your neglected responsibilities; educate your
children after God’s plan, showing “forth the praises of Him who hath
called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
*****
Chap. 5 - Important Testimony
Healdsburg, California, March 28, 1882.
Dear Brother—–: Your letter was received in due time. While I was
glad to hear from you, I was made sad as I read its contents. I had received
similar letters from Sister—–and from Brother—–. But I have had no
communications from Brother—–or anyone who sustains him. From your
own letters I learn the course which you have pursued in the proceedings
against Brother—–.
I am not surprised that such a state of things should exist in Battle
Creek, but I am pained to find you, my much-esteemed brother, involved
in this matter on the wrong side with those whom I know God is not
leading. Some of these persons are honest, but they are deceived. They
have received their impressions from another source than the Spirit of
God.
I have been careful not to express my opinion to individuals
concerning important matters, for unjust advantage is often taken of what
I say even in the most confidential
45
manner. Persons set themselves to work to draw out remarks from me
on various points, and then they distort and misrepresent, and make my
words express ideas and opinions altogether different from what I hold.
But this they must meet at the bar of God.
On the occurrence of your present difficulties I determined to keep
silent; I thought it might be best to let matters develop, that those who
had been so ready to censure my husband might see that the spirit of
murmuring existed in their own hearts and was still active, now that the
man of whom they had complained was silently sleeping in the grave.
I knew that a crisis must come. God has given this people plain and
pointed testimonies to prevent this state of things. Had they obeyed the
voice of the Holy Spirit in warning, counsel, and entreaty they would now
enjoy unity and peace. But these testimonies have not been heeded by
those who professed to believe them, and as a result there has been a wide
departure from God, and the withdrawal of His blessing.
To effect the salvation of men, God employs various agencies. He
speaks to them by His word and by His ministers, and He sends by the
Holy Spirit messages of warning, reproof, and instruction. These means
are designed to enlighten the understanding of the people, to reveal to
them their duty and their sins, and the blessings which they may receive,
to awaken in them a sense of spiritual want, that they may go to Christ
and find in Him the grace they need. But many choose to follow their own
way instead of God’s way. They are not reconciled to God, neither can be,
until self is crucified and Christ lives in the heart by faith.
Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by
refusing to cherish His spirit and follow His example, or he enters into
a personal union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith, and obedience.
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
We must, each for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen