1.1. QEW - O Exí­lio de Ellen White na Austrália Tão determinada estava a oposição pós-1888 a Ellen White que a Associação Geral a exilou na Austrália. Conquanto seja verdade que o Senhor reverteu sua estada lá para o bem de Sua causa naquele continente, nunca foi Sua vontade que ela fosse naquela época. Ela declara que o Senhor desejava que o inspirado trio ficasse junto na América. Seus próprios escritos indicam que os dirigentes desejavam que tanto Ellen White como Waggoner ficassem fora do caminho. é bem sabido que a Sra. White foi somente porque a Associação Geral designou que fosse. Em 1896 ela escreveu com muita franqueza ao presidente da Associação Geral como cita o texto em 1. Encontramos referências claras, como "O Senhor não estava dirigindo nossa saí­da da América"1, "O Senhor não planejou isso"1, "Não foi o Senhor quem planejou essa questão."1,"e o Senhor não Se agradou disso"1,"era desejo de Deus que permanecêssemos lado a lado"1,"Que o pessoal de Battle Creek sentisse que poderia deixar-nos partir na época em que o fizemos foi o resultado de planejamento humano, e não do Senhor"1,"O Senhor determinou que devêssemos estar próximos das casas publicadoras"1. é portanto notamente claro que Ellen não desejava ir para tal pais, e mais claro ainda, que ela foi enviada como forma de que a liderança de Battle Creek ficasse livre de sua presença, pelo efeito perturbador de alertar os erros cometidos pela direção. Assim em um pais longinquo poderiam fazer o que desejassem sem a interrupção de Ellen e suas cartas. Aqueles que dizem que a mensagem de 1888 foi aceita pela liderança da Igreja podem interpretar os anos de Ellen White na Austrália como cooperação com o Espí­rito Santo. é verdade que lhe era possí­vel escrever boas cartas para a terra natal. Mas privar a América do Norte de seu ministério pessoal nessa ocasião crí­tica confirmou "em grande medida" a final derrota do começo da mensagem do alto clamor. E. J. Waggoner sofreu um exí­lio semelhante ao ser enviado í Inglaterra na primavera de 1892. Há evidência também de que não foi puro zelo missionário que o enviou. í€quelas alturas Ellen White já se tinha sido mandada para Austrália; o segundo membro do trio devia também partir. Notamos o seguinte, na tese doutoral de Gilbert M. Valentine sobre W. W. Prescott3. Um ano antes de Ellen White ser mandada para a Austrália, ela derramou o seu coração numa carta a J. S. Washburn, um jovem ministro. Descreve vividamente o clima prevalecente na sede de Battle Creek4. Categoricamente cita "Não tenho esperança de que o Senhor tenha um poder em reserva para quebrar a resistência deles."4, assim determina que era mais fácil trabalhar com descrentes do que com os lí­deres e crentes que atrapalhavam o trabalho "Tenho muito maior liberdade em falar a descrentes. Eles estão interessados"4 , referindo diretamente as autoridades da igreja "Oh, é o lugar mais difí­cil no mundo, falar onde grande luz tem vindo aos homens em posições de responsabilidade. Eles têm sido iluminados, mas escolheram as trevas, antes que a luz"4 . Após tais declarações, Ellen se porta decidida em demonstrar as verdades outrora aceitas e modificadas em relação a Associação Geral, escrevendo no perí­odo em que estava no envio para Austrália 6, neles observamos que uma benção não foi aceita pela direção "uma benção para nós em Minneápolis e também na Conferência Geral [1889] aqui. Mas a benção não foi aceita"6 . Tanto foi a pressão ocasionada pelos lí­deres que ela cita "Se for possí­vel quero estar longe daqui, antes de perder a última gota de energia."6 , definindo a incredulidade das ações expostas sobre o povo "um espí­rito que obscureceu a capacidade de observação do povo"6 . Nota-se que as descrições sobre a situação da liderança, não se encontrava mas na obra de ser guiada por Deus visto "A voz de Battle Creek, que tem sido considerada como autoridade para determinar de que maneira deve ser efetuada a obra, não é mais a voz de Deus."8, notadamente não encontramos textos após este de forma que o anule em qualquer tempo posterior. Assim era determinado que apartir daquele momento e não especificando se haveria fim, "voz de Battle Creek,"8, "não é mais a voz de Deus"8. Após dois anos a posição generaliza-se na relação dirição ao corpo definindo "A igreja está na condição laodiceana. A presença de Deus não está no meio dela"10, sendo que definia que a pregação era melhor em relação aos descrentes "Não tenho forças para contender com o espí­rito, e resistência, dúvidas e descrença que têm invadido suas almas, de modo a que não vejam quando vem o bem. Tenho muito maior liberdade em falar a descrentes. Eles estão interessados."4. Nenhuma outra mensagem contrária a "A igreja está na condição laodiceana. A presença de Deus não está no meio dela"10, foi escrita por Ellen determinando um momento em que a "Associação Geral" seria como a voz de Deus, nem tão pouco que a "A presença de Deus" "está no meio dela", qualquer texto referente ao contrário foram escritos antes de 1890, portanto partindo do princí­pio que Ellen era profeta, na linearidade bí­blica os últimos relatos permanecem até o próximo