Cause in Ohio
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close, and the hearts that were not deeply imbued with the spirit of the
truth, rebelled against it.
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The ministers who have labored in that State have not exerted a
right influence. Hints and insinuations have been thrown out against
Brother and Sister White, and the managers of the work at Battle Creek,
which have found a ready reception in the hearts of many, especially
the credulous and faultfinding. Satan knows how to make his attacks.
He works upon minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction toward
those at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then,
of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given through
vision is disregarded.
Ministers who have labored in Ohio have done their share of caus-
ing dissatisfaction. H has condescended to move in a low sphere,
breathing out a spirit of dissatisfaction, eagerly listening to false re-
ports, gathering them up, and virtually saying: “Report, ... and we will
report it.” He has worked in an underhand manner, carried false reports
in regard to our dress, and our influence in Ohio, and has encouraged
the idea that Brother White was speculating. He has not had the slight-
est union with us. He has felt very bitter toward us. And why? Simply
because I have related to him what the Lord had shown me in regard
to his family and his loose, slack manner of bringing them up, which
has brought upon him the frown of God. He has regarded with jealous,
unreconciled feelings the part we have acted in the cause of present
truth.
The brethren in Ohio have been encouraged to look with dis-
trust and suspicion at those who are in charge of the work at Battle
Creek, and have stood prepared to rise against positions taken by them.
Brother J has taken his position firmly, without regard to the body. He
has imagined that evils would arise from headquarters that he must
contend against. He placed himself in array for battle when there was
no fighting to be done. He planted himself firmly to resist something
which never arose. Many of the brethren in Ohio cherished the same
feeling, placing themselves in opposition to something that never ap-
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peared. Their warfare has been unwise. They have been ready to cry
out, Babylon, until they are a complete Babylon themselves.
Ministers have stood directly in the way of the work of God in
Ohio. They should stand out of the way, that God may reach His
people. They step in between God and His people, and turn aside His