"The People are too Many."
By Editor
SOME time since, in noticing the closing of the College in Battle Creek, we spoke of unfortunate influences there, which might appear to cast an unjust reflection upon that church. It was not so intended. We have no hesitation in saying that the church in Battle Creek is too large—about 500 members. Many of these have moved from small churches which have been left to suffer for want of their help, while in Battle Creek they are only ciphers, with nothing there for them to do to benefit the church. This is an unfortunate state of things, for all our people ought to be workers. True, all might do something in Battle Creek; but that many of these here spoken of did not go there to take a burden of labor, is proved by the fact that less than one-third of the entire membership belong to the missionary society. But the workers there are workers; the missionary society is very efficient. But the worst feature in the circumstances of that church is this: beside the members there are nearly three hundred professed Sabbath-keepers who have drifted into the city without advice, and contrary to the expressed will of the church, and of the General Conference, who have never connected themselves with the church. Feeling responsible to nobody, they are generally independent in their action, yet they pass before the community as Seventh-day Adventists, and give character to the church and the work there in the eyes of the public. This is a most unfortunate state of things. It was the "mixed multitude" that went up with Israel that lusted for flesh and spread disaffection through all the camp. Ex. 12 : 38; Num. 11 : 4. When we were questioned, we advised that the church in Battle Creek refuse to receive as members those who move to that place without advice or counsel, only to be a burden where all ought to be helpers. And all churches should refuse to give letters to those who wish to move to that place without a clear duty. We sympathize greatly with that church. It has had trouble brought upon it by those who have gone there contrary to duty from which it will take it a long time to clear itself.