profeta determine o contrário. (Deus não fara coisa revelar) Notas: 1. Chap. 187 - To O. A. Olsen "O Senhor não estava dirigindo nossa saí­da da América. Ele não revelou que era Sua vontade que eu deixasse Battle Creek. O Senhor não planejou isso, mas permitiu que agissem segundo vossa própria imaginação. O Senhor desejava que W. C. White, sua mãe e seus obreiros permanecessem na América. Nós éramos necessários no centro da Obra, e tivesse vossa percepção espiritual discernido a verdadeira situação, nunca terí­eis consentido com as medidas tomadas. Mas o Senhor lê os corações de todos. Havia tanta disposição para que partí­ssemos que o Senhor permitiu que esse evento tivesse lugar. Aqueles que estavam cansados com os testemunhos dados foram deixados sem as pessoas que os transmitiam. Nossa separação de Battle Creek foi para deixar os homens cumprirem sua própria vontade e maneira, que julgavam superior í maneira do Senhor. "O resultado está perante vós. Tivessem permanecido do lado certo, tal decisão não teria sido tomada neste tempo. O Senhor teria trabalhado pela Austrália por outros meios, e uma forte influência teria sido mantida em Battle Creek, o grande coração da Obra. "Lá terí­amos permanecido ombro a ombro, criando uma atmosfera saudável a ser sentida em todas as nossas associações. Não foi o Senhor quem planejou essa questão. Não pude obter um raio de luz quanto a deixar a América. Mas quando o Senhor apresentou-me essa questão tal como realmente era, não abri os lábios para ninguém porque eu sabia que ninguém discerniria a questão em todas as suas implicações. Quando partimos, alí­vio foi sentido por muitos, mas não tanto por ti mesmo, e o Senhor não Se agradou disso, pois Ele havia nos colocado junto í s rodas do maquinismo de Battle Creek. "Esta é a razão de te estar escrevendo. O Pastor Olsen não teve a percepção, a coragem, a força, para levar as responsabilidades; nem houve qualquer outro homem preparado para cumprir a obra que o Senhor Se tinha proposto que deverí­amos fazer. Eu te escrevo, Pastor Olsen, dizendo-te que era desejo de Deus que permanecêssemos lado a lado, para que eu te aconselhasse, te instruí­sse, e para que agí­ssemos em conformidade. . . Não estavas discernindo; não estiveste disposto a ter a forte experiência e conhecimento que não deriva de fonte humana removida de ti, e assim revelaste que os caminhos do Senhor foram mal calculados e passados por alto. . . Este conselho não foi considerado uma necessidade. "Que o pessoal de Battle Creek sentisse que poderia deixar-nos partir na época em que o fizemos foi o resultado de planejamento humano, e não do Senhor. . . O Senhor determinou que devêssemos estar próximos das casas publicadoras, que devêssemos ter fácil acesso a essas instituições para que pudéssemos juntos nos aconselhar. . . Oh, quão terrí­vel é tratar o Senhor com dissimulação e negligência, zombar de Seu conselho com orgulho devido í sabedoria do homem parecer tão superior." (Carta a O. A. Olsen, 127, 1896).2 2.O-127-1896 "Sunnyside," Cooranbong. Dec. 1, 1896. Dear Brother Olsen:-- It is your privilege to draw high to God, and put your entire trust in him. He understands all about the mistakes of the past, and he will help you. But wherever you may be, never, never tread over the same ground. You have done a sad work, but do not repeat it. Be decided, be firm. When you have a clear perception of the work the Lord would have done, take no divided or neutral course, but do that work in the fullest sense, irrespective of imaginary consequences. {1888 1621.1} Christ says to you: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." These words mean a great deal more than many suppose. If you had placed your self under the yoke of Christ, you would not have been in the position you have been in for years. Your readiness to hear and to accept the propositions of unsanctified men, and yoke up with them, has revealed a great lack of moral perception. The very first step in the direction of withdrawing your neck from Christ's yoke was revealed in your divided position. {1888 1621.2} When the burden was pressing so heavily upon me in Battle Creek, I can truly say there was not one who understood the position in which I was placed. God's people must stand shoulder to shoulder, their hearts one, their purposes one, uniting to follow in the light God has given in clear lines. But there has been so much haggling over matters. I have had to bear the burdens which others ought to have shared with me, and it nearly cost me my life. A round of circumstances, which I have understood for years, has been the result. This has been at tremendous cost to me financially and in many other respects. {1888 1621.3} I have not, I think, revealed the entire workings that led me here to Australia. Perhaps you may never fully understand the matter. The Lord was not in our leaving America. He did not reveal that it was his will that I should leave Battle Creek. The Lord did not plan this, but he let you all move after your own imaginings. The Lord would have had W. C. White, his mother, and her workers remain in America. We were needed at the