Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 225b, 1906
NA
St. Helena, California
July 8, 1906
Variant of Lt 225, 1906. See 1SM 49-53. +Note
The Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 1
Dear Brother:
There are some who think they are able to measure the character and to estimate the importance of the work the Lord has given me to do. Their own mind and judgment is the standard by which they would weigh the testimonies. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 2
My Instructor said to me, Tell these men that God has not committed to them the work of measuring, classifying, and defining the character of the testimonies. Those who attempt this are sure to err in their conclusions. The Lord would have men adhere to their appointed work. If they will keep the way of the Lord, they will be able to discern clearly that the work which He has appointed me to do is not a work of human devising. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 3
Those who carefully read the testimonies, as they have appeared from the early days, need not be perplexed as to their origin. The many books, written by the help of the Spirit of God, bear a living witness to the character of the testimonies. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 4
In the early days of our experience in the message, the Spirit of God often came upon a few of us as we were assembled, and I was taken away in vision. The Lord gave such light and evidence, such comfort and hope and joy, that His praises were upon our lips. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 5
My husband and I traveled extensively. Sometimes light would be given to me in the night season, sometimes in the day time before large congregations. The instruction I received in vision was faithfully written out by me, as I had time and strength for the work. Afterward we examined the matter together, my husband correcting grammatical errors and eliminating needless repetition. Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed or for the printer. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 6
While my husband lived, he acted as a helper and counselor in the sending out of the messages that were given to me. As the work grew, others assisted me in the preparation of matter for publication. After my husband’s death, faithful helpers joined me, who labored untiringly in the work of copying the testimonies and preparing articles for publication. But the reports that are circulated that any of my helpers are permitted to add matter or change the meaning of the messages I write out are not true. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 7
While we were in Australia, the Lord instructed me that W. C. White should be relieved from the many burdens his brethren would lay upon him, and that he should assist me in the work the Lord has laid upon me. The promise has been given, “I will put My Spirit upon him, and give him wisdom.” 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 8
Since my return to America, I have several times received instruction that the Lord has given me W. C. White to be my helper, and that in this work the Lord will give him of His Spirit. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 9
It requires much wisdom and sound judgment, quickened by the Spirit of God, to know the proper time and manner to present the instruction that has been given. When the minds of persons reproved are under a strong deception, they naturally resist the testimony; and having taken an attitude of resistance, it is difficult for them afterward to acknowledge that they have been wrong. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 10
In the early days of this cause, if some of the leading brethren were present when messages from the Lord were given, we would consult with them as to the best manner of bringing the instruction before the people. Sometimes it was decided that certain portions would better not be read before a congregation. Then those whose course was reproved would sometimes request that the matters pointing out their wrongs and dangers should be read before others, that they, too, might be benefited. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 11
Often after testimonies of reproof were read, hearty confessions were made. Then we would unite in a season of prayer, and the Lord would manifest His pardoning grace to those who had confessed their sins. The acceptance of the testimonies brought the rich blessing of God into our assemblies. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 12
Faithfully I endeavor to write out that which is given me from time to time by the divine Counselor. Some portions of that which I write are sent out immediately to meet the present necessities of the work. Other portions are held until the development of circumstances makes it evident to me that the time has come for their use. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 13
At other times, after very clear-cut, decided reproofs have been written out, they are held for a time until by personal correspondence I have endeavored to change the spirit of those to whom they are addressed. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the messages, with all their strength of rebuke or reproof, are sent to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will deny the truthfulness of the message. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 14
If those whose errors are pointed out make confession of their wrongdoing, the spell of the enemy may be broken. If they will repent and forsake their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive their sins, and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer, will remove the filthy garments from them, give them a change of raiment, and set a fair mitre upon their head. But so long as they refuse to turn from iniquity, they can never develop a pure, holy character that will stand in the great day of judgment. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 15
Often concealed wrongs in the life of individuals are opened before me, and I am bidden to bear a message of reproof and warning. I have been told that many who give heed to the false science of the enemy would denounce my work as that of a false prophet and would place upon the testimony such interpretations as tend to change the truth of God into a lie. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 16
