Testimony No. 23 on Laodicean Reproof and Preparation
By John Nevins Andrews
THIS work is specially adapted to the wants of the people of God at the present time. The practical instruction which it contains is of immense value to those who will study and obey it. The solemn warning and reproof addressed to the Laodiceans is brought to bear upon ourselves with great force. The Spirit of God here sets forth our case as it is in his sight. Reproof is better than flattery. It will be time enough for commendation when we have completed our preparation for the Judgment. And the Judge will be ready to pronounce the “Well done,” to all who are worthy to hear the words from his lips. But it is of the utmost importance to us now that we fully learn the lesson of our faults, and faithfully correct them. Lessons of great practical value are drawn from the cases of Joshua, of Elijah, and of Moses and Aaron. Many things are here set forth that are peculiarly adapted to admonish, instruct, and warn, the reader. Most solemn instruction is drawn from the history of these men, which will be found timely by all. And so of the words of instruction and reproof that are addressed to various individuals. Let no one give these away. Wherever any part fits our individual cases it belongs to us. Let us use these reproofs in this manner, and we shall find them full of profit to us all, and that they will give us all a large amount of work to do. The appeal of Bro. White which concludes this pamphlet is highly worthy of study by all the friends of the cause. It sets forth what has been done, and how the work has been accomplished. It also shows what remains to be done, and in what manner the work should be performed. It shows the manner in which some have failed, while others, with a true spirit, have sustained and carried forward the sacred work. Here is the testimony of one who is certainly competent to speak upon this theme. God has made him in an eminent sense a counselor to his people, and the words which he speaks are such as commend themselves to the judgment and conscience of all. J. N. Andrews.