Important Testimony
51
The envious man diffuses poison wherever he goes, alienating
friends and stirring up hatred and rebellion against God and man. He
seeks to be thought best and greatest, not by putting forth heroic, self-
denying efforts to reach the goal of excellence himself, but by standing
where he is and diminishing the merit due to the efforts of others.
Envy has been cherished in the hearts of some in the church as
well as in the college. God is displeased at your course. I entreat you,
for Christ’s sake, never treat another as you have treated Brother-----.
A noble nature does not exult in causing others pain, or delight in
discovering their deficiencies. A disciple of Christ will turn away with
loathing from the feast of scandal. Some who have been active on this
occasion are repeating the course pursued toward one of the Lord’s
[57]
servants in affliction, one who had sacrificed health and strength in
their service. The Lord vindicated the cause of the oppressed and
turned the light of His countenance upon His suffering servant. I then
saw that God would prove these persons again, as He has now done,
to reveal what was in their hearts.
When David had sinned, God granted him his choice, to receive
his punishment from God or at the hand of man. The repentant king
chose to fall into the hand of God. The tender mercies of the wicked
are cruel. Erring, sinful man, who can himself be kept in the right path
only by the power of God, is yet hardhearted, unforgiving toward his
erring brother. My brethren at Battle Creek, what account will you
render at the bar of God? Great light has come to you, in reproofs,
warnings, and entreaties. How have you spurned its heaven-sent rays!
The tongue that delights in mischief, the babbling tongue that says,
Report, and I will report it, is declared by the apostle James to be
set on fire of hell. It scatters firebrands on every side. What cares
the vendor of gossip that he defames the innocent? He will not stay
his evil work, though he destroy hope and courage in those who are
already sinking under their burdens. He cares only to indulge his
scandal-loving propensity. Even professed Christians close their eyes
to all that is pure, honest, noble, and lovely, and treasure up what ever
is objectionable and disagreeable, and publish it to the world.
You have yourselves thrown open the doors for Satan to come in.
You have given him an honored place at your investigation, or inquisi-
tion meetings. But you have shown no respect for the excellencies of
a character established by years of faithfulness. Jealous, revengeful