted before these two meetings, has been a matter of great encouragement to me.T14 30.2

“We enjoyed our visit with the family of Bro. Martin, and we hope to see their dear children giving their hearts to Christ, and with their parents war the Christian warfare, and wear the crown of immortality when the victory shall be gained.T14 30.3

“Thursday, we went into Portland again, and took dinner with the family of Bro. Gowell. We had a special interview with them, which we hope will result in good to them. We feel a deep interest for the wife of Bro. Gowell. This mother's heart has been torn by seeing her children in affliction and in death, and lain in the silent grave. It is well with the sleepers. May the mother yet seek all the truth, and lay up a treasure in Heaven, that, when the Life-giver shall come to bring the captives from the great prison-house of death, father, mother, and children may meet, and the broken links of the family chain may be re-united, no more to be severed.T14 30.4

“Bro. Gowell took us to the cars in his carriage. We had just time to get on the train before it started. We rode five hours, and found Bro. A. W. Smith at the Manchester depot, waiting to take us to his home in that city. Here we expected to find rest one night; but, lo! quite a number were waiting to receive us. They had come nine miles from Amherst to spend the evening with us. We had a very pleasant interview, profitable, we hope, to all. Retired about ten. Early next morning, we left the comfortable, hospitable home of Bro. Smith, to pursue our journey to Washington. It was a slow, tedious route. We stepped off the cars at Hillsborough, and found a team waiting to take us twelve miles to Washington. Bro. Colby had a sleigh and blankets, and we rode quite comfortably, until within a few miles. There was not snow enough to make good sleighing. The wind arose when within two miles, and blew the falling sleet in our faces and eyes, producing pain, and chilling us almost to freezing. We were brought under shelter at last at the good home of Bro. C. K. Farnsworth. They did everything they could for our comfort, and everything was arranged so that we could rest as much as possible. That was but little, I can assure you.T14 31.1

“Sabbath, your father spoke in the forenoon, and, after an intermission of about twenty minutes, I spoke, bearing a testimony of reproof for several who were using tobacco, also to Bro. Ball, who had been strengthening the hands of our enemies against us, holding the visions up to ridicule, publishing bitter things against us in the Crisis, from Boston, and the Hope of Israel, the paper issued from Iowa.T14 32.1

“The meeting for the evening was appointed at Bro. Farnsworth's. The church was present, and your father there requested Bro. Ball to state his objections to the visions and give an opportunity to answer them. Thus the evening was spent, and Bro. Ball manifested much stiffness and opposition. Some things he admitted himself satisfied upon, but held his position quite firmly. Bro. Andrews and your father talked plainly, explaining matters which he had misunderstood, and condemning his unrighteous course toward the Sabbath-keeping Adventists. We all felt that we had done the best we could that day, to weaken the forces of the enemy. Our meeting held until past ten.T14 32.2

“The next morning, we attended meetings again in the meeting-house. Your father spoke in the morning. But just before he spoke, the enemy tried what he could do by making a poor, weak brother feel that he had a most astonishing burden for the church. He walked the slip back and forth, talked, and groaned, and cried, and had a terrible something upon him, which nobody seemed to understand. We were trying to bring those who professed the truth to see their state of dreadful darkness and backsliding before God, and to make humble confessions of the same, thus returning unto the Lord with sincere repentance, that he might return unto them, and heal their backslidings. Satan sought to hinder the work by pushing in this poor, distracted soul, to disgust those who wished to move understandingly. I arose, and bore a plain testimony to this man. He had taken no food for two days, and Satan had deceived him, and pushed him over the mark.T14 32.3

“Then your father preached. We had a few moments intermission, and then I tried to speak upon the health and dress reforms, and bore a plain testimony to individuals for standing in the way of the young and of unbelievers. God helped me to say plain things to Bro. Ball, and to tell him in the name of the Lord what he had been doing. He was affected considerably.T14 33.1

“Again we held evening meeting at Bro. Farnsworth's. It was a stormy time during the meetings, yet Bro. Ball did not remain away from one meeting. The same subject was resumed, the investigation of the course he had pursued. If ever the Lord helped a man talk, he helped Bro. Andrews that night. He dwelt upon the subject of suffering for Christ's sake. The case of Moses was mentioned, who refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of reward. He showed that this is one of many instances where the reproach of Christ was esteemed above worldly riches and honor, high-sounding titles, a prospective crown and the glory of a kingdom. The eye of faith fixed upon the glorious future, the recompense of the reward was regarded of such value as to cause the richest things which earth can offer to appear valueless, and mockings, scourgings, bonds, and imprisonments, to be stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, wandering about in sheep skins and goat skins, destitute, afflicted, tormented, they could call light affliction, sustained by hope and faith, while the future, the eternal life, appeared of so great value that the sufferings endured they accounted small in comparison with the recompense of the reward.T14 33.2

