Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

action, did not move in the counsel of God. We lacked heavenly wisdom in thismatter and thus erred from the right path. We acknowledge ourselves to have been,at this time, lacking in that deep Christian sympathy that was called for by such greataffliction, and that we have been too slow to see the hand of God in the recovery ofBrother White. His labors and sufferings in our behalf entitled him to our warmestsympathy and support. But we have been blinded by Satan in respect to our ownspiritual condition.A spirit of prejudice respecting means came over us during the past winter, causingus to feel that Brother W. was asking for means when he did not need it. We nowascertain that at this very time he was really in want, and we were wrong in that wedid not inquire into the case as we should. We acknowledge that this feeling wasunfounded and cruel, though it was caused by misapprehension of the facts in the case.We now accept with deep sorrow of heart the reproof given us in this testimony,and we ask that wherein we have erred from the right, through our lack of spiritualdiscernment, we may find forgiveness of God and of His people.The labors of Brother and Sister White with us for a few days past have beenattended with the signal blessing of God. Not only have deep and heartfelt confessionsof backsliding and wrong been made, but solemn vows of repentance and of returningto God have accompanied them. The Spirit of God has set its seal to this work in sucha manner that we cannot doubt. Many of the young have been brought to Christ, andnearly every person connected with this church has received a share of this heavenlyblessing.Let our brethren abroad understand that our hearts are in sympathy with Brotherand Sister White, and that we believe them called of God to the responsible work inwhich they are engaged, and that we pledge ourselves to stand by them in this work.611