MOVING TO BATTLE CREEK by Stephen N. Haskell; Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 1, 1879

MOVING TO BATTLE CREEK.

By Stephen N. Haskell; Dudley Marvin Canright

Of late, so many of our brethren and sisters from the surrounding churches of Michigan and the adjoining States are moving to Battle Creek, that we feel it our duty to say something about it. Of course, we are not master of any individual's actions, but we can give our advice in the matter, since we are acquainted with the circumstances here and elsewhere better than most of our brethren can be.

In some cases it is right, and, indeed, very desirable, that brethren should move to Battle Creek. This is in cases where they have children whom they wish to educate for a few years in our College. Frequently they can do much better to come here themselves, keep house, board their children, and look after them. In such cases there is no objection to their coming, but still we think that these persons should not locate here permanently. In the past, when the church was small, it was necessary to invite leading families to this place in order to have a good influence, furnish homes for students, and hold the fort. But so many have come in during the last few years and others are coming so rapidly, that we fear for the result. There are plenty here now to furnish homes for all the students, and all the helpers in the Office who may be needed here; hence there is no necessity for others to come.

There are at present about seven or eight hundred Sabbath-keepers located in Battle Creek. It is becoming a very serious task for the leading brethren of the church to look after so many, and, indeed, among so large a number it is very easy for persons to be almost entirely lost sight of; hence it is coming to pass that we have a larger number here of idlers and those who are no help to the cause than in any other church. There are many cases of brethren and sisters who in their own little churches at home were pillars in the cause, and a source of strength and encouragement to the church. When they moved away, their action was regretted by the brethren, and their absence was felt to be—as it was indeed—a real loss to the church. These persons come to Battle Creek, and are of no account whatever here. They are simply in the way. They take a back seat, take no active part, and are lost to the cause. We find these very frequently, after a while, losing their zeal and their interest in the truth, until at last they are almost wholly backslidden. The reason is evident: they are not where the Lord calls them. They have no especial burden to bear, and no one can serve God in that way. While they were at home, the responsibilities that rested upon them kept them near to God and in the truth.

Many come here saying that they are anxious to do something to help the cause, when we fear that the real reason is nothing but selfishness, and a desire to advantage themselves. They think that there is a large body of brethren here, and that it will be an easy place to live; that in the school, Sanitarium, or Office, they will find plenty of work to do, get good pay, and so have an easy time. This is the real motive which brings many here. God cannot bless any such conduct. But the worst of all is that many irresponsible persons flock in here. They expect to be petted, and looked after, and cared for. They soon get into trial, and bring trial upon others. They exert their influence wholly on the wrong side with students, with patients, and with the hands in the Office. This class is seriously threatening the interests of the cause in Battle Creek. We want no more of them.

Hence, we advise our brethren in the different States and churches around not to move to Battle Creek without first advising with the Conference Committee of their own State, the General Conference Committee, and the elders of the Battle Creek church, according to the action of the General Conference, as reported last week. S. N. HASKELL. D. M. CANRIGHT.