“Bro. Andrews related an instance of a faithful Christian about to suffer martyrdom for his faith. A brother Christian had been conversing with him in regard to the power of the Christian hope; if it would be strong enough to sustain him while his flesh should be consuming with fire. He asked this Christian, about to suffer, to give him a signal, if the Christian faith and hope were stronger than the raging, consuming fire. He expected his turn to come next, and this would fortify him for the fire. The devoted Christian promised that the signal should be given. He was brought to the stake amid taunts and jeers of the crowd of the idle and curious who had assembled to witness the burning of this Christian. The fagots were brought, and the fire kindled, and the brother Christian fixed his eyes upon his suffering, dying brother, feeling that much depended upon the signal. The fire burned, and burned. The flesh was blackened; but the signal came not. His eye was not taken for a moment from the painful sight. The arms were already crisped. There was no appearance of life. All thought that the fire had done its work, and that no life remained; when, lo! amid the flames, up went both arms toward Heaven. The brother Christian, whose heart was becoming faint, caught sight of the joyful signal, which sent a thrill through his whole being, and renewed his hope, his courage, his faith. He wept tears of joy.T14 34.1

“And as Bro. Andrews spoke of the blackened, burned arms being raised aloft amid the flames, he, too, wept like a child. Nearly the whole congregation were affected to tears. This meeting closed about ten. I should have said there was quite a breaking away of the clouds of darkness in this meeting. Bro. Hemingway arose and said he had been all backslidden, using tobacco, opposing the visions, and persecuting his wife for believing them, but said he would do so no more. He asked her forgiveness, and the forgiveness of us all. His wife spoke with feeling. His daughter and several others rose for prayers. He stated that the testimony that Sr. White had borne he would never dare to oppose again, for it seemed to come direct from the throne.T14 35.1

“Bro. Ball then said that if matters were as we viewed them his case was very bad. He said he knew he had been backslidden for years, God stood in the way of the young. We thanked God for that admission. We designed to leave early Monday morning, and had an appointment at Braintree, Vt., to meet about thirty Sabbath-keepers. But it was very cold, rough, blustering weather to ride twenty-five miles after such constant labor. We finally decided to hold on, and continue the work in Washington until Bro. Ball decided either for or against the truth, that the church might be released in his case.T14 35.2

“Meeting commenced Monday at ten A. M. Brn. Rodman and Howard were present. Bro. Newell Mead who was very feeble and nervous, almost exactly like your father in his past sickness, was sent for to attend the meeting. Again the condition of the church was dwelt upon, and the severest censure was passed upon those who had stood in the way of the prosperity of the church. With the most earnest entreaties we plead with them to be converted to God, and face right about. The Lord aided us in the work. Bro. Ball felt, but moved slowly. His wife felt deeply for him. Our morning meeting closed at three or four. All these hours we had been engaged in earnest labor, first one of us, then another, filling up the time earnestly laboring for the unconverted youth. We appointed another meeting for the evening to commence at six.T14 36.1

“Just before going into the meeting, I had a revival of some interesting scenes which had passed before me in vision, and I spoke to Bro. Andrews, Rodman, Howard, Mead and several others who were present. It seemed to me that the angels were making a rift in the cloud, and letting the beams of light from heaven in. The subject that was presented so strikingly, was the case of Moses. I exclaimed ‘Oh! that I had the skill of an artist, that I might picture the scene of Moses upon the mount.’ His strength was firm. ‘Unabated,’ is the language of the Scripture. His eye was not dimmed through age, and he was upon that mount to die. The angels buried him, but the Son of God soon came down and raised him from the dead and took him to Heaven. But God first gave him a view of the land of promise, with his blessing upon it. It was as it were a second Eden. As a panorama this passed before his vision. He was shown the appearing of Christ at his first advent, his being rejected by the Jewish nation, and at last suffering upon the cross. Moses then saw Christ's Second Advent and the resurrection of the just. I also spoke of the meeting of the two Adams—Adam the first, and Christ the second Adam—when Eden shall bloom on earth again. The particulars of these interesting points I design to write out for Test. No. 14. The brethren wished me to repeat the same in the evening meeting. Our meeting through the day had been most solemn. I had such a burden upon me Sunday evening I had wept aloud for about half an hour.T14 36.2

“Monday, solemn appeals had been made and the Lord was sending them home. I went into meeting Tuesday evening a little lighter. I spoke an hour with great freedom upon subjects I had seen in vision which I have hinted at.T14 37.1

“Our meeting was very free. Bro. Howard wept like a child, as did also Bro. Rodman. Bro. Andrews talked in an earnest, touching manner, with weeping. Bro. Ball arose and said that there seemed to be two spirits about him that evening, one saying to him, Can you doubt that this testimony from Sr. White is of Heaven? Another spirit would present before his mind the objections he had opened before the enemies of our faith. ‘Oh! if I could feel satisfied,’ said he, ‘in regard to all these objections, if they could be removed, I should feel that I had done Sr. White a great injury. I have recently sent a piece to the Hope of Israel. If I had that piece what would I not give.’T14 37.2

He felt deeply. He wept much. The spirit of the Lord was in the meeting. Angels seemed drawing very near, driving back the evil angels. Minister and people wept like children. We felt that we had gained ground, and that the powers of darkness had given back. Our meeting closed well. We appointed still another for the next day commencing at ten A. M. I spoke upon the humiliation and glorification of Christ. Bro. Ball sat near me, and wept all the time I was talking. I spoke about an hour, then our labors commenced for the youth.T14 38.1

