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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
“‘God has given you your testimony, to set before the backslider
and the sinner his true condition and the immense loss he is sustaining
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by continuing a life of sin. God has impressed this upon you by
opening it before your vision as He has to no other one now living, and
according to the light He has given you will He hold you responsible.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of
hosts.” “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their
transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin.”’” [
Testimonies for the
Church 2:604-608
(1871).]
Wrong Use of the “Testimonies”
Some who believe the Testimonies have erred by urging them
unduly upon others. In volume 1, number 8, is a testimony bearing
upon this point. There were some in-----who were God’s children,
and yet doubted the visions. Others had no opposition, yet dared not
take a decided stand in regard to them. Some were skeptical, and they
had sufficient cause to make them so. The false visions and fanatical
exercises, and the wretched fruits following, had an influence upon
the cause in-----to make minds jealous of everything bearing the name
of visions. All these things should have been taken into consideration
and wisdom exercised. There should be no trial or labor with those
who have never seen the individual having visions, and who have had
no personal knowledge of the influence of the visions. Such should
not be deprived of the benefits and privileges of the church if their
Christian course is otherwise correct....
“Some, I was shown, could receive the published visions, judging
of the tree by its fruits. Others are like doubting Thomas; they cannot
believe the published Testimonies, nor receive evidence through the
testimony of others, but must see and have the evidence for themselves.
Such must not be set aside, but long patience and brotherly love should
be exercised toward them until they find their position and become es-
tablished for or against. If they fight against the visions, of which they
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have no knowledge; if they carry their opposition so far as to oppose
that in which they have had no experience, ... the church may know
that they are not right.” [
Testimonies for the Church 1:328
(1862).]
Some of our brethren had had long experience in the truth and for
years had been acquainted with me and my work. They had proved