Sermon/Heaven’s Part in Life’s Conflict Battle Creek, Michigan February 1, 1890, Sabbath P.M. This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 57-70.
Ephesians 6:10-17. Now do we do it? Do we obey the very last verse that I have read? Do we take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God?
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 1)
I wish to call your attention this afternoon to the importance of everyone understanding that we cannot keep ourselves; that God has angels. These angels from heaven communicate with the children of men, and not one of us by anything we may do can uphold or keep ourselves. We are where we are, kept every moment by the power of God. I have thought that we do not make of that [the] importance that we should—the ministration of heavenly angels. We do not take in this matter and present it in the church; we do not present it in our families; we do not talk [of] it as we ought, and thus keep in remembrance that every soul with whom we are connected has the guardianship of heavenly angels, sent forth to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). I want you to consider this point, What should we do without them? I want you to consider what kind of a position we should be left in if we had not the ministry of holy angels.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 2)
From my text we see that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” [Ephesians 6:12.] We meet the opposition of men, but there is someone behind that opposition. It is the prince of the powers of darkness with his evil angels that are constantly at work; and we want to consider, all of us, that our warfare is against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. Who is it that is ruling the world today? And who is it that have chosen to stand under the banner of the prince of darkness? Why, it is nearly the whole world at large. All the world that have not accepted Jesus Christ have chosen for their leader the prince of darkness; and just as soon as they stand under his banner, they have connection with evil angels.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 3)
Either the evil angels or the angels of God are controlling the minds of men. Our minds are given to the control of God or to the control of the powers of darkness; and it will be well for us to inquire where we are standing today—whether under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel or under the black banner of the powers of darkness. We must make every preparation in our power in order to resist the enemy of souls. Every provision has been made; everything in God’s plan has been arranged so that man should not be left to his own impulses, to his own finite powers, to carry on the warfare against the powers of darkness in his own finite strength, because he would certainly fail if he were thus left to himself. I thank the Lord that we have a power provided for us.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 4)
When Christ bowed on Jordan’s banks He encircled the race with His own human arm, while with His divine arm He grasped the throne of the Infinite. And what does that mean? It means that finite man who is connected with the earth is again united with God through the merits of Christ, and earth is again united with heaven. Jacob tells us about this. He went out from his home a poor, discouraged, sorrowful man. And on his way, in his discouragement and despair, he was in danger of separating from his God by Satan’s casting his hellish shadow between him and heaven. But that must be prevented. The God of heaven understood the case of Jacob better than he himself. In the night season he dreamed he saw a ladder whose base was planted firmly on earth, and the topmost round of which reached to the highest heavens; and God was above it, shedding His glory all along that mystic ladder. And the angels were traversing that ladder, ascending and descending upon the Son of God. Now we know that as Jacob went out from his father’s house so discouraged, God was flashing light and encouragement into his pathway. Read Genesis 28:12-17.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 5)
Now, we want you to consider that Christ was the ladder, that Christ was the connecting link between heaven and earth, and that Christ stands as represented by that ladder, that the angels of God may communicate with man. And then what do we want? We want that living faith to believe that we are not alone. When once you impress upon the minds of the youth that there is One who is standing near them, and that He is beholding all their works, and that He is ready to help them in every emergency, do you think that they will so easily fall into temptation and sin? No, for we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times. In the Psalms David speaks of God’s being a refuge and a strong tower, a refuge and a fortress; unto Him we can run and we can be saved. How precious is the thought that God is our refuge and that He will be our helper in all times and in all places; and that in every emergency we have God with us; and He says that He will give His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. [Psalm 91:11.] But why can we not take this matter in? As we walk the streets or wherever we are, Satan is on our track. When Christ engaged to fight the battles for man on this little speck of a world, He engaged to stand as our substitute and surety, and God put all heaven into His hands, with all the facilities and all the powers that heaven could afford. Now heaven is open to man, and the light and the glory of heaven is imparted to him through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Then in our God we have a helper, and we will trust in Him. We must constantly look in that direction, believing that the angels of God are round about us, and that heaven is in communication with us, because these heavenly messengers are ascending and descending upon the ladder of shining brightness. They are watching and guarding the children of men. They keep us from the influence of sin and sinning, and when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifts up for us a standard against the enemy.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 6)
Now suppose that when the devil came to Christ and said, “Cast thyself down from the pinnacle of the temple” [Luke 4:9], that He had done it. That would have been presumption; it would not have been giving God the glory, that according to the suggestion of the wily foe He should cast Himself down from the temple. No, that would not have been fulfilling His mission at all. The plan of salvation was such that He could not call to His aid divine power or place His life in unnecessary peril, or in any way place Himself in connection with the powers of darkness and respond to Satan’s temptations or in any way succumb to them, because He was working out the salvation of a fallen race. He was to place Himself just where man would be placed and give man an example of what he should do in like circumstances. Then when we consider that the Son of man, the Majesty of heaven, would not place Himself in any position to tempt the Lord, how inconsistent for fallen man to yield to the suggestions of Satan. There will be constantly temptations that will come to a church, large or small, no matter where it is; and the temptations will come just according to the circumstances. How is it with us? Are we standing with the whole armor on so that we can work in harmony with the angels of God who are working for us? If we separate ourselves from these angels by taking our own course of action, then we place ourselves where the wicked one can tempt us.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 7)
We have been pained as we have had brought to our notice papers, advertisers of sorcery and witchcraft, the work of magicians and all this sort of thing, going on in Battle Creek. Who of you who profess to be children of the living God were presumptuous enough to place yourself anywhere near these powers of darkness? There is in these the manifestation of a power that is above human power; and where is it? It is not all sleight of hand. No, indeed. It is the power of Satan. And just as soon as you begin to bring yourselves in connection with these sorcerers and give them the least license, you dishonor the God of heaven and imperil your own souls. There is a large church here. Our college has brought in many families; and these families ought to feel before God that they have a responsibility to guard the fort. If they are unfaithful and refuse to stand at their post of duty, who will do this for them? If they have not spirituality, if they have not piety, if they have not devotion or discernment in regard to how they should conduct themselves and keep themselves separate from such influences as are continually arising in Battle Creek—right where God is at work and where His institutions are, where we may expect that the angels of God as guardians are around about us—those who will do nothing to help the church, why, just as soon as they can find a position outside of Battle Creek we shall say amen to it. Better not be a burden to the church in this place.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 8)
Parents and guardians of families, had you decided when you came here that you would keep the fort? Had you decided that you would work in harmony with heaven, with the angels of God who are communicating with and guarding His people and who are pressing back the powers of darkness that they shall not have any control over those who shall be heirs of salvation? Are we working in harmony with the angels? This is the line of communication the Lord has established with the children of men.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 9)
We have a college, a printing establishment, and a sanitarium here in Battle Creek. Have you considered the importance of every soul that comes into this church standing on the Lord’s side? Have you considered that you must take upon yourselves the whole armor of righteousness? There are constantly coming up things of this character, and we want to be prepared to meet them; we want to be prepared to stand. Having done all we can on our part, our doing cannot save us. But there is something that will save us, and that is the power of God. Connection with the power of God is our only salvation. There is not one of us but what ought to lay hold of the subject of justification by faith. It means ten times more, yes, a hundredfold more than many of us seem to realize. We are to feel that we have not a particle of dependence, not a particle of trust in ourselves; we are to trust in the living God, in His power, in His might, and in His grace to keep us, or we shall fall.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 10)
Now we want to bring before you something in regard to the work that was done in Ephesus. That work was the burning of the magic books. You will see that in every place God works after the manner that He can best reach the people. When He came to reveal Christ to the Magi, He did not come to them as He did to the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem. The wise men were reading the works of God in the heavens. “The heavens declare the glory of God” [Psalm 19:1], and God comes to them to educate them in the very manner that He could best reach them. He has a star, a wonderful star, to appear to them. Angels of God hover in the heavens in the shape of a star, and they see the star. As they begin to understand that something strange is taking place, they begin to move, and the star moves before them.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 11)