“Parents had come to the meeting bringing their children with them to receive the blessing. Bro. Ball arose and made humble confession that he had not lived as he should before his family. He confessed to his children and to his wife for being in such a backslidden state; that he had been no help to them, but rather a hindrance. Tears flowed freely from his eyes. His strong frame shook, and his sobs choked his utterance.T14 38.2

“Bro. Jas. Farnsworth had been influenced by Bro. Ball, and had not been in full union with the Sabbath-keeping Adventists. He confessed with tears. Then we began to entreat the children. We plead with them earnestly until thirteen arose and expressed their desire to be Christians. Bro. Ball's children were among the number. One or two had left the meeting, being obliged to return home. One young man walked forty miles to see us and hear the truth. He had never professed religion. He was about twenty years old. He took his stand on the Lord's side before he left. This was one of the very best of meetings. After it closed Bro. Ball came to your father and confessed with tears that he had wronged him, and entreated his forgiveness. He next came to me, and confessed that he had done me a great injury. ‘Can you forgive me, and pray God to forgive me?’ We assured him we would forgive him as freely as we hoped to be forgiven. We parted with all with many tears, feeling the blessing of Heaven resting upon us. We had no meeting in the evening.T14 38.3

“We arose Thursday morning at four. It was raining, and had rained through the night, yet we ventured to start in the rain to ride to Bellows’ Falls, twenty-five miles. The first hour miles was exceedingly rough, through fields in a private track to escape steep hills. We rode over stones, and plowed ground, nearly throwing us out of the sleigh. About sunrise it cleared away and we had very good sleighing when we reached the public road. We never had a more beautiful day to travel. It was very mild. We found after arriving at Bellows’ Falls that we were one hour too late for the express train, and one hour too early for the accommodation train. We could not get to St. Albans until nine in the evening. We took seats in a nice car, then took our dinner, and we all three enjoyed our simple fare. We then prepared to sleep if we could.T14 39.1

“While I was sleeping some one shook my shoulder quite vigorously. I looked up and saw a pleasant-looking lady bending over me. Said she, ‘Don't you know me? I am Sr. Chase. The cars are at White River. Stop only a few moments. I live just by here, and have come down every day this week and been through the cars to meet you.’ I then remembered that I took dinner at her house at Newport. She was so glad to see us. Her mother and herself keep the Sabbath alone. Her husband is conductor on the cars. She talked fast. Said she prized the Review so much. She had no meeting to attend. She wanted books to distribute to her neighbors, but had to earn all the money herself which she expended for books or for the paper. We had a profitable interview, although short, for the cars started, and we had to separate.T14 39.2

“At St. Albans, we found Brn. A. C. Bourdeau and Gould. Bro. B. had a convenient covered carriage and two horses, but he drove very slowly, and we did not reach Enosburgh until past one in the morning. We were weary and chilled. We lay down to rest a little after two, and slept until after seven.T14 40.1

“Sabbath morning. There is quite a large gathering here although the roads are bad, neither sleighing nor good wagoning. I have just been in meeting, and occupied a little time in conference. Your father speaks this morning, I in the afternoon. May the Lord help us is our prayer. You see how large a letter I have written you. Read this to those who are interested, especially to father and mother White. You see, Edson, that we have work enough to do. I hope you do not neglect to pray for us. Your father works hard, too hard for his good. He sometimes realizes the special blessing of God. This renews him and cheers him in the work. We have allowed ourselves no rest since we came East. We have labored with all our strength. May our feeble efforts be blessed to the good of God's dear people.T14 40.2

“Edson, I hope you will adorn your profession by a well-ordered life, and godly conversation. Oh, be earnest! be zealous and persevering in the work. Watch unto prayer. Cultivate humility, and meekness. This will meet the approval of God. Hide yourself in Jesus. Let self-love, and self-pride be sacrificed, and you, my son, be fitting with a rich Christian experience, to be of use for any position that God may require you to occupy. Seek for thorough heart work. A surface work will not stand the test of the judgment. Seek for thorough transformation from the world. Let not your hands be stained, your heart spotted, your character sullied by its corruptions. Keep distinct. God calls, ‘Come out from among them and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty.’ ‘Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.’”T14 41.1

The work rests upon us to perfect holiness. When God sees us doing all we can on our part, then will he help us. Angels will aid us, and we shall be strong through Christ strengthening us. Do not neglect secret prayer. Pray for yourself. Grow in grace. Advance. Don't stand still. Don't go back. Onward to victory. Courage in the Lord, my dear boy. Battle the great adversary only a little longer, and then release will come, and the armor will be laid off at the feet of our dear Redeemer. Press through every obstacle. If the future looks somewhat clouded, hope on, believe on. The clouds will disappear, and light again shine. Praise God, my heart says, praise God for what he has done for you, for your father, and for myself. Commence the new year right.T14 41.2

Your mother.
E. G. W.”

