198
Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
I do not think any such questions as that ought to be placed before
me. I do not think it is my work to deal with any such things unless
the case has been plainly opened before me. There should be brethren
in the church who have wisdom who can speak decidedly regarding
this case. I cannot understand such things. I do not believe that God
wants me to take any such burden upon me. If they cannot settle such
things among themselves by prayer and fasting, then let them continue
[in] fasting and prayer till they can.
Such things will arise. It will come—that is, they will have these
difficult questions, and they have got to learn how to treat them. They
have got to have an experience. They must bring these things to the
Lord, and believe the Lord will hear their prayer, and give them a
sound experience in all these things, but they are not to bring them to
me.
[Elder W. C. White read portions of Elder McVagh’s letter of
August 15, 1911, after which Sister White said further:]
I have had no particular light in regard to his case, therefore I dare
not speak positively in regard to it.
He has to show the evidence that God accepts him and to give that
evidence so that our brethren can have something tangible to build
upon. Let them say, We will give you a chance. We will see whether
God accepts your labors or not.
But it is not wise for me to take the responsibility of this case. I
cannot take the least responsibility. Those who see his actions day by
day should know whether he has proved himself, whether God accepts
him.
[After reading the letter of William E, written January 13, 1913,
Ellen White said:]
[235]
I cannot take responsibility in such matters. The burden of doing
so is too great. It might cost me my life. Let those appointed of God
to bear the responsibility deal with it in accordance with Christian
principles.—
Manuscript 2, 1913
.
[
In connection with the question as to what was involved in his
statement of September 15, 1911, relative to the holding of responsible
positions by those who have passed through such sad experiences,
Elder W. C. White, early in 1913, wrote as follows:
“It now appears that there is a question in the minds of the brethren
as to what was meant by the words, ‘Do not cut them off from fellow-