Name: Testimony for the Church at Battle Creek - 1868
Author: Ellen G. White

Earlier text: Testimony for the Church at Battle Creek.

I was shown that Bro. Aldrich did not possess that fineness of feeling, that sympathy for others who need his sympathy, that God would be pleased to have him possess, and that he must cultivate, if he occupies the post he does. He has moved very blindly, and with a great lack of wisdom, and justice. Bro. C. Smith awakened the interest of Bro. Aldrich for his daughters, whose lives had been devoted principally to serving themselves. They had a good home, and none were dependent upon them for support, yet their wages

were increased with no just reason for doing this. Their work was not taxing, and required no special, wearing care. Very many who are in difficult positions to obtain work because of their keeping the Sabbath, would gladly accept the place they have had, with much less wages, and fill the position better, with gratitude to God in their hearts for the privilege. In the same Office is a young disciple of Christ, whose deportment is becoming, who is attentive to his business, fills an important position, which requires much painstaking, and is very wearisome, does his business with a nicety that but few can equal, yet he has received only about the same amount of wages that Bro. Smith’s daughters have averaged. This young man is trying to do his part in the support of his mother and two sisters; yet Bro. Aldrich has not been aroused to see the difference in these cases. He has not possessed that nice perception which would enable him to discern the necessities of the case of one, and the need of especial favor to aid him in his worthy object. He has not felt called out to encourage in every way possible the one who stood in need of encouragement. He has failed to place himself in his situation, and think how he would feel under similar circumstances. He wished to encourage his own boy, and allowed him large wages, when there was no special need of this in his case; for he had a good home, a father abundantly able to support him, and no special burdens were resting upon his shoulders; none were depending upon him for support.

Again I saw that some in the type-setting department were in straitened circumstances, bearing their own weight, and loving to do good to

others; to sacrifice for the cause of God. Their labor was more difficult than that of those in the folding room; but Bro. Aldrich had no special interest in these cases. He did not take the trouble to investigate, and feel as a father toward those who needed a fatherly care. He has been bound about with selfishness as with iron bands. He has received credit for fineness of feeling which he does not possess, and has deceived himself. He lacks tender compassion. He lacks love. He lacks that fine sensibility which he should possess, and which if he did possess, he could discriminate and know how to deal justly, impartially, and in such a manner that God could approbate. I saw that God was not pleased with this management, and will not suffer such acts to pass unnoticed without reproof, in that Office. God will not let his free Spirit abide upon Bro. Aldrich while such things exist. A cloud is shutting down about the Office, not of light and mercy, but of darkness and judgment.

I was shown that when Bro. Aldrich came to Battle Creek, a mistake was made in regard to him by those connected with the Office. Because it was known that it had been shown that he had a work to do in connection with the cause of God, great confidence was placed in him. After my husband’s sickness, it seemed to come natural for those in the Office to feel that Bro. Aldrich should take the place made vacant by Bro. White’s removal because of his sickness. God saw fit to connect Bro. Aldrich with his work, and, because of this, those of long experience in the work, who had been for years connected with the Office, stepped back, and left the responsibility of managing

and deciding matters upon him, as they had left it with Bro. White. They ought not to have done this. They should have shared the responsibility, and Bro. Aldrich should have deferred to their judgment rather than they to his. They thought that in every particular they must give the same confidence to Bro. Aldrich they had given to Bro. White. The cases are very different. Bro. Aldrich had no experience in the printing department, and did not know the wants of the cause. Bro. White had years of experience in this work, and his experience commenced from the first rise of the message. God had brought him through privations, trials, and perils, to perfect that experience, and qualify him for the position he occupied. His connection with the humble instrument through whom God revealed his will as the necessity of the case required for the benefit of his people, gave him continual strength and clearness of judgment in regard to the management of the work. In supposing that Bro. Aldrich could be placed in the position, and fill it, as Bro. White did, was expecting too much. To rely upon his judgment, and abide by his decisions, as was the case when Bro. White stood in the Office, is trusting too much to one man of but little experience. Bro. Aldrich has not learned the ways and works of God. He does not understand his paths. He has not been schooled in adversity and suffering, privation and trial, and realized the manifest wonderful works of God, in the blessed deliverances God has wrought under various circumstances, which has taught him what course of action God approves, and by bitter experience in witnessing hundreds of cases who have

erred, what he disproves, condemns and despises.

