Nature and Influence of the “Testimonies”
599
the truthfulness of the Testimonies and had asserted their belief in
them. They had felt the powerful influence of the Spirit of God resting
upon them to witness to their truthfulness. I was shown that if such,
when reproved through the Testimonies, should rise up against them
and work secretly to lessen their influence, they should be faithfully
dealt with; for their course would endanger those who were lacking in
experience. [
Testimonies for the Church 1:382
.]
The first number of the Testimonies ever published contains a
warning against the injudicious use of the light which is thus given
to God’s people. [
Testimonies for the Church 1:119
.] I stated that
some had taken an unwise course; when they had talked their faith to
unbelievers, and the proof had been asked for, they had read from my
writings instead of going to the Bible for proof. It was shown me that
this course was inconsistent and would prejudice unbelievers against
the truth. The Testimonies can have no weight with those who know
nothing of their spirit. They should not be referred to in such cases.
Other warnings concerning the use of the Testimonies have been
given from time to time, as follows:
“Some of the preachers are far behind. They profess to believe the
testimony borne, and some do harm by making them an iron rule for
those who have had no experience in reference to them, but they fail to
carry them out themselves. They have had repeated testimonies which
they have utterly disregarded. The course of such is not consistent.”
[
Testimonies for the Church 1:369
(1863).]
“I saw that many have taken advantage of what God has shown in
regard to the sins and wrongs of others. They have taken the extreme
[670]
meaning of what has been shown in vision, and then have pressed it
until it has a tendency to weaken the faith of many in what God has
shown, and also to discourage and dishearten the church.” [
Testimonies
for the Church 1:166
(1857).]
The enemy will seize upon everything which he can use to destroy
souls. “Testimonies have been borne in favor of individuals occupying
important positions. They commence well to lift the burdens and act
their part in connection with the work of God. But Satan pursues them
with his temptations, and they are finally overcome. As others look
upon their wrong course, Satan suggests to their minds that there must
be a mistake in the testimonies given for these persons, else these men