TESTIMONY

FOR

T H E C H U R C I T .

No. 6.

B Y E L L E N G. W H I T E .

STEAM PRESS OF THE REVIEW AND HERALD OFFICE,

BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
1861.
 TESTIMONY FOR THE CHURCH.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SIFTERS : T h e LORD

has again visited me in mercy, in a time of
bereavement and great affliction. December
23, 1860, I was taken off in vision and was
shown the wrongs of individuals which have ef-
fected the cause, and I dare not withhold the
testimony from the church to spare the feel-
ings of individuals.
I was shown the low state of GOB'S peo-
ple ; that GOD had not departed from them,
but that they had departed from GOD and be-
come lukewarm. They possess the theory of
the truth, but lack its saving power. As we
near the close of time, Satan comes down with
great power knowing his time is short. Es-
pecially upon the remnant will his power be ex-
ercised. He will war against them) he will
seek to divide and scatter them that they may
grow weak and be overthrown. The people of
GOD should move understandingly. Their ef-
forts should be united. They should be of the
same mind, of the same judgment; then their
efforts will not be scattered, but will be of force
and tell in the upbuilding of the cause of pres-
ent truth. Order must be observed, and there
 14 14 15
must be union in regard to order, or Satan tion, and the distracting influence he exerted.
will take advantage of them. He did not sufficiently weigh the matter. His
I was shown that the enemy would come in articles were perfectly calculated to have a
every way possible to dishearten the people of scattering influence, and to lead minds to come
GOD, and perplex and trouble them, and that to wrong conclusions, and encourage the slack
they should move understandingly and prepare ideas many have of managing matters relating
themselves for the attacks of Satan. The mat- to the cause of GOD, Those who do not feel
ters of the church should not be left in an un- the weight of this cause upon them, do not
settled condition. Steps should be taken to feel the necessity of anything being done to es-
secure church property for the cause of GOD, tablish church order. Those who have long
that the work may not be retarded in its prog- borne the burden look to the future and weigh
ress, and that the means which persons wish to matters. They are convinced that steps must
dedicate to GOD'S cause, may not slip into the be taken to place the matters of the church in
enemy's ranks. I saw that GOD'S people a more secure position where Satan cannot
should act wisely, and leave nothing undone come in and take advantage. 11. F. C's ar-
on their part to place matters of the church in ticles caused those who fear order to look with
a secure state. Then after all is done that suspicion upon the suggestions of those, who
they can do, they should trust the LORD to by the special providence of GOD, move out
overrule these things for them, that Satan take in the important matters of the church. And
no advantage of GOD'S remnant people. It is when he saw that his position would not
Satan's time to work, and a stormy future is bear, he foiled to frankly acknowledge his
before us; and the church should be awake wrong and labor to effaee the wrong impress-
to make an advance move that they may stand ion he had made.
securely against Satan's plans. It is time that I saw that in temporal matters R. F. C.
something was done. GOD is not pleased to was too easy and negligent. He has lacked
have his people leave the matters of the church energy, and has considered it a virtue to leave
at loose ends, and suffer the enemy to have the things to the LORD which the LORD has left
whole advantage and control affairs as best to him. It is only in cases of great emer-
pleases him. gency that the LORD interposes for us. We
I was shown the wrong stand taken by have a work to do, burdens and responsibilities
R. P. 0. in the Review in regard to organiza- to bear, and in thus doing we obtain an exper-
 G 7
ience. _ He manifests the same character GOD'S people, and brought the cause of GOD
in spiritual matters that he has done in his into disrepute. The people whom GOD is
temporal affairs. There is a lack of zeal and leading out in these last days, will be troubled
earnestness to make thorough work. All should with just such things. But much evil will
act with more discretion and wisdom in regard be avoided if the ministers of CHRIST will be
to the things of GOD, than they manifest in of one mind, unite in effort, unite in their
temporal things to secure an earthly possess- plans of action, sustain each other, stand to-
gether, and be faithful to reprove and rebuke
And while GOD'S people are justified in wrong, which will soon cause it to wither.
a lawful manner to secure church property, But Sajtan has controlled these matters very
they should be careful to maintain their pecul- much. Private members, and even preach-
iar and holy character. I saw that unconse- ers, have sympathized with disaffected ones who
n t e d persons would take advantage of the po- have been reproved for their wrongs, and di-
sition the church have recently taken, and will vision of feeling has been the result. The one
overstep the bounds, carry matters to extremes, who has ventured out and faithfully met error
and wound the cause of GOD. Some will move and wrong, and discharged his disagreeable du-
without wisdom or judgment and engage in ty, is grieved and wounded that he receives
lawsuits that might be avoided, ming!e°with not the fullest sympathy of his preaching
the world, partake of their spirit, and influence brethren. He becomes discouraged in dis-
others to follow their example. One professed charging such painful duties, lays down the
Christian who moves unadvisedly, does much cross and withholds the pointed testimony.
harm to the cause of present truth. Evil takes His soul is shut up in darkness, and the church
root much more readily than good, and flour- suffer for the lack of the very testimony GOD
ishes when good and right languish unless they designed should live in the church. Sa-
are carefully nourished. tan's object is gained when the faithful testi-
I was pointed back and saw that in every mony is suppressed. Those who so readily
important move, every decision made or point sympathize with the wrong consider it a virtue,
gained by GOD'S people, there have been those but they realize not that they are exerting a
who have arisen to carry matters to extremes, scattering influence, and that they themselves
and to move in an extravagant manner, which help to carry out Satan's plans.
has disgusted unbelievers and distressed I saw that many souls have been destroyed
 14 15

by their brethren unwisely sympathizing with affected ones have had your sympathy, which
them, when their only hope was to be 'left to has had a tendency to make you a weak man.
see and realize the full extent of their wrongs You have not been in union with pointed,
15ut as they eagerly receive the sympathy ° f0
cutting testimony which has been sent home to
unwise brethren, they receive the idea that the individual.
hey are abused; and if they attempt to retrace " GOD'S servants are not excused if they shun
their steps, they make half-hearted work. They pointed testimony. They must reprove and
divide the matter to suit their natural feeling rebuke wrong, and not suffer sin upon a broth-
ay blame upon the reprover, and so patch up er. You have often stretched out your hands
he matter It is not healed, it is not probed to shield persons from the censure which they
to the bottom, and they fall into the same deserved, and the correction which the LORD
wrong again, because they were not left to feel designed they should have. If these persons
the extent of their wrong and humble them- failed to reform, their lack is set to your ac-
selves before GOD, and let him build them up count. Instead of watching for their danger,
raise sympathizers have worked in direct on- and warning them of it, you have cast your in-
position to the mind of CHRIST and minister- fluence against those who have followed the
ing angels. convictions of duty, and reproved and warned
Ministers of CHRIST should arise and en- the erring.
gage m the work of GOD with all their ener- " These are perilous times for the church of
gies. GOD s servants are not excused if they GOD, and the greatest danger now is of self-
shun pointed testimony. They should reprove deception. Individuals professing to believe
and rebuke wrong, and not suffer sin upon a the truth are blind to their own danger and
brother I must here introduce a portion of a wrongs. They reach the standard of piety
letter addressed to brother :

" I was shown some things in regard to you. which has been set up by their friends and
themselves; they are fellowshipped by their
I saw that the living, pointed testimony had brethren, and are satisfied, while they fail en-
been crushed in the church. You have not tirely to reach the gospel standard set up by
been in harmony with the straight testimony. our divine LORD. If they regard iniquity in
You have shunned to lay your hand decidedly their hearts the LORD will not hear them. But
upon wrong, and you have been tried with with many it is not only regarded in the heart,
those who have felt compelled to do so. Dis- but openly carried out in their lives, yet in
many cases they receive no rebuke.
 10 11
" I was pointed back to Crane's Grove Your
feelings were wrong there. You should have repents ever so heartily, the church must let
stood side by side with j his case alone. If he goes to heaven, it must
be alone, without the fellowship of the church.
a n (

made straight work, taken hold of, and reprov-

ed individual wrongs. The burden you cast A standing rebuke from GOD and the church
upon . deserved yourself, for must ever rest upon him, that the standard of
y o u

