620
Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
acknowledged the wrong for which she was reproved. Those who
originated and spread the report have exerted an influence to embolden
wrongdoers in rejecting reproof, and souls have thus been imperiled.
Let all who have engaged in this work beware lest the blood of these
souls be found upon them in the great day of final judgment.
The cases mentioned will serve to show how little reliance can be
placed upon reports concerning what I have done or taught. During
my labors in connection with the work of the Lord I have not made
it a practice to vindicate my own cause or to contradict reports that
have been put in circulation in regard to myself. To do this would
occupy my time to the neglect of the work which God has appointed
me. These matters I have left to Him who has a care for His servants
and His cause.
But I would say to my brethren: Beware how you give credence
to such reports. The Saviour bade His disciples: “Take heed therefore
how ye hear.” And He speaks of a certain class that hear and will not
understand lest they should be converted and be healed. Again He said:
“Take heed what ye hear.” “He that is of God heareth God’s words.”
Those who listened to the words of Christ heard and reported His
[695]
teaching just according to the spirit that was in them. It is ever thus
with those who hear God’s word. The manner in which they understand
and receive it depends upon the spirit which dwells in their hearts.
There are many who put their own construction upon what they
hear, making the thought appear altogether different from that which
the speaker endeavored to express. Some, hearing through the medium
of their own prejudices or pre-possessions, understand the matter as
they desire it to be,—as will best suit their purpose,—and so report it.
Following the promptings of an unsanctified heart, they construe into
evil that which, rightly understood, might be a means of great good.
Again, an expression perfectly true and right in itself, may be
wholly distorted by transmission through several curious, careless, or
caviling minds. Well-meaning persons are often careless and make
grievous mistakes, and it is not likely that others will report more cor-
rectly. One who has himself not fully understood a speaker’s meaning
repeats a remark or assertion, giving to it his own coloring. It makes
an impression on the hearer just according to his prejudices and imag-
inings. He reports it to a third, who in turn adds a little more and sends
it forward; and before any of them are aware of what they are doing,