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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
my garments and replacing them with beggars’ rags?” I tore off the
rags and threw them from me. I was grieved, and with anguish cried
out: “Bring me back my garments which I have worn for twenty-three
years and have not disgraced in a single instance. Unless you give me
back my garments I shall appeal to the people, who will contribute and
return me my own garments which I have worn twenty-three years.”
I have seen the fulfillment of this dream. At Battle Creek we met
reports which had been put in circulation to injure us, but which had
no foundation in truth. Letters had been written by some making a
temporary stay at the Health Institute, and by others living in Battle
Creek, to churches in Michigan and other states, expressing fears,
doubts, and insinuations in regard to us. I was filled with grief as
I listened to a charge from a fellow laborer whom I had respected,
that they were hearing from every quarter things which I had spoken
against the church at Battle Creek. I was so grieved that I knew not
what to say. We found a strong, accusing spirit against us. As we
became fully convinced of the existing feelings we felt homesick. We
were so disappointed and distressed that I told two of our leading
brethren that I did not feel at home, as we met distrust and positive
coldness instead of welcome and encouragement, and that I had yet to
learn that this was the course to pursue toward those who had broken
down among them by overexertion and devotion to the work of God. I
then said that we thought we should move from Battle Creek and seek
a more retired home.
Grieved in spirit beyond measure, I remained at home, dreading
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to go anywhere among the church for fear of being wounded. Finally,
as no one made an effort to relieve my feelings, I felt it to be my
duty to call together a number of experienced brethren and sisters,
and meet the reports which were circulating in regard to us. Weighed
down and depressed, even to anguish, I met the charges against me,
giving a recital of my journey east, one year since, and the painful
circumstances attending that journey.
I appealed to those present to judge whether my connection with
the work and cause of God would lead me to speak lightly of the
church at Battle Creek, from whom I had not the slightest alienation
of feeling. Was not my interest in the cause and work of God as great
as it was possible for theirs to be? My whole experience and life were
interwoven with it. I had no separate interest aside from the work. I