Those who have long borne the burden in the Office, those who have suffered when everything waded hard, are the ones to be especially considered and favored. Those who have listened to the admonitions in special cases where selfishness was exhibited, those who have seen the management Heaven has approved, have a better knowledge, and more correct judgment, of how things should be conducted in that Office, than Bro. Aldrich can have without greater experience. They have stood back and invested Bro. A. with too much authority. They should take responsibility upon themselves more than they have, and Bro. A. should consult with them, and defer his judgment to theirs. Instead of this, Bro. Aldrich has had his own way in almost everything, although his experience has been so short. He has been set and unyielding to pursue a course which he thought best, irrespective of the judgment of those he should regard. His office invests him with no such authority.

I was shown that those who have been united with the Office for years, have received correct ideas in regard to how God would have things managed; it should not be according to a worldly policy. There should be no selfishness exhibited there. All engaged in the work should have a special care for the widow and fatherless, and labor unselfishly for their good, even disadvantaging themselves to advantage the needy and oppressed. Bro. White set the example the Lord had shown that all his people should imitate, in being interested in the cases of others, helping those who need help, without any profit to self, to love his

neighbor as himself. Brn. Smith and Amadon have seen the course he has pursued. They have the same experience and views with himself. They have heard the commendation God has given of those who pursued this course, and the curse which God has pronounced upon those who are too much swallowed up in their own interests to have a care for their neighbors as themselves. Brn. Smith and Amadon have had a long experience in connection with the Office. The Lord has given much light in regard to the course his people should pursue in order to glorify him. They have witnessed the special work of God, and have received his teachings, showing our duty to those around us. They have been so long united with the cause of God that it has become, as it were, a part of them. They know no other interest, and to separate them from the work, would be like parting with their life. The voice of these brethren should be heard. Their judgment is nearer in accordance with the will of God than that of Bro. Aldrich. He has much to learn before God can entrust him with all that responsibility that his brethren have given him in the things mentioned.

Bro. Aldrich is self-caring. God has mercifully laid some affliction upon him, which has been very sore for him to bear, but in which he has not discerned the mercy of God. The affliction of his wife has had a tendency to humble the aspiring, proud spirit of Bro. Aldrich, yet he has not submitted to this with all that meekness he should have possessed to be benefited thereby. I was shown that Sr. A. possessed a fine organism, a sensitive, trusting, loving, confiding temperament,

and clings to her husband, entwining her affections about him, as the tendrils of a vine about its support. True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. It is, on the contrary, an element calm and deep. It looks beyond mere externals, and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding.

God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. The self-denials for the good and happiness of those around us, will be found to constitute a large share of the life record in Heaven. And the care of self irrespective of others’ good and happiness, will reveal the fact that none of these things are beneath the notice of our Heavenly Father.

In regard to the case of Bro. Gage, I was shown that he was in need of a more thorough experience. He commenced to take the responsibilities of life too early, before he could realize the importance attached to these responsibilities. Had he waited a few years, until his mind had become more matured, he would now be far in advance of what he is. His past experience has lessened the confidence of his brethren in his judgment. Bro. Gage was young, needing parental care and instruction when he commenced life for himself. He earned his money readily, and realized not its worth, but spent it just as readily as he earned it.

He did not educate himself to habits of economy. He spent means for things unnecessary. His character was not really formed. He has a quick mind, can discern readily the bearing of things, and comes to conclusions at once, hence he is in danger of not making allowance for those who cannot see and understand as readily as himself. He was not settled, with a firm religious experience when he came to Battle Creek. His mind was too boyish; yet I saw that he had, considering the errors and difficulties existing in the church in Battle Creek, pursued a praiseworthy course. The young could have been greatly injured by his influence had he not conscientiously restrained himself from engaging with them in their various enterprises for amusement. He could have helped forward many things which would have gratified the youth in their unconsecrated state, and injured his own influence. He did not do this. He sought to stand with those who were seeking to preserve their peculiar character distinct from the world.

