Conference Department by Sybil Whitney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 10, 1868

Conference Department.

By Sybil Whitney

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25.

This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Sister Whitney.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Ever since I embraced the third angel’s message, I have considered it the duty of every one professing to believe it, to have in their possession, and under careful examination, all the works of Sr. White. My reasons are, 1. They claim more than human authority. 2. They are received as such by the “body,” of which we are members. 3. We cannot obey three special Scripture injunctions without them. Jesus says, beware of false prophets. Matt. vii, 15. Paul says, Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. 1 Thess. v, 20, 21. 4. After careful examination, honesty requires me to acknowledge them as the truth, and to believe they are of God; and to hesitate, or assign them a place with other books in my own case, would be despising them, and being ashamed of Christ and his words; and I should expect him to be ashamed of me before his Father and the holy angels. Lord, save me from such a condemnation! Did you ever think of the awful ingratitude of such unbelief? Surely it is just that such should not “enter in because of unbelief.”

Permit me, now, to inquire, Are my reasons valid? If so, why not endorse them?

1. If they are given by the Spirit of God, in other words, if Sr. White has been shown these things by angelic agency, then they are entitled to more than ordinary respect, inasmuch as in accordance with the Bible, they shed additional light positively needful for a preparation to meet the Saviour when he comes to receive his own to himself. How, then, will those who are truly waiting for the coming of Christ regard them? Can they not see that where there is no vision the people perish? and that they are happy who keep the law? Of what will they not deny themselves, to

secure such a treasure, while they have the opportunity before the famine comes, when they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it?

2. They are received as divine authority by the body of Seventh-day Adventists, with whom we profess to be united in faith and fellowship. How, then, can we be consistent, and occupy a doubtful position?

3. Again how can we obey the foregoing injunction to despise not prophesyings, unless we hear a prophet, and know what he doeth? We are to prove and know them by their fruits. We are to know whether they do and teach the commandments, or whether they break them and teach men so; whether they bear thorns and thistles, or grapes and figs.

How is it with the one through whom these views are given? Have we a chance to know her by her fruits? How long must she go about doing good, preaching Christ, and suffering reproach, before we have a right, nay, before we are in duty bound to know her by her fruits? Is there not danger that some of us will go down to the grave doubting, and others professing to believe, who are still “disobedient to the heavenly vision?” Let us inquire, then, What is her character, and the character of those who receive her in the name of a prophet? Are they untrue? unjust? unchaste? wanton? Do they despise government? Are they self-willed and presumptuous? Or are they God-fearing, cross-bearing, self-denying, self-renouncing persons, seeking meekness and righteousness, following peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord?

Let us pause and consider; and remember that Jesus says, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Who has given all for Christ, if she has not? Who denies himself, and takes up his cross daily, if she does not? Who lays down his life for the brethren, and is not weary in well doing, if she does not? To whom does this scripture address itself? “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven.” And again, “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.”

Brethren and sisters, are we willing to risk the loss of that reward, for all that we shall gain by doubts, and the pride of heart which makes us ashamed to confess Christ in the person of his meek and lowly followers? For one, I feel that I am unworthy that those dear servants of the Lord should come under my roof; but I can receive their testimony, and will do all I can to have others receive it, who have ears to hear, and a heart to understand “what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

If I shall be counted worthy to be permitted to see them receive the “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” which I believe God has in store for them, I’ll be satisfied, and will give God the glory of our salvation.

SYBIL WHITNEY.

Malone, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1868.