The meeting at West Enosburgh, Vt., was one of deep interest. It seemed good to again meet with, and speak to, our old, tried friends in this State. A great and good work was done in a short time. These friends, though generally poor, and toiling for the comforts of life where one dollar is earned with more labor than two in the West, were liberal with us. Many particulars of this meeting have been given in the Review, and want of room in these pages alone seems to forbid their repetition. The brethren in no other State have been truer to the cause than in old Vermont.T14 42.1

On our way from Enosburgh, Vt., we stopped for the night with the family of Bro. Wm. White. Bro. C. A. White, his son, introduced to us the matter of his Combined Patent Washer and Wringer, and wished counsel. As I had written against our people engaging in patent rights, he wished to know just how I viewed his patent. I freely told him what I did not mean in what I had written, and also what I did mean.T14 42.2

I did not mean that it was wrong to have anything to do with patent rights, for this was almost impossible, as very many things with which we have to do daily are patented. Neither did I wish to convey the idea that it was wrong to get patented, manufactured, and sell any article worthy of being patented.T14 42.3

I did mean to be understood that it was wrong and a sin for our people to suffer themselves to be so imposed upon, deceived and cheated, by those men who go about the country selling the right of territory of this or that machine or article. Many of these are of no value, as they are no real improvement. And to secure the sale of them, a class of deceivers, with few exceptions, are engaged in their sale.T14 43.1

And, again, some of our people have engaged in the sale of patented wares which they had reason to believe were not what they represented them to be. Why so many of our people, some of them after being fully warned, will still suffer themselves to be deceived by the false statements of these venders of patent rights, has seemed astonishing. Some of these patents are worthy, and a few have made well on them. But it is my opinion that where $1 has been gained, $100 have been lost. No reliance whatever can be placed on these patent-right pledges. And the fact that those engaged in them are, with few exceptions, downright deceivers and liars, makes it hard for an honest man, who has a worthy article, to receive that credit and patronage due him.T14 43.2

Bro. White exhibited his Combined Washer and Wringer before the company, including the Brn. Bourdeau, Andrews, husband and self, and we could but look with favor upon it. He has since made us a present of one, which Bro. Corless from Maine, our hired man, in a few moments put together and in running order. Sister Burgess, from Gratiot County, our hired girl, is very much pleased with it.T14 43.3

It does the work well, and very fast. Feeble women, who have a son or husband to work this machine, can do a large washing in a few hours, and they do but little more than oversee the work. Bro. White sent circulars, which any can have by addressing us, enclosing postage.T14 44.1

Our next labor was at Adams Center, N. Y. The gathering at this meeting was large. There were several persons in and around this place whose cases had been shown me, for whom I felt the deepest interest. They were men of moral worth. Some were in positions in life which made the cross of the present truth heavy to bear, or, at least, they thought so. Others who had reached the middle age of life, and had been brought up from childhood to keep the Sabbath, but had not borne the cross of Christ, were in a position where it seemed hard to move them. These needed to be shaken from relying on their good works, and to feel their lost condition without Christ. We could not give up these souls, and labored with our might to help them. They were at last moved, and I have been made glad to hear from some of them, and good news respecting all of them. We hope the love of this world will not shut the love of God out of their hearts. God is converting strong men of wealth into the ranks. If they would prosper in the Christian life, grow in grace, and at last reap a rich reward, they will have to use of their abundance to advance the cause of truth.T14 44.2

From Adams Center we came to Rochester, and stayed a few days, and from thence to Battle Creek, where we spent Sabbath and first-day, and from thence to our home, where we spent the next Sabbath and first-day with the brethren who assembled from different places.T14 44.3

My husband had taken hold of the book matter at Battle Creek, and a noble example had been set by that church. He brought the matter of placing in the hands of all who were not able to purchase, such works as Spiritual Gifts, Appeal to Mothers, How to Live, Appeal to Youth, Sabbath Readings, and the Charts, with key of explanation, before the meeting at Fairplains, which met with general approval. But of this important work, I will speak in another place.T14 45.1

The next Sabbath we met with the Orleans church, where my husband introduced the case of our much-lamented sister, Hannah More. When Bro. Amadon visited us last summer he stated that Sister More had been at Battle Creek; that not finding employment there, had gone to Leelanaw Co. to find a home with an old friend who had been a fellow-laborer in missionary fields in Central Africa. My husband and myself felt grieved that this dear servant of Christ found it necessary to deprive herself of the society of those of like faith, and decided to send for her to come and find a home with us. We wrote to her that if she would accept a home with us, to meet us at our appointment at Wright, and come home with us. She did not meet us at Wright. I here give her response to our letter, dated August 29, 1867, which we received at Battle Creek:T14 45.2

“Bro. White: Your kind communication reached me by this week's mail. As the mail comes here only once a week, and is to leave tomorrow, I hasten to reply. We are here in the bush, as it were, and an Indian carries the mail Fridays on foot and returns Tuesdays. I have consulted Bro. Thompson as to the route, and he says my best and surest way will be to take a boat from here and go to Milwaukee, and thence to Grand Haven.T14 45.3

