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Chapter 81—Accountability for Light Received
I have been shown the case of Brother P. He had been standing
for some time resisting the truth. His sin was not that he did not
receive that which he sincerely believed to be error, but that he did not
investigate diligently and gain a knowledge of what he was opposing.
He took it for granted that Sabbathkeeping Adventists, as a body,
were in error. This view was in harmony with his feelings, and he did
not see the necessity of finding out for himself by diligently searching
the Scriptures with earnest prayer. Had he pursued this course he
might now have been far in advance of his present position. He has
been too slow to receive evidence and too neglectful in searching the
Scriptures to see if these things are so. Paul did not consider those
worthy of commendation who resisted his teachings as long as they
could until compelled by overwhelming evidence to decide in favor
of the doctrine which he taught and which he had received of God.
Paul and Silas labored in the synagogue of the Jews at Thessa-
lonica with some success; but the unbelieving Jews were greatly
dissatisfied, and created a disturbance, and made a great uproar
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against them. These devoted apostles were obliged to leave Thessa-
lonica under the cover of night and go to Berea. Where they were
gladly welcomed. They speak in commendation of the Bereans
thus: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of
them believed.”
Brother P has failed to see the vital importance of the question.
He has not felt the burden pressing him to search diligently, inde-
pendent of any man, to find out what is truth. He has thought too
much of Elder P, and has not felt the necessity of learning of One
who is meek and lowly of heart. He has not been teachable, but
self-confident. Our Saviour has no words of commendation for those
who are slow of heart to believe in these last days, any more than
He had for doubting Thomas, who boasted that he would not believe
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