I was shown that Bro. Gage does not value time as he should. He spends much time with individuals, foreign from his work. If, at the close of the week, he could see the minutes and half hours spent in needless conversation with individuals who have no right to his time, he would be astonished at the time he frittered away, which was worse than lost. The example is injurious in this direction upon others in the Office. At the close of the year sum up the time idled away in needless conversation, and many minutes spent by Bro. Gage and some of the other workmen in the Office, and it would astonish all, and they would feel

fearful of coming under the head of unfaithful servants. The hours are composed of minutes, the days of hours, the weeks of days. The minutes should be faithfully employed, then the hours will tell, for they have been usefully employed; the days will bear their full weight of burden, being well filled with faithful, earnest, interested effort. There are those who apply themselves closely enough to the work, and who are compelled to bear extra burdens, and work beyond their hours, to bring up the work which has been neglected by others in consequence of the numerous calls, and the time which has not been filled with interested, faithful effort on the part of all. Patients at the Institute should not be encouraged to while away their time, or to amuse themselves in frequent visits, at the Office. It is not the place for them.

Again, confusion is caused by children being allowed to run through the Office. Children belonging to those who are employed in the Office, should not be allowed to visit in the Office when they please. Especially should no plays be entered into, and little children’s voices heard through the Office. All these things lower the dignity of the Office and lessen the sacredness of the work. The church should have especial care not to permit their children to visit the Office, and the children of those who are engaged in the Office should not be allowed to remain in the building, and by their presence encourage other children. The confusion caused by this is all displeasing to God. There should be an entire change in almost every thing in regard to the order of matters at the Office. Sacred and common

things have been placed upon the same level.

The church in Battle Creek should not feel at liberty to visit the Office and engage in common topics of conversation. Matters are freely introduced by members of the church, who visit the Office, which have no right to be brought into the Office. In doing this they are robbing the cause of God of the time of the workmen, diverting their interest from the work, and bringing in a worldly spirit which should have no place in the Office. Members of the church should time their visits, and call upon those who labor in the Office when they are at their own homes. I saw that God had been displeased with the lax way these things have been managed.

The Office is located in the center of a large church, and if even a portion of the church make free to call at the Office as they have done, when it suits their convenience, and chat upon subjects as they choose, they steal minutes and hours of precious time, which belong to the cause and work of God. In thus doing, they rob God. And this is not all, but they do their part in lessening the sacredness of the work in the Office, and make that which they should seek to preserve as sacred, common.

One will come in and interrupt a workman just a few minutes. Frequently their few minutes lengthen to half an hour. That one passes out, another comes in and spends a longer or shorter period, and thus five to twenty-five calls are heedlessly made in a day, and every one passes out of the Office, nothing bettered themselves, and yet the laborers have been hindered, their interest diverted from the work, and the precious minutes

are used up, which are all needed to be devoted to the work. Sum up these minutes and it will be found hours of time are consumed, to no benefit to any one, but a decided injury to the Office. There are many business calls made which cannot be avoided. Those who have no special business, have no right to amuse themselves by diverting the attention of Brn. Aldrich, Walker, Amadon, Gage, Bacheller, Lane, or any one who is laboring in the Office. Let all remember that the Office is not a reception-room to entertain visitors. It is a place where most important business is being transacted in connection with the work and cause of God. The interest of the workmen should not be called off, for if it is, the work will be marred, and time will be stolen, which belongs to the Lord. All should labor to preserve order and quiet in the Office, and maintain the dignity and sacredness of the work. The Office is wading heavily. The world which has come in has shut the Lord out, and his prospering hand is not with the Office as it once was. Something must be done to redeem the past.

I saw that Bro. Gage should shun the errors of the past. He should guard against imaginary wants. He has not always been willing to receive instruction from those of mature experience. He thought they did not understand him. Bro. Gage, the Lord is working for you, and will bless you, and strengthen you, in the course of right. You understand the theory of truth, and should be obtaining all the knowledge you can of God’s will and work, prepared to fill a more responsible position if God requires it of you, and if he sees you can glorify his name best in so doing. But

