Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Cause in Ohio 229close, and the hearts that were not deeply imbued with the spirit of thetruth, rebelled against it. [236]The ministers who have labored in that State have not exerted aright influence. Hints and insinuations have been thrown out againstBrother and Sister White, and the managers of the work at Battle Creek,which have found a ready reception in the hearts of many, especiallythe credulous and faultfinding. Satan knows how to make his attacks.He works upon minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction towardthose at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then,of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given throughvision is disregarded.Ministers who have labored in Ohio have done their share of causingdissatisfaction. H has condescended to move in a low sphere,breathing out a spirit of dissatisfaction, eagerly listening to false reports,gathering them up, and virtually saying: “Report, ... and we willreport it.” He has worked in an underhand manner, carried false reportsin regard to our dress, and our influence in Ohio, and has encouragedthe idea that Brother White was speculating. He has not had the slightestunion with us. He has felt very bitter toward us. And why? Simplybecause I have related to him what the Lord had shown me in regardto his family and his loose, slack manner of bringing them up, whichhas brought upon him the frown of God. He has regarded with jealous,unreconciled feelings the part we have acted in the cause of presenttruth.The brethren in Ohio have been encouraged to look with distrustand suspicion at those who are in charge of the work at BattleCreek, and have stood prepared to rise against positions taken by them.Brother J has taken his position firmly, without regard to the body. Hehas imagined that evils would arise from headquarters that he mustcontend against. He placed himself in array for battle when there wasno fighting to be done. He planted himself firmly to resist somethingwhich never arose. Many of the brethren in Ohio cherished the samefeeling, placing themselves in opposition to something that never ap- [237]peared. Their warfare has been unwise. They have been ready to cryout, Babylon, until they are a complete Babylon themselves.Ministers have stood directly in the way of the work of God inOhio. They should stand out of the way, that God may reach Hispeople. They step in between God and His people, and turn aside His