heart of the work, and had your spiritual perception discerned the true situation, you would never have consented to the movements made. But the Lord read the hearts of all. There was so great a willingness to have us leave, that the Lord permitted this thing to take place. Those who were weary of the testimonies borne were left without the persons who bore them. Our separation from Battle Creek was to let men have their own will and way, which they thought superior to the way of the Lord. {1888 1622.1} The result is before you. Had you stood in the right position the move would not have been made at that time. The Lord would have worked for Australia by other means and a strong influence would have been held at Battle Creek, the great heart of the work. There we should have stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a healthful atmosphere to be felt in all our conferences. It was not the Lord who devised this matter. I could not get one ray of light to leave America. But when the Lord presented this matter to me as it really was, I opened my lips to no one, because I knew that no one would discern the matter in all its bearings. When we left, relief was felt by many, but not so much by yourself, and the Lord was displeased; for he had set us to stand at the wheels of the moving machinery at Battle Creek. {1888 1622.2} This is the reason I have written you. Elder Olsen had not the perception, the courage, the force, to carry the responsibilities; nor was there any other man prepared to do the work the Lord had purposed we should do. I wrote to you, Elder Olsen, telling you that it was God's design that we should stand side by side with you, to counsel, you, to advise you, to move with you. If even then you had discerned the matter, and said, I must have you, or I dare not stand in this position, we would have answered the call. Had you said, I cannot bear these responsibilities alone, we would have responded, and returned. But the Lord saw the inward workings of matters, and he permitted you to discern that your own strength was not sufficient. You were not discerning; you were willing to have the strong experience and knowledge that comes from no human source removed from you, and thus you revealed that the Lord's ways were miscalculated and overlooked. {1888 1623.1} This is now in the past, but I wrote you in explanation of the letter written to you while we were in Granville, 1894. Such great responsibilities call for the continual counsel of God, that they may be carried forward in a right way. But this counsel was not considered a necessity. That the people of Battle Creek should feel that they could have us leave at the time we did, was the result of man's devising, and not the Lord's. The sum of the matter is proved, and its figures are before you. We are here. The Battle Creek matters have been laid before me at this great distance, and the load I have carried has been very heavy to bear. {1888 1624.1} I do not suppose I shall ever revisit America. I shall be seventy years old next November. The Lord designed that we should be near the publishing houses, that we should have easy access to these institutions that we might counsel together. Because of the moves that have been made, many publications that should have been issued before this have been retarded; the great amount of writing that has been necessary in order to communicate with America has hindered this work. I never expect to visit Africa I desire quietude. And yet I am here in Australia with funds low, and straining every nerve and muscle to establish the work here. {1888 1624.2} What will be our future destiny no man can know. There is power that is moving from beneath taking hold of minds. Our assailants are not few they are legion. It is not an easy thing now to be steadfast and immoveable, and those who heretofore have had a cheap and uncertain experience have very little prospect of holding fast the faith and enduring unto the end. Those only who abide in Christ will prove true and faithful. There is only One whose power can render us steadfast and immovable unto the end. {1888 1624.3} Formality and hypocrisy and selfishness are weaving themselves in with sacred and holy interests, with the duties connected with the various branches of the work. There are such frequent manifestations of the carnal, worldly, selfish, unbelieving spirit, so much difficulty in obtaining a perfect mastery over the sin which so easily besets us, that my spirit groans within me, being burdened. False repentance produces only an external reformation. True repentance will bring a change of heart, a universal turning away from every besetting sin to God. Not one step can we take in spiritual progress without fresh supplies from the fountain of all grace, all strength and sufficiency, and yet how little are our opportunities and privileges appreciated! How often is the Lord dishonored by selfish methods and plans. Many, very many provoke him to withdraw his influence. {1888 1625.1} False repentance for a wrong course is a base yielding to persuasion or fear. True repentance toward God reveals a