your lack of moral courage to lay your hand morality be not lowered to the very dust. The
upon wrong. You influenced others. LORD is displeased with your course in these
The good work which GOD designed to things.
have accomplished for certain ones was not ac- " You have injured the cause of GOD, your
complished, and they have been puffed up by willful course, has injured the hearts of GOD'S
Satan. If you had stood in the counsel of GOD people. Your influence encourages a slack
at that time, an influence would have been state of things in the church. You should
cast which would have told upon the cause of bear a living, pointed testimony. Stand out of
the way of the work of GOD, and step not in
?°S\v^ ° f t h e L o r d w a s g^ved. between GOD and his people. You have too
And this lack of union discourages those upon long wrapt up the sharp testimony, and been
whom GOD lays the burden of reproof. opposed to the severe censure GOD lays upon
" I was shown that you had been wron<* in individual wrongs. GOD is correcting, and
sympathizing with H. C, and the course'yon proving, and purifying his people. Stand out
have taken in regard to him has injured your of the way that the work of GOD be not hin-
influence, and has greatly injured the cause of dered. A smooth testimony GOD will not ac-
GOD. it is impossible for H. C. to be fellow- cept. Ministers must cry aloud and spare not.
shipped by the church of GOD. He has The LORD has given you a powerful testimony,
placed himself where he cannot be helped by calculated to strengthen the church and arouse
the church. He can have no communion with unbelievers. But these things wherein you
nor voice in the church. He has placed him- lack must be corrected, or your testimony will
self there in the face of light and truth He dry up, and your influence injure the cause of
has been stubborn. He has chosen his own GOD. The people look to you for an example.
course, and would not listen to reproof. He Do not mislead them. Let your influence be
would follow the inclinations of his corrupt to correct wrongs in your family, and in the
heart, has violated the holy law of GOD, and church."
has disgraced the cause of present truth If he
 14 15
I have been shown that the LOUD is reviv- the will of their children. But just as long as
ing the living, pointed testimony, which will children are under the roof of their parents,
develop character, and purify the church. But dependent upon them, they should be subject
while we are commanded to separate from the to them. Parents should move -with decision,
world, it is not necessary that we become coarse requiring the following out of their views of
and rough, and descend to common expres-
sions, and make our remarks as ragged as pos- right.
sible. The truth is designed to elevate the re- Eli might have restrained his wicked sons,
ceiver, to refine his taste and sanctify his judg- but he feared their displeasure. He suffered
ment. There should be a continual effort to them to go on in their rebellion, until they were
imitate the society we expect soon to join, viz., a curse to Israel. Parents are required to re-
angels of GOD who have never fallen by sin' strain their children. The salvation of chil-
The character should be holy, the manners dren depends very much upon the course pur-
comely, the words without guile, and we follow sued by their parents. In their mistaken love
on step by step until we are fitted for transla- and fondness for their children, they indulge
tion. them to their hurt, nourish their pride, and
put upon them trimmings and fixings which
make them vain, and lead them to think that
dress makes the lady or gentleman. But a
DUTY TO CHIIjDKEN. short acquaintance convinces those with whom
they associate that an outside appearance is not
I have been shown that parents generally sufficient to hide the deformity of a heart void
have not taken a proper course with their chil- of the Christian graces, but filled with self-love,
dren. They are not restrained as they should haughtiness and uncontrolled passion. Those
be. They are left to indulge in pride, and fol- who love meekness, humility and virtue, should
low their own inclinations. Anciently, paren- shun such society, even if it be Sabbath-keepers'
tal authority was regarded, and children were
1
children. Their company is poisonous, their
m subjection to their parents. They feared influence leads to death. Parents realize not
and reverenced them; but the order in these the destructive influence of the seed which they
last days is reversed. Some parents are in sub- are sowing. It will spring up and bear fruit
jection to their children. They fear their chil- which will make their children despise parental
dren, and yield to them. They fear to cross authority.
 14 15
Children, even after they are of age, are re- lest they lead their families away from GOD.
quired to respect, and look after the comforts Even after their children were married, the
of their parents. They should listen to the most solemn obligation rested upon them.
counsel of godly parents, and not feel because a Their judgment then was not considered suffi-
few years are added to their life, that they have cient without the counsel of their parents, and
grown out of their duty to them. There is a they were required to respect and obey their
commandment with promise to those who hon- wishes, unless they should conflict with their
or their father and their mother. duty to GOD.
Children in these last days are so noted for Again I was directed to the condition of
their disobedience and disrespect, that GOD has children in these last days. Children are not
especially noticed it, and it constitutes a si»n controlled. Parents should commence their
that the end is near. It shows the power of first lesson of discipline when their children
Satan upon minds, and the almost complete are babes in their arms. Teach them to yield
control he has of the minds of the young. By their will to yours. This can be done by bear-
many, age is no more respected. It is consid- ing an even hand, and manifesting firmness.
ered too old-fashioned to respect the aged, for Parents should have perfect control over their
it dates back as far as the days of Abraham own spirits, and with mildness and yet firmness
Says GOD, " I know him, that he will com- bend the will of the child until it shall expect
mand his children and household after him." nothing else but to yield to their wishes.
Anciently, children were not permitted to mar- Parents do not commence in season. The
ry without the consent of their parents. Par- first manifestation of temper is not subdued,
ents chose for their children. It was consid- and the children grow stubborn, which increas-
ered a crime for children to contract marriage es with their growth and strengthens with their
upon their own responsibility. The matter was strength. Some children, as they grow older,
first laid before the parents, and they were to think it a matter of course that they must have
consider whether the person to be brought into their own way, and that their parents must sub-
a close relation to them was worthy, and wheth- mit to their wishes. They expect their parents
er the parties could provide for a family. It to wait upon them. They are impatient of re-
was considered by them of the greatest impor- straint, and when old enough to be a help to
tance that they, the worshipers of the true GOD, their parents, they do not bear the burdens
should not intermarry with an idolatrous people' they should. They have been released'from
 14
15
responsibilities, and grow up worthless at home lowers, have everything to learn. Their whole
and worthless abroad. They have no power of religious experience is effected by their bring-
endurance. The parents have borne the bur- ing up in childhood. The same self-will often
den, and have suffered them to grow up in idle- appears; the same lack of self-denial; the same
ness, without habits of order, industry and impatience manifest under reproof; the same
economy They have not been taught habits of love of self and unwillingness to seek counsel
selt-clenial, but have been petted and indulged of others, or be influenced by other's j udgment;
their appetites gratified, and they come up with the same indolence, shunning of burdens, lack
enfeebled health. Their manners and deport- of bearing responsibilities is seen in their rela-
ment are not agreeable. They are unharny tion to the church. It is possible for such to
themselves, and make those around them un- overcome; but how hard the battle ! How severe
happy. And when the children are but chil- the conflict! How hard to pass through a
dren still, and while they need to be disci- course of thorough discipline, which is necessa-
plined, they are allowed to go out in company, ry for them to reach the elevation of Christian
mingle with the society of the young, and one character. Yet if they overcome at last, they
has a corrupting influence over the other will be permitted to see before they are trans-
The curse of God will surely rest upon un- lated how near the precipice of eternal de-
faithful Parents. Not only are they planting struction they came, caused by the lack of
thorns which shall wound them here, but the? right training in youth, and by not learning
must meet their own unfaithfulness when the submission in childhood.
judgment shall sit. Many children will rise up
in judgment and condemn their parents for not
restraining them and charge upon them their
destruction. The false sympathy and blind SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE-
love of parents causes them to excuse the faults I was pointed back to the children of Israel
of their children and pass them by without cor- anciently. GOD required of them all a sacri^
rection, and their children are lost in conse- fice, both poor and rich, according as he had
quence, and the blood of their souls will rest prospered them. The poor were not excused
upon unfaithful parents. because they had not the wealth of their rich
Children, who are thus brought up undisci- brethren. They were required to exercise
plined, when they profess to be CHRIST'S fol- economy and self-denial, that they come not be-
2
 14
15

