When at Oswego, N. Y., June, 1855, I was shown that God’s people have been weighed down with clogs, that there had been Achans in the camp. The work of God has progressed but little, and many of God’s servants have been discouraged because the truth in N. Y. has taken no more effect, and that there have been no more added to the church. The Messenger party has arisen, and we shall suffer some from their lying tongues, and misrepresentations, yet we should bear it all patiently; for they will not injure God’s cause now they have left us, as much as they would have injured it by their influence had they remained with us. God’s frown has been brought upon the church on account of individuals with corrupt hearts being in it. (4bSG 9.1) MC VC

They have wanted to be foremost when God, or their brethren, did not place them there. Selfishness and exaltation has marked their course. A place has opened for all such now, where they can go and find pasture with those of their kind. And we should praise God that in mercy he has rid the church of them. God has given many of them up to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings. An excitement and sympathy now leads them, which will deceive some; but every honest one will be enlightened as to the true state of this company, and they will remain with God’s peculiar people, and not be affected by the influence of those who have been given up by God to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings. I saw that God had given these people opportunity to reform, had enlightened them as to their love of self and other sins; but they would not heed it. They would not be reformed, and he mercifully relieved the church of them. (4bSG 9.2) MC VC