humble mind that is full of sanctified boldness and courage to sustain the right. Those will listen to hear the voice of God. They will obey the calls and warnings they receive. There are many who seemingly make a beginning to repent and vindicate truth and holiness, but they fail. Why? Because they love the praise of men more than the approval of God. They turn away from light, and do exactly contrary, supposing their human devising to be wisdom. A godly jealousy is essential for us all. If the word of God were eaten as the food for the soul; if it were treated with deference and respect, there would be no necessity for the many and repeated testimonies that are borne. The simple declarations of Scripture would be received and acted upon. {1888 1625.2} O how terrible it is to treat the Lord with dissimulation and neglect, to scorn his counsel with pride because man's wisdom seems so much superior. Just as the blood must be in the veins of the body, and circulate there with its vitalizing power, so Christ must dwell in the heart. Then souls will be rooted and grounded in the truth. The truth with all its sanctifying power must dwell in the heart by faith. Then it becomes our own property, and Christ our personal Saviour. The pardon of all our transgression will be a living experience to us. {1888 1626.1} We must have a better and deeper teaching than man can give us. There must be a deep conviction in our own souls that forms and ceremonies are as nothing without Christ. He is the Alpha and Omega. Truth is the only panoply for the covering of any soul. Our convictions need daily to be reinforced by humble, sincere prayer and reading of the word. While we each have an individuality, while we each should hold our convictions firmly, we must hold them as God's truth and in the strength which God imparts. If we do not, they will be wrung from our grasp. We need to be self-reliant; it is the duty of all to respect self; but we are to remember that we are God's property, that we are bought with a price, body, soul, and spirit. We must guard the living machinery, and keep it in the very best condition, that we may glorify God. It is to be daily oiled by his grace, to run at his touch, without friction. To trust in ourselves, to become boastful as if we had created and redeemed ourselves, is to dishonor God. Human wisdom, aside from God, will prove itself to be foolishness, and will bring confusion and perplexity. We need to have on the whole armor of God. The holy influence of a Saviour's loving protection is our sure defense. There is but One who can prove a safeguard against the schemes of Satan. {1888 1626.2} The truth as it is in Jesus, planted in the heart is nourished by the holy oil represented in Zech. 4:12-14. {1888 1627.1} All are to work harmoniously to advance the spread of the truth. If those engaged in the same lines of work shall begin to build up barriers to restrict those engaged in the same work, in the same portion of the Lord's moral vineyard, they reveal that the enemy has his hand in the management. For years the tract and missionary branch of the work has been presented before as being conducted, in some respects, in a way rather to retard than to advance the work. Circuitous forms have been instituted which has been a hindrance to the work. These forms and methods have consumed time and money and kept back the work that should have been advanced through the tract and missionary work. E. G. White (M.V.H.) {1888 1627.2}1 3. "Segundo W. C. White, a Sra. White, que aparentemente ainda tinha lembrança das injustiças do perí­odo pós-1888, declarou que lhe havia sido mostrado "que conquanto alguns de nosso pessoal alegravam-se em tê-lo [E. J. Waggoner] removido da obra em Battle Creek por sua designação para trabalhar na Inglaterra", ele devia ser colocado de volta 'para dar assistência como um professor no coração de nossa Obra'. (W. C. White a A. G. Daniells, 30 de maio de 1902." William Warren Prescott: Seventh-day Adventist Educator [William Warren Pres­cott: Educador Adventista], Vol. 1, p. 289). 4. Chap. 108 - To J. S. Washburn and wife "Assisto a reuniões nas pequenas igrejas mas sinto que não tenho forças para trabalhar com a Igreja que tem tido o meu testemunho tão abundantemente, e contudo aqueles que se puseram contra a minha mensagem, e não se inclinam a mudarem sua posição de resistência, não obstante tudo quanto o Senhor me tem dado a dizer em demonstração do Espí­rito e poder, não tenho esperança de que pudessem ser ajudados por nada que eu pudesse dizer adicionalmente. Eles têm resistido aos apelos do Espí­rito de Deus. Não tenho esperança de que o Senhor tenha um poder em reserva para quebrar a resistência deles. Deixo-os nas mãos de Deus, e a menos que o Senhor ponha sobre mim um decidido encargo de falar palavras no Tabernáculo [de Battle Creek] não tentarei dizer nada até que aqueles que têm participado no bloqueio de meu caminho o deixem livre. . . Não tenho forças para contender com o espí­rito, e resistência, dúvidas e descrença que têm invadido suas almas, de modo a que não vejam quando vem o bem. Tenho muito maior liberdade em falar a descrentes. Eles estão interessados. . . "Oh, é o lugar mais difí­cil no mundo, falar onde grande luz tem vindo aos homens em posições de responsabilidade. Eles têm sido iluminados, mas escolheram as trevas, antes que a luz. . . "Podes crer que tenho grande angústia de alma. . . Qual será o fim dessa teimosa descrença ainda teremos que ver." (Carta W32, 1890). 