fore the LORD empty-handed. And those who children. This may be right, but their first
were so poor that it was utterly impossible for duty belongs to GOD. Render unto Caesar the
them to bring an offering to the LORD, if sick- things that are Caesar's, and to GOD the things
ness or misfortune had deprived them of the that are GOD'S. Bob not GOD by withholding
ability to bestow, those who were wealthy were from him your tithes and offerings. It is the
required to help them to a humble mite, that first, sacred duty to render to GOD a suitable
they come not before the LORD empty-handed. proportion. Let no one throw in their claims
This arrangement preserved a mutual interest. and lead you to rob GOD. Let not your chil-
In the arrangement of Systematic Benevo- dren steal your offering from GOD'S altar for
lence some have not come up, and united in their own benefit.
this work, and have excused themselves be- I saw that anciently the covetousness of some
cause they were not free from debt. They led them to withhold a suitable proportion.
plead ^ that they must first " owe no man any- They made their offering stinted, which was
thing." But being in debt does not excuse recorded in heaven, and tliey were cursed in
them. _ I saw that they should render to Ctesar their harvest and their flocks just as they with-
the things that are Caesar's, and to GOD the held. Some were visited with affliction in their
things that are GOD'S. Some feel conscientious families.
to " owe no man anything," and think that GOD would not accept a lame offering. It
GOD can require nothing of them, until their must be without blemish, the best of their
debts are all paid. Here they deceive them- flocks, and the best fruits of their fields. And
selves. They fail to render to GOD the things it must be a free-will offering, if they would
that are GOD'S. Every one must bring to the have the blessing of the LORD rest upon their
LORD a suitable offering. Those who are in families and their possessions.
debt should take the amount of their debts The case of Ananias and Sapphira was pre-
from what they possess, and give a proportion sented before me to illustrate the course of
of the remainder. those who put down their property below its
Some have felt under sacred obligations to value. They pretended to make a free-will offer-
their children. They must give them each a ing of their possessions to the LORD. Said
portion, but feel themselves unable to raise Peter, " Sold ye the land for so much ?" The
means to aid the cause of GOD. They make answer was, " Yea, for so much." Some in
the excuse that they have a duty to do to their this evil age would not consider that a lie.
 10
11
But the LORD regarded it thus. They had
sold it for so much, and much more. Their Some of the very poorest will have the great-
consecration was professedly made to GOD. To est struggle to deny themselves of these stimu-
him they had dissembled, and their retribution lants. This individual sacrifice is not required
lingered not because the cause of GOD is suffering for means.
I saw that in the arrangement of Systematic But every heart will be tested and its char-
Benevolence hearts will be tested and proved. acter developed. It is principle that GOD'S
It is a constant, living test. It brings one to people must act upon. The living principle
understand his own heart, whether the truth must be carried out in the life.
or the love of the world predominates. Here " Will a man rob GOD ? Yet ye have rob-
is a test for the naturally selfish and covetous. bed me. But ye say wherein have we robbed
They will put clown their possessions at very thee 1 In tithes and offerings; ye are cursed
low figures. Here they dissemble. Said the with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this
angel, " Cursed be he that doeth the work of whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the
the LORD deceitfully." Angels are watching storehouse, that there may be meat in mine
the developement of character, and the doings house, and prove me now herewith saith the
of such are carried to heaven by the heavenly LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the win-
messengers. Some will be visited of GOD for dows of heaven and pour you out a blessing
these things, and their increase will be brought that there shall not be room enough to receive
down to their figures. " There is that scatfer- it And I will rebuke the devourer for your
eth and yet increaseth; and there is that with- sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of
holdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to your ground, neither shall your vine cast her
poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; fruit before the time in the field, saith the
and he that watereth shall be watered also him- LORD of hosts." I saw that this scripture has
self." Prov. xi, 24, 25. been misapplied to speaking and praying in
All are required to have an interest in this meeting. The prophecy has a special applica-
work. Those who use tobacco, tea and coffee tion to the last days, and teaches Goo'speople
should lay these idols aside, and put their cost their duty to bring a proportion of their sub-
into the treasury of the LORD. Some have stance a freewill offering to the Lord.
never made any sacrifice for the cause of GOD,
and are asleep as to what GOD requires of them
 12

Adventist, is a standing rebuke to the Protes-

$EV.KIVTH-l)AY ADVENTISTO. tant world. Here is the line of distinction be-
I was shown in regard to the remnant peo- tween the worshipers of GOD, and those who
ple of GOD taking a name. Two classes were worship the beast, and receive his mark, m e
presented before me. One class embraced the great conflict is between the commandments of
great bodies of professed Christians. They GOD and the requirements of the beast. It is
were trampling upon GOD'S law and bowing to because the saints are keeping all ten of the
a papal institution. They were keeping the commandments that the dragon makes war up-
first day of the week as the Sabbath of the on them ; and if they will lower the standard
LORD. and vield the peculiarities of their faith, the
The other class were but few in number and dra-on will be at peace. But GOD'S people
were bowing to the great Law-giver. They excite the ire of the dragon because they have
were keeping the fourth commandment. The dared to raise the standard, and unfurl then-
peculiar and prominent features of their faith banner in opposition to the Protestant world,
were the observance of the seventh day, and who are worshiping the institution of 1 apacy.
waiting for the appearing of our LORD from The name Seventh-day Adventist carries the
heaven. true features of our faith in front and will con-
The conflict is between the requirements of vict the inquiring mind. Like an arrow from
the LORD'S quiver it will wound the transgress-
(

GOD and the requirements of the beast. The

first day, a papal institution which directly con- ors of GOD'S law, and will lead to repentance
tradicts the fourth commandment, is yet "to be toward GOD, and faith in our LORD J E S U S
made a test by the two-horned beast. And CHRIST.
then the fearful warning from GOD declares I was shown that almost every fanatic which
the penalty of bowing to the beast and hi.s has arisen, who wishes to hide his sentiments
image. They shall drink the wine of the wrath that he may lead away others, claims to belong
of GOD, which is poured out without mixture to the church of GOD! Such a name would ex-
into the cup of his indignation. cite suspicion at once, for the most absurd
No name which we can take will be appro- errors are concealed under this name, ihis
priate but that which accords with our profes- name is too indefinite for the remnant people of
sion, and expresses our faith, and marks us GOD. The influence of such a name would
as a peculiar people. The name, Seventh-day lead to the supposition that we had a faith we
wished to cover up.
 12

THE POOR. brought into straightened places, their brethren

should feel it their duty to cheerfully help
Some who are poor in this world's goods are them out of difficulty. But if they choose their
apt to place all the straight testimony upon the own course and rely upon their judgment, they
shoulders of the men of property. But they should be left to feel the full consequences of
do not realize that they also have a work to do their unwise course, and learn by dear experi-
GOD requires them to make a sacrifice He ence that " in a multitude of counselors there
requires of them to sacrifice their idols Thev is safety." GOD'S people should be subject one
should lay aside such hurtful stimulants as to- to another. They should counsel with each oth-
bacco, tea and coffee. If they are brought in- er, that the lack of one be supplied by the suf-
to straightened circumstances while exertin- ficiency of the other. I saw that the stewards
themselves to do the best they can, it will be a
pleasure for their wealthy brethren to help them of the LORD have no duty to help those per-
out of trouble. ^ sons who persist in using tobacco, tea and cof-
fee.
Many lack wise management and economy.
Ihey do not weigh matters well, and move cau-
tiously Such should not trust to their own SPECULATIONS.
poor judgment, but counsel with their brethren
who have experience. Those who lack o. d 00 I saw that some have excused themselves from
judgment and economy are often unwilling to aidin- the cause of GOD because they were m
seek counsel. They generally think that Thev c ebt. Had they closely examined their own
7

understand how to conduct their temporal busi- hearts they would have discovered that selfish-
ness, and are unwilling to follow advice. Thev ness was the true reason why they brought no
make bad moves and suffer in consequence, free-will offering to GOD. And some will re-
lheir brethren are grieved to see them suffer, main in debt. Because of their covetousness
and they help them out of difficulty. Their un the prospering hand of GOD will not be with
wise management effects the church. It takes them to 1)1 e-s their undertakings. They love
means from the treasury of GOD which should this world better than they love the truth.
have been used to advance the cause of present They are not being fitted up and made ready
truth If these poor brethren would take an for the kingdom of GOD.
humble course and be willing to be advised and If a new patent passes through the country,
counseled by their brethren, and then are
 14 15

men who profess to believe the truth have found

a way to raise means and join the enterprise. met with an utter failure, yet they are slow to
learn. Satan allures them on, and makes them
1S acquainted with every heart. Every drunk with anticipated hopes. When these
selfish motive is known to him, and he suffers hopes are blasted, they suffer many discourage-
things to arise to try the hearts of his professed ments in consequence of their unwise adventures.
people, to prove them and develop character If means are lost, the person looks upon it as a
in some instances the LORD will suffer men to misfortune to himself, as his loss. But he must
go on, and meet with an entire failure His remember that it is the means of another that
hand is against them to disappoint their hopes he is handling, that he is only a steward, and
and scatter what they possess. Individuals who
have really felt an interest in the cause of GOD GOD is displeased with the unwise management
and have been willing to Venture something for of that means which could have been used to
its advancement, will find it a sure and safe in- advance the cause of present truth. The un-
vestment. Some will have a hundred fold in faithful steward must give an account of his
this life, and in the world to come life everlast- stewardship at the reckoning day.
• u- J L !
a wi 1 n o t r hundred
r e e e i v e t h e i

