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 the instruction He then gave them was not to be thrown
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broadcast to the promiscuous company, for His words were designed
for His disciples only.
On several occasions when the Lord had wrought works of healing,
He charged those whom He had blessed to tell His deed to no one. They
ought to have heeded His injunctions and realized that Christ had not
lightly required silence on their part, but had a reason for His command,
and they should in no wise have disregarded His expressed desire. It
ought to have been sufficient for them to know that He desired them to
keep their own counsel, and had good reasons for His urgent request.
The Lord knew that in healing the sick, in working miracles for the
restoring of sight to the blind, and for the cleansing of the leper, He
was endangering His own life; for if the priests and rulers would not
receive the evidences He gave them of His divine mission, they would
misconstrue, falsify, and make charges against Him. It is true that He
did many miracles openly, yet in some instances He requested that those
whom He had blessed should tell no man what He had done for them.
When prejudice was aroused, envy and jealousy cherished, and His way
hedged up, He left the cities, and went in search of those who would
listen to and appreciate the truth He came to impart.
The Lord Jesus thought it necessary to make many things clear
to His disciples which He did not open to the multitudes. He plainly
revealed to them the reason of the hatred manifested toward Him by the
scribes, Pharisees, and priests, and told them of His suffering, betrayal,
and death; but to the world He did not make these matters so plain.
He had warnings to give to His followers, and He unfolded to them the
sorrowful developments that would take place, and what they were to
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expect. He gave to His followers precious instruction that even they
did not comprehend until after His death, resurrection, and ascension.
When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them, all things were
brought to their remembrance, whatsoever He had said unto them.
A Betrayal of Confidence
It was a betrayal of sacred trust to take that which Jesus designed
should be kept secret, and publish it to others, and bring upon the
cause of truth reproach and injury. The Lord has given to His people
appropriate messages of warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, but
it is not appropriate to take these messages out of their connection and
place them where they will seem to give force to messages of error. In
the pamphlet published by Brother S. and his associates, he accuses the
church of God of being Babylon, and would urge a separation from
the church. This is a work that is neither honorable nor righteous.
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
In compiling this work, they have used my name and writings for the
support of that which I disapprove and denounce as error. The people
to whom this pamphlet will come will charge the responsibility of this
false position upon me, when it is utterly contrary to the teachings of
my writings and the light which God has given me. I have no hesitancy
in saying that those who are urging on this work are greatly deceived.
A False Message
For years I have borne my testimony to the effect that when any