5. W - 32 - 1891 Battle Creek, Michigan [Thursday,] Jan. [8], 1891 Dear Brother and Sister [J.S.] Washburn: I received Brother Washburn's letter day before yesterday, and since then we have been having very much work. We had a favorable journey from Washington to this place. I suffered considerably with heat and somewhat with heart disturbance, but much less that I anticipated. We left the sleeper before we arrived at Toledo, at which place we waited about forty minutes. In that time we obtained a cup of hot drink and some crackers which made us feel very much better. We arrived at Battle Creek about three o'clock, [Tuesday Dec. 30] and found the folks all well and glad to see us. {1888 850.1} We learned that Sabbath [Dec. 27] there had been a wonderful meeting similar to those we had in Brooklyn, Danvers, and in Washington. Nearly the whole congregation presented themselves for prayers, and among them, Brethren Prescott and Smith. The Extra in the Review and Herald [Dec. 23, 1890] was read, and the testimony of all was that the power of God attended the reading of the article. They said that this made a deep impression. Brother Olsen made some remarks inquiring why the power of God attended the presenting before them the testimony to the churches in that article when the person who wrote it was not present. He asked them to carefully consider that matter. Was it not the Spirit of God speaking to them in unmistakable voice in vindication of the testimonies, and the work He had laid upon Sister White? Professor Prescott made a confession dating back to Minneapolis, and this made a deep impression. He wept much. Elder Smith said that testimony meant him; said that he felt that it was addressed to him, but he stopped there and went no further. But both placed themselves as there repentant, seeking the Lord. Well, they said they had never had such a meeting in Battle Creek, and yet the work must be carried on, for it was just begun. Elder Olsen had appointments which he must attend, and Elder Loughborough had an appointment which he must fill. Professor Prescott went to Oregon to help locate their school. Brother Webber, another worker, had gone to help some other church. The Lord sent me here, I fully believe, and that threatened difficulty of the heart did not trouble me at all after we reached Battle Creek. {1888 850.2} Tuesday night [Dec. 30, 1890] I was in an agony of soul all night so that I could not sleep. Elder Smith's case was weighing heavily upon me. I was working with him, pleading with God, and I could not cease my crying unto God. {1888 851.1} Friday night [January 2] I was asked to speak; the house was full, and I gave some account of the workings of the Spirit of God with me in the meetings which I had attended. I related as well as I could the success of these meetings. We had a special meeting of deep interest after I had spoken, and many excellent testimonies were borne, especially from those who were earnestly seeking the Lord. It was a good meeting. {1888 851.2} On Sabbath [Jan. 3] I spoke from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a decided application of this lesson to those who had great light, precious opportunities, and wonderful privileges, and yet their spiritual growth and advancement was not in accordance with the blessings of the light and knowledge given of God. There was a solemn impression made upon the congregation, and fully two thousand persons were present. I had great freedom in speaking. In the afternoon the meetings were divided, and I hear there were excellent meetings in these divisions. Monday [Jan. 5] Elder Smith came to me and we had an earnest, faithful talk, I could see that he had a very different spirit from that he had months ago. He was not hard and unimpressible; he felt the words I spoke to him, laying before him faithfully the course he had taken, and the harm he had done through this position. He said he wanted to come into harmony with the testimonies of the Spirit of God. I had written to him thirteen pages [Dec. 31, 1890] and sent them to him--very plain words. Tuesday [Jan. 6] he called again to see me and asked if I would meet with a select few, that he had something to say. I told him I would. Yesterday, Wednesday [Jan. 7], the meeting was held in my room in the office, and Elder Smith read the letter I had sent him, read it to them all, and said he accepted it as from the Lord. He went back to the Minneapolis meeting and made a confession of the spirit he had occupied, casting on me very heavy burdens. Brother Rupert confessed also, and we had a very profitable, excellent meeting. {1888 851.3} Brother Smith has fallen on the Rock, and is broken, and the Lord Jesus will now work with him. He took my hand as he left the