Just so, as Paul comes to Ephesus to labor, many were there with curious arts. Read Acts 19:19, 20. Why did they not keep those books on hand? Because it would be a temptation to them. How is Paul to reach these magicians and those under their influence? How is he to reach that people of Ephesus where is that great temple of Diana, whose fame had gone out through all the world? The God of heaven came to Paul, and through the Spirit of God miracles were wrought. But there were some men there who tried to imitate the miracles, and the evil spirit fell upon them, and they were beaten and bruised because they took the name of Jesus to use in their sorcery. They cannot mix; they cannot mix at all. But the apostle reached this city through the mighty working of the power of God, that the people might see that there was a power above all the powers of the magicians, and it had effect upon them; therefore they burned their magical books.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 12)
But you say, What did they lose so much money for? Wasn’t that a waste? It was a precious waste. They would be safe so long as directly connected with God, but if the Spirit of God should not shine at all times with manifest power upon them, they would begin to want to go back to the study of something about those books and the beauty of their arrangement. You know how it is with spiritualism. It is just the same here. There is a wonderful power about it. Many were converted. I wish you to bear in mind that they were converted, and on account of their conversion they destroyed their magic books. They consumed them that every temptation might be cut off, that they might not again fall into their hands that they might be a temptation to go back to their sorceries in any future period. This is the way to do. Put up every bar before the enemy so that he will not tempt you and lead you away; for he is using every art to lead you into temptation.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 13)
How is he working here in Battle Creek? Here come up these magicians, and there is an itching curiosity to go and see; and when they go to see they bring themselves into contact with them; and when they bring themselves in contact with them they are in direct communication with the powers of darkness. Then there is some lottery business connected with it, and one young man that goes there obtains a gold watch. What then? The watch may be genuine gold. It may be no fraud; but ah, there is a fraud back of that, and that is the snare. If he has gained this once, he will want to try it again. Oh, I would rather, if it had been a son of mine, have him lying in his coffin than sporting that gold watch. Then there are other boys. He shows his watch to them, and then there is an itching with them to try their luck in just the same way, and so they will attempt this matter themselves; then another will attempt it, and another. And so the influence extends from one to another, and the devil knows just how to play his game. He is playing a game for the souls of the youth here in Battle Creek.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 14)
I am sorry to say that those who ought to be guardians in their homes, those who have families outside of the college, do not have that spiritual discernment which they ought to have in order to properly control those who are under their care. The college cannot manage the families of those who have guardians and fathers and mothers in this place. They cannot be looking after them. They can look after those in their own homes, but they cannot go out into the homes of boys and girls to see after families where there are guardians and parents to look after those children. Now we want to know what fathers and mothers and guardians are doing here in Battle Creek. Better by far move out of Battle Creek if you have no power of influence to control your children in Battle Creek. You had a great deal better get out on a little piece of land so hard and rocky that it will command labor every day from your children, that they will be taxed to the uttermost in the use of their muscles, in order to keep their minds and their bodies from being debased by the temptations and allurements of the enemy. When you neglect your God-given responsibilities, let me tell you that there are angels of God around you to watch your neglects, and a testimony is carried to heaven and registered in the books of heaven against you, and the result of all your weakness and folly will meet you.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 15)
Now as to success of that youth that obtained that watch. Oh that it never had happened, will be his testimony in the future. Oh that he had never brought himself in connection with the powers of darkness. It is directly in connection with the powers of the devil, with principalities and powers; and it is the wicked one that is at work—Satan behind the scenes—and yet we do not perceive his power. Again, I understand that the boast was made that they had their greatest patronage from the west end of town. Now brethren, is it not time for us to awake? Is it not time that we had spiritual discernment? Is it not time that we were touching upon the things that concern our eternal welfare? Is it not time that men and women of God who claim to believe in the near coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, should understand and not place themselves in any position of temptation? While we were laboring with all our souls, one of our brethren came into my room bowed down under a great burden of grief, exclaiming, “What shall we do? What can we do for the children and youth in Battle Creek?” Said I, “I carry that burden; I carry it day and night, and it is wearing me out. And now I believe God sees it all, and I must trust the burden to the Lord.”
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 16)
I wish the church in Battle Creek were divided up into as many as four or five sections. I wish that the missionary spirit would get hold of them and they [would] feel like going out of Battle Creek into new places where they could lift the standard of truth, wherever they could work for the salvation of souls, and not throw their dead weight upon the church here at Battle Creek. But there are those that feel no responsibility and do nothing, even for their own families, except to help them downward. Oh, it is a painful picture. While the servants of God may be rising up and exhausting their vitality, and going down into the grave under the load and under the burden, there are those here who do not lift one ounce weight of the burden. They do not visit the sick, they do not find out the needy, they do not try to be a comfort and a blessing here and there to one another, and there is no spiritual vitality in them. They do not in the fear of God take care of their own families. The fear of the Lord does not circulate in their own homes.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 17)
My dear brethren and sisters, every soul whose name is upon the church book who will disgrace the cause of God and themselves by going to such places as where those magicians hold forth is a subject of church trial. He ought either to be separated from the church or repent before the Lord and confess his backslidings. How do the angels of God, how does the universe of heaven, look upon these things?
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 18)
God has been at the expense of sending His Son Jesus Christ to be a sacrifice for us, to die that man might have eternal life, and He has been at all this infinite expense to bring the angels of God in connection with men, that men should not fight the battle with the wily foe in their own strength. And while all heaven is interested in watching over the children of men that they shall not perish but have everlasting life, while they are sheltering and guarding them on the right and on the left, they take themselves right out of the hands of the angels of God and put themselves into the hands of the devil.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 19)
Curiosity is something bewitching, as says the apostle, “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?” [Galatians 3:1.] Do you think the devil is asleep? He is not asleep, he is wide awake, and he is on the track of every one of us. We are right upon the very borders of the eternal world. While some are at strife on little points of doctrine, oh my soul, they had better be fasting and praying and seeking God with all their hearts that they may find Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 20)
I can tell you instance after instance that I know of, of men that have been warned and reproved, that have sat here in this house and listened to discourse after discourse; but in the place of being doers of the word, in the place of receiving the Word of God into good and honest hearts, in the place of working with all their might in harmony with heaven, they have hugged their sins to themselves. And then what? The seal of God could not be upon them, and when calamities came, when placed in perilous positions, those very ones have gone down into the grave; and they will not come up in the first resurrection. They will not see the King in His beauty. They were lost simply because they took their own way. They broke away from the Spirit of God and kept venturing and venturing, and tasting and testing the wiles of the devil.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 21)
There was a man in Ohio who held sittings with the Spiritualists. He had communicated with them. But there came a time when the truth of God reached him and he commenced to break away. For some time he was with us in the truth. We had been holding tent meetings, but I think the power of the enemy came in through temptations in the night. His wife said that they had sent thirteen baskets full of provisions to support the ministers in the tent, and there were only just as many souls in the church as they sent baskets full of provisions. Well, said I, let us see; a soul for every basket. Jesus Christ would give the world for one of these souls. Jesus Christ would give His life and the whole world today, and now you are complaining that you have sent thirteen baskets full of provisions, and there are only thirteen souls saved. Well, that night we had a praying season, and the next morning we had a meeting a few miles distant. This man harnessed up our horse, and he said that after we started he would come on. But we did not see him all day, and we did not know what it meant. But finally, the next day, he came. We had had a most powerful meeting that day. He told us his experience, and said: “I went out to harness my horse, and as I would take the bit to put it in the horse’s mouth, a hand would take it and throw it across the barn; and when I would get the bridle and try it again, the hand would again snatch the bridle and throw it again across the barn. I worked the whole forenoon with all my might and main to get those bits into the horse’s mouth, but I could not do it; and finally, becoming exhausted, I had to give it up.” What power was that? The very same power that made those persons go down town to those sorcerers. Oh, what a scene it was to see men rolling on the floor and pretending to pick strawberries and all these things.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 22)
How could you feel that the universe of heaven could look approvingly upon you who have heard the truth here from Sabbath to Sabbath? How, I ask you again, could they look upon us who united with such gross darkness? Brethren and sisters, let us keep from all such influences; let us show that our rebuke is upon them; let us by our efforts show, whatever things of like character come in here to engage the attention of the young, that we disapprove of them. And don’t let it be said that they get the greatest patronage from this end of town.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 23)