told in this life, because they cannot bear it I was shown that the Spirit of GOD lias had
J hey would, if entrusted with much, become less and less influence upon S. W. R., untilhe
unwise stewards. The LORD withholds it for has no strength from GOD to overcome, belt
their good; but their treasure in heaven will and self-interest has been prominent with him
be secure. How much better is such an in- for some length of time. Pride of heart, a
vestment as this ? The desire that some of our set, unsubdued will, and unwillingness to con-
brethren possess to earn means fast, leads them fess and yield his wrongs, have brought him in
to engage in a new enterprise and invest means, the dreadful position he is in. Long has the
and their expectations of making money are cause been injured by his injudicious course.
not realized. They sink that which they could He has been exacting, which has encourag-
have spent in GOD'S cause. There is an infat- ed a spirit of fault-finding in the church. He
uation in these new enterprises. And notwith- has been severe where it was uncalled for and
standing these things have been acted over so has lorded it over those upon whom he dared
many times, and the example of others is be- to exercise authority. His prayers and exhor-
fore them who have made investments and have
 11
10

tations have led the brethren to think he was evenbe ofhisanother,

to as he saw fit. Every man is
own steward.
a devoted Christian, which has prepared them He has rejected the counsel and advice of
to be effected by his wrong course. He has his brethren, gone on in his own strength, and
been notional, and his oddities have had a bad followed his own will, and every means where-
influence upon the minds of many. Some have by he could be corrected, he has rejected.
been so weak as to imitate his example. I saw When he has been reproved, the manner or
that he had done far greater injury to the the person has not suited him, and the way has
cause than good. been closed up for reform. The LORD has not
Had he received the instruction given of accepted his labors for some length of time.
GOD,and been corrected, he would have ob- He has labored much more for his own inter-
tained the victory over these strong habits and est than for the interest of the cause.
besetmcnts. Hut I saw that he had so long let
these habits control him, the strong foe has As he first goes to a place his prayers and
bound him. ° exhortations have effect, and brethren receive
His deal has not been correct. Dishonesty the idea that he is a perfect Christian. But
has been gaining upon him, and he has taken as they have become acquainted, how have
means from the treasury that he had no ri-ht they been disappointed to witness his selfish-
to, and has used it to his own advantage He ness, fretfulness, harshness and oddities. Al-
has considered that he had better judgment in most every day some peculiar notion is seen.
disposing of means than his brethren If His mind is almost constantly occupied fixing
means were put in his hands to be applied, and up something for his own advantage. He is
the giver named the individuals who were to favored because he is considered a messenger.
receive it, instead of carrying out the wishes of Then he will dispose of it to some one to_ good
the giver he has acted from impulse, disre- advantage to himself, and fix again. His fix-
garding the wishes of the giver, taken the lib- ing and planning has had a withering, blight-
erty to apply means to suit himself, and has ing influence upon the cause of GOD. _ His
applied what portion of it he saw fit to his own course is calculated to tare to pieces, and it has
benefit. These things GOD has frowned upon. wounded almost everywhere. What an exam-
A dishonest course has been gaining upon ple to the flock. He has been very selfish in
his deal, and has taken advantage of those
Lord's f ^ was fhe with whom he has dealt. GOD'S frown is up-
LORDS steward, and could apply the means, on him. A good tree is known by its fruils.
C O n s i d e r e d t h a t h c
 80 31
FANATICISM IN WISCONSIN. brethren in present truth. It will be easy for
I saw
that the LORD especially directed mv them to think that they can go an independ-
husband west last Fall instead of going east as be ent company alone to heaven, and easy for
at first decided. At Wisconsin there was a them to fall into Satan's snare. He is very
wrong to be corrected. The work of Satan unwilling to let go his hold in Wisconsin. He
was taking effect and would destroy souls if not has other deceptions prepared for those who
rebuked. The LORD saw fit to choose one who are not united with the body. I saw that in-
had had experience in the past, and had wit- dividuals who had been so enshrouded in dark-
nessed fanaticism, and the working of Satan's ness and deception that Satan had not only
power, f hose who received this instrument of controlled the mind, but the body, would have
(TOD s choosing were corrected, and souls were to take a most humble place in the church of
GOD. He will not commit the care of his flock
them t h e S D a r e P P"ed for
S a t a n L a d re to unwise shepherds, who would mistake and
I was shown that this device of Satan would feed them poison instead of wholesome, healthy
not have taken so readily in Wisconsin if food. GOD will have men care for the flock
minds and hearts had been in union with the who can feed them with clean provender, thor-
work of GOD, and united with his neople I oughly winnowed. 0, what a blot have these
saw that the spirit of jealousy and suspicion fanatical movements brought upon the cause
still existed in the minds of some in Wisconsin of GOD ! What a reproach! And those who
It is the seed sown by the Messenger party held so fast this spirit of dark fanaticism,
that has not been entirely rooted out. And notwithstanding the plain evidences that Sa-
while they have professed to receive the third tan's hand was in it, are not to be relied upon,
angel s message, their former feelings and prej- or their judgment to be of any weight. GOD
udices have not been given up. Their faith is sent his servants to Bro. and sister Steward.
adulterated and they are prepared for Satan's They despised correction, and chose their own
deception. Those who drank in the Messen course. Bro. S. was jealous and stubborn, and
ger spirit must make clean work, and have his future course must be with great humility,
every particle of it rooted out, and receive the for he has proved himself unworthy the confi-
spirit of the third angel's message, or it will dence of GOD'S people. His heart is not
cleave to them like the leprosy, and it will be- right with GOD, neither has it been for a long
come easy for them to draw off from their time.
 38
I saw that Satin's object has been to lead
persons in Wisconsin into gross fanaticism. He teachings will be such as will commend itself to
has controlled their minds and led them to act the understanding of intelligent minds. It is
in accordance with the deception they were un- calculated to elevate the mind. GOD'S power
der. When his object was accomplished, and is not manifested upon every occasion. Man's
they had run the length of the course Satan necessity is GOD'S opportunity.
had marked out for them, he is willing that I was shown companies in confusion, exer-
they should acknowledge that wrong, and now cised by a wrong spirit, all making loud pray-
he will try to push them to an opposite ex- ers together, some crying one thing and some
treme, to deny the gifts and operations of GOD'S another; and it was impossible to tell what
Spirit. Satan took advantage of Bro. and sis- was piped and what was harped. " GOD is
ter Steward's lack of union with the body. not the author of confusion, but of peace."
They desired to take an independent course, Satan stepped in and controlled matters as he
and to lead instead of yielding to be led. Bro. pleased. Reason and health were sacrificed to
S. has a jealous disposition, which, together this delusion.
with his independence, has kept him one side; GOD does not require his people to imitate
for he could not with this spirit be a true yoke- Baal's prophets, to afilict their bodies and cry
fellow with his ministering Lrethren. And sis- out and shout, and throw themselves in almost
ter S. lacked experience, is of a jealous dispo- every attitude, having no regard for order, un-
sition, yet possessing much firmness, and has til their strength fails through sheer exhaus-
not been sound in the faith. She has not been tion. Religion does not consist in making a
united with the body. Her heart has risen up noise, yet when the soul is filled with the Spir-
against the gifts of the church. There was a it of the LORD, sweet, heart-felt praise to GOD
lack of meekness and humility in her articles glorifies him. Some have professed to have
sent to the Review for publication. great faith in GOD, and have special gifts and
Everything seemed prepared for the work of special answers to their prayers, although the
Satan. He led them on to lay aside reason and evidence was lacking. They mistook presump-
judgment, and be governed by impression. The tion for faith. The prayer of faith is never
LORD requires his people to use their reason, lost; but to claim that it will be always an-
and not lay it aside for impressions His work swered in the very way, and for the particular
will be intelligible to all his children. His thing we have expected, is presumption.
When the servants of GOD visited Mauston
and Marquette, this delusion was sifted. Ev-
 12

iJen e a s given that this work was spurious.

