88
Selected Messages Book 2
Those whom God has chosen to be His ministers are to settle solidly
into His Word, and let the Word of God be their authority
At this time above all others, hasty judgment, opinions formed
carelessly, without sufficient evidence, may lead to most disastrous
results. When we trace from cause to effect, we shall find that harm
has thus been done which in some cases can never be remedied. Oh,
what wisdom and fine spiritual perceptions are needed in giving food
to the flock of God, that it be pure provender, thoroughly winnowed.
The natural, hereditary traits of the character need a firm curb, else
earnest zeal, good purposes, will run into evil, and the excess of feeling
will produce such impressions upon human hearts that they will be
carried away by impulse and will allow impressions to become their
guide.
A curb must be kept upon the spiritual impulse, that no injudicious
words shall be spoken, no overwrought ideas expressed, that shall
cause impulsive persons to lose their bearings. There are some whose
feelings are quickly stirred by strong assertions, and their imagination
magnifies the statement to large dimensions; it all appears real to
them, and they become fanatical. The spiritual experience is fevered,
diseased. When persons yield their will in perfect submission to the
will of God, and the spirit is humble and teachable, the Lord will
correct them by His Holy Spirit, and lead them into safe paths.—
Letter
66, 1894
.
“Nothing Objectionable” an Unsound Basis for Acceptance
You may be perplexed to know just what is the best course to
pursue in reference to the writings of Anna Phillips. I would suggest
that nothing should be done rashly. I feel very tenderly toward this
sister. I would not say or do anything to harm her. And as the writings
have been so eagerly grasped and scattered broadcast with so little test
[94]
and proving, let there be no abrupt moves to call them in and destroy
them as if they were poison. Where they have already been sent out
with the sanction of our responsible men, let them remain. To make
abrupt moves now would do harm.
The great wonder to me is that our brethren should accept these
writings because they could see nothing objectionable in them. Why
did they not consider what there is in them that is of a character to be