THE BATTLE CREEK CHURCH.
By James White
THIS people have nobly stood in defense of the truth and cause of God. They have set examples of benevolence and sacrifice worthy of imitation by all our churches. They have consequently grown in numbers and strength, and in favor with God and man. It has been our pleasure, whether at home or abroad, to speak of their worthy deeds. Here at Battle Creek has also been the place of our severe trials and afflictions. Yet we have always had at least a few warm friends. In our poverty they stood by us as faithfully as in our days of prosperity. This is also as true of many brethren abroad. Brethren coming from all parts of the field to our General Conferences, have not at such times had a good opportunity to judge as to the consecration and works of the members of this church, as their time and strength is, on such occasions, taxed to the utmost in waiting upon the crowd, giving them but little time for family and public devotions. And while it has been their privilege to care for the comfort of their numerous visiting brethren, and to watch them for their good, it has been the misfortune of some visitors to watch this church, in the hope of finding something to report against it, and thus kindle everywhere, if possible, the fire of jealousy and rebellion against the movement of things at Battle Creek. Probably the largest meeting will be assembled in May next that ever has been held at this place; consequently the brethren will be more engaged in caring for the crowd than on former occasions. And then will be opened the new and commodious house of worship. And here, too, is the Health Institution, with all its expense. Those who come with jealousy in their hearts, will be almost sure to injure themselves and their brethren with magnified ideas of expense, popularity, &c, &c. But those who have real faith in the cause of truth, will have confidence in those whom God has placed at the head of the work. God and truth are infallible, while even the best of men may err. But when the unerring Disposer of events takes hold of men and places them at the head of human agencies below, those who are to be led, rather than to lead, should be submissive, and content with the rank and file of the army of the Lord. Bible history of the times of the Old and New Testaments is sufficient to teach this to any well-informed, humble disciple. And those who cannot learn by our history for the past fifteen years, never will learn. During the past four months of our more active labor, it has been our privilege to speak in the strongest terms in behalf of our people, and do all in our power to correct many impressions as to this church. We do not leave this city because we have not friends here, but to go where our gifts are newer, and where we can do more good; where our brethren have less ministerial labor, and are better able to assist us. And lest a wrong impression may go out by those who love to make mischief, we choose to speak freely. And if it be said that we have in any way joined others in speaking against the Battle Creek church, let them say when we did it, and where we have done it, and report us to this church, or to the Conference to which we belong, and to whom we hold ourselves amenable. That some good-meaning brethren and sisters may have fallen under wrong influences and have grieved us, we do not deny. But we ever have believed, and still believe, this to be the most devoted and most prudent people in the things of the Lord that there is anywhere. We have borne a pointed testimony against the love of money by the rich, and their worldly spirit. We have struck hard at this root of all evil, and those who do not receive our testimony will try to injure our influence, and we might expect that they would play over the old game that hundreds have, in trying to get in between us and our brethren in this place. We may be allowed to suggest that those who come to Conference will expect to find this church acting in regard to diet and dress in harmony with the teachings of the Health Reformer, the Health Institution, and the Testimony to the Church. It may be said that the diet at the Institute is for the sick. Well, if that be good in making the sick well, will it not be equally good in keeping others well? We admit there are some dyspeptics who can not take all kinds of food which are good for a well man. In our own case, we do not eat vegetables, nor but three kinds of fruit. But the tables set at the Institute are for the physicians, the helpers, visitors, and for those patients whose digestive powers are strong. For our people to widely vary from these tables might injure both the Institution and the church, and stand greatly in the way of reform. Nearly the same may be said in regard to reform in dress. Those coming to Conference will expect to see harmony between the dress at the Health Institution, and that worn by the sisters of the Battle Creek church, and also to see it accord with the Testimonies, in regard to length. Many of our sisters in this State are dressing in harmony with the Institution, and they will, of course, expect to see a good example set by those living at the center of the great work of reform. Those who put their money in here will expect to see harmony. But it may be said that the short dress is for our very feeble female friends. To this we reply, if it be good in helping the sick to recover, it will be equally good in keeping others from getting sick. The influence of Spiritualism has been greatly in the way of the Dress Reform, it being worn by some women of that ism who lacked purity of morals. The public generally conclude that no pure and prudent woman would be seen wearing such a dress. And shall we let the Health Institution bear this odium, and be in danger of suffering for want of patronage? No! Let all our people adopt this dress which is modest, healthful and convenient, and public opinion will be changed; for that people who conscientiously teach and keep the moral law, stand the highest in point of morals. Taking this view of the subject, the reform in dress becomes a duty of no small importance. We were much pleased with the prudent remarks of our dear Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, in a recent Review, in regard to extremes. Some incautious, zealous ones get the idea that we are driving people into reform, and they get a driving spirit, and cut and slash and refer to Battle Creek as their authority. But we are doing no such work. Hark! “My sheep,” says the Leader, not driver, of his people, “hear my voice, and they follow.” Let the voice of entreaty be heard everywhere, and let those who should bear responsibilities, bear them cheerfully. And let not those who see the extremes in some excuse themselves in not moving at all. To be two years in leaving off meat and tea, and still use them when they please, is not reforming. Two hours may be long enough for a well person to leave off tea, and two months a sufficient time to leave meat, and change to a healthful diet. May this church live to outride the storm. And may all who have their names inscribed upon its records have them still remain written in Heaven, and may we all meet in the kingdom to sing the song of victory when the war is over.