“As I spent all my money in coming here, and was invited to have a home in Bro. Thompson's family. I have been assisting Sr. Thompson in her domestic affairs and sewing, at one dollar and fifty cts. per week, of five days each, as they do not wish me to work for them on Sunday, and I do not work on the Sabbath of the Lord, the only one the Bible recognizes. They are not at all anxious to have me leave them, notwithstanding our difference of belief; and he says I may have a home with them, only I must not make my belief prominent among his people. He has even invited me to fill his appointments when on his preaching tour, and I have done so. Sr. Thompson needs a governess for her children, as the influences are so very pernicious, outside, and the schools so vicious she is not willing to send her dear ones among them until they are Christians, as she says. Their eldest son, today sixteen years of age, is a pious and devoted young man. They have partially adopted the health reform and I think will fully come into it ere long, and like it. He has ordered the Health Reformer. I showed him some copies I brought.T14 46.1

“I hope and pray he may yet embrace the holy Sabbath. Sr. Thompson does believe in it already. He is wonderfully set in his own ways, and of course thinks he is right. Could I only get him to read the books I brought, the History of the Sabbath, &c., but he looks at them and calls them infidel, and says they seem to him to carry error in their front, when, if they would only read carefully each sentiment of our tenets, I can but think they would embrace them as Bible truths, and see their beauty and consistency. I doubt not but that Sr. T. would be glad to immediately become a Seventh-day Adventist were it not that her husband is so bitterly opposed to any such thing. It was impressed upon my mind that I had a work to do here, before I came here, but the truth is present in the family, and if I can carry it no farther, it would seem my work is done, or nearly so. I do not feel like being ashamed of Christ, or his, in this wicked generation, and had much rather cast in my lot with Sabbath-keepers, and God's chosen people.T14 46.2

“I shall need ten dollars at least to get to Greenville. That, with the little I have earned, might be sufficient. But now I will wait for you to write me, and do what you think best about forwarding me the money. In the spring I would have enough to go, myself, and think I should like to do so. May the Lord guide and bless us in our every undertaking, is the ardent desire of my heart. And may I fill that very position my God allots for me in his moral vineyard, performing with alacrity every duty, however onerous it may seem, according to his good pleasure, is my sincere desire and heartfelt prayer.T14 47.1

Hannah More.”

On receiving this letter we decided to send the needed sum to Sister More as soon as we could find time to do so. But before we found the spare moments, we decided to go to Maine, to return in a few weeks, when we could send for her before navigation should close. And when we decided to stay and labor in Maine, N. H., Vt. and N. Y., we wrote to a brother in this county to see leading brethren in the vicinity and consult with them concerning sending for Sr. More, and making her a home until we should return. But the matter was neglected until navigation closed, and we returned and found that no one had taken interest to help Sister More to this vicinity, where she could come to us when we should reach our home. We felt grieved and distressed, and at a meeting at Orleans the second Sabbath after we came home, my husband introduced her case to the brethren. A brief report of what was said and done in relation to Sister More was given by my husband in Review for Feb. 18, 1868, as follows:—T14 47.2

“At this meeting we introduced the case of Sr. Hannah More, now sojourning with friends in north-western Michigan, who do not observe the Bible Sabbath. We stated that this servant of Christ embraced the Sabbath while performing missionary labors in Central Africa. When this was known, her services in that direction were no longer wanted. She returned to America, to seek a home and employment with those of like faith. We judge, from her present location, that in this she has been disappointed. No one in particular may be worthy of blame in her case; but it appears to us that there is either a lack of suitable provisions connected with our system of organization, for the encouragement of such persons, and to assist them to a field of useful labor, or those brethren and sisters who have had the pleasure of seeing Sr. More have not done their duty. A unanimous vote was then given to invite her to find a home with the brethren in this vicinity until General Conference, when her case should be presented to our people. Bro. Andrews being present, fully indorsed the action of the brethren.”T14 48.1

From what we have since learned of the cold, indifferent treatment which Sr. More met with at Battle Creek, it is evident that my husband in stating that no one in particular was worthy of censure in her case, took altogether a too charitable view of the matter. When all the facts are known, no Christian could but blame every member of that church who knew her circumstances, and did not individually interest themselves in her behalf. It certainly was the duty of the officers of that church to do this and report to the church, if others did not take up the matter before them. But individual members of that, or any other church, should not feel excused from taking an interest in such persons. From what has been said in the Review of this self-sacrificing servant of Christ, every reader of the Review in Battle Creek, on learning that she had come to the city, would have been excused for giving her a personal call, and inquiring into her wants.T14 49.1

Sister Strong, the wife of Eld. P. Strong, Jr. was in Battle Creek at the time Sr. More was. They both reached that city the same day, and both left at the same time. Sister Strong, who is by my side, says that Sr. More wished her to intercede for her, that she might get employment, so that she could remain with Sabbath-keepers. Sr. More said she was willing to do anything, but teaching was her choice. She also requested Eld. A. S. Hutchins to introduce her case to leading brethren at the Review Office, and try to get a school for her. This, Bro. Hutchins cheerfully did. But no encouragement was given, as there appeared to be no opening. She also stated to Sr. Strong that she was destitute of means, and must go to Leelanaw Co. unless she could get employment at Battle Creek. She frequently spoke in words of touching lamentation that she was obliged to leave the brethren.T14 49.2

