Testimony for the Church — No. 17

Epistle Number Eleven

Dear Bro. ——: I was shown in the last vision that you would need to watch yourself with jealous care, or your peculiar temperament would control you. You erred while engaged in praying for Sr. ——, and took upon yourself the same dictatorial, overbearing spirit which has been the curse of your life. You bore down on Bro. —— when you should have been, considering your failures in the past, unassuming and modest. It will be very difficult for you to get out of the train of watching others, and noticing little things, and speaking out decidedly, and censuring. All this you have nothing to do with. Just as sure as you are overcome in a small degree in this direction, the door is open for a greater failure. There is no safety for you but constant control of yourself, and to possess your soul in patience. You cannot I accomplish any great work, but may, if right, do a little good in the cause of God. But your influence need not injure; if you will be guarded and sanctified to God you may take a position to comfort and to speak a peaceful word, to bear testimony in regard to the great riches of God and the undying love of Jesus. T17 153.1

Let your heart be softened and melt under the divine influence of the Spirit of God. You should not talk so much about yourself, for this will strengthen no one. You should not make yourself a center, and imagine you must be constantly caring for yourself and leading others to care for you. Get your mind off from yourself in a more healthy channel. Talk of Jesus, and let self go. You must be submerged in Christ, where this shall be the language of your heart, I live, yet not I, for Christ liveth in me. Jesus will be to you a present help in every time of need. He will not leave you to battle with the powers of darkness alone, oh! no; he has laid help upon One that is mighty to save to the uttermost. T17 153.2

Be not self-caring. Overcome your notions, your little peculiarities, and seek only to represent Jesus. In your talks in meeting, and in praying, do not be too lengthy. You have failed here. You can remedy this. Lengthy speaking and praying is injurious to you, and not beneficial to those who hear you. You have close work to be an overcomer. Yet you can do this, if you engage in the work calmly. Here you need to guard yourself. You are uneasy, hurried, nervous. This you may overcome. T17 154.1

You have an earnest, anxious desire to do right, and meet the approval of God. Continue your earnest, persevering efforts, and be not discouraged. Be patient. Never censure. Never let the enemy beguile you from your watch. Watch as well as pray. After you pray, watch thereunto. The effort is your own; no one can do this work for you. Take hold of the strength of God, and as fast as you see your errors in the past, redeem the time. T17 154.2

E. G. W.