Chapter 26—A Public Evangelist
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The evangelist to whom these letters were written sometimes
conducted several series of meetings in one area, then moved away to
the next while his wife remained to carry on with the interest and
follow up with Bible studies. This situation was far from ideal. He
finally fell into the sin of adultery and even rejected the Spirit of
Prophecy and the counsel of the General Conference leaders. The
Review and Herald announced that his credentials were revoked. A
few years before his death he repented and returned to the Lord.
]
Strong to Move Crowds, Weak to Manage Self—You will see
before this reaches you that the Lord has again visited His people by
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giving me a testimony. In this view I was shown that you were not
standing in the clear light and you are in danger of bringing a reproach
upon the cause of God by moving as you happen to feel. It is Satan’s
intent to destroy you. He is seeking to keep your mind in a constant
state of agitation, stirring it up that it may cast up mire and dirt instead
of the peaceful fruits of righteousness....
But, Brother R, I was shown that you now should be very cir-
cumspect in your deportment and in your words. You are watched by
enemies. You have great weaknesses for a man who is as strong as
you are to move the crowd. As you are now separated from your wife
there will be suspicion and jealousy, and falsehoods will be framed
[even] if you give no occasion. But if you are not cautious, you will
bring a reproach upon the cause of God which could not soon be wiped
away. You may feel, as I saw you had felt, that if you were not going
to live with your wife, you wished to be free from her. You are restless,
uneasy, and unsettled. Satan is tempting you to make a foolish man of
yourself. Now is the time for you to show yourself a man, to exhibit
the grace of God by your patience, your fortitude, and courage....
Danger in Confidants—You need to consecrate yourself to God,
and not dwell upon your troubles. Be careful how you are enticed
to make women your confidants or to allow them to make you their
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