258
Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
No sooner are erratic ideas started in his mind than Brother D
begins to lose faith and to question the work of the Spirit which has
been manifested among us for so many years. He is not a man who
will entertain what he believes to be special light without imparting it
to others; therefore it is not safe to give him influence that will enable
him to unsettle other minds. It is opening a door through which Satan
will rush in many errors to divert the mind from the importance of the
truth for this time. Brethren, as an ambassador of Christ I warn you
to beware of these side issues, whose tendency is to divert the mind
from the truth. Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but always
brings confusion and dissension. It is always dangerous. The enemy
has great power over minds that are not thoroughly fortified by prayer
and established in Bible truth.
[293]
There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those
who have the light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in
receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures,
without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them
in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see no
light in it, yield to their judgment; for “in the multitude of counselors
there is safety.”
Satan saw in Brother D traits that would enable him to gain an
advantage. “The prince of this world cometh,” said Christ, “and hath
nothing in Me.” But while appearing to possess great humility, Brother
D has placed too high an estimate upon himself. For years he has
entertained the feeling that his brethren did not appreciate him, and
he has expressed this feeling to others, and Satan found in him a
self-conceit to which he could successfully appeal.
This is a time of extreme peril to Brother D, and to many others.
Angels of God are watching these souls with intense interest, and Satan
and his angels are very anxious to see how their plans will succeed.
This is a crisis in Brother D’s life. He will here make decisions for
time and for eternity. God loves him, and this experience may be one
of great value to him. If he fully yields his heart to God and accepts all
the truth he will be a tireless laborer; God will work through him, and
he may do much good. But he must work in harmony with his brethren.
He must overcome sensitiveness and learn to endure hardness as a
good soldier of the cross of Christ.