Chapter 17—Labor for the Erring - Brethren C and D failed in some respects in their management of church matters at Battle Creek. They moved too much in their own spirit and did not make God their whole dependence. They failed of doing their duty by not leading the church to God, the Fountain of living waters, at which they could supply their want and satisfy their soul hunger. The renewing, sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, which would give peace and hope to the troubled conscience, and restore health and happiness to the soul, was not made of the highest importance. The good object they had in view was not attained. These brethren had too much of a spirit of cold criticism in the examination of individuals who presented themselves for church membership. The spirit of weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice was not in the hearts of these ministering brethren as it should have been. {3T 186.1}

Brødrene C og D begik fejl i nogle ting i ledelsen af menighedsanliggender i Battle Creek. De handlede for meget efter dem selv og gjorde sig helt uafhængige af Gud. De gjorde ikke deres pligt da de ikke ledte menigheden til Gud, de levende vandes Udspring, hvorved de kunne dække deres mangler og stille deres sjæls sult. Helligåndens fornyende og helligende indflydelse som ville give fred og håb for den betrængte samvittighed og oprejser sundhed og lykke for sjælen, gøres ikke til det vigtigste. Det gode mål de havde for øje blev ikke opnået. Disse brødre har for megen kold kritik i sig når de undersøger personer som gerne vil være menighedsmedlemmer. At græde med de grædende og glæde sig med de glade var ikke i de tjenendes brødres hjerter som den skulle være.