Sister More wrote to Mr. Thompson relative to accepting his offer to make it her home with his family. She wished to wait until she should hear from him. Sr. Strong went with her to find a place for her to stay until she should hear from Mr. T. At one place she was told that she could stay from Wednesday until Friday morning, when they were to leave home. This sister made Sr. More's case known to her natural sister, living near, who was also a Sabbath-keeper. When she returned she told Sr. More that she could stay with her until Friday morning; that her sister said that it was not convenient to take her. Sr. Strong has since learned that the real excuse was that she did not know Sr. More. She could have taken her, but did not want her.T14 50.1

Sister More then asked Sister Strong what she should do. Sister Strong was almost a stranger in Battle Creek, but she thought she could get her in with the family of a poor brother, of her acquaintance, who had recently moved from Montcalm Co. Here she succeeded. Sr. More remained until Tuesday, when she left for Leelanaw Co., by the way of Chicago. There she borrowed money to complete her journey. Her wants were known to some, at least, in Battle Creek, for as the result of their being made known, she was charged nothing for her brief stay at the Institute.T14 50.2

Immediately after our return from the East, my husband learning that nothing had been done, as we had requested, to get Sr. More where she could at once come to us on our return, wrote to Sr. More to come to us as soon as possible, to which she responded as follows:—T14 51.1

“Leland, Leelanaw Co., Mich., Feb. 20, 1868.T14 51.2

“My Dear Bro. White: Yours of Feb. 3, is received. It found me in poor health; not being accustomed to these cold, northern winters, with the snow three or four feet deep on a level. Our mails are brought on snow-shoes.T14 51.3

“It does not seem possible for me to get to you till spring opens. The roads are bad enough without snow. They tell me my best way is to wait till navigation opens; then go to Milwaukee, and thence to Grand Haven, to take the railroad to the point nearest your place. I had hoped to get among our dear people last fall, but was not permitted the privilege.T14 51.4

“The truths which we believe, seem more and more important; and our work, in making ready a people prepared for the Lord's coming, is not to be delayed. We must not only have on the wedding garment ourselves, but be faithful in recommending the preparation to others. I wish I could get to you, but it seems impossible, or, at least, impracticable in my delicate state of health, to set out alone on such a journey, in the depth of winter. When is the General Conference to which you allude? and where? I suppose the Review will eventually inform me.T14 51.5

“I think my health has suffered from keeping the Sabbath alone in my chamber, in the cold; but I did not think I could keep it where all manner of work and worldly conversation was the order of the day, as with Sunday-keepers. I think it is the most laborious working-day with those who keep first-day. Indeed, it does not seem to me that the best of Sunday-keepers observe any day as they should. Oh! how I long to be again with Sabbath-keepers. Sister White will want to see me in the reform dress. Will she be so kind as to send me a pattern, and I will pay her when I get there. I suppose I shall need to be fitted out when I get among you. I like it much. Sister Thompson thinks she would like to wear the reform dress.T14 52.1

“I have had a difficulty in breathing so that I have not been able to sleep for more than a week; occasioned, I suppose, by the stove-pipe's parting, and completely filling my room with smoke and gas at bedtime, and my sleeping there without proper ventilation. I did not, at the time, suppose smoke was so unwholesome, nor consider that the impure gas which generated from the wood and coal, was mingled with it. I awoke with such a sense of suffocation that I could not breathe lying down, and spent the remainder of the night sitting up. I never before knew the dreadful feeling of stifling sensations. I began to fear I should never sleep again. I, therefore, resigned myself into the hands of God for life or death, entreating him to spare me if he had any further need of me in his vineyard; otherwise I had no wish to live. I felt entirely reconciled to the hand of God upon me. But I also felt that Satanic influences must be resisted I, therefore, bade Satan get behind me, and away from me, and told the Lord I would not turn my hand over, to choose either life or death, but that I would refer it implicitly to him who knew me altogether; and my future was unknown to myself, therefore said I, Thy will is best. Life is of no account to me, so far as its pleasures are concerned. All its riches, its honors are nothing compared with usefulness. I do not crave them. They cannot satisfy or fill the aching void which duty unperformed leaves to me. I would not live uselessly, to be a mere blot or blank in life. And, though it seemed a martyr's death to die thus, I was resigned, if that were God's will.T14 52.2

“I had said to Sister Thompson the day previous, ‘Were I at Bro. White's, I might be prayed for, and healed.’ She inquired if we could send for you and Bro. Andrews; but that seemed impracticable, as I could not, in all probability, live till you arrived. I knew that the Lord by his mighty power and with his potent arm, could heal me here, were it best. To him I felt safe in referring it. I knew he could send an angel to resist him that hath the power of death, that is the Devil, and felt sure he would, if best. I knew, also, that he could suggest measures, were they necessary, for my recovery, and I felt sure he would. I soon was better, and able to sleep some.T14 53.1

“Thus you see I am still a spared monument of God's mercy and faithfulness in afflicting his children. He doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men; but sometimes trials are needed as a discipline, to wean us from earth,T14 53.2

“‘And bid us seek substantial bliss
Beyond a fleeting world like this.’T14 53.3

“Now I can say with the poet,T14 54.1

“‘Lord, it belongs not to my care,
Whether I die or live.
If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad?
This world must pass away.
Christ leads me through no darker rooms,
Than he went through before.
Whoe'er into his kingdom comes
Must enter by his door.T14 54.2

“‘Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet
Thy blessed face to see;
For, if thy work on earth be sweet,
What must thy glory be?
I'll gladly end my sad complaints
And weary, sinful days,
To join with the triumphant saints
That sing Jehovah's praise.
My knowledge of that state is small,
My eye of faith is dim;
But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with him.’T14 54.3

—Baxter.

