To the Ministers in Michigan.
We wish to say a word to our brethren that labor with our churches. Our Saviour said to Peter, If you love me, feed my sheep. He also has said, I am the bread of life. Now, to understand the present want of the people, so as to select the proper food for them, to nourish them for everlasting life, seems to be what is implied by the words, “Feed my sheep.” But how can you give them such food, and make it acceptable to them, if you fail to walk in the light that God has in mercy sent to us as a people? We mean the health reform. How can you expect the Spirit of God to set home the truth you may present, while your example in drinking tea, eating flesh-meat, and taking medicine, shows your lack of faith in the light God has given us? Shall we, to gratify our appetite, let our example strengthen those that are leaning that way, so as to weaken, instead of giving them the bread of life? Proper food will strengthen and help the sheep. We hope those that labor among our brethren will so cherish the light in mercy sent to us, that they will be strong in the Lord and the power of his might, and so be able to lead others in the right direction, and not in the wrong. Again, in reference to our young licentiates, it should be understood that the proper place for them to labor is in new fields. They have received licenses to try their gift, in order to ascertain if they are qualified to present the truth. The only proper place for them to do this is in new fields. We protest against their going among our old churches to preach, where there are men of older and larger experience than themselves. And we do not believe the Conference will feel clear to pay for their labor unless bestowed in new places.