W
the devourer to enter the flock, and he looked
Bu this spin of fanaticism was stubborn, and on while the sheep were torn and devoured.
thev GOD'S frown is upon him. He has not watch-
they Whad Kbeen corrected by GOD'S 0servant*
that
J l J t 0 H g h t t h e r e

whomhe had sent! Then " a n d t h e E GOD ed for souls as one who must give account.
wished them to acknowledge that they had I was pointed back and saw that GOD had
been led by a wrong spirit. Then there wou d not blessed his labors for some time past.
have boon-virtue in the confession of their His hand has not been with him to prosper
wrong, Then they would have been saved and build up the people of GOD, and convert
^ further following out of Satan's plans, and souls to the truth. His heart is not right
with GOD. He has not possessed the spirit of
drel , T r °
a d e n P S ^ this
f u r t h e r r o r e s s the third angel's message. He shut himself
CONVINCED^ * * away from the union and sympathy of GOD'S
people before this delusion arose, and this is
6 B U t

Bro. S. had sufficient light to take his shnrf one reason why he was left in such darkness.
against that fanatical work; butt woul not GOD does not leave his faithful, consecrated
decide from the weight of evidence His stuh servants in darkness as to the character of
refused to yield to the lighttrough'" such a fanatical spirit, to raise no cry to
HNN by he servants of GOD, for he had re warn the people. When the servants of GOD
brought the light, and raised their voices
I saw that the greater the light the Dennl„ against this delusion, he knew not the voice of
the true Shepherd speaking through them, but
tion and darkness whieh will eome upon them his jealousy and stubbornness led him to re-
gard it as the voice of a stranger. Shepherds
of the flock, above all others, should under-
confeSr I t T L a t tt stand the voice of the Chief Shepherd. GOD
wants his people to be a holy and powerful peo-
Ubjeets of this delnsion were lef S 'r^
ple. When the spirit of holiness and perfect
love abound in the heart, working in those
GOT.Whieh w o n , ° d r r h / ™ f / a ^ f
8 who profess the name of CHRIST, it will be
like a refining fire, consuming the dross and
n

fearful responability is resting L n Bra S

He professed to be a shephlrd/and suffered scattering the darkness. Whatever is of the
spirit of Satan, takes the attitude of defense,
 10
11
and quickly works out
But truth will triumph. its own destruction. ren to manifest so much fear lest others should
know that they had been corrected. If they
had humbly confessed their wrongs to the
church, they would have acted out the faith
I was shown the course of G. W. H. and they professed in the visions, and the church
*j S reproved, they have not
A l t h o u h would have been strengthened to receive cor-
i l

corrected their wrongs. The people of GOD rection, and confess their faults. These teach-
have been affected by their wrong course es ers stood in the way of the flock. They set
pecially in the State of New York. Their in- them a poor example, and the church has
fluence has been injurious to the cause of GOD. looked to them, and when reproved have in-
Kor the last ten years they have been often quired, Why have not these ministers been
u

presented before me in vision, and their wrongs reproved, when we are acting out their teach-
shown me, which I have written to them S ings ?" A door has been opened for Satan to
they were careful to conceal from their breth- t3mpt them as to the truthfulness of the vis-
ren the fact that they had been reproved, ions.
fearing it would have a tendency to destrov The brethren have been deceived and wrong-
heir influence. Those who were affectet by ed. They considered that we were in union
he wrong course should have been benefit with these teachers, and have followed their
instructions when they were all wrong. I have
ir

ted by the reproofs which they received. I

should have placed the messages in the hands written to these ministers in anguish of spirit
ot judicious brethren in the church, that if as I have seen the cause of GOD wounded by
necessary all might understand the instruction their injudicious course. How anxiously have
the LORD saw fit to give his people. But if I I watched the result of the messages. But
related the messages given me for these breth- they laid them aside, and the brethren were
ren to any one but themselves, they have cen- not permitted to know anything about them,
sured me m the most unsparing manner therefore could not be benefitted by the in-
structions the LORD saw fit to give.
JW^WT rSGd s'uffeX of
m e 8 0 m u c h
My labor has been most discouraging, as I
LolVt 1 h a V G b G e n l G d t 0 ° 0 n c e a I whaUh have seen that there has not been accomplish-
tZu uT h ^
V G a ^ m of t 0 t h e
ed that which GOD designed. Often I have in-
... It was pride of heart which led these breth- quired in distress, Of what account is all my
labor? These brethren took this position:
 14 15

We believe the visions, but Sister White, in But very few persons knew that I had a
writing them, put in her words, and we will message for him. H e rose in rebellion
believe that portion we think is of GOD, and against it, and like some others who have
heed not the other. This course they have
pursued, and have not corrected their lives, been reproved, took the position that per-
liiey have professed to believe the visions, and sons had prejudiced my mind against his
have acted contrary to them. Their example family, when the vision pointed out the
and influence have raised doubts in the minds s a m e faults in his family which I had re-
of others. It would have been better for the peatedly seen for ten years. He said that
Z f ZT K
the gifts. _ Then the people^ would opposed
Se P Dt Uth h a d
not have
t h e b o t h
he believed the visions, but I was influenc-
ed by others in writing them.
been deceived and would not have stumbled What a conclusion! The L O R D has a
over these blind teachers. We have hoped special work to perform through one of
and prayed that they might get right, and the acknowledged gifts, but suffers the
exert a good influence upon the flock: but message given to be adulterated before it
Hope has died, and we cannot, dare not, hold
our peace longer. We have wronged the reaches the person the LORD wishes to
church of GOD that we have not spoken out correct! Of what, use can the visions be
if persons receive them in this light ? They
put their own construction upon them, and
feel at liberty to reject that portion which
THIS CAUSE IN OHIO. does not agree with their feelings, (x. \\.
S i - our visit to Ohio in the Spring of H . knows that every word of the vision
1858, G. W. H. has done what lie could given for him in Ohio was correct. And
to exert an influence against us; and when he could keep the message from the
where he thought he could affect individ- church no longer (for it was called for, and
uals, he has done so by circulating reports read at the Lovett's Grove conference last
to stir up wrong feelings. A message was Fall), he acknowledged it all true. -But
given me m regard to him and his ftmily ho has kept up a blind warfare against
that which he knew to be correct.
-1008. Tihis
V testimony
° ° was givenP ™to g him.
of He has not ruled well his own house,
W 1 S i t e d h i i n t h e S
 14 22
and for the last ten years has been reprov- with those at the head of the work; then,
ed for this The frown of GOD has been of course, the gifts come next. They have
upon him because he did not restrain Ms but little weight. Instructions given
children. The children have been corrup through vision are disregarded.
and a proverb of reproach, and have ex-
erted a corrupting influence where they Ministers who have labored in Ohio have
done their share of causing dissatisfaction.
preseSw * * G. W. H. has condescended to move in a
low sphere, breathing out a spirit of dis-
satisfaction, eagerly listening to false re-
ports, gathering them up, and standing in
a position, " Report, and we will report
it." He has worked in an underhanded
the cause of present truth. The message manner, carried false reports in regard to
our dress, and our influence in Ohio, and
especially Grilboa, was not received by ma- has encouraged the idea that Bro. White
ny. It cut too close, and the hearts that was speculating. He has not had a parti-
were not deeply imbued with the sp ri of cle of union with us. He has felt very
the truth, rebelled against it. P bitter towards us. And why? Simply
because I have related to him what the
th?Xj?T ' ° e d in LORD has shown me in regard to his^ fami-
ly, and his loose, slack manner of bringing
n g e i S W l l h a v e I a b o r

