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Appeal and Warning
377
many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down
from heaven to lighten the whole earth with his glory. Do not think
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that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter
rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls
unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of
bitterness. The frown of God will certainly be upon every soul who
cherishes and nurtures these roots of dissension and possesses a
spirit so unlike the spirit of Christ.
As the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, I seemed to be present
in one of your councils. One of your number rose; his manner was
very decided and earnest as he held up a paper before you. I could
read plainly the heading of the paper; it was the
American Sentinel
.
[
See appendix.
] Criticisms were then passed upon the paper and the
character of the articles therein published. Those in council pointed
to certain passages, declaring that this must be cut out, and that must
be changed. Strong words were uttered in criticism of the methods
of the paper, and a strong, un-Christlike spirit prevailed. Voices were
decided and defiant.
My guide gave me words of warning and reproof to speak to
those who took part in this proceeding, who were not slow to utter
their accusations and condemnation. In substance this was the re-
proof given: The Lord has not presided at this council, and there is a
spirit of strife among the counselors. The minds and hearts of these
men are not under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God. Let
the adversaries of our faith be the ones to suggest and develop such
plans as you are now discussing. From the world’s point of view
some of these plans are not objectionable; but they are not to be
adopted by those who have had the light of heaven. The light which
God has given should be respected, not only for your own safety,
but also for the safety of the church of God. The steps now being
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taken by the few cannot be followed by the remnant people of God.
Your course cannot be sustained by the Lord. It is made evident by
your course of action that you have laid your plans without the aid of
Him who is mighty in counsel; but the Lord will work. Those who
have criticized the work of God need to have their eyes anointed, for
they have felt mighty in their own strength; but there is One who
can bind the arm of the mighty, and bring to nought the counsels of
the prudent.