God help us to be true to the institutions which He has established in our midst. Again, here are individuals working contrary to that which God has told us we should do. Why was that institution, the sanitarium, established here? It was to keep God’s people in connection with Himself. It was to be a means whereby we should come to Him when sick and suffering and distressed. But here come in strange doctors and do wonderful cures. Here one minister patronizes them, and he encourages another minister to patronize them, and the work goes on. And there are those things coming up in our midst that are leading to the very things which God has brought His people away from. This work has been going on in our very midst. True, physicians may cure some cases. It would be very strange if they did not. You know how these things will be exaggerated. But it has been opened to me again and again.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 24)
We are nearing the end; we are nearing the judgment; and every power that can break up our unity, our harmony, our pressing together, is at work to hinder our sustaining those very institutions that God has established. Every influence that can be brought to bear to bring us in connection with tendencies that are evil will arise and Satan will use his power to confuse the minds. We want to stand as men and women of God. We want to stand with the institutions, the instrumentalities which God has brought into being.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 25)
There are some that think they are doing a wonderful missionary work. Their letters are going all over the country, and they are getting into college and into the sanitarium even. And these persons are holding out, oh, what wonderful things a certain one can do! What a wonderful work he is doing! There may be cases where that physician may seem to do the very same work as is done at the sanitarium, and imagination is everything; you may imagine that it is a great work that is being done, but it is not; time will show the character of it. There was a man here in Battle Creek, a man unworthy of the confidence of any of our people. Oh, that the inwardness of his life and character could be presented to every one of them. But many of them knew it, and still he was patronized. What is the matter? It is a bewitching power used to weaken and discourage the very ones we are trying to the best of our ability to keep separate from the world and unholy influences.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 26)
Brethren and sisters, we need a great deal more of God. The angels of God are in our midst, and we want to put ourselves under their guardianship. We must be pressing together and sustaining one another. In the place of drawing one another down, in the place of beating on the wrong track, we want to work where God works; we want to exert a telling influence in behalf of God’s people, and we want to listen for the voice of God. We want to hear what it saith. How hard Balaam tried, oh, how hard he tried to use his power of magic to put his curse upon Israel. God says, You shall not do it. Angels of God were on the ground, and he could not do it. Balak would take him from one place to another that he might curse Israel, and he desired Balaam to curse only the uttermost part of them, but Balaam said, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?” [Numbers 23:8.] The blessing of God was upon His people, and prophecies were put into his mouth and forced from his lips by the power of God in favor of His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 27)
We are now coming down to the last days, and the devil wants to shake and confuse the confidence of his people in these various institutions. He wants to bring persons where they will have a bad influence, where they have no love for the truth and things which we believe to be of God. And those that are doing that wonderful missionary work had better find out from whom they get their orders; they had better find out who has commissioned them to do this wonderful missionary work. We want to see that they are sailing under the proper colors. We want to see that they are laboring in harmony with the influence of the Spirit of God. Brethren and Sisters, we want to see you come to your senses.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 28)
God says that the health reform in our midst is not what it ought to be. There is backsliding on this point. God has given us light in regard to how we should live. But these physicians say, “Why, you are living altogether different from what you ought to live. You ought not to be on this ground. You must live differently and eat differently.” And so they are leading right away from the path that God has been leading His people in all the way through. Brethren, how can the Lord let His blessing rest upon us when we are going right upon the enemy’s ground? Think of the case of Ahaziah’s making inquiry of the god of Ekron, and the results that followed, and you can but see how God regarded such things.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 29)
We want to stand as a unit, and those who stand ready to quibble over little points of doctrine to maintain their ideas are not really converted. Just as soon as you are truly converted, this quibbling will cease. You need to go to God with your Bible, with fasting and prayer. God wants us to be united in bringing this people up to a right standard here in Battle Creek, for Satan is playing a deep game for their souls and many will be ensnared. The Lord wants every father and mother to work for their own household. He wants the converting power of God to be in your own families. He does not want you to let Satan plant his hellish banner right in your family, and you bow to that banner. He wants you to take your place as fathers and mothers. He wants you to teach your children concerning the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment and walk humbly with God. Teach your families that the angels of God are coming in and going out of your house and guarding and watching over the children of men. He wants you to tell them how they appeared to Peter, how they appeared to John, how they appeared to those who suffered in prison for the truth’s sake, how the Lord wrought in behalf of John, how He wrought in behalf of Paul, and of Peter, how the angels of God from heaven came right into the prison house and took their prey out of the hands of the enemy. God is constantly working in behalf of His people, and what credit do you give Him for it?
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 30)
Angels of God are all around us. You do not discern them with your human vision. Satan and his angels are here in this house today. Oh, we want to know these things, and fear and tremble, and to think much more of the power of the angels of God that are watching over and guarding us than we have done hitherto. We want to place ourselves under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. We do not want to be serving Baal. We do not want to be giving ourselves up to the powers of darkness. Angels of God are commissioned from heaven to guard the children of men, and yet they draw away from their restraining influences and go where they can have communication with the evil angels; and then the evil angels fasten impressions in their minds that they will never get rid of so long as they live, just as going to the theater, billiard hall, and all such places lead them from the path of God to stand under the black banner of the prince of darkness. Oh, that we might all obey the injunction of the apostle read 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 31)
Oh what an infinite sacrifice was paid for our redemption! Look at the long fast of Jesus Christ in the wilderness of temptation. Look at all He endured, the agony of the cross, in order to save man; and then, I ask you, What shall we do on our part? God help us that we may come under the influence, the special influence, of the Spirit of God. Then He will let it come upon us with power. He will communicate light to us from heaven, and we will walk in the light, and live in the light as He is in the light.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 32)
Burn the magical books; burn every last one of them; burn everything—yes, consume it—that will suffer a connection between you and the powers of darkness. “Come out from among them, and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [Verse 17.] This is what we should want to do. We want to bow in reverence to the God of heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 33)
*****
We are coming right upon the time when Satan is to work with all manner of bewitching influences, and those that are charmed with them now, or give them the least countenance now, will be all ready to be swept right in to act a part with the devil then. Evil angels are working all the time upon the hearts of men. Satan is working with everyone who is not under the control of the Spirit of God. It is the lying wonders of the devil that will take the world captive, and he will cause fire to come down from heaven in the sight of men. He is to work miracles; and this wonderful, miracle-working power is to sweep in the whole world. It is now just beginning.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 34)
I want to tell you another thing. The vials of God’s wrath and the sprinkling of them are already coming. What is the matter that we do not discern it? It is because the light of truth does not affect the heart. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 35)
You hear of calamities by land and by sea, and they are constantly increasing. What is the matter? The Spirit of God is taken away from those who have the lives of men in their hands, and Satan is coming in to control them, because they give themselves to his control. Those who profess to be the children of God do not place themselves under the guardianship of the heavenly angels, and as Satan is a destroyer, he works through those men and they make mistakes; and they will get drunk and because of intemperance, many times, bring these terrible calamities upon us.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 36)
And see the storms and tempests! Satan is working in the atmosphere; he is poisoning the atmosphere, and here we are dependent upon God for our lives—our present and eternal life. And being in the position that we are, we need to be wide awake, wholly devoted, wholly converted, wholly consecrated to God. But we seem to sit as though we were paralyzed. God of heaven, wake us up! Don’t you read the newspapers and see the casualties? And don’t you feel afraid to place yourself out of the guardianship of the holy angels, under the control of the evil angels by going right where they are? Will you invite them to connect with you? Can we afford it? Why, you insult the living God if you do; and you are not converted, whoever you may be, rich or poor, high or low, in office or out of office; it is an abomination in the sight of God. And not only is it an abomination in the sight of God, but it is an abomination in our land. Let us stand clear from all these things, that the converting power of God may come into our midst.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 37)
*****
May God help us, brethren and sisters, to realize that this is missionary soil. We claim to be missionaries and workers for Christ; but while you are laboring, be sure that you are seeking to build up what God is building up. Be sure that you are working with all the powers of your being to build up the church, to establish it, and to bring all the piety and all the devotion that the Spirit of God will impart to you into the church that it may be a living church, and that you may be light bearers to the world. Who is a light to the world? Were those a light to the world who went in there and took their position with those sorcerers? What kind of a light was reflected from that scene?
