To Wealthy Parents
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deportment of evil companions were of that character to separate them
from the influence of their sisters and their sisters’ husbands. While
speaking upon this subject at the camp meeting I felt deeply. I knew
the persons were before me whom I had seen in vision. I urged upon
those who heard me the necessity of thorough consecration to God. I
called no names, for I was not permitted to do this. I was to dwell upon
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principles, appeal to the hearts and consciences, and give those who
professed to love God and keep His commandments an opportunity to
develop character. God would send them warnings and admonitions,
and if they really desired to do His will they had an opportunity. Light
was given, and then we were to wait and see if they would come to the
light.
I left the camp meeting with a burden of anxiety upon my mind
in reference to the persons whose danger I had been shown. In a few
months news reached us of Brother Y’s death. His property was left to
his children. Last December we had an appointment to hold meetings
in Vermont. My husband was indisposed and could not go. In order
to save too great a disappointment, I consented to go to Vermont in
company with Sister Hall. I spoke to the people with some freedom,
but our conference meetings were not free. I knew that the Spirit of
the Lord could not have a free course until confessions were made and
there was a breaking of heart before God. I could not keep silent. The
Spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I related briefly the substance
of what I have written. I called the names of some present who were
standing in the way of the work of God.
The result of leaving property to children by will, and also of
parents’ shifting the responsibility of their stewardship upon their
children while the parents were living, had been verified before them.
Covetousness had led Brother Y’s sons to pursue a wrong course. This
was especially true of one of his sons. I labored faithfully, relating the
things which I had seen in reference to the church, especially to the
sons of Brother Y. One of these brothers, himself a father, was corrupt
in heart and life, a reproach to the precious cause of present truth; his
low standard of morals was corrupting to the youth.
The Spirit of the Lord came into the meetings, and humble confes-
sions were made by some, accompanied by tears. After the meeting I
had an interview with the younger sons of Brother X. I pleaded with
them, and entreated them for their souls’ sake to turn square about,
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