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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
the people. I do not expect that all will accept the reproof and reform
their lives, but I must discharge my duty all the same. I will walk in
humility before God, doing my work for time and for eternity.
“God has not given my brethren the work that He has given me.
It has been urged that my manner of giving reproof in public has led
others to be sharp and critical and severe. If so, they must settle that
matter with the Lord. If others take a responsibility which God has not
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laid upon them; if they disregard the instructions He has given them
again and again through the humble instrument of His choice, to be
kind, patient, and forbearing, they alone must answer for the results.
With a sorrow-burdened heart, I have performed my unpleasant duty
to my dearest friends, not daring to please myself by withholding
reproof, even from my husband; and I shall not be less faithful in
warning others, whether they will hear or forbear. When I am speaking
to the people I say much that I have not premeditated. The Spirit of the
Lord frequently comes upon me. I seem to be carried out of, and away
from, myself; the life and character of different persons are clearly
presented before my mind. I see their errors and dangers, and feel
compelled to speak of what is thus brought before me. I dare not resist
the Spirit of God.” [
Testimonies for the Church 5:19, 20
(1882).]
Rejection of Reproof
“Many now despise the faithful reproof given of God in testimony.
I have been shown that some in these days have even gone so far as to
burn the written words of rebuke and warning, as did the wicked king
of Israel. But opposition to God’s threatenings will not hinder their
execution. To defy the words of the Lord, spoken through His chosen
instruments, will only provoke His anger and eventually bring certain
ruin upon the offender. Indignation often kindles in the heart of the
sinner against the agent whom God chooses to deliver His reproofs. It
has ever been thus, and the same spirit exists today that persecuted and
imprisoned Jeremiah for obeying the word of the Lord.” [
Testimonies
for the Church 4:180
(1876).]
From the beginning of my work, as I have been called to bear a
plain, pointed testimony, to reprove wrongs, and to spare not, there
have been those who have stood in opposition to my testimony and
have followed after to speak smooth things, to daub with untempered
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