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 38)
Brethren and sisters, we must come up upon higher ground. We have talked it and we have pleaded it; and while we were talking truth, there was a party got up here, and another there, and another somewhere else. Satan was devising these means to draw away from God. It had this very influence. They did not think it, but it had this influence. Anything that the devil can devise, he will get up, that with his hellish influence he may come right into the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 39)
Brethren and sisters, you want [to have] on the breastplate of righteousness. There is little enough genuine conversion. There is plenty of selfish, hypocritical religion, there is plenty of deadness. Oh, we want to arouse a spirit of real piety, unselfish devotion, and true religion. We want to press all our forces against the powers of darkness that are gathering right here to take Jesus from our midst. Oh, I would rather that all our children had died in their infancy than to let the devil take them and put them into his ranks.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 40)
Brethren, those that have experience, come to the front. You that have professed the name of God in Battle Creek, I call upon you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to come to the front. We want the help of every soul. If you have a jot of influence, give it. Don’t give your influence to tearing down. We need your influence to build up the cause of God, for I tell you the crisis is right upon us. We want now to be seeking God in our homes, with weeping and with fasting and with prayer. Shall we take hold of this work? Shall we take hold of it right? God help us to work where the angels work; God help us to work where Christ works; God help us to work where God works, that we may see the salvation of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 1, 1890, 41)
Ms 1a, 1890
A Consecrated Ministry Battle Creek, Michigan February 13, 1890 Formerly Undated Ms 134. This manuscript is published in entirety in PH028 1-20.
I have a deep interest in the Fresno church. I gave them counsel last winter, when I was solicited by letter to use my influence to have Eld. E. P. Daniels return to labor for the church in Fresno. They said that the Lord was blessing them abundantly. The sick were healed, and the converting power of God was in their midst. They thought that if Elder Daniels could only come back, what a great work might be done!
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 1)
That night the angel of the Lord stood by my side, and talked with me. He said that the church at Fresno would have to learn many things; that many were there who ought not to be there; that all must draw nearer to God, find their strength in Him, and not in man. They must use their own powers, that God has given them, and let their light shine forth in good works. He said that they had placed man where God should be; but when they should make God alone their trust, then He would educate them, and lead them in safe paths. Then they would be lightbearers to the world, and would not walk in darkness. But now they were trusting in man to do the work for them which the Lord God of Israel alone could do.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 2)
The Lord was working, signifying that He was their power and efficiency; and if they would work in harmony with Him, talking to one another in faith and humility, dwelling on the lessons of Christ, if they would set things in order in the church and let God speak to human hearts, then the Spirit of God would come into their midst, and a repentance would be seen that would not need to be repented of. But if they did not make the Lord their trust, the blessing they had received would be only their condemnation.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 3)
It is not the will of God that the mold of Eld. Daniels should be upon the church in Fresno, for it would not be the mold of Christ. He is not a man whose influence will be permanent. God would have His people in every conference look to Him, and Him alone, and not make flesh their arm. He whose eyes are “as a flame of fire” is searching every church in the world. [Revelation 1:14.] His gaze is piercing every heart. He is measuring the temple and the worshipers thereof, weighing all their actions in the golden scales of heaven and registering the result in the books of record. All things are open to the eye of Him with whom we have to do. He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart. No deed of darkness can be screened from His view. Sin, undetected by man, unsuspected by human minds, is noted and registered by the great Heartsearcher.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 4)
Christ “loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” [Ephesians 5:25.] It is the purchase of His blood. The divine Son of God is seen walking amid the seven golden candlesticks. Jesus Himself supplies the oil to these burning lamps. He it is that kindles the flame. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] No candlestick, no church, shines of itself. From Christ emanates all its light. The church in heaven today is only the complement of the church on earth; but it is higher, grander—perfect. The same divine illumination is to continue through eternal ages. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the light thereof. No church can have light if it fails to diffuse the glory it receives from the throne of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 5)
The “Woe, woe, woe!” [Revelation 8:13] was pronounced upon a church who walked in the sparks of their own kindling, who did not derive their light and power from the great central light, the Sun of Righteousness, and diffuse that light and glory to those who were in darkness. By absorbing and diffusing the light, they cause their own light to burn brighter. The one who receives light, but does not give it as God requires him to do, will become a receptacle of darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 6)
The church in Fresno is composed of fragments of other churches. They are not ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God; and if they are what God would have them be, they will be lightbearers to the world. This church is too large. Many ought to be out carrying the light of truth to those who are in darkness. If they neglect this, the woe of God will be upon them. Let them not tarry there, but go out as workers together with God. We are not here in this world to please and glorify ourselves, but to be colaborers with God. Probationary time is about to close; now is the time to work, and that without delay.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 7)
The present is a solemn, fearful time for the church. The angels are already girded, awaiting the mandate of God to pour their vials of wrath upon the world. Destroying angels are taking up the work of vengeance, for the Spirit of God is gradually withdrawing from the world. Satan is also mustering his forces of evil, going forth “unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,” to gather them under his banner, to be trained for “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” [Revelation 16:14.] Satan is to make most powerful efforts for the mastery in the last great conflict. Fundamental principles will be brought out, and decisions made in regard to them. Skepticism is prevailing everywhere. Ungodliness abounds. The faith of individual members of the church will be tested as though there were not another person in the world. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every son of man that doeth evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; for there is no respect of persons with God.” [Romans 2:6-11.] We claim to have faith, but O, how feeble! “The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.” [Psalm 118:16.] “The haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” [Isaiah 2:17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 8)
The Christ of Patmos had in His right hand seven stars. This assures us that no church faithful to their trust need fear of coming to naught; for not a star that has the protection of omnipotence can be plucked from the hand of Christ. If a star separates itself from God, and falls from its setting, another will take its place. There will never be less than seven, this number being God’s symbol of completeness.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 9)
Satan has worked upon every church in our land to lift up and exalt man, as though power originated with the man. And thus the man is made to eclipse the glory of God. I have many things to say unto the churches from the Lord God of hosts, but they cannot bear them now.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 10)
Now, God would have the church in Fresno dependent on no living man. But when they become so blind as to choose a man to preach to them the message appropriate for this time—a man possessing great weakness of character and of little moral power—and give him the oversight of the flock, the candlesticks must be terribly shaken and moved out of their place. If you accept the labors of Elder Daniels in the church at Fresno while he is in his present state of darkness, it will be dishonoring God. It will lower the standard of righteousness to the ruin of man and the detriment of the church.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 11)
The Lord said to Joshua, “Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” [Joshua 7:12.] The defects of character in any member of the church, or in the minister, are charged to the church, if the church makes light of the defects. If you place Elder Daniels over the church as a minister, you, as a church, assume his defects, you make them your own, and the whole church stands under the rebuke of God, even as ancient Israel was under His rebuke on account of the sin of Achan. But your case will be more grievous than theirs, because you knew the evil, yet hid your eyes from it, and walked contrary to the will of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 12)
Elder Daniels’ peculiar talent is to move the feelings of the people; but this, in many, many cases, seen as God sees it, results in far more harm than good. His case has been my special burden for years; and as God has laid open to me the weaknesses and errors of the man, I have laid them distinctly before him. Has he received the testimonies? Has he acted upon them? No. He has not taken the pains to study them, point by point, as a word from God to him. He has not heeded the warnings. He has imagined something that Sister White has done or said to make of none effect the warnings of the Spirit of God. Will you please to ask Elder Daniels to tell you wherein he thinks Sister White denies her own teachings? Set the words down on paper, and send them to me. If I am guilty, I will confess the same; if not, I shall charge him with bearing false witness as he has done again and again in regard to my words, my actions, and the things which I eat. He says he believes the testimonies but cannot understand them. I present these testimonies now, as a solemn duty I owe to the Master whose servant I am, to see if your eyesight is so darkened that you cannot understand them. Blindness of the heart is a terrible barrier to the discerning truth. “He shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you,” is the declaration of Christ, revealing how the Holy Spirit operates upon the mind. [John 16:15.] Sin is the disease of the soul; in consequence of which, the understanding fails to do its appointed work on the heart and memory. For many years I have met this more or less in my experience.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 13)
When the soul is brought into close relationship with the great Author of light and truth, impressions are made upon it revealing its true position before God. Then self will die, pride will be laid low, and Christ will draw His own image in deeper lines upon the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 14)
I fully believe that the time has come for you at Fresno to take a decided stand against evil in one who has had so great light as Elder E. P. Daniels if you would be the means of saving his soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 15)
