Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

triumph of truth over error. There were two of the ablest advocates of truth by yourside; three men, with the strength of truth, to stand against one man who was seekingto cover up truth with error. In God you could have been a host, had you entered theconflict right. Your self-sufficiency caused it to be almost an entire failure.Never should you enter a discussion where so much is at stake, relying upon youraptness to handle strong arguments. If it cannot be well avoided, enter the conflict,but enter upon it with firm trust in God and in the spirit of humility, in the spirit ofJesus, who has bidden you learn of Him, who is meek and lowly in heart. And thenin order to glorify God and exemplify the character of Christ, you should never takeunlawful advantage of your opponent. Lay aside sarcasm and playing upon words.Remember that you are in a combat with Satan and his angels, as well as with the man.He who overcame Satan in heaven and vanquished the fallen foe and expelled himfrom heaven, and who died to redeem fallen man from his power, when at the grave ofMoses, disputing about his body, durst not bring against Satan a railing accusation, butsaid: “The Lord rebuke thee.”In your last two discussions you despised counsel and would not listen to God’sservant, whose whole soul was devoted to the work. God in His providence providedyou an adviser whose talents and influence entitled him to your respect and confidence,and it could in no way have injured your dignity to be guided by his experiencedjudgment. God’s angels marked your self-sufficiency and with grief turned from you.He could not safely display His power in your behalf, for you would have taken theglory to yourself, and your future labors would have been of but little value. I saw,Brother F, that you should not, in your labors, lean upon your own judgment, whichhas so often led you astray. You should yield to the judgment of those of experience.Do not626