Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church
43
and dangers should be read before others, that they, too, might be
benefited.
Often after testimonies of reproof were read, hearty confessions
were made. Then we would unite in a season of prayer, and the Lord
would manifest His pardoning grace to those who had confessed their
sins. The acceptance of the testimonies brought the rich blessing of
God into our assemblies.
Faithfully I endeavor to write out that which is given me from time
to time by the divine Counselor. Some portions of that which I write
are sent out immediately to meet the present necessities of the work.
Other portions are held until the development of circumstances makes
it evident to me that the time has come for their use. Sometimes in
ministers and physicians bearing responsibilities there has developed
a disposition to discard the testimonies, and I have been instructed not
to place testimonies in their hands; for having yielded to the spirit that
tempted and overcame Adam and Eve, they have opened mind and
heart to the control of the enemy. Being on a false track, and laboring
under deceptive imaginings, they will read into the testimonies things
that are not there, but which are in agreement with the false statements
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that they have listened to. By reading the testimonies in the light of
their own kindling, they are deceived, and will deceive others.
Sometimes, after very clear-cut, decided reproofs have been written
out, they are held for a time until by personal correspondence I have
endeavored to change the spirit of those to whom they are addressed. If
these efforts are unsuccessful, the messages, with all their strength of
rebuke or reproof, are sent to them, whether they will hear, or whether
they will deny the truthfulness of the message.
If those whose errors are pointed out make confession of their
wrongdoing, the spell of the enemy may be broken. If they will repent
and forsake their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive their sins, and
to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Christ, the sin-pardoning
Redeemer, will remove the filthy garments from them, give them
change of raiment, and set a fair miter upon their head. But so long as
they refuse to turn from iniquity they cannot develop a character that
will stand in the great day of judgment.
Often concealed wrongs in the life of individuals are opened before
me, and I am bidden to bear a message of reproof and warning.