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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Solemn Times
[Special Testimonies, Series A 3:32-35 (1895).]
January 31, 1895.
Solemn, serious times are upon us, and perplexities will increase,
to the very close of time. There may be a little respite in these
matters, but it will not be for long. I have letters to write that must
go in the next mail to Battle Creek. Our brethren there are not
looking at everything in the right light. The movements they have
made to pay taxes [
See appendix.
] on the property of the sanitarium
and Tabernacle have manifested a zeal and conscientiousness that in
all respects is not wise nor correct. Their ideas of religious liberty
are being woven with suggestions that do not come from the Holy
Spirit, and the religious liberty cause is sickening, and its sickness
can only be healed by the grace and gentleness of Christ.
The hearts of those who advocate this cause must be filled by
the spirit of Jesus. The Great Physician alone can apply the balm of
Gilead. Let these men read the book of Nehemiah with humble hearts
touched by the Holy Spirit, and their false ideas will be modified,
[201]
and correct principles will be seen, and the present order of things
will be changed. Nehemiah prayed to God for help, and God heard
his prayer. The Lord moved upon heathen kings to come to his help.
When his enemies zealously worked against him, the Lord worked
through kings to carry out His purpose, and to answer the many
prayers that were ascending to Him for the help which they so much
needed.
Extreme Positions
I am often greatly distressed when I see our leading men tak-
ing extreme positions, and burdening themselves over matters that
should not be taken up or worried over, but left in the hands of God
for Him to adjust. We are yet in the world, and God keeps for us a
place in connection with the world, and works by His own right hand
to prepare the way before us, in order that His work may progress
along its various lines. The truth is to have a standing place, and the
standard of truth is to be uplifted in many places in regions beyond.