Chapter 108—Be Not Deceived
It is the work of Satan to deceive God’s people and lead them from
the right course. He will leave no means untried; he will come upon
them where they are least guarded; hence the importance of fortifying
every point. The Battle Creek church did not mean to turn against
us, they are as good a church as lives; but there is much at stake at
Battle Creek, and Satan will bring all his artillery against them if by so
doing he can hinder the work. We deeply sympathize with this church
in their present humbled condition and would say: Let not a spirit of
triumph arise in any heart. God will heal all the wrongs of this dear
people and yet make them a mighty defense of His truth if they walk
humbly and watch and guard every point against the attacks of Satan.
This people are kept continually under the fire of the enemy. No other
church would probably stand it as well, therefore look with a pitying
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eye toward your brethren at Battle Creek and pray God to help them
in keeping the fort.
When my husband was inactive, and I was kept at home on his
account, Satan was pleased, and no one was pressed by him to cast
upon us such trials as are mentioned in the foregoing pages. But when
we started out, December 19, 1866, he saw that there was a prospect
of our doing something in the cause of Christ to the injury of his
cause and that some of his deceptions upon the flock of God would
be exposed. He therefore felt called upon to do something to hinder
us. And in no way could he so effectually do this as to lead our old
friends at Battle Creek to withdraw their sympathy and cast burdens
upon us. He took advantage of every unfavorable circumstance and
drove matters as by steam power.
But, thank God, he did not stop us nor fully crush us. Thank God
that we still live and that He has returned graciously to bless His erring,
but now repenting, confessing people. Brethren, let us love them the
more and pray for them the more now that God manifests His great
love to them.
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