sleepless nights. To those who have taken the responsibility to
reprove me and, in their finite judgment, to propose a way which appears
wiser to them, I repeat: I do not accept your efforts. Leave me with God,
and let Him teach me. I will take the words from the Lord and speak
them to the people. I do not expect that all will accept the reproof and
reform their lives, but I must discharge my duty all the same. I will walk
in humility before God, doing my work for time and for eternity.
God has not given my brethren the work that He has given me. It has
been urged that my manner of giving reproof in public has led others to be
sharp and critical and severe. If so, they must settle that matter with the
Lord. If others take a responsibility which God has not laid upon them; if
they disregard the instructions He has given them again and again through
the humble instrument of His choice, to be kind, patient, and forbearing,
they alone must answer for the results. With a sorrow-burdened heart, I
have performed my unpleasant duty to my dearest friends, not daring to
please myself by withholding reproof, even from my husband; and I shall
not be less faithful in warning others, whether they will hear or forbear.
When I am speaking to the people I say much that I have not premeditated.
The Spirit of the Lord frequently comes upon me. I seem to be carried out
of, and away from, myself; the life and character of different persons are
clearly presented before my mind. I see their errors and dangers, and feel
compelled to speak of what is thus brought before me. I dare not resist the
Spirit of God.
I know that some are displeased with my testimony. It does not suit
their proud, unconsecrated hearts. I feel more and more deeply the loss
which our people have sustained by their failure to accept and obey the
light which God has given them. My younger brethren in the ministry, I
entreat you to reflect
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more upon your solemn responsibility. If consecrated to God, you may
exert a powerful influence for good in the church and the world; but you
lack heartfelt piety and devotion. God has sent you to be a light to the
world by your good works as well as by your words and theories. But
many of you may truly be represented by the foolish virgins, who had no
oil in their lamps.
My brethren, heed the reproof and counsel of the True Witness, and
God will work for you and with you. Your enemies may be strong and
determined, but One mightier than they will be your helper. Let the light
shine, and it will do its work. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of
Jacob is our refuge.
*****
Chap. 3 - Our College
[Read in College Hall, December, 1881, before Conference delegates
and leading workers in Review and Herald office, sanitarium, and
college.]
There is danger that our college will be turned away from its original
design. God’s purpose has been made known, that our people should have
an opportunity to study the sciences and at the same time to learn the
requirements of His word. Biblical lectures should be given; the study of
the Scriptures should have the first place in our system of education.
Students are sent from a great distance to attend the college at Battle
Creek for the very purpose of receiving instruction from the lectures on
Bible subjects. But for one or two years past there has been an effort to
mold our school after other colleges. When this is done, we can give no
encouragement to parents to send their children to Battle Creek College.
The moral and religious influences should not be put in the background.
In times past, God has worked with the efforts of the teachers, and many
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souls have seen the truth and embraced it,
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and have gone to their homes to live henceforth