Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

The Dangers and Results of Following Worldly Policies

[Undated]

The truth is the truth, but men do not treat it as such in our office of publication. There will be in the office men who will lead into strange paths those whose minds are not firmly established in the principles of present truth. These unconsecrated men will set up false waymarks, and will walk in false paths, because they lack clear discernment. They will manifest a burning desire to confederate; to form rings among themselves in order to sustain one another in the wrong principles they advocate. They will voice one another's words. 19MR 260.1

My Instructor slowly and solemnly spoke the following words: “Form a confederacy; to whom they shall say, ‘Form a confederacy’; and they shall be broken in pieces.” Three times were these words spoken. “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us” [Isaiah 8:9, 10]. 19MR 260.2

Those who connect with the office of publication should be men of sterling principle; men who will look to God daily; men who have learned thoroughly the fact that eternal vigilance is their only means of safety. If those who will be chosen to connect with the office choose to confederate with others to do the works that are now being done there, they will lose their integrity. Whoever dares to seek counsel of God and to put not his trust in the pretended purity and false piety of some of the workers now in the office will find it exceedingly difficult to maintain right principles; but the only safe course for any to pursue is to work in accordance with gospel principles, and to allow nothing to swerve him from them. 19MR 260.3

Reconversions must take place, else many of those in positions of responsibility can no longer be trusted. Some have no realization of the spiritual fall they sustained when they left their first love. It is not of the least value with God for a man in a responsible position to give a mere assent to truth. It is truth in the heart that He values. Concerning those who claim to be in His service, He inquires, “Is the truth in their hearts? Are they sanctified through the truth? If not, how can they withstand the subtle temptations that Satan conceals beneath the gloss of an outward semblance to right principles?” 19MR 261.1

Men of determined purpose and strong willpower have brought perverted principles into the institution. The precepts and example of ungodly men have created a malarious atmosphere about their souls that will make them sick unto death, spoiled for the Lord's service. God bears with all this pretense at serving Him, and still mercifully offers to these men opportunity for repentance and reformation.—Manuscript 24, 1891. 19MR 261.2

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

June 16, 1988,

Entire Ms.