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INDEPENDENCE OF MIND

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 12, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 22.

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INDEPENDENCE OF MIND.

By J. S. MILLER

Some Seventh-day Adventists, who are convinced of the truthfulness of the visions, hold back from receiving them, because they think that in so doing they will manifest a weakness of intellect. Such persons flatter themselves that they are very independent-minded; but could they see things in their true light, they would see that they are lacking in this very respect. Could such look down deep into their own hearts, they would find that darling self is in the way. They would find that their boasted independence is nothing but perverted approbation—a fear of the disapproval of the worldly, wise men around them. If it does not require independence of mind to embrace and live out unpopular truth, and meekly bear the reproach that follows, I do not know what does. It would be well for such to know that while they are professing themselves to be wise, they are becoming fools—dupes of Satan. It is well to be slow and cautious in matters of uncertainty, but when we once see truth, the sooner we embrace it, the better. Such may say that they do not understand all that the visions teach. But can they not say the same of the Bible? Would it not be well for such to practice what they do understand, and then investigate the rest as they have opportunity? In the language of the apostle, “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.”
J. S. MILLER.