Our Solemn Obligation
The message assuredly includes, but does not conclude with, prophetic depictions of the approaching end, the nature of God and of man, and the law of relationship between God and man. Nor does it consist simply of the negative warnings against apostasy and perversion which form an integral part thereof. One may understand all that, and not even be a Christian.
The message of the everlasting gospel is an offer of grace, an extension of mercy, a provision of executive clemency, a proffer of enabling power, a provision for fellowship between God and man that, begun here, is designed to be eternal. This is not merely informative, but experimental. It is not simply theory, but life. Every soul who has extended to him a knowledge of the terms, is entitled to guidance into the enabling provision adequate for the time. And we are under solemn bonds to witness to its efficacy by personal experience therein, and to lead our hearers into that same experience. God will not hold him guiltless who fails in the crucial issue.
L. E. F.
Floating "Special Testimonies"
Any teaching that has to depend upon some private copy of a "special testimony" not in general circulation, or some alleged testimony available only in "manuscript" form, or purported to be "from the vault at Elms-haven," is badly in need of some support. The servant of the Lord has made available in printed form those things needful to the church. They are accessible to all in the published volumes and in periodical articles. They are on permanent record for the examination of all.
This writer has traced down a number of such so-called "private testimonies," and has in most instances found them to be fabrications—not usually in the case of the immediate possessor, but originally. Copies of all genuine testimonies are extant, and such statements can be either verified or disproved. When one is flashed upon you, demand the file number and the date, and have it verified. It is the only safe course, and it is our privilege and right to make such demands. And if it is genuine, the context usually throws a flood of light upon its intent. The actual statement is not infrequently lifted from its context. Accuracy and intent should be our watchwords.
There is a tendency on the part of some to rely upon the Testimonies instead of upon Scripture for our proof for faith and practice. This is plainly at variance with the spirit and expressed instruction of both the Bible and the Spirit of prophecy (see "Testimonies," Vol. V, chapter "Nature and Influence of the Testimonies," pp. 654691; especially pp. 667, 668), and also with the position and practice of our pioneers and veterans. Let us neither neglect nor misuse God's, precious gift to His church. Let there be a revival of prayerful reading and study of the Spirit of prophecy.
L. E. F.
The Message in Verity
The outstanding preacher of this movement was Ellen G. White. Look back through the old volumes of the Review. Read her gripping utterances there. Search through the old files of the General Conference Bulletin, and note the changeless burden. Observe the themes and catch the tenor of the appeals. Practical godliness was the unceasing burden. Transformation of character was the constant theme. The operative principles of Christianity which make it the power of God unto salvation from both the guilt and the power of sin, were continually in the forefront. Will any charge her with infidelity to the message or lack of spiritual discernment?
The message was never designed to displace the gospel. It simply intensifies it and girds it in its present-day setting. It is the everlasting gospel we are to preach. It is the provisions of the gospel only that save. The negative warnings are the accompaniments and form the requisite setting.
L. E. F.
The Sovereignty of Truth
It is most regrettable that loyal, sincere efforts to correct minor inaccuracies or errors current, are sometimes regarded as disloyal and traitorous to the cause we love. Any inaccurate quotations or historic citations that were introduced by some earnest but unscholarly speaker and so became current, but which under investigation do not prove to be reliable, must in all fairness to truth and Christian honesty be expunged. There is no compromise in this, nor cause for alarm nor chagrin. It is only Christian scholarship in operation.
As heralds of the truth, we must rigidly adhere to historic facts, and accurate, reliable, and bona fide quotations from man or organization. Truth is dishonored by the repetition of error. And what shall be said of one who would wittingly and deliberately use a discredited quotation when its validity has been disputed and its reliability disproved? Impositions in the past can be overlooked, but their continuance is unthinkable.
He is not the defender of the faith who clings to inaccuracy or misstatement after it is exposed, but he is the true champion of light and truth and right who sets his own house in order, and first does what he demands of others. Let us make our own adjustments, and never wait for our critics and foes to come and search us and discomfit us. Let there be no confusion of this vital and living issue. All honor to those earnest, painstaking, loyal men who are seeking to bring our position beyond the possibility of successful, honest challenge or ridicule.
L. E. F.
