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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
have not appreciated the light; you have trampled upon it. While some
have despised the light, others have neglected it, or followed it but
indifferently. A few have set their hearts to obey the light which God
has been pleased to give them.
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“Some that have received special warnings through testimony, have
forgotten in a few weeks the reproof given. The testimonies to some
have been several times repeated; but they have not thought them
of sufficient importance to be carefully heeded. They have been to
them like idle tales. Had they regarded the light given, they would
have avoided losses and trials which they think are hard and severe.
They have only themselves to censure. They have placed upon their
own necks a yoke which they find grievous to be borne. It is not
the yoke which Christ has bound upon them. God’s care and love
were exercised in their behalf; but their selfish, evil, unbelieving souls
could not discern His goodness and mercy. They rush on in their own
wisdom, until, overwhelmed with trials and confused with perplexity,
they are ensnared by Satan. When you gather up the rays of light
which God has given in the past, then will He give an increase of
light.”
I referred them to ancient Israel. God gave them His law; but they
would not obey it. He then gave them ceremonies and ordinances,
that in the performance of these God might be kept in remembrance.
They were so prone to forget Him and His claims upon them, that it
was necessary to keep their minds stirred up to realize their obliga-
tions to obey and honor their Creator. Had they been obedient, and
loved to keep God’s commandments, the multitude of ceremonies and
ordinances would not have been required.
If the people who now profess to be God’s peculiar treasure would
obey His requirements, as specified in His word, special testimonies
would not be given to awaken them to their duty, and impress upon
them their sinfulness and their fearful danger in neglecting to obey
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the word of God. Consciences have been blunted, because light has
been set aside, neglected, and despised. And God will remove these
Testimonies from the people, and will deprive them of strength, and
humble them.
I dreamed that, as I was speaking, the power of God fell upon me
in a most remarkable manner, and I was deprived of all strength, yet I
had no vision. I thought that my husband stood up before the people,