A Knowledge of the Testimonies

As we think of the work and experiences ahead and wonder about the great awakening hoped and longed for, many thoughts press our minds. One thing is the urgent need of knowing the Testimonies. This stands out as a question of paramount importance. The closer we get to the end, the more we shall need the guidance of the Spirit of prophecy. Indeed, we shall never be able to find our way through the present jungle of confused thinking nor will we be skillful enough to meet the new issues arising unless we acquaint ourselves fully with this instruction from God. We must devote hours to careful study with earnest prayer to really catch the vision and know what the Lord’s messages say of the terrible persecutions ahead and the glorious victories to be gained. We shall never be sure what stand to take if we have failed to give heed to this light. The many persecutions in recent years of war make this plain.FSG 440.1

In the early years of this message all our laborers were instructed to take time every day, first, to read the Bible and, second, to read a number of pages from the Spirit of prophecy. There were those who had the goal of reading at least twenty five pages of some good book from Mrs. White every morning. I have watched through the years those who thus studied the Testimonies as a help to their spiritual life and their understanding of the Word, and it is a matter of record that those who clung to the Spirit of prophecy were successful in their work, whereas those who neglected this divine gift, though reading many other books, little by little fell out or failed.FSG 440.2

Through the years we have had mission fields where faith in the Spirit of prophecy was somewhat weak. We have seen places where the attention of the people was led away from this gift or they were kept in ignorance concerning it, and the results were sad indeed. Then we have compared those lands with others where the Spirit of prophecy was honored and followed. It would not be fair to mention these fields by name, but the contrast has been so marked that all who knew the places saw it.FSG 440.3

Adventist leaders everywhere, both local and general, have a solemn duty to teach the entire church the Spirit of prophecy messages. Series of Testimony studies are always helpful. The need of such studies will grow with the years.FSG 441.1