Spalding and Magan's Unpublished Manuscript Testimonies - Ellen G. White

made; but there have been so many questions
asked, so many council meetings held, so much
effort that every difficulty be discerned, that the
reformers have been handicapped, and some have
ceased to urge the reforms. They have been unable
to stem the current of inquiry and criticism. But if
teachers had advanced step by step in the right way
as light shone upon their pathway, following the
great Leader, the difficulties would have vanished.
The approval of God would have made them
hopeful. Ministering angels would have cooperated
with the human agents, and they would
have received light, and grace, and courage, and
gladness.
There is work which God requires of human
agents that has not been done. The first attempts to
change the old customs have brought severe trials
upon those who endeavored to walk in the way
which God had pointed out; but teachers should
understand that a soldier's life is one of aggressive
warfare, of perseverance, and endurance. It is a real
warfare in which we are engaged. Says the apostle;
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in
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