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Counsels to Writers and Editors
Paul, “beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith
ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering,
forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even
as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all,
and in you all.”
Beware of Side Issues—That which Brother D calls light is ap-
parently harmless; it does not look as though anyone could be injured
by it. But, brethren, it is Satan’s device, his entering wedge. This has
been tried again and again. One accepts some new and original idea
which does not seem to conflict with the truth. He talks of it and dwells
upon it until it seems to him to be clothed with beauty and importance,
for Satan has power to give this false appearance. At last it becomes
the all-absorbing theme, the one great point around which everything
centers; and the truth is uprooted from the heart.
No sooner are erratic ideas started in his mind than Brother D
begins to lose faith, and to question the work of the Spirit which has
been manifested among us for so many years. He is not a man who
will entertain what he believes to be special light without imparting it
to others; therefore it is not safe to give him influence that will enable
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him to unsettle other minds. It is opening a door through which Satan
will rush in many errors to divert the mind from the importance of the
truth for this time. Brethren, as an ambassador of Christ I warn you
to beware of these side issues, whose tendency is to divert the mind
from the truth. Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but always
brings confusion and dissension. It is always dangerous. The enemy
has great power over minds that are not thoroughly fortified by prayer
and established in Bible truth.
Submit New Light to Experienced Brethren—There are a thou-
sand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light
of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new
doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first sub-
mitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble,
teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it,
yield to their judgment; for “in the multitude of counselors there is
safety.”—
Testimonies for the Church 5:291-293
(1885).