The Straight Testimony.
By C. Lawton
While listening to the straight and pointed testimony from Brn. Butler and Haskell at our camp-meeting, I thought I never heard the truth presented so close and searching before, and although I felt distressed when I saw my own imperfections, yet I felt a hearty response for the plain testimony; and that it met the approval of God was evident by the spirit of conviction which rested on his people. And I believe it will be seen to bring forth fruit unto righteousness, at least, I intend it shall in my own case. Bro. White’s earnest appeal is right to the point. He says that a fearful crisis is just upon us; a testimony is ripening among us that will find a hearty response from those whose highest ambition and greatest desire is to be right before God. This I believe with all my heart. I believe the time is near, when it will be known and seen who are fully on the Lord’s side, and who are not. Those who are, will take a decided stand for God and his truth, while others will fall back. God is testing his people, and characters are developing. Every test may come more close and searching. But is not this just what we need to fit us for the Judgment, and the trying scenes just before us? So it seems to me. Brethren and sisters, will we stand these tests, or will we rise up against them? I fully believe if we reject them, we do it at our peril. God is in earnest with his people, and it is time we were in earnest, and deeply humbling ourselves before him, putting away all unbelief. I believe if we had the right view of this work we would readily and cheerfully endeavor to live up to all the light given, feeling it to be for our highest interest to do so. If we have doubts, we know it is against the strongest evidence, and they are from the enemy of all unrighteousness. How can we doubt against so clear evidence? How dare we be unbelieving in so dangerous a time? We should not for a moment parley with Satan. We know his power, and the danger to which we are exposed if, in any measure, we get on the enemy’s ground. I thank God I can say my heart is in full sympathy with the servants of God who are called to take the charge of this work, and that God has chosen them for this purpose. I have never had a doubt, and when I think of the great responsibility and the weight of care and anxiety that rests upon them, I feel the tenderest feeling and love for them, and I believe God will sustain them, and give them wisdom to accomplish the work he has called them to do. Let none of us rise up against the straight testimonies, but let us rather tremble at the word of the Lord. Do we wish to have our character such as will stand the test of the Judgment? Then we should be thankful and rejoice that God in mercy points out to us our faults through the Spirit of prophecy and the straight testimonies of his servants. Does not this show the love God has for us, and his tender care over his people? Oh! the love and goodness and wisdom and power of God; who can fathom it “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all creatures here below,
Praise him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”