The Testimony of Jesus.
By E. B. Lane
I FULLY believe our position on the three messages of Rev. 14:6-14, because reason and Scripture abundantly teach it. A proper understanding of the history of the seven trumpets of Rev. 8-11, establishes the date of their being given, while the facts of the great Advent movement of 1844, is fitly applicable to the first of them. The second message was given by the same people. Seventh-day Adventists believe that we are now giving the third. We claim the identity especially from verse 12 of chapter 14. “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” That these are advent messages is evident from their nature, and verses 14-20, the third of the series, is the closing or harvest message. “The patience of the saints” applies to the patient waiting time prior to Christ’s second coming, a time of tribulation taught elsewhere in the Scriptures—a time already commenced. Our identity is further claimed by keeping all God’s commandments, the seventh-day Sabbath of the fourth included. We call attention to our publications attesting our positions. And last, though not least, we claim the Heaven-given blessing of the “Faith of Jesus.” I do not see how any believer in the message can doubt this if he will permit Scripture evidence to decide the case for him. Rev. 12:17, doubtless refers to the same people as 14:12: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” The “wrath” and “war” (tribulation and persecution) require the patience of the saints (Rev. 14:12) for the same reasons, i.e., keeping the commandments of God and “testimony of Jesus.” Rev. 19:10, gives us an inspired definition of this phrase—“testimony of Jesus,” “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” What could be plainer? Adding one more of many proofs, 1 Cor. 1:4-8, Paul thanks God that those “waiting for the coming of our Lord” have the testimony of Christ confirmed among them. If Paul could prophetically thank God for this gift with us, will we stand clear in the sight of God to pass the testimonies carelessly by, and pay little or no regard to them? What excuse can those render who profess to believe them as a part of the truths of the third angel’s message, and then rebel against them if they, in God’s mercy, are reproved by them? What better positions do those occupy who profess to believe the testimonies until their wrongs are pointed out, and then simply acknowledge them to save their reputation, while, by disobedience, they show no practical faith in them? We have only to observe the many instances where others have done this, to be warned of the fearful consequences. God pity such, and permit the scales to fall off their eyes, that they may see their true condition and repent ere the Spirit of God ceases to strive with them. The testimonies given through our beloved Sister White are in harmony with the Scriptures, and generally indorsed by all believers of the third angel’s message, as now being given. Dear brethren, are we thankful enough to God for this blessing? Are we sufficiently obedient to them, so as to insure God’s approbation? We hail with joy and thankfulness each token of favor thus bestowed; but I fear we are so lukewarm that they do not have that effect on our lives that they should, and we lose many blessings. In Testimony No. 22, p. 117, is a precious testimony to me. I feel to thank God and his instrumentality for it. I first received it by faith, believed it, for God had spoken. I earnestly sought God in tears, and he permitted me to see it in fact, for I was blinded to my own condition. As God has pointed out my standing, I have tried to humble myself before him, and I believe he has heard my prayers and delivered me from future danger as long as I heed the warning given. I desire always to keep the glory of God in view, lose sight of self, and exemplify the life of Christ in all things. I cannot feel thankful enough to God for his goodness to me. I frankly confess my error and danger, and I believe I have received the forgiveness of God, and help to overcome. I am glad, too, that individual testimonies are printed, for I find more or less in them that warns me, and points out my wrongs and dangers, which is certainly for my good. With meditation, study, and a prayerful heart, I am trying to derive all the benefit from them God designs for me. May God bless them to the good of all who read them, and bestow his rich blessing on the instrumentality through which they are given, is my prayer. Bowling Green, Ohio, Nov. 4, 1875.