Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

562 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[611][612]God; and that we, in standing opposed to such action, did not movein the counsel of God. We lacked heavenly wisdom in this matter andthus erred from the right path. We acknowledge ourselves to havebeen, at this time, lacking in that deep Christian sympathy that wascalled for by such great affliction, and that we have been too slow tosee the hand of God in the recovery of Brother White. His labors andsufferings in our behalf entitled him to our warmest sympathy andsupport. But we have been blinded by Satan in respect to our ownspiritual condition.A spirit of prejudice respecting means came over us during thepast winter, causing us to feel that Brother W. was asking for meanswhen he did not need it. We now ascertain that at this very time he wasreally in want, and we were wrong in that we did not inquire into thecase as we should. We acknowledge that this feeling was unfoundedand cruel, though it was caused by misapprehension of the facts in thecase.We now accept with deep sorrow of heart the reproof given us inthis testimony, and we ask that wherein we have erred from the right,through our lack of spiritual discernment, we may find forgiveness ofGod and of His people.The labors of Brother and Sister White with us for a few dayspast have been attended with the signal blessing of God. Not onlyhave deep and heartfelt confessions of backsliding and wrong beenmade, but solemn vows of repentance and of returning to God haveaccompanied them. The Spirit of God has set its seal to this work insuch a manner that we cannot doubt. Many of the young have beenbrought to Christ, and nearly every person connected with this churchhas received a share of this heavenly blessing.Let our brethren abroad understand that our hearts are in sympathywith Brother and Sister White, and that we believe them called of Godto the responsible work in which they are engaged, and that we pledgeourselves to stand by them in this work.In behalf of the church,J.N. Andrews,J.N. Loughborough,