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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
evidence, so that all who desire to do so may satisfy themselves as to
the character of the Testimonies; and, having acknowledged them to be
from God, it is their duty to accept reproof, even though they do not
themselves see the sinfulness of their course. If they fully realized their
condition, what would be the need of reproof? Because they know it
not, God mercifully sets it before them, so that they may repent and
reform before it shall be too late. “Those who despise the warning will
be left in blindness to become self-deceived; but those who heed it, and
zealously go about the work of separating their sins from them in order
to have the needed graces, will be opening the door of their hearts that
the dear Saviour may come in and dwell with them.” [
Testimonies for
the Church 3:257
(1873).] Those who are most closely connected with
God are the ones who know His voice when He speaks to them. Those
[683]
who are spiritual discern spiritual things. Such will feel grateful that
the Lord has pointed out their errors.” [
Testimonies for the Church
5:134
.]
“David learned wisdom from God’s dealings with him and bowed
in humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faith-
ful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David
acquainted with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He ac-
cepted counsel meekly and humiliated himself before God. ‘The law of
the Lord,’ he exclaims, ‘is perfect, converting the soul.’” [
Testimonies
for the Church 4:14, 15
(1876).]
“If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then
are ye ... not sons.” Our Lord has said: “As many as I love, I rebuke
and chasten.” “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous,
but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Though bitter
the discipline, it is appointed by a Father’s tender love, “that we might
be partakers of His holiness.”
An Unwarranted Distinction
Some have taken the position that the warnings, cautions, and
reproofs given by the Lord through His servant, unless they come
through special vision for each individual case, should have no more
weight than counsels and warnings from other sources. In some cases
it has been represented that in giving a testimony for churches or