Basic HTML Version
Chapter 14—Moving to Battle Creek
In the vision given me June 12, 1868, I was shown that a great
work might be accomplished in bringing souls to the knowledge
of the truth, were proper exertions made. In every town, city, and
village there are persons who would embrace the truth if it were
brought before them in a judicious manner. Missionaries are needed
among us, self-sacrificing missionaries, who, like our great Exem-
plar, would not please themselves, but live to do others good.
[114]
I was shown that as a people we are deficient. Our works are not
in accordance with our faith. Our faith testifies that we are living
under the proclamation of the most solemn and important message
that was ever given to mortals. Yet in full view of this fact, our
efforts, our zeal, our spirit of self-sacrifice, do not compare with the
character of the work. We should awake from the dead, and Christ
will give us life.
With many of our brethren and sisters there is a strong incli-
nation to live in Battle Creek. Families have been coming from
all directions to reside there, and many more have their faces set
that way. Some who have come to Battle Creek held offices in the
little churches from which they moved, and their help and strength
were needed there. When such arrive at Battle Creek, and meet with
the numerous Sabbathkeepers there, they frequently feel that their
testimonies are not needed, and their talent is therefore buried.
Some choose Battle Creek because of the religious privileges
it affords, yet wonder that their spirituality decreases after their
sojourn there a few months. Is there not a cause? The object of
many has been to advantage themselves pecuniarily—to engage in
business which will yield them greater profits. Their expectations in
this particular may be realized, while they have dearth of soul and
become dwarfed in spiritual things. They take no special burden
upon themselves because they think they would be out of place.
They do not know where to take hold to labor in so large a church,
and therefore become idlers in their Master’s vineyard. All who
106