Chapter 40—A Statement by Ellen and James White
[
Inasmuch as this statement was issued jointly by James and Ellen
White, it seems clear that the views expressed had the full sanction of
Ellen White.
]
Possibility of Restoration—In regard to the case of the injured
Sister A. G., we would say in reply to the questions of J. H. W.,
that it is a feature in the cases of most who have been overtaken in
sin, as her husband has, that they have no real sense of their villainy.
Some, however, do, and are restored to the church, but not till they have
merited the confidence of the people of God by unqualified confessions,
and a period of sincere repentance. This case presents difficulties not
found in some, and we would add only the following:
1. In cases of the violation of the seventh commandment, where
the guilty party does not manifest true repentance, if the injured party
can obtain a divorce without making their own cases and that of their
children, if they have them, worse by so doing, they should be free.
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2. If they would be liable to place themselves and their children
in worse condition by a divorce, we know of no scripture that would
make the innocent party guilty by remaining.
3. Time, and labor, and prayer, and patience, and faith, and a
godly life, might work a reform. To live with one who has broken the
marriage vows, and is covered all over with the disgrace and shame
of guilty love, and realizes it not, is an eating canker to the soul; and
yet, a divorce is a lifelong, heartfelt sore. God pity the innocent party.
Marriage should be considered well before contracted.
4. Why! oh Why! will men and women who might be respectable,
and good, and reach heaven at last, sell themselves to the devil so
cheap, wound their bosom friends, disgrace their families, bring a
reproach upon the cause, and go to hell at last? God have mercy.
Why will not those who are overtaken in crime manifest repentance
proportionate to the enormity of their crime, and fly to Christ for mercy,
and heal, as far as possible, the wounds they have made?
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