you have yet an experience to gain. You are too easily affected by circumstances, are too impulsive. God is willing to strengthen, stablish, settle you, if you will earnestly and humbly seek wisdom of him who is unerring, and who has promised you shall not seek in vain. In teaching the truth to others you are in danger of talking too strong, in a manner that your short experience will not sustain you in. You take in things at a glance, and can see the bearings of subjects readily. All are not organized as yourself, and cannot do this. You will not be prepared to patiently, calmly wait for others to weigh evidence who can not see as readily as yourself. You will be in danger of urging others too much, to see at once as you see, and feel all that zeal and necessity of action you feel. If your expectations are not realized you will be in danger of becoming discouraged and restless, and wishing a change. You must shun a disposition to censure, to bear down. Keep clear of every thing that savors of a denunciatory spirit. It is not pleasing to God for this spirit to be found in any of his servants of longer experience; but for a youth to manifest ardor and zeal is all proper if graced with humility and the inward adorning; but when a rash zeal and a denunciatory spirit are manifested by a youth who has but a few years of experience, it is most unbecoming, and positively disgusting. Nothing can destroy his influence as soon as this. Mildness, gentleness, forbearance, long-suffering, being not easily provoked, forbearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things, is the fruit growing upon the precious plant which is of heavenly birth—Love. This plant, if it is nourished, will prove to be an evergreen. Its branches will

not decay, its leaves will not wither. It is immortal, eternal, watered continually by the dews of Heaven.

Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consists in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else but good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God measures more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives alone, and flourishes only where Christ reigns. Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will prevail and gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force, is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and increase their strength of resistance as they are met by another power than love. Jesus was the Prince of Peace.

He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to himself. Wisdom and strength he could command, but the means he employed to overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love. Suffer nothing to divide your interest from your present work until God shall see fit to give you another piece of work in the same field. Seek not for happiness, for that never is to be found by seeking for it. Go about your duty. Let faithfulness mark all your doings, and be clothed with humility.

I was shown in regard to the Institute that Dr. Lay came there fully determined to act his part unselfishly. In the commencement of his engaging in the work at the Institute, there were many things of a discouraging nature to Dr. Lay. The position taken by Bro. Aldrich in regard to diet and dress reform, created such feelings of contempt in the minds of many for the short dress that its influence was seriously felt by Dr. Lay, and the patients whom he was trying to benefit at the Institute. Dr. Lay was seeking to bring his patients to bear the cross, which was important for their physical improvement. Bro. Aldrich took responsibilities upon him in regard to the Institute that he was not warranted to take. He pursued a course very much as though all at the Institute were in his employ, to obey his dictation. He was domineering over Dr. Lay. Bro. Aldrich thought Dr. Lay should consult him before making any move; and he did not exercise that courtesy which was due Dr. Lay. Dr. Lay struggled through discouragements at first. He did not at that time receive the respect that he should have received. This inability to discriminate, and to

respect the position of Dr. Lay, made it necessary for me to relate what had been previously shown me in his favor. This had better not have been told Dr. Lay. He is an erring mortal, like others, and he received impressions in regard to the responsibility resting upon him that were incorrect. He took upon himself more than he was capable of carrying. He could not possibly fill the positions he thought he must. He thought there was a spirit to crowd him, and felt the necessity of placing himself upon the defensive. If there had been right management in his case, much trouble might have been saved. Evils grow out of misunderstandings. Dr. Lay thought that he must stand his ground, take his position, and maintain it, or he might as well give up his office altogether. This state of things would not have been had Bro. Aldrich pursued a different course. He was not courteous as he should have been, and dealt with Dr. Lay with a hard, firm spirit, about in the same manner one cold-hearted worldling would deal with another. Dr. Lay was sensitive, and such treatment cut him to the heart. This same manner of dealing is practiced by Bro. Aldrich to quite an extent. He is unaccommodating, unyielding. If he had worked upon this principle, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” far different results would appear as the fruit of such a course. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Here are strong motives which should operate on minds to constrain them to love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all his actions.

We are not commanded to do to ourselves what we wish others to do unto us, we are to do unto others what we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence, and the desire for the esteem of others, may produce a well-ordered life, and, frequently, a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of vice. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in the outward manner, yet the motives be deceptive and impure; and the efforts and actions that flow from them may be destitute of the savor of life, and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love, love, should be cultivated. It needs cherishing, for its influence is divine.

Dr. Lay brought many things from Dansville which were incorrect, in regard to amusements and exercise. He heard this amusement question made so much of that he actually thought a health institution could not be conducted without these amusements. He heard so much against exercising that he was not sound in this direction. When the amusements were introduced into the Institute, some in Battle Creek manifested their superficial character. They were pleased and gratified. It just suited their frivolous turn of mind. The things which were recommended for invalids they thought were good for them; and Dr. Lay is not accountable for all the results accruing from the counsel given to his patients.

