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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
is not the instrument whom you slight and insult, but God, who has
spoken to you in these warnings and reproofs.” “It is hardly possible
for men to offer a greater insult to God than to despise and reject the
instrumentalities that He has appointed to lead them.” [
Testimonies
for the Church 5:235
;
Testimonies for the Church 3:355
.]
Neglect of the “Testimonies”
It is not alone those who openly reject the Testimonies, or who
cherish doubt concerning them, that are on dangerous ground. To
disregard light is to reject it.
“Some of you in words acknowledge reproof, but you do not
in heart accept it. You go on the same as before, only being less
susceptible to the influence of the Spirit of God, becoming more
and more blinded, having less wisdom, less self-control, less moral
power, and less zeal and relish for religious exercises; and, unless
converted, you will finally yield your hold upon God entirely. You
have not made decided changes in your life when reproof has come,
because you have not seen and realized your defects of character and
the great contrast between your life and the life of Christ.” “What
do your prayers amount to while you regard iniquity in your hearts?
Unless you make a thorough change, you will, not far hence, become
weary of reproof, as did the children of Israel; and, like them, you will
apostatize from God.” [
Testimonies for the Church 4:332
(1879).]
[681]
“Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given
to His people, because they do not read the books which contain the
light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings. The cares
of the world, the love of fashion, and the lack of religion have turned
the attention from the light God has so graciously given, while books
and periodicals containing error are traveling all over the country.
Skepticism and infidelity are increasing everywhere. Light so precious,
coming from the throne of God, is hid under a bushel. God will make
His people responsible for this neglect. An account must be rendered to
Him for every ray of light He has let shine upon our pathway, whether
it has been improved to our advancement in divine things or rejected
because it was more agreeable to follow inclination.” [
Testimonies for
the Church 4:391
(1880).]