Men who are under the training of the great Teacher will understand the testimonies that He sends them. Those who will not hear and obey the words of Christ will not heart and obey the message of Christ to them personally. Men will rise up against anything that rebukes their unchristlike course. Shall the testimonies of the Spirit of God be accounted as a thing of naught? Shall a man be put in the position of teacher whose course has been such as to make him an unsafe guide, both because he has not the Spirit of Christ and because he says, in his character, “I know not the Man” [Matthew 26:74], just as he willfully says, “I know not the testimonies”? Will you in Fresno accept a man as your teacher who cannot understand these things which you all now have an opportunity to read for yourselves? Spiritual things are spiritually discerned; and if he cannot discern the testimony of the Spirit to himself, how can he discern the testimony of God’s Word and be able to give to every man his portion of meat in due season? He may present clear and cutting truth to the people and yet not understand that it is to be brought into his own life and interwoven with his character. He keeps the truth outside of his inner life, in the outer court.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 16)
It is the truth enshrined in the soul that makes one a man of God. Oratory, though it may please a certain class, will prove a snare to the one who uses it and a snare to the church. When E. P. Daniels understands what constitutes sin, he will understand the testimonies that reprove certain sins with which he is so easily beset. But the examination of his own heart, his acts and motives, to see whether they are in accordance with the perfect standard of righteousness, is not pleasing to him. He has no desire to meditate and pray. The guilt of untruth is often upon his lips, because it is a habit which has not been overcome, although he has confessed the sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 17)
The part man has to act in the salvation of the soul is to believe on Jesus Christ as a perfect Redeemer, not for some other man, but for his own self. He is to trust, to love, to fear the God of heaven. There is a certain work to be accomplished. Man must be delivered from the power of sin. He must be made perfect in every good work. In doing the words of Christ is his only assurance that his house is built upon the solid foundation. To hear, to say, to preach, and not to do the words of Christ is building upon the sand. Those who do the words of Christ will perfect a Christian character, because Christ’s will is their will. Thus is Christ formed within, the hope of glory. They are beholding, as in a glass, the glory of God. By making Christ the subject of meditation, He will become the subject of conversation; and by beholding, we will in character be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord. Man, fallen man, may be transformed by the renewing of the mind so that he can “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” [Romans 12:2.] How does he prove this? By the Holy Spirit taking possession of his mind, spirit, heart, and character. Where does the proving come in? “We are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.” [1 Corinthians 4:9.] A real work is wrought by the Holy Spirit upon the human character, and its fruits are seen.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 18)
Just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord’s garden produce good fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the soul temple. The tendencies which have been biased in a wrong direction are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are changed, new principles of action supplied, and there is a new standard of character. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. An entire transformation has taken place. This is the work to be wrought.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 19)
We see by experience that in our own human strength resolutions and purposes are of no avail. Must we, then, give up our determined efforts? No. Although our experience testifies that we cannot possibly do this work ourselves, help has been laid upon One who is mighty to do it for us. But the only way that we can secure the help of God is to put ourselves wholly in His hands and trust Him to work for us. As we lay hold of Him by faith, He does the work. The believer can only trust. As God works, we can work, trusting in Him and doing His will.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 20)
This work must be done for E. P. Daniels before he can be entrusted with the care of the flock. If the human agent will only become one with Christ, then he will work as Christ worked. But he cannot sit down in the devil’s easy chair and say, “I have hereditary tendencies, and I have habits which I cannot overcome. You must bear with my imperfections: no one is perfect in this world.” If he does this, he is a lost man.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 21)
Sincere Christians have no doubtful piety. They have put on the Lord Jesus Christ and have made no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. They are constantly looking to Jesus for His orders, as a servant looks to his master, or as a maid looks to her mistress. Wheresoever God’s providence may lead, they stand ready to go. They take no glory to themselves. They do not call anything they have—learning, talents, property—their own, but regard themselves as only stewards of the manifold grace of Christ and servants to the church for Christ’s sake. These are messengers of the Lord, a light amid the darkness. Their hearts throb in unison with the great heart of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 22)
I now present before E. P. Daniels his pitiable case. Any one, whatever his position or influence, who will desire him to preach to the churches in his present, unestablished condition, cannot discern spiritual things. Elder Daniels says, “I believe the testimonies, but I do not understand them; I believe in health reform, but do not understand it.” This is a falsehood to his own soul. If he is in this position, let him repent and do his first works. There are enough who are giving the trumpet no certain sound. Men like faithful Caleb are wanted now who can give a ringing message. It is a goodly land that we are going to, and we are well able to go up and possess it. We want no shepherds who cannot discern between truth and falsehood, who give mixed provender of truth and error.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 23)
I speak to the church in Fresno, For Christ’s sake move intelligently. Do not blunder here when the interest of a church is at stake. I pity Elder Daniels, for the church at Fresno have hurt him by placing him where God should be. His ambition has been fed; indolence, self-indulgence, and a low condition of piety have brought upon him spiritual feebleness and blindness, and he has become unfitted to be a minister of the gospel of Christ. If you place him in that position, you dishonor the cause of God, for he has surely fallen into the snare of the devil. There is only one way of escape; he must be converted; he must do just as he has told others to do—repent, confess, make restitution—or he will never see the kingdom of heaven. He must return to his first love and come out from the darkness of unbelief and skepticism. When he shall have clear convictions once more, when the Holy Spirit shall have dominion over his soul, when love, faith, and childlike simplicity shall be the rule of his life, then he may believe that Christ is dwelling in him, and the people everywhere may believe it too, for they see that he has learned the lessons in the school of Christ. Is this more than God requires? No, no! Christ demands, in return for the blood He has shed, the heaven He has prepared, nothing less than entire consecration. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” should be the burden of every prayer. [Acts 9:6.]
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 24)
Our anxiety should not be to secure a minister who will please the people by smart speeches and oratory, in order to gain flattery and applause, but to secure men who are laborers together with God, men who study to show themselves approved unto God. Our intense desire should be to give, by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation, discourses solemn, earnest, and tender, with the unction of the Holy Spirit. Those who labor in this spirit are never satisfied with themselves.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 25)
God demands homage which He has not received from Elder Daniels—homage in words, in actions. Let him remember that he is to give an account to God, who will “judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.” [2 Timothy 4:1.] If our convictions of duty are honestly met, faithfulness becomes the great law of life, impressing, improving and molding every principle and phase of character.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 26)
God requires every steward of the grace of Christ to be faithful, to elevate and purify every power of his nature, that he may be a man and a child of God. Christ died for him; and with a high sense of his accountability, understanding when God speaks, he will become a polished instrument in the hands of God to bless his fellowmen. To perform his work well, to make the most of his priceless opportunities, will be to him a sacred duty.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 27)
Stand back, brethren, do not lay responsibilities upon Elder Daniels now. He is not ready for them and will not be until he knows something for certain. Leave him to pray and search his heart until the darkness passes away and the true light shines. Then he will know what God would have him to be. Do you think, brethren in Fresno, or does Eld. Daniels imagine, that it is a small offense to prove false to sacred obligations? Shall the man who perverts his abilities and uses his influence as unwisely as Eld. Daniels has done be placed in a position of sacred, holy trust? God forbid! He has robbed God in not putting to the very best use all his blood-bought powers. Shall he be guiltless who misuses and misapplies talents lent him of God to be improved to the utmost? Surely that God who will judge the world in righteousness, and with a rigorous impartiality, demands His own with usury. How can He say to Elder Daniels, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”? [Matthew 25:21.] Condemnation will be passed on every one who has wasted his Lord’s substance.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 28)
I hope that every man and woman who names the name of Christ in Fresno will consider the words I have written you with solemn earnestness and that you will not flatter Elder Daniels. Give him no applause to encourage him in his unbelief. He may despise the warnings given him of God; he may act an unchristian part; and yet are you so blind as to insist that there is no man like Elder Daniels? That you must have him, even under the rebuke of God, because his entertaining sharpness pleases a certain class of minds? Do you think that you can get along if he is not spiritual? That if he only pleases and interests you, piety, holiness, and the Christian graces are not essential? Do you not know, brethren in Fresno, that the whole heavenly universe is looking upon you to see whether you will exalt the standard of Christianity or lower it in the very dust? God is looking upon you; Jesus, who has given you an example in His holy life, is watching to see whether you, as a church, feel that it is an important matter that you should discern between true goodness and sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 29)
The last days are upon us, and Satan is working with all his hellish arts to deceive and destroy souls. Reproofs by testimony are met, almost universally, by the ones corrected and reproved, with, “I believe the testimonies, but I do not understand them.” The Lord has corrected their wrong ways in order to save them from unhappiness, deception, and ruin; but they pass on the same as if light and warnings had never come to them. If they were in harmony with God, they would not be departing from Him. It is because they are so far separated from God that they do not hear His voice as He calls to them, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you,”“and heal all thy backslidings.” [Malachi 3:7; Jeremiah 3:22.]