room, and said, "If the Lord will forgive me for the sorrow and burdens I have brought upon you, I tell you this will be the last. I will stay up your hands. The testimonies of God shall hold this place in my experience." It is seldom that Elder Smith sheds a tear, but he did weep, and his voice was choked with the tears in it. {1888 852.1} Now you see I have reason to be glad and rejoice and praise the Lord. Professor Bell was present. Elder Smith confessed to him the wrong that he had done him in the school trial in 1882. Oh, how glad I was to see and hear and know that these things that had barred the Spirit of God from coming into our meetings were removed. {1888 852.2} Now in reference to your question in regard to Sister Marks. Do not be in a hurry to accede to her request in dropping her name. Hold a little in the matter. It cannot do the church any particular damage. Meanwhile I am more than ever convinced that if this work now going forward in Battle Creek had been done one year ago, Sister Marks would have been saved to the cause of God, and would, with proper instruction, have been a good Christian worker. This is due to her. But the position that many held me in was such that I could do nothing unless I took my stand decidedly against the Battle Creek church. Had those with whom she held meetings been well balanced in mind, they could have helped her instead of being moulded by Sister Marks. I believe she had a genuine experience and might have done much good. She had newly come into the faith, and needed to be led along step by step, kindly, compassionately, but as it was the fashion to turn from everything that was calculated to restore and to awaken the church as my testimony was [regarded] at that time below par, what could I do? Any move I should make would, if unwise, indiscreet ones should go to extremes, be charged to me, and my work forever discarded. Do all you can for Mrs. Marks, for I tell you, the blood of her soul, I fear, will rest upon those who have been blinded by the enemy and done those things that have grieved the Spirit of the Lord. {1888 852.3} May the Lord continue to bless the church in Washington is my prayer. I know the Lord blessed me when I was with you, and He blessed His people. Much love to all in your household, and much love to those with whom we took sweet counsel together in our precious meetings. The Lord lives and reigns, praise His holy name. (Signed) Ellen G. White {1888 853.1} Now do not imagine that you have done a grievous wrong in the matter you mentioned. I am really inclined to believe that everything was ordered of the Lord and I needed that tramping exercise to clear my head. But I freely pardon all you think amiss. So do not trouble any more about it. (Signed) E. G. White {1888 853.2} 6."Eu sei que o Senhor tem uma benção para nós. Ele tinha uma benção para nós em Minneápolis e também na Conferência Geral [1889] aqui. Mas a benção não foi aceita. Alguns aceitaram a luz com alegria. outros, porém, mantiveram-se atrás, e a sua posição encorajava outros a alimentar incredulidade e de a distribuir. ... Se for possí­vel quero estar longe daqui, antes de perder a última gota de energia." Sermão em Battle Creek, 16.03.1890 "A influência, vinda da resistência contra a luz e verdade de Minneápolis, tem a tendência de apagar a luz dada ao povo de Deus, através dos testemunhos ... porque alguns daqueles que tinham posições de responsabilidade, foram penetrados pelo espí­rito que prevaleceu em Minneápolis - um espí­rito que obscureceu a capacidade de observação do povo." Carta í Conferência Geral, 1893 (Minneápolis, 1888, págs. 43, 44) 7. Cherishing Faith, Not Doubt Sermon by Mrs. E. G. White, March, 16, 1890, Battle Creek, Michigan I want to say a few words in reference to faith. I want to say, brethren and sisters, it is not natural for us to believe, but it is very natural for us to foster unbelief. This is the besetting sin, and has been the besetting sin of God's people. It has not been natural for me to believe for myself, and I have had very severe lessons on this point until I know that it is not safe for me to cherish for one moment any doubt. I never doubted the truth, but to cherish doubt in regard to myself and my work. {1SAT 143.1} Now, I have great sorrow of heart--I have had nearly ever since the Minneapolis meeting--and I will tell you why. Because God has been speaking to me as He has done for the last forty-five years, and I have presented these matters, and the brethren have known and have seen the fruits, and yet unbelief has come right in. But why? They will take the testimony of somebody else, and they will all be credulous in regard to that. Now, when it comes to the manifest movement of the Spirit of God, if the Spirit was in their hearts they would recognize it in a moment. But the trouble is, the Spirit is not in them. And they never will search these things to see if they are so. {1SAT 143.2} The reason why I felt so at Minneapolis was that I have seen that everyone who has taken a position similar to the one they took in Minneapolis would go into the darkest unbelief. Have we not