Testimonies Slighted
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bidden to let no one know in regard to this, for much was yet to be
developed.
I was told to gather up the light that had been given me and let its
rays shine forth to God’s people. I have been doing this in articles in
the papers. I arose at three o’clock nearly every morning for months
and gathered the different items written after the last two testimonies
were given me in Battle Creek. I wrote out these matters and hurried
them on to you; but I had neglected to take proper care of myself, and
the result was that I sank under the burden; my writings were not all
finished to reach you at the General Conference.
Again, while in prayer, the Lord revealed Himself. I was once
more in Battle Creek. I was in many houses and heard your words
around your tables. The particulars I have no liberty now to relate.
I hope never to be called to mention them. I had also several most
striking dreams.
What voice will you acknowledge as the voice of God? What
power has the Lord in reserve to correct your errors and show you your
course as it is? What power to work in the church? If you refuse to
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believe until every shadow of uncertainty and every possibility of doubt
is removed you will never believe. The doubt that demands perfect
knowledge will never yield to faith. Faith rests upon evidence, not
demonstration. The Lord requires us to obey the voice of duty, when
there are other voices all around us urging us to pursue an opposite
course. It requires earnest attention from us to distinguish the voice
which speaks from God. We must resist and conquer inclination, and
obey the voice of conscience without parleying or compromise, lest
its promptings cease and will and impulse control. The word of the
Lord comes to us all who have not resisted His Spirit by determining
not to hear and obey. This voice is heard in warnings, in counsels, in
reproof. It is the Lord’s message of light to His people. If we wait for
louder calls or better opportunities, the light may be withdrawn, and
we left in darkness.
By once neglecting to comply with the call of God’s Spirit and
His word, when obedience involves a cross, many have lost much—
how much they will never know till the books are opened at the final
day. The pleadings of the Spirit, neglected today because pleasure
or inclination leads in an opposite direction, may be powerless to
convince, or even impress, tomorrow. To improve the opportunities of