Chapter 48—The Cause in Ohio
Since our visit to Ohio in the spring of 1858, H has done what
he could to exert an influence against us; and where he thought he
could affect individuals, he has done so by circulating reports to stir
up wrong feelings. When we visited Ohio in the spring of 1858, a
message was given me in regard to him and his family. This testimony
[235]
was given to him. But very few persons knew that I had a message for
him. He rose in rebellion against it, and, like some others who have
been reproved, took the position that persons had prejudiced my mind
against his family, when the vision pointed out the same faults in them
that I had repeatedly seen for ten years. He said that he believed the
visions, but that I was influenced by others in writing them.
What a conclusion! The Lord has a special work to perform
through one of the acknowledged gifts, but suffers the message given
to be adulterated before it reaches the person whom He wishes to cor-
rect! Of what use are the visions if persons regard them in this light?
They put their own construction upon them, and feel at liberty to reject
that portion which does not agree with their feelings. H knows that
every word of the vision given for him in Ohio was correct. And when
he could keep the message from the church no longer (for it was called
for, and read at the _____ Conference last fall), he acknowledged it all
true. But he has kept up a blind warfare against that which he knew to
be correct.
He has not ruled well his own house, and for the last ten years has
been reproved for this. The frown of God has been upon him because
he did not restrain his children. These children have been corrupt and
a proverb of reproach, and have exerted a corrupting influence where
they have lived. Every time they have been presented before me, I have
been carried back to Eli, and shown the wickedness of his ungodly
sons and the judgment which followed from God. I have been shown
that the family of H has disgusted unbelievers, and brought a reproach
upon the cause of present truth. The message given me in the spring
of 1858 for Ohio, especially-----, was not received by many. It cut too
228