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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
God; and that we, in standing opposed to such action, did not move
[611]
in the counsel of God. We lacked heavenly wisdom in this matter and
thus erred from the right path. We acknowledge ourselves to have
been, at this time, lacking in that deep Christian sympathy that was
called for by such great affliction, and that we have been too slow to
see the hand of God in the recovery of Brother White. His labors and
sufferings in our behalf entitled him to our warmest sympathy and
support. But we have been blinded by Satan in respect to our own
spiritual condition
.
A spirit of prejudice respecting means came over us during the
past winter, causing us to feel that Brother W. was asking for means
when he did not need it. We now ascertain that at this very time he was
really in want, and we were wrong in that we did not inquire into the
case as we should. We acknowledge that this feeling was unfounded
and cruel, though it was caused by misapprehension of the facts in the
case
.
We now accept with deep sorrow of heart the reproof given us in
this testimony, and we ask that wherein we have erred from the right,
through our lack of spiritual discernment, we may find forgiveness of
God and of His people
.
The labors of Brother and Sister White with us for a few days
past have been attended with the signal blessing of God. Not only
have deep and heartfelt confessions of backsliding and wrong been
made, but solemn vows of repentance and of returning to God have
accompanied them. The Spirit of God has set its seal to this work in
such a manner that we cannot doubt. Many of the young have been
brought to Christ, and nearly every person connected with this church
has received a share of this heavenly blessing
.
Let our brethren abroad understand that our hearts are in sympathy
with Brother and Sister White, and that we believe them called of God
to the responsible work in which they are engaged, and that we pledge
ourselves to stand by them in this work
.
[612]
In behalf of the church,
J.N. Andrews,
J.N. Loughborough,