Chapter 23—A Would-Be Sanitarium Superintendent
Separation From Family Not Wise—Brother O: I must say some
things to you, for your course is worthy of censure. You know what
has been the course of Elder M and others connected with the Health
Institute, and how difficult it has been to remove the impression once
made. You know the history of the past and the reproach and disgrace
that still cling to the institution, and the people at St. Helena are not
ignorant of the great curse which fell upon it in consequence of the
moral conduct of some who have been connected with it.
I cannot feel that it would be wisdom for you to act in the capacity
of superintendent of the Health Institution, for you are not a wise
man. You are here away from your wife and family when you should
be with them; but if there are reasons to justify this separation, your
course should be altogether different than it has been. If you had the
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sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ in your heart, you would
take heed to your own ways and abstain from every appearance of evil.
Your work has been such as to open to many souls the door of
temptation, and many will be lost in consequence. You may reform,
you may see your mistakes, but you will never be able to remove the
impression that has been made.
Reproof for Familiarity With the Opposite Sex—Brother O,
you are watched with critical eyes. Your attention to young ladies is
not called for. You are out of place in giving so much attention to the
P family. Mrs. P has done her work in ruining one good man. That
matter was opened before me as an open book. I was told in the night
season that you were not qualified to be entrusted with large or even
limited responsibilities unless you repent and become a reformed man.
God cannot be with you while you pursue this course. My guide told
me to follow, and I was shown your boyish familiarity with girls, and
your particular sympathy toward Mrs. P and her daughters. The mother
keeps [to] the bed much of the time when she should be engaged in
some useful employment in the care of her family.
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