58
The Retirement Years
released from the work of teaching, is that she may have opportunity
constantly to cultivate sweetness of disposition.
My sister, never cherish unhappy thoughts, or think that you are
not treated right. You have become childish. You may not recognize
this, nevertheless it is so. You need quietude and rest. You have strong
likes and dislikes. Beware of hindering the work of God. Because I
speak to you on these points, do not for a moment suppose that I wish
to do you an injury.
My son Edson has labored untiringly to have both of you sustain
the right relation to the school interest. Let God work out His infinite
plans. Cooperate with Him as His helping hand in working out these
plans. Stand not as hindrances, for thus you would cause things to be
said and done that would hinder the work that you have called in wise
helpers to advance.
My dear sister, I beseech you to put away all feelings of suspicion
and jealousy. God’s eye is over both of you. I am pained because I fear
that this letter may possibly be misunderstood; but I am instructed to
say to you, Know who your friends are, and appreciate them. When it
is necessary for a work to be done in order to reform abuses that have
crept into the church, thank the Lord that He has spoken. And when
the Lord speaks to you, thank Him for saving you from future sorrow.
I am instructed to warn you to be careful what manner of spirit
[78]
you manifest in regard to enlarging and perfecting the school work,
for you are not to suppose that, unaided, you are equal to the task of
carrying forward the increasing work that you have begun. Create no
dissension by unadvised words of criticism in regard to the course of
others, even if some things which displease you may seem to have been
unnecessarily done. It makes me sad to think that you have become
discontented over trivial matters.—
Letter 63, 1902
.
Danger of Accepting Infidel Sentiments
Brother [G. C.] Tenney, you have been drawn away from the truth
more than you have known, and your connection with men in Battle
Creek has been to your great injury. The light of your past experience
is going out.
I have been surprised and made sad to read some of your articles in
the Medical Missionary, and especially those on the sanctuary question.