seen it acted over and over again? Then when we see just how Christ was tried, when He came upon earth; when we see the hardness of the hearts; when we see what the enemy can do with human nature, putting unbelief into the heart, I should think it would be such a terror to our souls that we would not dare to open the heart to the miseries of unbelief and dwell in that atmosphere, such as there has been since we were in Minneapolis. {1SAT 143.3} Well, we wonder why Christ prayed with such an agony. It was not for His own sake, but it was because of the hardness of hearts, that notwithstanding He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, yet people were so hardened that they could not see it and accept it. And as you took their steps, here was my trouble. As they took their steps in the path of unbelief that day, others are taking the same steps this day, and my grief is the same as Christ's was. They are placing themselves where there is no reserve power that God has to reach them with. Every arrow in His quiver is exhausted. {1SAT 144.1} Now, I feel this in every meeting where I have been. I have felt that there is a pressure of unbelief. It is just as evident as it ever has been. I can go among the unbelieving (just as Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman, and the Samaritans came out and heard); I can go among those that have never heard of the truth, and their hearts are more susceptible than those that have been in the truth and had the evidences of the work of God. But they excuse it all. "Why, we did not know that some things were so and so." When we get the Spirit of God in our hearts, He will speak to us. There is the trouble. When they see that God is working in a certain line, they commence with all the power of brain, and all the power of thought, and all the power of talk, as it has been the case here, to stay the work of God. Let me tell you, the testimony will be this: "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" [Matt. 11:21]. {1SAT 144.2} Now, I know what I am talking about, and as I do not expect to have many opportunities to speak to you, I will say again: "Fall on the Rock." I have no hope for you unless you do. I am glad--yes, I am so thankful-- that some are beginning to see that there is light for us. If we want to stay in the cellar, we can do it; but the only way for anyone of us is to fight the good fight of faith. It is not anything that is going to come naturally; but we have got to fight the good fight of faith instead of absorbing all the filth of unbelief. If it is a suggestion of unbelief, credence is given to that at once. {1SAT 145.1} You will never have greater light and evidence than you have had here; if you wait till the judgment, what you have had here will condemn you. But God has been speaking and His power has been in our midst, and if you have not evidences enough to show you where and how God is working, you never will have it. You will have to gather up the rays of light that you have had, and not question so. {1SAT 145.2} "But there are some things that are not explained." Well, what if everything is not explained? Where is the weight of evidence? God will balance the mind if it is susceptible to the influence of the Spirit of God; if it is not, then it will decide on the other side. They will come just exactly where Judas came; they will sell their Lord for thirty pieces of silver or something else. They will sacrifice everything to unbelief. {1SAT 145.3} I will tell you why it makes my heart so sad. It is because every such mind that is susceptible to unbelief and the say-so of this one and that one, and that works against the light and the evidences that have been presented since the Minneapolis meeting--I tell you, brethren, I am terribly afraid that they will fall at last. I am terribly afraid that they will never overcome. But the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of the Lamb must be on the right side of the question. When God is working--and they have got no light to know that he is working, and they just place themselves right under the enemy's power and work right in that line--then they make excuses and say, they did not know. "Oh," said Christ, "if they had known that it was the Prince of light, they would not have crucified Him." Well, why did they not know? Well, if they had only known that these objections that we have been fighting were no objections, then they would not have done it. Well, is that any excuse? Why did they not know? They had the evidences of the Spirit, and it was only the false reasoning, perversion of words and positions, and the misunderstanding, that has led them to this position of danger. {1SAT 146.1} Now, I tell you, God will not be trifled with. God is a jealous God, and when He manifests His power as He has manifested it, it is very nigh unto the sin of the Holy Ghost to disbelieve it. The revealings of God's power have not had any effect to move and to stir persons from their position of doubting and unbelief. God help us that we may remove ourselves out of the snares of the devil! If ever a people needed to be