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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
bearing my testimony to the people. After we returned from Monterey
to Battle Creek, I felt it my duty to move forward in the strength of
God, and free myself from the suspicions and reports circulated to our
injury. I bore my testimony, and related things which had been shown
me in the past history of some present, warning them of their dangers
and reproving their wrong course of action. I stated that I had been
placed in most disagreeable positions. When families and individuals
were brought before me in vision, it was frequently the case that what
was shown me in relation to them was of a private nature, reproving
secret sins. I have labored with some for months in regard to wrongs of
which others knew nothing. As my brethren see these persons sad, and
hear them express doubts in regard to their acceptance with God, also
feelings of despondency, they have cast censure upon me, as though I
was to blame for their being in trial.
Those who thus censured me were entirely ignorant of what they
were talking about. I protested against persons’ sitting as inquisitors
upon my course of action. It has been the disagreeable work assigned
me to reprove private sins. Were I, in order to prevent suspicions and
jealousy, to give a full explanation of my course, and make public
that which should be kept private, I should sin against God and wrong
the individuals. I have to keep private reproofs of private wrongs to
myself, locked in my own breast. Let others judge as they may, I will
never betray the confidence reposed in me by the erring and repentant,
or reveal to others that which should only be brought before the ones
that are guilty. I told those assembled that they must take their hands
off, and leave me free to act in the fear of God.
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