Those in different churches abroad, who were unconsecrated, seized upon the first semblance of an excuse to engage in pleasure, hilarity, and folly. As soon as it was known that at the Institute established for invalids the physicians had recommended the patients to get their minds off from themselves into a more cheerful train of thought, and had arranged plays and amusements to have this effect, it went like fire in the stubble; and the young in Battle Creek and other churches thought that they had need of just such things, and the armor of righteousness was laid off by many. As they were no longer held in by bit and bridle, they engaged in these things with as much earnestness and perseverance as though everlasting life depended upon their zeal in this direction. Here was an opportunity to discern the conscientious followers of Christ from those who were self deceived. Some had not the cause of God at heart. They had not the work of true holiness wrought in the soul. They had not made God their trust, and were unstable, and only needed a wave to raise them from their feet and toss them to and fro. Such showed that they possessed but little stability and moral independence. They had not experience for themselves, and therefore walked in the sparks of others’ kindling. They had not Christ in their heart, to confess to the world. They professed to be his followers, but things earthly and temporal held in subjection their frivolous, selfish hearts.

There were others who did not seem to possess anxiety in regard to the amusement question. They felt that confidence in God, that he would make all right. Their peace of mind was not disturbed.

They decided that a prescription for invalids did not mean them, therefore would not be troubled. They decided that whatever others might do, or whatever was being done in the world, it was nothing to them; for, said they, whom have we to follow but Christ. He has left us a command to walk even as he walked. We must live as seeing him who is invisible, and do what we do heartily unto the Lord, and not unto men.

When such things arise, character is developed. Moral worth can then be truly established. It would be no difficult thing to ascertain where those are to be found who profess godliness, yet have their pleasure and happiness in this world. Their affections are not upon things above, but upon things on the earth, where Satan reigns. They walk in darkness, and cannot love and enjoy heavenly and divine things, because they cannot discern or know them. They are alienated from the life of Christ, having their understandings darkened. The things of the Spirit are foolishness unto them. Their pursuits are according to the course of this world, and their interests and prospects are joined with the world, and with earthly things. If such can pass along with the name of Christians, yet serve both God and mammon, they are satisfied. Things will occur to reveal the hearts of these souls, who are only a weight, a burden, and curse, to the church.

I was shown that Dr. Lay did not move with wisdom. The spirit existing in the church was such as to be no help to him, but a hindrance, and led away from God and the path of holiness. Many of the church have ascribed their state of spiritual blindness to the influence growing out of

the principles taught at the Institute. This is not all correct. Had the church stood in the counsel of God, the Institute would have been controlled. The light of the church would have been diffused to that branch of the work, and the errors would not have existed there that did. Dr. Lay was not alone in error, and the censure should not be suffered to rest alone upon him. It was the moral darkness of the church that had the greatest influence to create the moral darkness and spiritual death in the Institute. Had the church been in a healthy condition, she could have sent a vitalizing, healthful current to this arm of the body. But the church was sickly, had not the favor of God, and enjoyed not the light of his countenance. A sickly, deathly influence was circulated all through the living body, until the disease was apparent everywhere. Dr. Lay became exalted. He thought that he must occupy a position in the Institute similar to that occupied by Dr. Jackson at Dansville. God did not connect him with the work to be thus regarded. He took burdens upon himself that he ought not to have taken, and that were unnecessary for him to bear. He feared to yield and give up the oversight of matters lest he should lose his influence. The chief cause which led to this error on the part of Dr. Lay, was the course pursued toward him when he first engaged in his efforts for the Institute. He knew there was jealousy and prejudice existing toward him. This made him jealous and suspecting in return. His continual fear was of prejudicial influences working to injure his standing in the Institute. This was, much of it, the fruit of a diseased imagination. He was constantly

wrestling with enemies which existed only in his imagination.

He did not judge Dr. Byington aright. Bro. B. sought to do the best he could for the interest of the Health Institution, yet manifested too much interest for himself. Dr. Lay failed to give him credit for the burdens he did bear. He thought Bro. B. was working against him. He gathered information from different sources which became magnified in his mind, and made him very unhappy, and caused suspicion and jealousy of Bro. B. This would not have been if there had been the correct understanding, and an effort to look at everything occurring in the most favorable light. His feelings and prejudice became strong. The Spirit of God had nothing to do with these feelings, and imaginary evils.

Bro. Byington was not in the best position for one of his ardent, active temperament. He did not possess quiet and gentleness, so important for one that is around nervous, easily-excited invalids.