Satan is on the alert; and some, who in the past have been used by the Lord in doing His work, but who have permitted themselves to be deceived, will be stirred up to make an improper use of the messages that are given. Because they do not wish to listen to the words of reproof, because they will not hear counsel, and improve their course of action, and do their appointed work, they will misconstrue the messages to the church and confuse many minds. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 17
Nevertheless, I am to bear the message that is given me to bear, so long as the Lord shall choose. He has not given me the work of settling all the misunderstandings that are cherished in hearts of unbelief. Just as long as a door is open to receive the tempter’s suggestions, difficulties will multiply. The hearts of those who will not come to the light are open to unbelief. If my time and strength are consumed upon such matters, this serves Satan’s purposes. The Lord has said to me, “Bear the testimonies; your work is not to settle difficulties. Your work is to reprove and to present the righteousness of Christ.” 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 18
I am instructed that when, in ministers and physicians bearing responsibilities, there is developed a disposition to discard the testimonies, I am not to place testimonies in their hands; for they have yielded to a spirit that tempted and overcame Adam and Eve. Their mind and heart are open to the control of the enemy. Being on a false track and laboring under deceptive imaginings, they will read in the testimonies things that are not there, but which are in agreement with the false statements that they have listened to. By reading the testimonies in the light of their own kindling, they are deceived and will deceive others. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 19
An Incident
At one time in the early days of the message, Father Butler and Elder Hart became confused in regard to the testimonies. In great distress they groaned and wept, but for some time they would not give the reasons for their perplexity. However, being pressed to give a reason for their faithless speech and manner, Elder Hart referred to a small pamphlet that had been published as the visions of Sister White, and said that to his certain knowledge, some visions were not included. Before a large audience, these brethren both talked strongly of losing their confidence in the work. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 20
My husband handed the little pamphlet to Elder Hart and requested him to read what was printed on the title page. “A Sketch of the Experience and Visions of Mrs. E. G. White,” he read. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 21
For a moment there was silence, and then my husband explained that we had been very short of means and were able to print but a small tract; but he promised that when sufficient means was raised, the matter would be published more fully in book form. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 22
Elder Butler seemed very uneasy, and after the explanation had been made, he said, “Let us bow before God.” Such weeping and confessions as followed, we have seldom heard. Brother Butler said, “Brother White, forgive me; I was afraid you were concealing from us some of the light we ought to have. Forgive me, Sister White.” 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 23
The power of God came in in a wonderful manner. The spirit of confession and brotherly love was in the meeting. Father Butler ever after remained true as steel to principle. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 24
*****
The testimonies are to be given before those who will make the right use of them. We must have wisdom to know how to present the light that is given, what should be imparted immediately, and what should be withheld. Some things are given us to guide us in the moves we must now make to carry out the purposes of the Lord. Other things must wait till circumstances arise that would make the instruction more impressive. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 25
Sometimes, as a meeting progresses, the way is opened for the presentation of the matters which have been held because the minds of some were not prepared to receive them. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 26
At the Berrien Springs meeting I had many things of a decided character to bring before the people. But light came to me that the minds of some present had been worked by satanic agencies, and that to attempt to present to them the light God had given me would bring on a tremendous struggle that would nearly cost me my life. They had begun the work of specifying what portions of the testimonies were of God, and what portions were not of God, as though God had made them competent to judge. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 27
At the meetings appointed for confession, the Spirit of God was present, and holy angels were in the assembly; but men had their own ideas and determinations to work out. They thought it a good time to bring Brethren Prescott and Daniells to terms. Far better would it have been if they had sought to bring their own souls into a humble, teachable condition. With such a spirit as was manifested at Berrien Springs, it was not the time to present all of the message that was needed. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 28
Since that time many minds have been determinedly at work to oppose the influence of the Spirit of God. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 29
It seems strange to me that men who have diligently studied the Bible cannot discern the fulfilment of the express words of the Spirit that “in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1.] What has blinded their eyes that they cannot discern? Has not your experience been of value to you in recognizing those who have departed from the faith? 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 30
