Earlier text: IMPORTANT TESTIMONY.Many of our younger ministers, and some of more mature experience, are neglecting the word of God, and also despising the testimonies of his Spirit. They do not know what the testimonies contain, and do not wish to know. They do not wish to discover and correct their defects of character. Many parents do not themselves seek instruction from the testimonies, and of course they cannot impart it to their children. They show their contempt for the light which God has given, by going directly contrary to his instructions. Those at the heart of the work have set the example. I feel it my duty to warn Bro. Gage to be careful how he condemns another. He is a man in years, but in many respects he is a boy. In stability of character, in devotion, in sound judgment, in spiritual understanding, he has not grown up to the stature of a man in Christ Jesus. Bro. Gage has great self-confidence, he feels competent for any position. But he has grave defects of character. Should Bro. Gage’s life and character be taken up, point by point, as you have examined Bro. Bell’s, how would he appear? Have you thought of this, Bro. Gage? “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” I might call the names of many others, but I forbear. Of one thing be assured, you have done a41 work that has made angels weep,—a work of which you will one day be ashamed. In writing as I have done, I do not desire to call out letters from any. I have fulfilled a solemn duty. You have published your contentions to the world. Do you think you stand, as a people, in a more favorable light in Battle Creek? Christ prayed that his disciples might be one, as he was one with the Father, that the world might know that God had sent him. What testimony have you borne, during the past few months? The Lord is looking into every heart. He weighs our motives. He will try every soul. Who will bear the test?