Attitudes Toward the Testimonies
37
bewildered, when could they read in order all that has been given, they
would see the true application, and would not become confused. Much
that purports to be a message from Sister White, serves the purpose
of misrepresenting Sister White, making her testify in favor of things
that are not in accordance with her mind or judgment. This makes
her work very trying. Reports fly from one to another regarding what
Sister White has said. Each time the report is repeated, it grows larger.
If Sister White has anything to say, leave her to say it. No one is called
[45]
upon to be a mouthpiece for Sister White.... Please let Sister White
bear her own message. It will come with a better grace from her than
from the one who reports her.—
Manuscript 21, 1901
.
Doubting the Testimonies
[
Extract from a sermon at the General Conference of 1883, appearing
in
Notebook Leaflets, The Church, No. 6
.]
When you find men questioning the testimonies, finding fault with
them, and seeking to draw away the people from their influence, be
assured that God is not at work through them. It is another spirit. Doubt
and unbelief are cherished by those who do not walk circumspectly.
They have a painful consciousness that their life will not abide the test
of the Spirit of God, whether speaking through His Word or through the
testimonies of His Spirit that would bring them to His Word. Instead
of beginning with their own hearts, and coming into harmony with the
pure principles of the gospel, they find fault, and condemn the very
means that God has chosen to fit up a people to stand in the day of the
Lord.
Let some skeptical one come along, who is not willing to square
his life by the Bible rule, who is seeking to gain the favor of all, and
how soon the class that are not in harmony with the work of God are
called out. Those who are converted, and grounded in the truth, will
find nothing pleasing or profitable in the influence or teaching of such
a one. But those who are defective in character, whose hands are not
pure, whose hearts are not holy, whose habits of life are loose, who
are unkind at home, or untrustworthy in deal—all these will be sure to
enjoy the new sentiments presented. All may see, if they will, the true