I feel so sorry that Dr. Kellogg has departed from the faith and is seducing other souls. His ambition will lead him to take any means to reach the end he desires. He is not scrupulous as to the means by which the objects of his ambition may be attained. He has formed an unchristian and unhallowed friendship with worldlings and with ministers who are not in the faith. I have seen him linked arm in arm with men of the world, talking of such plans of work as were outlined in the New York Observer of August 6, 1896. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 31
Concord with Belial is not a profitable harmony. The love of display presents powerful attractions to some and beguiles them from their uprightness. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 32
Dr. Kellogg has made a great mistake in assuming the burden of food manufacture. God appointed him a work as His physician, but He did not bid him to engage in the work of manufacturing foods. The various commercial enterprises in which he has engaged have tended to divorce him from the exalted ministry as the Lord’s physician. Another being has taken control of him—the one who seduced the heavenly agencies from their allegiance. These matters have been so distinctly presented to me that I have no room for a shadow of a doubt. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 33
Dr. Kellogg’s skill as a physician, the knowledge that God has given him, has so highly exalted him, that he has felt himself to be supreme. He has said many things and then contradicted and denied them. His own mind is so strained that he is utterly confused as to what is genuine truth and what are fables. For him to be accepted as an educator, for the doing of the sacred work that is termed medical missionary work, would be a great mistake. God forbids this. Dr. Kellogg would fail to leave upon minds the reformative missionary impress. For years he has done an imperfect work, although much instruction has been sent him through the testimonies of the Spirit of God. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 34
This I am instructed to write, Dr. Kellogg’s case has been a mystery of mysteries. That which has given power to his work—truth and righteousness—he has discarded. The cause of God has been hindered in its advance by the only one who could do a work so counter to the work the Lord would have done at this stage of our history. God’s people are now, many of them, confused by the subtle reasoning that has been presented. If ministers of the gospel are bewildered and receive the false statements made, what can be expected of the churches? This is the representation made to me. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 35
If Dr. Kellogg’s mind were now clear enough to see wherein he has been so far out of the way, so that he would make through, decided reforms, then there would be hope; but I am instructed that the way he has treated any words of encouragement from the Lord leaves his case as almost hopeless. I have suffered so much under this deceptive working that I regard the case as it stands as hopeless. Dr. Kellogg’s mind has been so racked and center-shaken through refusing to receive the light that God has given to correct his evil course, that his whole nature has been converted into a bundle of contradictions. And yet men are blind to discern the workings of Satan. But I must present the warnings that have been given for the past twenty years. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 36
Dr. Kellogg <now knows not> either God or Christ in verity and truth. He will deny or affirm anything—a lie or the suppositions of satanic agencies. And just so long as his associate physicians will say to his words, Yes, Yes, they will sustain falsehood. Again and again has the truth been sacrificed to please Dr. Kellogg. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 37
Satan is working Dr. Kellogg’s mind, and every other mind over which he can obtain influence. If Dr. Kellogg’s brethren had checked this spirit, by calling it by its right name, then, as faithful watchmen, they would have given the trumpet a certain sound. Could they not discern the subtle danger of the long interviews held by Dr. Kellogg? 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 38
*****
Christ does not acknowledge any extravagant display, even in a sanitarium. He cannot approve of the lives of physicians or leaders who have lost a sense of the sacredness of the Sabbath that God has sanctified and blessed. Upon this point we are all to be tested and tried. To engage in amusement or games in the sanitarium or upon the sanitarium grounds on the Sabbath day is a transgression of the fourth commandment. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 39
The Lord God of heaven has been dishonored by some who have had great light, but who claim a dominating power. Our God is a jealous God, and those who by their teaching or by their example have obliterated the sign that He has given to His people will, unless they repent, feel the retributive judgments of Him whom they have dishonored to accommodate worldlings. The strict observance of the Lord’s day is to be a silent sermon every week. “It is a sign between me and you.” [Exodus 31:13.] But the day has been desecrated by physicians, ministers, nurses, and patrons. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 40
We wish to advise our believing ones to take their position and leave Battle Creek. We know whereof we speak. Satan was an angel of exceeding brightness, but he aspired to be first in the heavenly courts and to become as God. In this he acted with design and duplicity, but without arousing a suspicion of disloyalty in the minds of the heavenly beings. Not a person is safe who remains under the contaminating influence of one who would sacrifice truth in order to exalt himself—one who would imperil his soul for the sake of seeing carried out his ambitious devisings for self-exaltation. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 41
I know whereof I speak; for I have had the matter laid out before me in distinct lines. I would not have you imperil your soul by a failure on my part to speak a word of warning against your doing this. 21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 42