Chapter 4—Important Testimony
Healdsburg, California,
March 28, 1882.
Dear Brother-----,
Your letter was received in due time. While I was glad to hear from
you, I was made sad as I read its contents. I had received similar letters
from Sister-----and from Brother-----. But I have had no communica-
tions from Brother-----or anyone who sustains him. From your own
letters I learn the course which you have pursued in the proceedings
against Brother-----.
I am not surprised that such a state of things should exist in Bat-
tle Creek, but I am pained to find you, my much-esteemed brother,
involved in this matter on the wrong side with those whom I know
God is not leading. Some of these persons are honest, but they are
deceived. They have received their impressions from another source
than the Spirit of God.
I have been careful not to express my opinion to individuals con-
cerning important matters, for unjust advantage is often taken of what
I say even in the most confidential manner. Persons set themselves
[46]
to work to draw out remarks from me on various points, and then
they distort and misrepresent, and make my words express ideas and
opinions altogether different from what I hold. But this they must meet
at the bar of God.
On the occurrence of your present difficulties I determined to keep
silent; I thought it might be best to let matters develop, that those who
had been so ready to censure my husband might see that the spirit of
murmuring existed in their own hearts and was still active, now that
the man of whom they had complained was silently sleeping in the
grave.
I knew that a crisis must come. God has given this people plain and
pointed testimonies to prevent this state of things. Had they obeyed
the voice of the Holy Spirit in warning, counsel, and entreaty they
would now enjoy unity and peace. But these testimonies have not
42