that State have not exerted a right influ-

ence. Hints and insinuations have been them up, which has brought upon him the
thrown out against Bro. and sister White frown of GOD. He has had jealous, un-
and the managers of the work at Ba le reconciled feelings to the part we have ac-
Creek which have found a ready reception ted in the cause of present truth.
m the hearts of many, especial^ h t °d- The brethren in Ohio have been en-
Ulous and fault-finding. Satan knew how couraged to look with distrust and suspi-
minds to ^ a t M * . H e works upon cion at those who have charge of the work
minds to get them jealous, and dissatisfied at Battle Creek, and have stood prepared
 42 43
to rise against positions taken by them.
Bro. T. J . B. has taken his position firmly, Their hands are feeble and need staying
without regard to the body. He has im- up. I saw that the cause of G O D is not to
agined that evils would arise from head be carried forward by pressed offerings.
quarters that he must contend against. No. G O D does not accept any such offer-
He placed himself in array for battle when ings. This matter is to be left wholly to
there was no fighting to be done. He the people. And it is not to be a yearly
planted himself firmly to resist something gift merely, but a weekly, monthly, and
which never arose. The same feeling yearly offering, which they are to free-
which he had, many of the brethren in ly offer before the L O R D . This work is
Ohio cherished, and have placed them- left to the people, for it is to be to them a
selves in opposition to something that weekly, monthly, living test. This tithing
never appeared. Their warfare has been system I saw would develop character,
an unwise one. They have been ready to and manifest the true state of the heart.
cry out, Babylon, until they are a com- If people in Ohio have this matter present-
plete babylon themselves. ed before them in its true bearing, and
they be left to decide for themselves, they
Ministers have stood directly in the way will see wisdom and order in the tithing
of the work of GOD in Ohio. They should system.
stand out of the way that GOD can reach Ministers should not be severe, and
his people. They step in between GOD draw upon any one man, and press means
and his people, and turn aside his purpos- from him. And if he does not give just
es. Bro. T. J . B. has exerted an influ- as much as another thinks he should, de-
ence in Ohio which he must labor to coun- nounce him, and throw him overboard.
teract. I saw that there were those in They should be as patient and forbearing
Ohio who would take the right position, with individuals as the angels are. They
with right instructions. They have been should work in union with J E S U S . C H R I S T
willing to sustain the cause of present and angels are watching the development
truth, but they have seen so little accom- of character, and weighing moral worth.
plished, they have become discouraged. The L O R D bears long with his erring peo-
 44
45
pie. The truth will be brought to bear
closer and closer, and will lop off one idol will offering to the LORD. And if they
after an other, until G O D reigns supreme will not do this, his prospering hand will
in the hearts of his consecrated people. be removed from them.
I saw that the special hand of GOD has
I saw that G O D ' S people must bring to
not been with the work in Ohio to prosper
him a free-will offering, and the whole
the cause there. There is a lack, and
responsibility should be left upon the indi-
there should be a close examination among
vidual, whether he give much or little. It
the preachers and people. There should
will be faithfully recorded. Give the peo- be a faithful searching of heart to find the
ple of G O D time to develop character. cause of so great a lack of the Spirit of
Ministers of G O D should bear the point- GOD. Why do not the truths of G O D ' S
ed testimony. Bring the living truths to word warm the heart and lead to self-de-
bear upon the heart. And when the peo- nial and sacrifice ? Their sacrifices and
ple in Ohio have a worthy object placed offerings have nearly dried up. Let the
before them, those whose hearts are in ministers search and see what kind of an
sympathy with the work will freely im- influence they have exerted. There has
part of their means to advance the cause been with Bro. T. J . B. an independent
of GOD. The L O R D is testing and prov- spirit that GOD does not approve. His in-
ing his people. Those who have no heart fluence has not told for the union of G O D ' S
in the work, and fail to bring their offer- people, or the advancement of the cause.
ings to GOD, he will visit them; and if
they continue to cling to their covetous- I have seen that those who have but a
ness, the L O R D will separate them from his few years' experience in the cause of pres-
people. I saw that there must be a sys- ent truth, are not the ones to lead out in
tem which will draw upon all. Young the work. Such should manifest a delica-
men and young women who have health cy in taking positions which will conflict
and strength, have felt but little burden of with the judgment and opinion of those
the work. They are accountable to G O D whose lives are all interwoven with the
for their strength, and should bring a free- cause of present truth, and have witnessed
its rise and progress. G O D will not select
 15 15

men of but little experience to lead out in truth, and have no knowledge of matters
this work. He will not choose men who at Battle Creek, are the first to find fault
have no experience in the sufferings, trials, with the management of the work there.
opposition and privation endured to bring And those who do not observe order in
this work up to the platform on which it their temporal concerns, and command
now rests. It is now easy to what it used their households after them, are the ones
to be to preach the third angel's message. who oppose system, which will ensure or-
And those who now engage in this work, der in the church of G O D . They exhibit
and teach the truth to others, have things no nice tase in worldly matters, and are
made ready at their hand. They cannot opposed to anything of the kind in the
experience such privations as laborers in church. Such persons should have 110
present truth have endured before them. voice in matters of the church. Their in-
The truth is brought out for them. Ar- fluence should not have the least weight
guments are all prepared. Such should be upon others.
careful how they become exalted, lest they
be overthrown. They should be very care- A LETTER.
ful how they murmur against those who D E A R B R O T H E R AND S I S T E R : In my last
have endured so much in the very com- vision I was shown some things in regard
mencement of the work. Those exper- to your family. The L O R D has thoughts
ienced laborers who have toiled under the of mercy upon you, and will not forsake
weight and burden, when it was heavy, you unless you forsake him. I was shown
and few to help bear it, G O D regards! some things in regard to C. and E. They
Be careful how you reproach them, or mur- are in a lukewarm condition. They must
mur against them, for it will surely stand arouse and make efforts for salvation, or
to your account, and the prospering hand they will fail of everlasting life. They
of G O D will not be with you. Some breth- must have an experience for themselves,
ren who have the least experience, and and feel an individual responsibility. They
have felt no burden, and have done little or need a work wrought in their hearts by the
nothing to advance the cause of present holy Spirit of G O D , which will lead them to
 15 15

love and choose the society of G O D ' S peo- This question puts anything that we may
ple above any other, and will lead them to call self-denial in the shade. Behold him
be separate from those who have no love in the garden sweating great drops of bl<3od.
for spiritual things. J E S U S demands a A solitary angel is sent from heaven to
whole sacrifice, an entire consecration. C. strengthen the SON of GOD. Follow him
and E., you have not realized that GOD on his way to the judgment-hall, while he
requires your undivided affections. You is derided, mocked and insulted by that in-
love the society of the young who have no furiated mob. Behold him clothed in that
regard for the sacred truths which you old purple, kingly robe. Hear the coarse
profess. You have made a holy profession, jest and cruel mocking. They place upon
yet you have sunk down to the dead level that noble brow the crown of thorns, and
of ordinary professors. You have appear- then smite him with a reed, causing the
ed like your associates, and have been con- thorns to penetrate his temples, and the
tented with as much religion as will render blood flows from that holy brow. # Hear
you agreeable to all, without incurring the that murderous throng eagerly crying for
censure of any. the blood of the S O N of GOD. He is de-
C H R I S T demands all. If he required livered into their hands, and they lead the
less, the sacrifice was too dear, too great noble sufferer away, pale, weak and faint-
to make to bring us up to such a level. ing to his crucifixion. He is stretched
Our holy faith cries out separation. We upon the wooden cross, and the nails are
should not be conformed to the world, or driven through his tender hands and feet.
to dead, heartless professors. But be ye Behold him hanging upon the cross those
transformed by the renewing of your mind. dreadful hours in agony until the angels
This is a self-denying way. And when vail their faces from the horrid scene. The
you think the way is too straight; when sun refused to behold, and hid its light.
you think that there is too much self-deni- Think of these things, and then say, is the
al in this narrow path; when you say, How way too straight ? No, no.
hard to give up all, ask yourselves the A divided, half-hearted life causes doubt
question, What did C H R I S T give up for me ? and darkness. Such do not enjoy the con-
4
 14 15
solutions of religion, neither the peace
which the world giveth. Do not sit down on the sacred volume, and quicken your
m baton's easy chair of do-little, hut arise desire and diligence to study it, is not dan-
and aim at the elevated standard which it gerous, but b e n e f i c i a l . You were repre-
is your privilege to attain. It is a blessed sented to me with your eyes turned from
privilege to give up all for CHRIST. Look the sacred book, and intently fixed upon
not at the lives of others and imitate them exciting books, which are death to religion.
and rise no higher. You have only one The oftener and more diligently you peruse
true unerring Pattern. It is safe to fol- the Scriptures, the m o r e beautiful will they
low J E S U S only. Determine, if others act appear, and the less relish you will have
on the principle of the spiritual sluggard for light reading. The daily study of the
that you will leave them, and march for- Scriptures will h a v e a sanctifying influence
ward towards the elevation of Christian upon the mind. You will breathe a heav-
character. Form a character for heaven, enly atmosphere. Bind this precious vol-
bleep not at your post. Deal faithfully ume to your hearts. It will prove to you
and truly with your own soul. a friend and guide in perplexity.

