Chapter 5—Response to the Messages Received

We have but to look about us to the broad, stable work being conducted by Seventh-day Adventists, and to a people united in doctrine and practice, to find evidence of the response to the messages which have come to the remnant church through the manifestation of the Spirit of prophecy. Through the years, as this people were led into advancing light, they accepted with gratitude the messages that God sent to instruct and guide the church. Some, of course, held back, but such were not typical of the body generally.EGWMR 18.1

More dramatic, perhaps, has been the reaction of individuals to personal messages directed to them, presenting instruction, guidance, and reproof. At times these have been ignored or rejected. The apostle reminds us that “no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous.” But he assures us that “afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11. We shall now present a few experiences illustrating various reactions of worker groups and individuals to the messages from the Lord.EGWMR 18.2