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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
“Testimonies of warning have been repeated. I inquire: Who
have heeded them? Who have been zealous in repenting of their
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sins and idolatry, and have been earnestly pressing toward the mark
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? ... I have
waited anxiously, hoping that God would put His Spirit upon some
and use them as instruments of righteousness to awaken and set in
order His church. I have almost despaired as I have seen, year after
year, a greater departure from that simplicity which God has shown
me should characterize the life of His followers. There has been less
and less interest in, and devotion to, the cause of God. I ask: Wherein
have those who profess confidence in the Testimonies sought to live
according to the light given in them? Wherein have they regarded the
warnings given? Wherein have they heeded the instructions they have
received?” [
Testimonies for the Church 2:483, 484
(1870).]
Not to Take the Place of the Bible
That the Testimonies were not given to take the place of the Bible,
the following extract from a testimony published in 1876 will show:
“Brother J would confuse the mind by seeking to make it appear
that the light God has given through the Testimonies is an addition to
the word of God, but in this he presents the matter in a false light. God
has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His word,
to give them a clearer understanding of it.” [
Testimonies for the Church
4:246
(1876).] The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most be-
clouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to
understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make
the word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to
its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse,
God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the
word that they have neglected to follow.” [
Testimonies for the Church
2:455
(1870).] The word of God abounds in general principles for the
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formation of correct habits of living, and the testimonies, general and
personal, have been calculated to call their attention more especially
to these principles.” [
Testimonies for the Church 4:323
(1879).]
April 30, 1871, this matter was presented to me in a dream. I
seemed to be attending an important meeting, at which a large company
were assembled. “Many were bowed before God in earnest prayer,