The course pursued toward Bro. B. was not correct nor just. There was a spirit possessed by Dr. Lay to exalt himself to have all think he was the man, and a fear lest others should estimate Bro. B. too highly. There was an undercurrent at work which would injure Bro. B., which was not pleasing to God.

In the case of Bro. Rogers, there were thoughts that he did not do all that he might; that he was more willing to inspect and have an oversight than to take hold and do, and earn the means he received. This was too much the case. Bro. Rogers had partaken much of the spirit of ease and freedom from care and responsibility which

prevailed with nearly all, yet an unjust course was pursued toward Bro. Rogers. He was watched from the first with jealousy and distrust. This spirit was fast growing in that Institution. There was not love and harmony. Many forgot that with what measure they should mete, it should be measured to them again. Bro. Rogers did not manifest that interest and diligence in business which he should. He was not alone. There were others employed to labor who did not take special burdens, and feel a special interest. Care and responsibility sat very lightly upon Bro. Graham. For want of proper oversight there had been a great loss. To be faithful in the littles is one of the most important works for mortals. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much, says the Saviour. The leaven has run through the Institute. Helpers indoors and out were grasping for wages. A most astonishing spirit of selfishness seized them. Suspicion and jealousy of one another caused disunion. There was a great lack of noble frankness with one another. Hands were discharged, and false reasons given instead of the correct one. Many knew well the reason, except the very one who ought to have known. Suspicious whisperings went from one to another, and yet the subjects of them were kept in ignorance of the true reason of dissatisfaction. All this was cruel and unchristian, and brought the displeasure of God upon all who participated in this secret whispering by the wall, this deceptive, undercurrent work. Where there is union there is strength. With this lack of union, this distrust and jealousy existing, neither physicians nor helpers could work unitedly and

happily. God’s blessing could not rest upon that Institute with such a state of things. Dr. Lay has not been in a condition to bring his burdens and cares to Jesus, the burdenbearer. He has been so fearful of losing his influence, that he has tried too hard to maintain his dignity. If he could have been in a great measure indifferent to these things, pursued a humble, Christian course, divested of selfishness, God would have done more to establish him in the hearts of his patients, helpers, and the church, than he could do by laboring with all his energies his lifetime. All this fear, and trouble, and anxiety, lest he should not maintain his position, and be appreciated, has had a tendency to bring about the very result he was in his own strength seeking to hinder.

Dr. Lay is nervous, too hurried and excitable. He must encourage calmness, slow, unhurried speech, and calm movements. All this is very important, for him to be successful as a physician. He should trust his case in the hands of God, and guard against being over-sensitive. The worriment of mind Dr. Lay has suffered to come upon him, and his care in regard to things where he should have no care, have worn him more than all the labor he has done. God lives. He should trust his case wholly in his hands. In seeking so hard to save himself in the estimation of others, he has sunk himself every time. He has felt jealous lest the minds of his patients should be turned to some other one besides himself. This feeling is all needless. The more it is indulged, the more sure will the much-to-be-feared result take place. He should be indifferent to the matter just as much as possible.

Sister Lay has increased this feeling by her own fears and jealousies. She has made herself unhappy because she has not made it her motive to make others happy. She has looked for others to administer unto her happiness, and been exacting, while she has not been willing to administer unto others. You remained in the Institute to the injury of your entire family, as well as of the Institute.

Sister Chamberlain’s influence was needed there, but when she came she was not appreciated. Had Dr. Lay regarded her as he should, and showed her that respect which was her due, there would have been no trouble. But he felt jealous that she would assume more authority than he was willing she should. This erroneous feeling was enough to make Dr. Lay miserable, and place Sr. Chamberlain in an unenviable position. When it was decided to remove the care and burden of having the sole management of matters at the Institute from Dr. Lay, and place the burden on others, to release him, he did not feel pleased nor reconciled to the matter. He heard disrespectful speeches in regard to Sr. Chamberlain, which he could have nipped in the bud, but he assumed a stoical indifference, feeling like this: They have taken the responsibility from me; and it does not concern me. Here Dr. Lay was at fault. He knew that the matters did concern him. Any thing which he knew would, if permitted to go on, mar the unity of the Institution, did concern him, and he knew it; but it was a wrong, jealous spirit which led him to hold his peace. This spirit has prevailed to a greater or less degree all through the Institution. Just such a woman as

Sr. Chamberlain is needed there, and she should make advance steps until she can take her place by the side of any of the physicians; for she is eminently qualified for the station. She has the experience, she has the right organization, she has the vital powers, to make her an excellent physician.