“I had another wakeful season last night, and feel poorly today. Pray that whatever is God's will, may be accomplished in and through me, whether it be by my life or death.T14 54.4

“Yours in hope of eternal life,T14 54.5

“Hannah More.

“If you know of any way by which I can reach you sooner, please inform me.T14 54.6

H. M.”

She being dead yet speaketh. Her letters, which I have given, will be read with deep interest by those who have read her obituary in a recent Review. She might have been a blessing to any Sabbath-keeping family, who could appreciate her worth; but she sleeps. Our brethren at Battle Creek and in this vicinity could have made more than a welcome home for Jesus, in the person of this godly woman. But that opportunity is past. It was not convenient. They were not acquainted with her. She was advanced in years, and might be a burden. Feelings of this kind barred her from the homes of the professed friends of Jesus, who are looking for his soon advent, and drove her away from those she loved, to those who opposed her faith, in Northern Michigan, in the cold of winter, to chill her to death. She has died a martyr to the selfishness and covetousness of professed commandment-keepers.T14 54.7

Providence has administered, in this case, a terrible rebuke for the conduct of those who did not take this stranger in. She was not really a stranger. By reputation, she was known, and yet was not taken in. Many will feel badly as they think of Sister More as she stood in Battle Creek, begging a home there with the people of her choice. And as they, in imagination, follow her to Chicago, to borrow money to meet the expenses of the journey to her final resting-place,—and when they think of that grave in Leelanaw Co., where rests this precious outcast,—God pity those who are guilty in her case.T14 55.1

Poor Sister More! She sleeps; but we did what we could. When we were at Battle Creek, the last of August, we received the first of the two letters I have given, but we had no money to send her. My husband sent to Wisconsin and Iowa for means, and received $70 to bear our expenses to those western Convocations, held last September. We hoped to have means to send to her immediately on our return from the West, to pay her expenses to our new home in Montcalm Co.T14 55.2

The liberal friends West had given us the needed means; but, when we decided to accompany Bro. Andrews to Maine, the matter was deferred until we should return. We did not expect to be in the East more than four weeks, which would have given ample time to send for Sister More after our return, and to get her to our house before navigation should close. And, when we decided to remain in the East several weeks longer than we first designed, we lost no time in addressing several brethren in this vicinity, recommending that they send for Sister More, and give her a home till we should return. I say, We did what we could.T14 56.1

But why should we feel interested in this sister, more than others? What did we want of this worn-out missionary? She could not do our house work, and we had but one child at home for her to teach. And, certainly, much could not be expected of one worn as she was, who had nearly reached threescore years. We had no use for her in particular, only to bring the blessing of God into our house.T14 56.2

There are many reasons why our brethren should have taken greater interest in the case of Sister More than we. We had never seen her, and had no other means of knowing her history, her devotion to the cause of Christ and humanity, than all the readers of the Review. Our brethren at Battle Creek had seen this noble woman in their midst, and some of them knew more or less of her wishes and wants. We had no money with which to help her; they had. We were already overburdened with care, and needed those persons in our house, who possessed the strength and buoyancy of youth. We needed to be helped, instead of helping others. But most of our brethren in Battle Creek are so situated that Sister More would not have been the least care and burden. They have time, strength, and comparative freedom from care.T14 56.3

Yet no one took the interest in her case that we did. I even spoke to the large congregation before we went East last fall, of their neglect of Sister More. I spoke of the duty of giving honor to whom it is due. That it appeared to me that wisdom had departed from the prudent so far that they were not capable of appreciating moral worth. I told that church that there were many among them who could find time to meet and sing, and play their instruments of music, they could give their money to the artist to multiply their likenesses, spend it to attend public amusements, but they had nothing to give a worn-out missionary, who had embraced heartily the present truth, and had come to live with those of like precious faith. I advised them to stop and consider what we were doing, and that they should shut up their instruments of music for three months, and take time to humble themselves before God in self-examination, repentance, and prayer, until they learned the claims which the Lord had upon them as his professed children. My soul was stirred with a sense of the wrong that had been done Jesus, in the person of Sister More, and I talked personally with several about it.T14 57.1

