From Sister Edmunds by Angelia J. Edmunds

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 19, 1869

From Sister Edmunds.

By Angelia J. Edmunds

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: To you who have been believers in the truth many years, I would write a few lines. And first, do not turn a deaf ear to the warnings of God's worn and tried servants. Those who have borne the heat and burden of the work love us. How many sacrifices they have made, that this precious truth might reach us; and now when God is reproving us and pointing out the straight and narrow way through the testimonies, oh! do not rise in rebellion. Those who doubt the gifts, do not live a better life; they soon become cold, lose their spirituality, and break God's holy commandments. Solemn thought! “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. xiv, 12. Again, speaking of the same company, it says, “which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. xii, 17. And in Rev. xix, 10, we are told that, “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Yes, the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, or spirit of prophecy, must go together in these last days. If you drop one, you will the other, sooner or later.

I look back to the rebellion that arose against the testimonies in 1854. Not only against them, but against the humble servants God has called to lead out in this great work. Many of that party had been reproved for wrong doing. They did not humbly acknowledge their wrongs, but commenced in a secret manner to backbite and slander our leaders.

Satan urged the rebellious ones on, until finally they would come to our meetings and talk out publicly what was in their hearts; and oh! such a chill would creep over us. There was none of that sweet, melting spirit of love manifested, but such a cold bitterness attended them. They commenced printing a paper called the “Messenger of Truth,” falsely so-called, for it was filled with words of slander.

Some may ask the question, “Where is that party now?” I will tell you, “The latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” The editor of that paper taught school, and in a moment of excitement drew a weapon of death at some of his scholars, and left for Canada. A messenger who had been the means of bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, went with them, and was soon heard to utter the profane oath. Nearly all have given up keeping the Sabbath. I write these lines because I fear there are many now who do not realize where they stand. Many that stood up boldly for the truth then, are now following in their footsteps. Often now we hear those worn servants of God spoken of in a light and trifling manner, which must be very displeasing to him.

Dear brethren and sisters, do, I entreat of you, stop and think what you are doing.

That great day of the Lord is right upon us; light has been given to help us cut loose from the world and overcome lustful passions; but some have rebelled and suffered a faultfinding spirit to dwell in their hearts, because the way was so narrow and self-denying. Look back at the “Messenger” company, and tremble for yourselves. Shun their example before it is too late to find acceptance. Is there not great danger of sinning against the Holy Spirit? I fear that there is. May we all humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God at this time, and stand when Jesus appears. ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS. Johnstown, Mich.