Dr. Lay, you have not conducted with prudence. I was shown that there was a spirit in that Institution to get all the means they could. An avaricious spirit was manifested by Dr. Byington, also by Dr. Lay and the helpers; a selfish spirit, that brought the frown and curse of God upon those who possessed it. It was wages, wages. There was not an unselfish devotion to the work, and laboring with an unselfish interest. There was not a burden and care taken by all there engaged to labor for the prosperity and benefit of the Institute. There was a spending of time, and but little accomplished. There was a great lack of a thorough oversight of all things pertaining to the Institute. Helpers and all seemed to have a spirit of indifference, and there were many expenses out, which need not have been had there been one to take the care who possessed energy, ambition, and forethought. The prospect of large dividends, and abundance of means coming in, led to a spirit of prodigality, which would soon have run the Institute into the ground. God wants this branch of the work to live and flourish, and all who act a part in it to possess a spirit of self-denial, a spirit entirely different from that heretofore exhibited, which has been to get just all that it was possible to get, and to advantage self, out of the Institute.

When Dr. Lay and his wife left the Institute,

a spirit of selfishness was manifested, which injured their influence in that Institute. They showed, to many minds too plainly, that they were seeking to advantage themselves, without considering the interest of the Institute. You all, father, mother, and children, exhibited a spirit of selfishness displeasing to God. All this has not worked for your good, but for your injury. All that you invest in thus seeking your own interest, will result in loss in the end. Had you been an observer and seen another pursue the same course you pursued, you would have exclaimed against it loudly. Such things merit the displeasure of God. With such a selfish spirit as has existed in those who were in the Institute, is it surprising that God has not especially blessed the efforts there made? Will he sanction error? No, never! Selfishness in the Office, selfishness in the Institute, and yet expecting the token of God’s presence, as though all things were prepared for him. Dr. Lay was distrustful, and took his case in his own hands instead of calmly waiting for, and trusting in, God to establish him in the hearts of those with whom he associated. He was constantly seeking to establish himself. He took the case in his own hands, and left the Lord no chance to do a work for him, which he was anxiously seeking to do for himself. All the Lord required of Dr. Lay was to abide in him, seek wisdom of him, to cease his forecasting and foresettling, as it were, matters with which he had nothing to do, which left him no enjoyment of the present. God required of him a child-like leaning upon his tender care, and abiding in his love. His unsettled, uneasy state of mind disqualified him to act as a physician,

and was exhausting his vitality more than all his labor. Dear Bro. Lay has not understood his own heart. Selfishness has found a lodgment there, and peace, healthful, calm peace has departed. What you all lack is the element love—love to God, and love to your neighbor. The life that you now live, you do not live by faith on the Son of God. There is a lack of firm trust, a withholding, a fearfulness to resign all into the hands of God, as though he could not keep that which is committed to his trust. You are afraid some evil is designed, which will do you harm unless you assume the defensive, and commence a warfare in your own favor. The children of God are wise and powerful according to their reliance upon his wisdom and power. They are strong and happy according to their separation from the wisdom and help of man. Daniel and his companions were captives in a strange land, but God suffered not the envy and hatred of their enemies to prevail against them. The righteous have ever obtained help from God. How often have the enemies of God united their strength and wisdom to destroy the character and influence of a few simple persons who trusted in God. Because the Lord was for them none could prevail against them. Only let the followers of Christ be united in one and they will prevail. Let them be disjoined from their idols, and be separate from the world, and the world shall not separate them from God. Christ is our present, all-sufficient Saviour. In him all fullness dwells. It is the privilege of Christians to know indeed that Christ is in them of a truth. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. All things are

possible to him that believeth; and whatsoever things we desire when we pray, if we believe that we receive them we shall have them. This faith will penetrate the darkest cloud, and bring rays of light and hope to the drooping, desponding soul. It is the absence of this faith and trust which brings perplexity, distressing fears, and surmisings of evil. God will do great things for his people when they put their entire trust in him. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Pure and undefiled religion will be exemplified in the life. Christ will prove a never-failing source of strength, a present help in every time of trouble.