There is an evil with you which threat- You have had in your life objects in view.
ens to destroy your spirituality. I t will How steadily and perseveringly have you
eclipse all the beauty and interest in the labored to attain those objects. You have
sacred pages. It is love for story-books calculated and planned until your antici-
tales, and reading which do not have an pations were realized. There is an object
influence for good upon the mind that is before you now worthy of a life-long, per-
any way dedicated to the service of GOD severing, untiring effort. It is the sana-
ft destroys the mind for usefulness, pro- tion of your souls—everlasting life. And
duces a false, unhealthy excitement upon this demands self-denial, sacrifice and close
the mind, fevers the imagination, and un- study. Youmust be purified and refined.
fits it for any spiritual exercise. It weans You lack the saving influence of the Spirit
the soul from prayer, and love of spiritual of GOD Y O U engage with your associates
things. Reading that will throw light up- and forget that you h a v e named the name
of C H R I S T . YOU act, and dress like them.

Center for A d v e n f c t P " - '

Andrews Univsrs-.ty
Berrien Springs, M i c k - -
 10 11

Sister C., I saw that you have a work G O D ' S people are peculiar. Their spirit
to do. _ You must die to pride, and let your cannot mingle with the spirit and influence
whole interest be in the truth. Your eter- of the world. You do not wish to bear the
nal interest depends upon the course you Christian name and yet be unworthy ot it.
now pursue. If you have eternal life, yOU You do not desire to meet J E S U S with a
must live for it, and deny self. Come out profession only. You do not wish to be
irom the world and be separate. Your deceived in so important a matter. Ex-
lite must be marked with sobriety, watch- amine the grounds of y o u r hope thorough-
fulness and prayer. Angels are watching ly. Deal truly with your own soul. A
the development of character, and weigh- supposed hope will never save you. Have
ing moral worth. All our words and acts ^ c o u n t e d the cost? I fear not. Now
are passing in review before GOD. It is a decide whether you will follow C H R I S T
fearful, solemn time. The hope of eternal cost what it will. You cannot do this and
life is not to be taken up upon slight yet enjoy the society of those who pay no
grounds; it must be settled between GOD heed to divine things. Your spirits can-
a n d your own soul. Some will lean upon not mingle any more than oil and water.
others judgment and experience, rather
than be at the trouble of a close examina- It is a great thing to be a child of G O D ,
tion of their own hearts, and pass along a n d joint-heir with J E S U S C H R I S T If this
without any witness of the Spirit of GOD is your privilege, you will know the fellow-
or evidence of their acceptance, for months ship of C H R I S T ' S sufferings. G O D looketh
and years. They deceive themselves. They upon the heart. I saw that you must seek
have a supposed hope, but lack the essen- G O D earnestly, and raise your standard ot
tial qualifications of a Christian. Fi r s t piety higher, or you will certainly fail ot
there must be a thorough heart-work, then everlasting life. Y o u may ask the ques-
their manners will take that elevated, no- tion, Did sister White see this ? Yes and
ble character which marks the true follow- I have tried to place it before you, and give
ers of J B S U S CHRIST. It requires effort you the impressions which were given me.
and moral courage to live out our faith. May the L O R D help you to take heed.
Dear brother and s i s t e r , watch your chil-
 15 15

dren with jealous care. The influence and About one week before he was to visit Mansion we
spirit of the world is destroying all desire received letters from M. E. S. for publication, put-
to be true Christians. Let your influence porting to be visions given her of the L O * R . A S
De to draw them from young company who we read these communications we felt distressed.
have no interest in divine things Thev We knew that they were not from the right source.
must make a sacrifice if they win heaven I d as my husband knew nothing of what he was
at last. a b l t toleetatMauston, we feared he won d be
u n p r e p a r e d to meet the fanaticism, and tha it
3 d have a discouraging influence upon his mind.
We bad passed through so many such scenes in our
September 20, 1860, my fourth child, John Her- early experience, and had suffered so much from
bert White, was born. When he was three weeks these unruly, untamable spirits, that we have dread-
old my husband felt it to be his duty to travel It ed to be brought in contact with them.
was decided at the conference that Bro. Loughbor I sent in a request for the church at Battle Creek
ough should go West, and he go East. A few days to pray for my husband, and at our family altar we
before they were to leave, my husband was greatly toearnestly
pr<i.y sought , , the
, L o r b ^ with brokenness
L o k d
^ ^ of^
depressed in mind. At one time he thought he «nirit, and many tears, i*^
would
g l v e p the journey, yet he feared to do so
U faid, ttponGon's promisee, and « bad
He felt that he had something to do, but was shut , „ eTidence that GOD heard us pray, and ha he
e

in by clouds of darkness. He could not rest or would stand by my husband, and impart to h,m
sleep. His mind was in continual agitation But
he related the state of his mind to brethren Lough- ^ t t ^ r i h e B i U e ^ a ^ s e ™
borough and Cornell, and bowed before the LORD
with them to seek counsel of him. Then the clouds
parted, and the clear light shone. My husband School, these w trouble,
i n t h e t i m e o f

felt that the Spirit of the L O R D was directing him L o r d IS good, A STRONG
n,l he
and he knowe*
knowe* them that trust. in him.
^ I could,
West, and Bro. Loughborough East. And now they m a p p r 0

felt clear as to their duty, and moved accordingly. but weep over tnese WUIUD, j
uriate The whole burden upon my mind was for
In my husband's absence we prayed that the priate. ine Wisconsin. My
my husband, and the churcn m
LORD would sustain and strengthen him. And we husband realized the blessing of G o ^ h ^ n W .
tad the assurance that he would go with him consin. The L o r d was to him a stronghold in time
 42 56
of trouble. He sustained him while he bore a de- T h a t was an hour of anguish for me. The icy hand
cided testimony against the wild fanaticism there of death was already upon him. We watched his
and upheld him by his free Spirit. feeble, gasping breath, until it ceased and we> felt
I received a letter from my husband written at thankful that his sufferings were ended. When my
Mackford, Wis., in which he stated, « I f r that e a
child was dying, I could not weep. I fainted at
all is not well at home. I have had some impres- the funeral. My ached as though it would
sions as to the babe." While m n v i , . * h e a r t

ilv l, , , : P y i g for the fam- > Y m i e ra n break, yet I could not shed a tear. We were dis-
ily at home, he had a presentiment that the child appointed in not having Bro. Loughborough to
was very sick. The babe seemed lying before him conduct the funeral services, and my husband spoke
with face and head dreadfully swollen. When I u p 0 n the occasion to a crowded house. We follow-
received the letter the babe was as well as usual; ed our child to Oak Hill cemetery, there to rest un-
but the next morning he was taken very sick It til the Life-giver shall come, and break the fetters
was, an extreme case of erysipelas in the face and of the tomb, and call him forth immortal.
Head. husband reached Bro Wick's
W h e n m y
After we returned from the funeral, my home
s e e m e d lonely. I felt reconciled to the will of
stating the sickness of the child, was handed him GOD, yet despondency and gloom settled upon me.
and ^ ^ »
The discouragements brought upon us the past
a s h e r e a d > h e s t a t e d t Q t h o g e

was prepared for the news, for the Loan had pre- Summer, we could not rise above. As to the state
pared lu d for it. And that they would hear
8 m i n of G O D ' S people, we knew not what we might ex-
that the child's head and face were greatly affected pect. Satan had controlled the minds of some
% dear babe was a great sufferer. Twenty-four closely connected with us in the work, even some
days and nights we anxiously watched over him who had been acquainted with our mission, and
n the fruits of our labors, and have not only
Tandd earnestly
L " r presenting his °case to
° the
* recovery'
s e e

