Page:The looking-glass.djvu/58

58 instruct them to love and serve the Lord. But let them be their own judges in other matters, for they know what is best for themselves. As ministers, let us faithfully do that which is appointed for us to do in the Gospel, and it will go well with us in time as well as in eternity.

I now speak to your backsliding sister and her ministers, namely. Bethel and all her branches. Her acts have been like those of Zion, but rather worse in many cases, which I shall endeavor to show hereafter, with the blessing of the Lord. I thought once that you were true-hearted and faithful followers of the meek and lowly Lamb, and good Christians. I therefore joined in faith with you: I travelled a long time with you: I was well pleased with the Church government at the time. They were poor and humble: I believe that the blessing of the Lord was with them: I held prayer-meeting with them: I led their classes and exhorted them: I preached for them, and remained with them a number of years, until the second administration ended. After that they grew fat, like the heifer at grass, kicked up their heels and bellowed, waxed proud and self-willed. I therefore left them. With credit, I was there a long time. But I thank the Lord that there was never a charge brought against me. Yet I was