It is not alone those who openly reject
the Testimonies, or who cherish doubt concerning them, that are
on dangerous ground. To disregard light is to reject it.
"Some of you in words acknowledge
reproof, but you do not in heart accept it. You go on the same
as before, only being less susceptible to the influence of the
Spirit of God, becoming more and more blinded, having less wisdom,
less self-control, less moral power, and less zeal and relish
for religious exercises; and, unless converted, you will finally
yield your hold upon God entirely. You have not made decided
changes in your life when reproof has come, because you have
not seen and realized your defects of character and the great
contrast between your life and the life of Christ." "What
do your prayers amount to while you regard iniquity in your hearts?
Unless you make a thorough change, you will, not far hence, become
weary of reproof, as did the children of Israel; and, like them,
you will apostatize from God." [VOL. 4, P. 332 (1879).]
"Many are going directly contrary
to the light which God has given to His people, because they
do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge in
cautions, reproofs, and warnings. The cares of the world, the
love of fashion, and the lack of religion have turned the attention
from the light God has so graciously given, while books and periodicals
containing error are traveling all over the country. Skepticism
and infidelity are increasing everywhere. Light so precious,
coming from the throne of God, is hid under a bushel. God will
make His people responsible for this neglect. An account must
be rendered to Him for every ray of light He has let shine upon
our pathway, whether it has been improved to our advancement
in divine things or rejected because it was more agreeable to
follow inclination." [VOL. 4, P. 134 (1882).]
"The volumes of Spirit of Prophecy,
[THE GREAT CONTROVERSY] and also the Testimonies, should be introduced
into every Sabbathkeeping family, and the brethren should know
their value and be urged to read them. It was not the wisest
plan to place these books at a low figure and have only one set
in a church. They should be in the library of every family and
be read again and again. Let them be kept where they can be read
by many." [VOL. 4, PP. 391, 390 (1880).]
Let ministers and people remember that gospel
truth hardens when it does not save. The rejection of light leaves
men captives, bound about by chains of darkness and unbelief.
"The soul that refuses to listen to the invitations of mercy
from day to day can soon listen to the most urgent appeals without
an emotion stirring his soul. As laborers with God we need more
fervent piety and less self-exaltation. The more self is exalted,
the more will faith in the Testimonies of the Spirit of God be
lessened. . . . Those who trust wholly in themselves will see
less and less of God in the Testimonies of His Spirit."
[VOL. 5, P. 134 (1882).]