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 30)
Saul, after he had disobeyed the requirement of God to destroy the Amalekites, met Samuel and said, “Blessed be thou of the Lord; I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” And Samuel said, “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” The answer was the same that we have heard in similar cases—an excuse, a falsehood: “The people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God.” [1 Samuel 15:13-15.] Saul did not say my or our, but thy God. Many who profess to be serving God are in the same position as Saul—covering over ambitious projects, pride of display, with a garment of pretended righteousness. The Lord’s cause is made a cloak to hide the deformity of injustice, but it makes the sin of tenfold greater enormity.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 31)
Samuel looked upon Saul with indignation, yet with deep pity and undisguised grief for the sinful course of one he loved sincerely; but this love must not close his lips. He said, “Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night.” The kingly head was bent as he answered, “Say on.” [Verse 16.] Samuel then spake the cutting words of the Lord. Yet Saul repeated his defense—they saved the spoil to sacrifice to the Lord. “Hath God as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the word of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the Word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.” Smitten with agony and terror, Saul cried, “I have sinned.... Pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord.” [Verses 22-25.] Saul hoped the sentence would be reversed.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 32)
Oh, how few can know the sadness of heart that Samuel bore back to Ramah! God had laid upon him the burden of Saul and the burden of this terrible message that he must bear to the monarch.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 33)
The sinner seldom feels right in regard to reproof. He blames the one who opens his lips to speak the words of warning, as though it were a personal matter. In his blindness he fails to see that he is flinging from him, in his stubborn resistance, his last offer of light and mercy. How little sympathy he feels for the one who has carried the heavy load the Lord has laid upon him! He assumes the role of a martyr and thinks he deserves great pity, because he is reproved and counseled contrary to his own ideas and feelings. He may admit some things, but with dogged persistency he holds fast to his errors, his own ideas. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” [Verse 23.] The Word of God is rejected in spirit, to all intents and purposes. I have been made to see this same bewitching power now as I have never seen it before, of hatred against reproof, of stubbornness and rebellion; the one reproved clings to his own opinions, unyielding.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 34)
How different was the character of David! Though he had sinned, when God sent him sharp rebukes he always bowed under the chastisement of the Lord. David was beloved of God, not because he was a perfect man, but because he did not cherish stubborn resistance to God’s expressed will. His spirit did not rise up in rebellion against reproof.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 35)
Saith the Lord, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, and to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] David erred greatly, but he was just as greatly humbled, and his contrition was as profound as his guilt. There was never a man more humble than David under a sense of his sin. He showed himself a strong man, not in always resisting temptation, but in the contrition of soul and sincere penitence manifested. He never lost his confidence in God, who put the stern rebuke in the mouth of His prophet. He had no hatred for the prophet of God. He was beloved, also, because he relied upon the mercy of a God whom he had loved and served and honored.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 36)
To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much. David did not take counsel of men who were sinning against God. This is where many fail. They are left in midnight darkness because they choose to counsel with men who walk not in the counsel of the Lord. They will excuse sin in the sinner when it is not repented of and pass over wrongs when God has not forgiven them. David trusted in God more than in man. The decision of God was accepted as just and merciful. O, how many are walking in blindness and leading others in the same path, where both must perish, because they will not heed the reproofs of the Spirit of God!
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 37)
Brethren at Fresno, there is with Elder Daniels a human influence combined with a mesmeric power. It is this that has led him to speak of congregations as bodies that he can manipulate. Why is it that the man cannot understand the health reform? It is because his appetites and practices are condemned by it. He cannot harmonize his practices with the light God has given on this subject, in His Word and through the testimonies. He cannot, then, of course, have an intelligent, practical knowledge of health reform.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 38)
Will Elder Daniels please make his statements, telling wherein Sister White contradicts her own teachings? I know that he stated that I drank tea, and invited him to drink it, saying it was good for him. Not only myself, but the members of my family, know this to be an untruth. What other things he has stated I cannot determine. But what if some one did use these things contrary to the light of health reform? Is it not best to follow the Bible teaching upon temperance and the light given in testimony? Do you not remember that we have an individual accountability? We do not make articles of diet a test question, but we do try to educate the intellect and to arouse the moral sensibility to take hold of health reform in an intelligent manner, as Paul presents it in Romans 13:8-14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 3:8-12. Are not the qualifications which he says are essential in the deacon equally essential in the elder of the church? The deacons were church officers. (2 Corinthians 6:4): “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.” (1 Timothy 5:22): “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” Here is a matter that is worthy of consideration. In the 21st verse the solemn charge is given: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” These (verses, 21 and 22), need to be carefully and prayerfully considered. Sin should be rebuked. Whatever opposition and trial might come to the elder of the church because of his faithfulness, he should not swerve from true principles.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 39)
Sins should not, because of unsanctified preferences and sympathy, be lightly regarded in one man which would be condemned in another. This matter is one of great importance. If he trusts responsibilities to one whose habits and practices he knows to be wrong, he shows that his own principles are not sound, that his motives are questionable. By this very act he sanctions the errors and sins of the man he has commended and appointed to the sacred office of caring for the flock of God. Unless he is guarded by heavenly wisdom, he will place himself in a position where he will feel it necessary to sustain the man with whom he has united his influence; and God will hold him responsible for his brother’s unfaithfulness in office and for the harm which will result to the church. He must keep himself pure by refusing to mingle with any unholy influence.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 40)
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, confessed in penitence, and forsaken, and they go beforehand to judgment. Pardon is written over against the names of these men. But other men’s sins follow after and are not put away by repentance and confession, and these sins will stand registered against them in the books of heaven. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand. Christ is the pattern to be copied in the life. When a man gives evidence that he is sound in principle, when he is of good repute among those where he is best known, when his character is one whose influence will be Christlike, he should be admitted to fellowship and confidence without hesitancy. But he whose works show him to be unstable, who says one thing and does the very opposite, is careless of his words and influence, bringing out of his heart the evil things lurking there, such a one will profane both men and God. He will say anything that comes into his mind, whether he knows it to be falsehood or truth. There is a mixture of good and bad in his character, and he speaks just as he feels without studying the influence his words must have upon those who believe him to be a true minister of the gospel. They have heard him speak as Christ’s ambassador, and therefore they will either regard his sins lightly or their confidence in him as a devoted servant of Christ will be destroyed. The minister of Christ should be circumspect; he should understand human nature.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 41)
I have written quite fully to you, brethren, in regard to these matters, in order that you might understand the case. I am now clear. Whatever course you may pursue cannot reflect on me. I would be pleased and glorify God if Elder Daniels would come into a position where we could, with all our hearts, give him the fullest confidence; but until he is a changed man, we cannot give him a place of influence in the church. His movements are frantic and in no way such as to recommend him as an overseer of the flock of God. I have now done my duty in the fear of God, and I leave you to bear the responsibility. In the fear of God, I warn you not to place this man, whom you know is not controlled by the Spirit of God, in the preacher’s desk to teach the people. You want a man who loves and fears God, one whom God can use as His instrument, who will not be playing himself into the hands of the enemy whenever circumstances are favorable.
