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Accountability for Light Received
611
upon the evidence which the disciples rehearsed, and which they
credited, that Christ had indeed risen and appeared to them. Said
Thomas: “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails,”
“and thrust my hand into His side,
I will not believe
.” Christ granted
Thomas the evidence that he had declared he must have; but He
reprovingly said to him: “Be not faithless, but believing.” Thomas
acknowledged himself convinced. Jesus said unto him: “Thomas,
because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that
have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Brother P’s position has made him a weak man. He remained
for quite a length of time warring against nearly everything but the
Sabbath. At the same time he was fellowshiping commandment
breakers, being still claimed by the Adventists who were in bitter
opposition to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. He was in
no condition to help them because he was in a state of indecision
himself. His influence has rather confirmed many in their unbelief.
[697]
With all the help, evidence, and encouragement that he has had, his
standing back has displeased the Lord, while it has strengthened the
hands of those who were fighting against God by their opposition to
the truth.
Brother P might now be a strong man possessing influence with
God’s people in Maine and esteemed highly in love
for his works’
sake
. But he inclines to the idea that his backwardness is a special
virtue, rather than a sin of which he must repent. He has been very
slow to learn the lessons which God has intended to teach him. He
has not been an apt scholar, and has not had a growth and experi-
ence in present truth, which would qualify him to bear the weight
of responsibility that he might now bear had he diligently improved
upon all the light given. I was shown a time when Brother P began
to make an effort to subdue himself and restrain his appetite; then
he could the more easily be patient. He had been easily excited,
passionate, irritable, depressed in spirit. His eating and drinking had
very much to do in keeping him in this state. The lower passions
bore sway, predominating over the higher powers of the mind. Tem-
perance would do much for Brother P; and more physical exercise
and labor is necessary for his health. As he made efforts to control
himself, he began to grow, but did not receive that blessing in his