Chapter 81—The Nature and Influence of the
“Testimonies”
As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to
the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept
present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence
of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the
work of the third angel’s message from its very rise. In the following
pages are given extracts from what I have written during the last forty
years, relating to my own early experience in this special work, and
also presenting what God has shown me concerning the nature and
importance of the Testimonies, the manner in which they are given,
and how they should be regarded.
“It was not long after the passing of the time in 1844 that my first
vision was given me. I was visiting a dear sister in Christ, whose heart
was knit with mine; five of us, all women, were kneeling quietly at the
family altar. While we were praying, the power of God came upon
me as I had never felt it before. I seemed to be surrounded with light,
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and to be rising higher and higher from the earth.” [
Testimonies for
the Church 1:58
.] At this time I had a view of the experience of the
advent believers, the coming of Christ, and the reward to be given to
the faithful.
“In a second vision, which soon followed the first, I was shown
the trials through which I must pass, and that it was my duty to go and
relate to others what God had revealed to me. It was shown me that
my labors would meet with great opposition and that my heart would
be rent with anguish, but that the grace of God would be sufficient
to sustain me through all. The teaching of this vision troubled me
exceedingly, for it pointed out my duty to go out among the people
and present the truth.”
“One great fear that oppressed me was that if I obeyed the call
of duty and went out declaring myself to be one favored of the Most
High with visions and revelations for the people, I might yield to
sinful exaltation and be lifted above the station that was right for me
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