Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 89—Surmisings About Battle CreekIn 1865 I saw that some have felt at liberty, through envious feelings,to speak lightly of the church at Battle Creek. Some look suspiciouslyon all that is going on there and seem to exult if they canget hold of anything to take advantage of to the discredit of BattleCreek. God is displeased with such a spirit and course of action. Fromwhat source do our churches abroad obtain their light and knowledgeof the truth? It has been from the means which God has ordained,which center at Battle Creek. Who have the burdens of the cause? It isthose who are zealously laboring at Battle Creek. Burdens and heavytrials necessarily come upon those who stand in the forefront of thehottest battle, and perplexities and wearing thought are attendant uponall who engage in making highly important decisions in connectionwith the work of God. Our brethren abroad, who are relieved from allthis, should feel thankful and praise God that they are thus favored andshould be the last to be jealous, envious, and faultfinding, occupying aposition, “Report, and we will report it.”The church at Battle Creek have borne the burdens of the Conferences,which have been a severe tax upon nearly all. In consequence ofthe extra labor many have brought upon themselves debility which haslasted for many months. They have borne the burden cheerfully, buthave felt saddened and disheartened by the heartless indifference ofsome and the cruel jealousy of others after they returned to the severalchurches whence they came. Remarks are thoughtlessly made—bysome designedly, by others carelessly—concerning the burden bearersthere and concerning those who stand at the head of the work. God hasmarked all these speeches and the jealousy and envy which promptedthem; a faithful record is kept. Many thank God for the truth and then [527]turn around and question and find fault with the very means whichHeaven has ordained to make them what they are or what they oughtto be. How much more pleasing to God it would be for them to act thepart of Aaron and Hur and help hold up the hands of those who arebearing the great and heavy burdens of the work in connection with485