removed, it is those that took their position in Minneapolis at that time on the wrong side. {1SAT 146.2} It is a true saying that we cannot do anything against the truth, but for it. The precious truth of God will triumph; it has the triumph in it, and it is not going to fall to the ground, but somebody will fall, just as in the days of Christ. They have their boundaries and lines, and God has got to work in their line. God disappoints people a good deal. He works right contrary to what they expect. The Jews expected, of course, they were going to be blessed with a Messiah. You see, there was no place for Christ. He had to make new bottles in order to put His new wine of the kingdom in. Just so He will here. The crown is there in the hands of Christ, but many will lose it, and why? Because they have not run the race. {1SAT 147.1} Now, I have seen how the enemy works. He doesn't want to let go of the people here. But, oh, let no soul go out from here with darkness, for he will be a body of darkness wherever he goes. He scatters the seeds of darkness everywhere. He carries all these seeds and he begins to sow them, and it unsettles the confidence of the people in the very truths that God wants to come to His people. I have told our brethren here again and again that God has shown me that He raised up men here to carry the truth to His people, and that this is the truth. Well, what effect did it have on them? They were just the same; so that it should not be made of any account. What is the matter? Brethren, I say again, Fall on the Rock and be broken! Don't try to begin to make excuses. Well, here Christ says when they should bring their offerings and make confession of their sins, if afterward they found that other things came to their remembrance, notwithstanding but one, they should come and make an offering for that. {1SAT 147.2} Now, brethren, we want to have the simplicity of Christ. I know that He has a blessing for us. He had it at Minneapolis, and He had it for us at the time of the General Conference here. But there was no reception. Some received the light for the people, and rejoiced in it. Then there were others that stood right back, and their position has given confidence to others to talk unbelief, and cherish it. Now, brethren, if you expect that every difficulty is going to be laid out in clear lines before you,. and you wait until it is, then you will have to wait until the judgment, and you will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. {1SAT 148.1} Now, brethren, can there not be some means insured by which we can have a season of prayer? My strength is about exhausted. If it is possible, I want to get away before the last atom of strength shall be gone here. Brethren, why not pray to God? Why not get in such a position that you can lay right hold of the hands of God? Why wait for God to humble us? Now God has been waiting for those men that have stood in the way, to humble themselves; but the word has come to me, "If they do not humble themselves, I will humble them." Now, God will work. He will have the work prepared for His Spirit. There is to be a preparation for the last great day, and we want to come into a position where we can work unitedly with intense earnestness and courage for God. {1SAT 148.2} I want that some of these shall assemble again, and then I want those that have been standing here and questioning, and been just about ready to give up the Testimonies--we want to know why; and if anything can be taken out of the way, God help us to do it! We want to know why the enemy is having such power upon human minds as he has here. It is something beyond anything I ever saw in all my experience since I first started in the work. The people of God who have had light and evidences have stood where God would not let His blessing fall upon them. {1SAT 148.3} In the chapel hall the power of God was all ready to fall upon us. I felt for a little time as though I could look right into glory; but the spirit that was there drove it away. We want to understand how we are working. I speak these plain things because I know that there is nothing else that will do. We have tried to encourage in regard to faith. {1SAT 149.1} One brother thinks that Sister White doesn't understand her own testimonies. Heard that in Minneapolis. Why? Because the brethren did not agree with them. Well, there are some things that I understand. I understand enough to acknowledge the Spirit of God and to follow the voice of the Shepherd. I understand that much. (MR 900.13) {1SAT 149.2} 8. "A voz de Battle Creek, que tem sido considerada como autoridade para determinar de que maneira deve ser efetuada a obra, não é mais a voz de Deus." Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, pág. 185. (1896) / Eventos Finais, pág. 45 9. "Faz alguns anos que eu considerava a Associação Geral como a voz de Deus." Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, pág. 216 (1898) / Eventos Finais, pág. 45 10. "A igreja está na condição laodiceana. A presença de Deus não está no meio dela." Notebook Leaflets, vol. 1, pág. 99. (1898) / Eventos Finais, pág. 44