Vitiating the Instruction

Unfortunately, there is a tendency on the part of some in the church to deal with this instruction in a careless way. They gladly use such portions of Mrs. White’s writings as they think can be made to serve their own ends, but immediately raise questions as to the present-day application of instruction which cuts across their plans and purposes.TOJ 133.1

This amounts virtually to a rejection of this gift to the church. It vitiates the writings of the Spirit of prophecy, and subjects them to the decision of human caprice and personal prejudice and convenience. Of this class we read:TOJ 133.2

“There are some professed believers who accept certain portions of the Testimonies as the message of God, while they reject those portions that condemn their favorite indulgences. Such persons are working contrary to their own welfare, and the welfare of the church.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:154TOJ 133.3

“Some who wish to strengthen their own position, will bring forward from the Testimonies statements which they think will support their views, and will put the strongest possible construction upon them; but that which questions their course of action, or which does not coincide with their views, they pronounce Sister White’s opinion, denying its heavenly origin, and placing it on a level with their own judgment.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:688TOJ 133.4

If one accepts the argument of Scripture that this gift is to be manifested in the remnant church, and if he accepts it in those matters which agree with his own plans and practices, then to be consistent he should accept it in every feature of the instruction that has been imparted throughout. Otherwise his position is one of rejection.TOJ 133.5

A person who accepts one portion of the Testimonies and rejects other portions places his influence directly against this gift in the church. His influence for evil is much more potent than if he openly and consistently opposed all the writings. Then there would be no question as to his attitude, and his influence would not be deceptive. Referring to some she had tried to help, Mrs. White makes this statement:TOJ 133.6

“These brethren took this position: We believe the visions, but Sister White, in writing them, put in her own words, and we will believe that portion which we think is of God, and will not heed the other. This course they have pursued, and have not corrected their lives. They have professed to believe the visions, but have acted contrary to them. Their example and influence have raised doubts in the minds of others. It would have been better for the cause of present truth had they both opposed the gifts. Then the people would not have been deceived, and would not have stumbled over these blind teachers.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:234 . TOJ 134.1

Significantly she wrote at a later time:TOJ 134.2

“What reserve power has the Lord with which to reach those who have cast aside His warnings and reproofs, and have accredited the testimonies of the Spirit of God to no higher source than human wisdom. In the Judgment, what can you who have done this, offer to God as an excuse for turning from the evidences He has given you that God was in the work? ‘By their fruits ye shall know them.’”—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 466.TOJ 134.3