(6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, 42)
Ms 2, 1890
Sermons/Spirit of Discernment; Faith Battle Creek, Michigan March 9 and 16, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1SAT 139-142; 143-149.
Acts 1:8. I want to read a few words from the first chapter of Acts, eighth verse: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Now we read in the second chapter, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Verses 1-4.]
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 1)
Now, brethren, the blessing that is here spoken of we may receive when we come to God with our whole heart, when we empty it of every kind of prejudice and all this doubting and unbelief, then we can expect the Spirit of God. But it is the case as I presented before you one morning in regard to the presentation of Christ in the temple. The priest took Him in his arms, but he could see nothing there. God did not speak to him and say, “This is the consolation of Israel.” But just as soon as Simeon came in the Spirit of God led him, and because he was under His influence, the Holy Ghost being upon him, he sees there that little Infant in His mother’s arms, and every indication of the little family being in poverty, but the moment he beholds that, God says to him, “This is the consolation of Israel.” [Luke 2:25.] Now we have two distinct characters. The priest that was there officiating did not know Him; but here was one who recognized Him because he was where he could discern spiritual things. He was living in close relation with God. He was living in connection with the future eternal interest, and therefore he recognized the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 2)
And how is it with us individually? We know that the Spirit of God has been with us. We know that it has been with us time and again in the meetings. We have not a doubt but that the Lord was with Elder Waggoner as he spoke yesterday. We have not a doubt of that. I have not a doubt that the power of God in rich measure was hanging over us, and everything was light in the Lord to me yesterday afternoon in the ministers’ meeting. Now if there had been a throwing open the door of the heart and letting Jesus in, we would have had a precious season there yesterday. I have not a doubt of it.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 3)
It makes every difference to us in what kind of a spirit we come to the investigation of the Scriptures. If we come with a teachable spirit, ready to learn, with our hearts emptied of our prejudices, not seeking to bring the Scriptures to our ideas but to bring our ideas to the Scriptures, then we shall know of the doctrine. We shall understand it. But let me tell you, brethren, if you have discernment you can understand where God is working. You do not need wonderful miracles to testify of this, because you see the miracles did not do any good to the Jews. They had it right in their sight but it did not do any good to them.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 4)
The woman of Samaria who came and listened to Christ—she accepted Him without miracles at all, because she believed His word. She was glad for the light and went and published it to her neighbors. Here were the very ones who were hated of the Jews. The Samaritans were receiving the light. When Christ came to the Jews with all the power of His majesty, all His grace manifested in mighty healings and in the mighty outpouring of His Spirit, they would not recognize that. Well, why? Because the very same prejudices that had been in their hearts reigned there, and the most mighty miracles that He could do would have no effect on their hearts at all.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 5)
If we place ourselves in a position that we will not recognize the light God sends or His messages to us, then we are in danger of sinning against the Holy Ghost. Then for us to turn and see if we can find some little thing that is done that we can hang some of our doubts upon and begin to question! The question is, Has God sent the truth? Has God raised up these men to proclaim the truth? I say, Yes, God has sent men to bring us the truth that we should not have had unless God had sent somebody to bring it to us. God has let me have a light of what His Spirit is, and therefore I accept it, and I no more dare to lift my hand against these persons because it would be against Jesus Christ, who is to be recognized in His messengers.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 6)
Now I want you to be careful, every one of you, what position you take, whether you enshroud yourselves in the clouds of unbelief because you see imperfections; you see a word or a little item, perhaps, that may take place, and judge them from that. You are to see what God is doing with them. You are to see whether God is working with them, and then you are to acknowledge the Spirit of God that is revealed in them. And if you choose to resist it, you will be acting just as the Jews acted. You have all the light and all the evidences that they had. They rejected the light, notwithstanding the mighty miracles of God were there. Their hearts were so filled with prejudice that they said at last, Oh, He does miracles by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils. That is how He does His miracles.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 7)
Now brethren, God wants us to take our position with the man that carries the lantern; we want to take our position where the light is, and where God has given the trumpet a certain sound. We want to give the trumpet a certain sound. We have been in perplexity, and we have been in doubt, and the churches are ready to die. But now here we read: “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” [Revelation 18:1, 2.]
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 8)
Well now, how are we going to know anything about that message if we are not in a position to recognize anything of the light of heaven when it comes to us? And we will, just as soon, pick up the darkest deception when it comes to us from somebody that agrees with us, when we have not a particle of evidence that the Spirit of God has sent them. Christ said, “I come in the name of my Father, but ye will not receive me.” [John 5:43.] Now that is just the work that has been going on here ever since the meeting at Minneapolis. Because God sends a message in His name that does not agree with your ideas, therefore it can not be a message from God. How dare you run the risk of trying in the least to shut ... [Remainder missing.]
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 9)
*****
[Sermon delivered March 16, 1890, at Battle Creek, Michigan.]
I want to say a few words in reference to faith. I want to say, brethren and sisters, it is not natural for us to believe, but it is very natural for us to foster unbelief. This is the besetting sin, and has been the besetting sin of God’s people. It has not been natural for me to believe for myself, and I have had very severe lessons on this point until I know that it is not safe for me to cherish for one moment any doubt. I never doubted the truth; but to cherish doubt in regard to myself and my work.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 10)
Now I have great sorrow of heart—I have had, nearly ever since the Minneapolis meeting—and I will tell you why. Because God has been speaking to me as He has done for the last forty-five years, and I have presented these matters, and the brethren have known and have seen the fruits, and yet unbelief has come right in. But why? They will take the testimony of somebody else, and they will all be credulous in regard to that. Now when it comes to the manifest movement of the Spirit of God, if the Spirit was in their hearts they would recognize it in a moment. But the trouble is, the Spirit is not in them. And they never will search these things to see if they are so.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 11)
The reason why I felt so at Minneapolis was that I have seen that everyone that has taken a position similar to the one they took in Minneapolis would go into the darkest unbelief. Have we not seen it acted over and over again? Then when we see just how Christ was tried, when He came upon earth; when we see the hardness of the hearts; when we see what the enemy can do with human nature, putting unbelief into the heart, I should think it would be such a terror to our souls that we would not dare to open the heart to the miseries of unbelief and dwell in that atmosphere, such as there has been since we were in Minneapolis.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 12)
Well, we wonder why Christ prayed with such an agony. It was not for His own sake, but it was because of the hardness of hearts, that notwithstanding He was the way, the truth, and the life, yet people were so hardened that they could not see it and accept it. And as you took their steps, here was my trouble. As they took their steps in the path of unbelief that day, others are taking the same steps this day, and my grief is the same as Christ’s was. They are placing themselves where there is no reserve power that God has to reach them with. Every arrow in His quiver is exhausted.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 13)
Now I feel this in every meeting where I have been. I have felt that there is a pressure of unbelief. It is just as evident as it ever has been. I can go among the unbelieving (just as Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman, and the Samaritans came out and heard); I can go among those that have never heard of the truth, and their hearts are more susceptible than those that have been in the truth and had the evidences of the work of God. But they excuse it all. “Why, we did not know that some things were so and so.” When we get the Spirit of God in our hearts, He will speak to us. There is the trouble. When they see that God is working in a certain line, they commence with all the power of brain, and all the power of thought, and all the power of talk, as it has been the case here, to stay the work of God. Let me tell you, the testimony will be this: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” [Matthew 11:21.]