witnessed the manifestations of the power of GOD

n a r e m e d i e S C U l d f r

times i l d n o t ^ LOKD. [ [
c o n t r o l m y f i
many times, but had felt its influence upon their
ed h sufferings. Much of my t i m e r s spent i
ls n Twn bodies. What could we hope for in the fu ure T
tears, and humble supplication to GOD. But our While my child lived I thought I understood my
duty. I pressed my dear babe to my hear and
rDecember
e i v e 14,
r IT was ^called °up. ^babe was-
8 a W t 0 r C m V e
M y
b a b o
rejoiced that at least for one Winter I should be
worse. I listened to his labored breathing, and released from any great responsibility for it could
h l SP I knew that he must die
u l s e l e s s not he my duty to travel in Winter with my infant.
 14 15
But when he was taken from me, I was again thrown individuals have stepped right in between us and
into great perplexity. the people to make'our testimony of none effect.
The condition of the cause, and the state of GOD'S Many visions have been given, that we must occu-
people, nearly crushed us. Our happiness has de- py the position to stir up the people of GOD ; and
pended upon the state of the cause of GOD. When not shun to declare his counsel, for the church was
GOD'S people are in a prospering condition, we feel a s l e e p in their sins. But few have sympatfn d
free. But when they are in disorder and backslidden, with us, while many have sympathised with the
nothing can make us joyful. Our whole interest wrong, and with those who have been reproved
and life has been interwoven with the rise and T h e s e things crushed us, and we felt that we had
progress of the third angel's message. We are no testimony to bear in the church. We knew not
bound up in it, and when it does not prosper, we w h o to confide in. All these things forced them-
experience great suffering of mind. About'this selves upon us, and hope died within us. We re-
time my husband, as he reviewed the past, began tired to rest about midnight, but I could no sleep
to lose confidence in almost everybody. Many of A severe pain was in my heart, and I could find
those he had tried to befriend had acted the part no relief. I fainted a number of times.
of enemies, and some that he had helped the most My husband sent for Brn. C. Smith, Amadon and
with his own scanty purse, and his influence with Kellogg. Their fervent prayers were heard re-
others, had been putting forth a perpetual effort to lief came, and I was taken off in vision. Then I
injure him, and cast burdens upon him. One Sab- was shown that we must still bear our testimony,
bath morning as he was going to our place of wor- T r a i g h t and pointed. That we had a work to do.
ship, an overpowering sense of such injustice came Then the individuals were presented before me who
over him, and he turned aside to weep aloud while h a v e shunned the pointed testimony. I saw the
the congregation waited for him. influence of their teachings upon GOD s_ people.
From the commencement of our labors, we have I was shown the condition of the people m Park-
been called to bear a plain, pointed testimony to ville They have the theory of truth, but are not
reprove wrongs and spare not. And all the way sanctified through it. I saw that when the mes-
there have been those who have stood in opposi sengers enter a new place, their labor is worse than
tion to our testimony, and have followed after to ost unless they bear a plain, pointed testimony.
speak smooth things, daub with untempered mor T l should l i p up the distinction between the
y

tar, and destroy the influence of our labors. The S S H TF J » « C H R I S T , and forma^ dead profes -
LORD would rein us up to bear reproof, and then o r 8 . was a failure m P. Bro. J. N. A. waa
T h e r e
 10 11
fearful of offending, fearful lest the peculiarities of should cry aloud and spare not, that the truth may
our faith should appear, and the standard was low- tear off the garment of security, and find its way
ered down to the people. The fact should have to the heart. The straight testimony that the peo-
stood out living before the people, that we possess ple in Parkville should have had was walked all
truths of vital importance, and that their eternal around, and the seed of truth was sown among
interest depended upon the decision they would thorns, and has been choked by the thorns. Evil
make. And in order to be sanctified through the besetments have flourished with some, and the
truth, their idols must be given up, their sins be heavenly graces have died out.
confessed, and they bring forth fruit meet for re- GOD'S servants must bear a pointed testimony.
pentance. It will cut the natural heart, and develop charac-
ter. Brn. J. N. A. and J. N. L. moved with a per-
. \
T o s e f= ge in the solemn work of bear-
w h 0 en a
fect restraint upon them while in P. Such preach-
ing the third angel's message, must move out de- ing will never do the work that GOD designs to
cidedly, and in the Spirit and power of GOD, fear- have accomplished. There is enough scringing,
lessly preach the truth, and let it cut. They should and crippling, and wrapping up pointed truths,
elevate the standard of truth, and urge the people which rebuke sin by the ministers of the nominal
to come up to it. It has been lowered down to churches.
meet the people in their condition of darkness and
sin. It is the pointed testimony that will bring Unless souls embrace the message aright, and
up the people to decide. A peaceful testimony will their hearts are prepared to receive it, they had
not do this. The people have the privilege of li . s
better let it entirely alone. I was shown that the
tening to this kind of teaching from the pulpits of church in P. have an experience to obtain, which
He day. But GOD has servants to whom he has en- is much harder for them to obtain now, than if the
trusted a solemn, fearful message, to bring oufcand pointed testimony had been given them at the very
« up a people for the coming of CHRIST. There commencement, when they first discovered that
is as great a difference in our faith and that of they were in error. Then the thorns could have
been more easily rooted out. Yet I saw that there
R^H P R 0 F C S S 0 R S ' ^ T H C H 6 A V E N S A R E H I G H 6 R T H A N were men of moral worth in P., some who will yet
The people are asleep in their sins, and need to be tested upon present truth. If the church arise
be alarmed before they can shake off this lethargy a n d be converted, the LOKD will return unto them,
Their ministers have preached smooth things' and give them his Spirit. Then their influence
OOD servants, who bear sacred, vital truths'
8
Will tell.
 12

THE EAST AND TIIE WEST. I was pointed back to a meeting in Iowa City.
I have seen that men of worth have embraced Bro. Cornell felt the burden of the cause. S. Ev-
the truth West, who will yet be pillars to the cause. erett had a spirit of opposition. His testimony was
When they can place their temporal things in a not in union with the work of GOD, and he brought
condition where they can use a portion of their grief and burden upon those who were laboring for
means, they will do their part in sustaining the its advancement. But it would have been better
cause. I also saw that some were willing to re- for the cause had he been suffered a time longer,
ceive the truth brought to them by the liberalities and the brethren borne the confusion he caused. I
of their eastern brethren without its costing them saw that Bro. Cornell moved unwisely in his case.
anything. I saw that the brethren West should It gave E. and the enemies of our faith advantage.
arouse and meet the expenses of their own States. Bro. C. should have waited until E.'s religious
GOD requires this at their hands, and .'hey should character was more fully developed. He would
feel it a privilege to do so. soon have united with the remnant people of GOD,
The LOUD -will prove the brethren West. He will or been left one side. But E. has obtained sympa-
try them to see if they will withdraw their affec- thy on account of his age. He had partaken of the
tions from the world, and make their faith perfect "Messenger" spirit, and his whole course was
darkened by it. His wife has an excitable, bitter
by works. spirit. She has been zealous to spread false re-
I saw that G O D ' S hand was stretched out to gath-
ports. She acts the part to her husband, that Jez-
er in souls in the West. He has been bringing out ebel did to Ahab. She stirs him up to fight against
men who can teach the truth to others, whose duty the servants of GOD, who bear pointed testimony.
it will be to bear the truth into new fields.
I saw that the men who have moved from the influence East has been decidedly against
T h e i r

East to the West, and have endured the hardships the spirit of the truth, and those who have devoted
of settling in a new country, if they receive the their lives to labor for its advancement. There is
truth understandingly, will manifest a similar de- a class East who profess to believe the truth, but
cision of character, and perseverance in regard to have cherished secret feelings of dissatisfaction
present truth, and will engage as heartily in the against those who bear the burden in this work.
work to advance the truth, as they have to secure And their true sentiments would not appear unless
to themselves a temporal possession. If this cor- some influence opposed to the work of God arises,
responding zeal is lacking, the truth has not yet and then they will manifest their true character.
had its saving, sanctifying influence upon them. i readily receive, cherish and circulate reports
u o h
 f - u t o

w w m RFPIIFI
which have no foundation in truth, to destroy the
influence of those who are engaged in this work.
All who wish to draw off from the body will have
opportunity. Something will arise to test every
one. The great sifting time is just before ug. The
jealous and the fault-finding who are watching for
evil will be shaken out. They hate reproof and
despise correction. Those who love the spirit of
the third angel's message can have no union with
the spirit of E. and wife.

The question is often asked by those who fall un-

der the influence of my enemies, " Is sister White
getting proud ? I have heard that she wore a bon-
net filled with bows and ribbons."
I hope I am not getting proud. My manner of
dress is the same as it has been for several years.
I am opposed to hoops, and to wearing unnecessary
ribbons and bows. I have worn one velvet bonnet
two years, without change of strings except to
cleanse them with soap and water. I put the same
velvet upon a new frame, and wear it again this
Winter. I believe Sabbath-keepers should dress
plain, and study economy in dress. Those who
wish to talk will talk if we do not give them any
occasion. I do not expect to suit every taste in
regard to dress. But I believe it to be my duty to
wear durable clothing, to dress neat and orderly,
and suit my own taste, if it does not disagree with
the word of Gon.