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Church of Christ
41
what they regard as truth. In the use of private letter sent to another,
Brother S. has abused the kindly efforts of one who desired to help
him. The parties publishing the pamphlet on the
Loud Cry
, and the
fall of all the churches, give evidence that the Holy Spirit of God is
not working with them. “By their fruits ye shall know them.”
Those who receive the pamphlets advocating these false posi-
tions, will receive the impression that I sustain these positions, and
am united with these workers in proclaiming what they term the
“new light.” I know that their message is mingled with truth, but
the truth is misapplied and wrested by its connection with error. I
[34]
would say to the brother who sent to these men a copy of a letter
I had written him, that I have not one thought of censuring you,
and no one should cast the least blame upon you concerning the
matter. If I should misjudge and censure you, when your motives
and intentions were good, I should incur the displeasure of God. If
the brother you desired to help has taken liberties, and has betrayed
your confidence, do not blame yourself and grieve over the results
of his unfaithfulness.
Instruction to the Disciples
There are matters in the
Testimonies
that are written, not for
the world at large, but for the believing children of God, and it is
not appropriate to make instruction, warning, reproof, or counsel
of this character public to the world. The world’s Redeemer, the
Sent of God, the greatest Teacher the children of men ever knew,
presented some matters of instruction, not to the world, but to His
disciples alone. While He had communications designed for the
multitudes that thronged His steps, He also had some special light
and instruction to impart to His followers which he did not impart
to the great congregation, as it would neither be understood nor
appreciated by them. He sent His disciples forth to preach, and
when they returned from their first missionary labor and had various
experiences to relate concerning their success in preaching the gospel
of the kingdom of God, He said unto them, “Come ye yourselves
apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” In a place of seclusion
Jesus imparted to His followers such instruction, counsel, cautions
and corrections as He saw were needed in their manner of work; but