This thing was not done in a corner. And yet, notwithstanding the matter was made public, followed by the great and good work in the church at Battle Creek, no effort was made by that church in redeeming the past by getting Sister More back to Battle Creek again. And one, a wife of one of our ministers, stated afterward, “I do not see the need of Bro. and Sr. White's making such a fuss about Sister More. I think they do not understand the case.” True, we did not understand the case. It is much worse than we then supposed. If we had understood it, we should never have left Battle Creek till we had fully set before that church the sin of suffering her to leave them as she did, and measures had been taken to call Sister More back.T14 57.2

One of that church has since said, in conversation about Sister More's leaving as she did, in substance—“No one feels like taking the responsibility of such cases now. Bro. White always took the charge of these.” Yes, he did. He would take them to his own house till every chair and bed was full, then he would go to his brethren and have them take those he could not. If they needed means, he would give to them, and invite others to follow his example. There must be those in Battle Creek to do as he has done, or the curse of God will follow that church. Not one man only. There are fifty there who can do, more or less, as he has done.T14 58.1

We are told that we must come back to Battle Creek. This we are not ready to do. Probably this will never be our duty. We stood up under heavy burdens there till we could stand no longer. God will have strong men and women there to divide these burdens among them. Those who move to Battle Creek—those who accept positions there—who are not ready to put their hands to this kind of work, had better, a thousand times, be somewhere else. There are those who can see and feel, and gladly do good to Jesus in the persons of his saints. Let them have room to work. Let those who cannot do this work, go where they will not stand in the way of the work of God.T14 58.2

Especially is this applicable to those who stand at the head of the work. If they go wrong, all is wrong. The greater the responsibility, the greater the ruin in the case of unfaithfulness. If leading brethren do not faithfully perform their duty, those who are led will not do theirs. Those at the head of the work at Battle Creek, must be ensamples to the flock everywhere. If they do this, they will have a great reward. If they fail to do this, and accept such positions, they will have a fearful account to give.T14 59.1

We did what we could. If we could have had means at our command last summer and fall, Sister More would now be with us. When we learned our real circumstances, as set forth in No. 13, we both took the matter joyfully, and said we did not want the responsibility of means. This was wrong. God wants that we should have means that we may, as in time past, help where help is needed. Satan wants to tie our hands in this respect, and lead others to be careless, unfeeling, and covetous, that such cruel work may go on as in the case of Sister More.T14 59.2

We see outcasts, widows, orphans, worthy poor, ministers in want, and many chances to use means to the glory of God, the advancement of his cause, and the relief of suffering saints, and I want means to use for God. The experience of nearly a quarter of a century, in extensive traveling, feeling the condition of those who need help, qualifies us to make a judicious use of our Lord's money. I have bought my own stationery, spent much of my life writing for the good of others; have paid my own postage, and all I have received for this work, which has wearied and worn me terribly, would not pay a tithe of my postage. I have refused money, or appropriated it to such charitable objects as the Publishing Association, when it has been pressed upon me. I shall do so no more. I shall do my duty in labor and toil as ever, but my fears of receiving means to use for the Lord are gone. This case of Sister More has fully aroused me to see the work of Satan in depriving us of means to handle.T14 59.3

Poor Sister More! When we heard that she was dead my husband felt terribly. We both felt as though a dear mother, whose society our very hearts yearned for, was no more. Some may say that if they had stood in the places of those who knew something of this sister's wishes and wants, they would not have done as they did. I should hope you would never have to suffer the stings of conscience some must feel who were so interested in their own affairs as not to be willing to bear any responsibility in her case. May God pity those who are so afraid of deception as to pass by a worthy, self-sacrificing servant of Christ with neglect. The remark was made as an excuse for this neglect, We have been bit so many times we are afraid of strangers. Has our Lord and his disciples instructed us to be very cautious, and not entertain strangers, lest we should possibly make some mistake and get bit, by having the trouble of caring for an unworthy person?T14 60.1

Paul exhorts the Hebrews, “Let brotherly love continue.” Do not flatter yourselves that there is a time when this exhortation will not be needed; when brotherly love may cease. He continues, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”—Please read Matthew 25:31, and onward. Read it, brethren, the next time you take the Bible at your morning or evening family devotions. The good works performed by those who are to be welcomed to the kingdom were done to Christ in the persons of his suffering people. Those who have done these good works did not see that they had done anything for Christ. They had done no more than their duty to suffering humanity. Those on the left hand could not see that they had abused Christ in neglecting the wants of his people. But they had neglected to do for Jesus in the persons of his saints, for which they were to go away into everlasting punishment. And one definite point of their neglect is thus stated, “I was a stranger, and ye took me not in.”T14 61.1

These things do not belong alone to Battle Creek. I am grieved at the selfishness among professed Sabbath-keepers everywhere. Christ has gone to prepare eternal mansions for us. And shall we refuse him a home for only a few days, in the persons of his saints who are cast out? He left his home in glory, his majesty and high command, to save lost man. He became poor that we through his poverty might become rich. He submitted to insult, that man might be exalted, and provided a home that would be matchless for loveliness, and enduring as the throne of God. Those who finally overcome and sit down with Christ upon his throne, will follow the example of Jesus, and from a willing, happy choice, will sacrifice for him in the persons of his saints. Those who cannot do this from choice will go away into everlasting punishment.T14 61.2

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