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 14)
Now I know what I am talking about, and as I do not expect to have many opportunities to speak to you, I will say again: “Fall on the Rock.” [Matthew 21:44.] I have no hope for you unless you do. I am glad; yes, I am so thankful that some are beginning to see that there is light for them. I was glad to hear Brother Larsen’s testimony yesterday. Now there is light for us. If we want to stay in the cellar, we can do it; but the only way for anyone of us is to fight the good fight of faith. It is not anything that is going to come naturally; but we have got to fight the good fight of faith instead of absorbing all the filth of unbelief. If it is a suggestion of unbelief, credence is given to that at once. You will never have greater light and evidence than you have had here; if you wait till the judgment, what you have had here will condemn you. But God has been speaking and His power has been in our midst, and if you have not evidences enough to show you where and how God is working, you never will have it. You will have to gather up the rays of light that you have had, and not question so. “But there are some things that are not explained.” Well, what if everything is not explained? Where is the weight of evidence? God will balance the mind if it is susceptible for the influence of the Spirit of God; if it is not, then it will decide on the other side. They will come just exactly where Judas came; they will sell their Lord for thirty pieces of silver or something else. They will sacrifice everything to unbelief.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 15)
I will tell you why it makes my heart so sad. It is because every such mind that is susceptible to unbelief and the say-so of this one and that one, and that works against the light and the evidences that have been presented since the Minneapolis meeting—I tell you, brethren, I am terribly afraid that they will fall at last. I am terribly afraid that they will never overcome. But the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of the Lamb must be on the right side of the question.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 16)
When God is working, and they have got no light to know that He is working, and they just place themselves right under the enemy’s power and work right in that line, then they make excuses and say, they did not know. “Oh,” said Christ, “if they had known that it was the Prince of light, they would not have crucified Him.” [1 Corinthians 2:8.] Well, why did they not know? Well, if they had only known that these objections that we have been fighting were no objections, then they would not have done it. Well, is that any excuse? Why did they not know? They had the evidences of the Spirit, and it was only the false reasoning, perversion of words and positions, and the misunderstanding, that has lead them to this position of danger.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 17)
Now I tell you, God will not be trifled with. God is a jealous God, and when He manifests His power as He has manifested it, it is very nigh unto the sin of the Holy Ghost to disbelieve it. The revealings of God’s power have not had any effect to move and to stir persons from their position of doubting and unbelief. God help us that we may remove ourselves out of the snares of the devil! If ever a people needed to be removed, it is those that took their position in Minneapolis at that time on the wrong side. It is a true saying that we cannot do anything against the truth, but for it.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 18)
The precious truth of God will triumph; it has the triumph in it, and it is not going to fall to the ground, but somebody will fall, just as in the days of Christ. They have their boundaries and lines, and God has got to work in their line. God disappoints people a good deal. He works right contrary to what they expect. The Jews expected, of course, [that] they were going to be blessed with a Messiah. You see, there was no place for Christ. He had to make new bottles in order to put His new wine of the kingdom in. Just so He will here. The crown is there in the hands of Christ, but many will lose it, and why? Because they have not run the race.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 19)
Now I have seen how the enemy works. He doesn’t want to let go of the people here. But oh, let no soul go out from here with darkness, for he will be a body of darkness wherever he goes. He scatters the seeds of darkness everywhere. He carries all these seeds and he begins to sow them, and it unsettles the confidence of the people in the very truths that God wants to come to His people. I have told our brethren here again and again that God has shown me that He raised up men here to carry the truth to His people, and that this is the truth. Well, what effect did it have on them? They were just the same; so that it should not be made of any account. What is the matter? Brethren, I say again, Fall on the Rock and be broken! Don’t try to begin to make excuses. Well, here Christ says when they should bring their offerings and make confession of their sins, if afterward they found that other things came to their remembrance, notwithstanding but one, they should come and make an offering for that.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 20)
Now brethren, we want to have the simplicity of Christ. I know that He has a blessing for us. He had it at Minneapolis, and He had it for us at the time of the General Conference here. But there was no reception. Some received the light for the people and rejoiced in it. Then there were others that stood right back, and their position has given confidence to others to talk unbelief and cherish it. Now, brethren, if you expect that every difficulty is going to be laid out in clear lines before you, and you wait until it is, then you will have to wait until the judgment, and you will be weighed in the balances and found wanting.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 21)
Now, brethren, can there not be some means insured by which we can have a season of prayer? My strength is about exhausted. If it is possible, I want to get away before the last atom of strength shall be gone here. Brethren, why not pray to God? Why not get in such a position that you can lay right hold of the hand of God? Why wait for God to humble us? Now God has been waiting for those men that have stood in the way to humble themselves; but the word has come to me, “If they do not humble themselves, I will humble them.” Now, God will work. He will have the work prepared for His Spirit. There is to be a preparation for the last great day, and we want to come into a position where we can work unitedly with intense earnestness and courage for God.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 22)
I want that some of these shall assemble again, and then I want those that have been standing here and questioning, and [have] been just about ready to give up the Testimonies—we want to know why. And if anything can be taken out of the way, God help us to do it! We want to know why the enemy is having such power upon human minds as he has here. It is something beyond anything I ever saw in all my experience since I first started in the work. The people of God who have had light and evidences have stood where God would not let His blessing fall upon them.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 23)
In the chapel hall the power of God was all ready to fall upon us. I felt for a little time as though I could look right into glory; but the Spirit that was there drove it away. We want to understand how we are working. I speak these plain things because I know that there is nothing else that will do. We have tried to encourage in regard to faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 24)
One brother thinks that Sister White doesn’t understand her own testimonies. Heard that in Minneapolis. Why? Because the brethren did not agree with them. Well, there are some things that I understand. I understand enough to acknowledge the Spirit of God and to follow the voice of the Shepherd. I understand that much.
(6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, 25)
Ms 3, 1890
The Work in Michigan NP August 10, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 71-79.
My heart has been sad as I have seen so little accomplished by the workers in Michigan. The members of our churches are not incorrigible; the fault is not so much to be charged upon them as upon their teachers. Their ministers do not feed them. All heaven is actively engaged in the work for man’s salvation; the rich gifts of the Holy Spirit are waiting to be given to God’s human agents; but the hearts and minds of men are so fully occupied with earthly, sensual things, that there is no room to receive the treasures of grace; and that which they do not receive, they cannot impart to others. Those who are trying to teach others the Bible truth, and are not themselves sanctified through obedience to the truth, are as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 1)
Those who are one with Christ have the mind of Christ and work the works of Christ. They are ever improving, ever drawing near to God, ever uplifting the soul to Jesus. By beholding the world’s Redeemer, they become changed into His image. A new spiritual life is created, a new motive power supplied. When one is fully emptied of self, when every false god is cast out of the soul, the vacuum is supplied by the inflowing of the Spirit of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 2)
Such a one has faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every moral and spiritual defilement. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, can work upon the heart, influencing, directing, so that he enjoys spiritual things. He is “after the Spirit,” and he minds the things of the Spirit. [Romans 8:5.] He has no confidence in self. Christ is all and in all. Truth is being constantly unfolded by the Holy Spirit; he receives with meekness the engrafted Word, and he gives the Lord all the glory, saying, “God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit.”“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:10, 12.] The Spirit that reveals also works in him the fruits of righteousness. Christ is in him “a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:14.] He is a branch of the True Vine and bears rich clusters of fruit to the glory of God. What is the character of the fruit? “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” Mark the word—love, not hatred; it is joy, not discontent and mourning; peace, not irritation, anxiety, and manufactured trials; it is “long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”Galatians 5:22, 23
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 3)
Those who have this spirit will be earnest laborers with God; the heavenly intelligences co-operate with them, and they go weighted with the spirit of the message of truth which they bear. They are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. They are ennobled, refined, through the sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. They have not brought into the treasury of the soul wood, hay, and stubble, but gold, silver, and precious stones. They speak words of solid sense, and from the treasure of the heart bring forth pure and sacred things according to the example of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 4)
The true ambassador for Christ is not given to jesting, trifling, idle talk; but he is cheerful, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into His marvelous light. Every minister who after his discourse will engage in frivolous conversation, counteracts the influence of his words in the sacred desk. He does no honor to God or to the truth, but brings the most sacred things down upon a level with common things and makes of no effect the truth of heavenly origin. Those who do not walk by the rule laid down in the Word of God should be faithfully admonished, and if they fail to reform, should be deprived of their license or credentials. Otherwise the conference that has sanctioned the labors of these men will share their guilt.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 5)
It is a mercy to the unfaithful laborer himself to remove him from his position, for the rebuke of God is upon him. It is a duty enjoined by Heaven, that souls may not be contaminated by the unholy spiritual atmosphere that surrounds him. You should not cast him off as a reprobate, but let your dealings with him show that he has mistaken his calling, the Lord has laid no such burden upon him; or if he has, the man has never taken it. He is not united to Christ. He knows not the influence of the Holy Spirit of God upon his soul. He has not fixed his eyes upon Jesus and by beholding Him become changed into His image.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 6)
The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] Solomon testifies: “The tongue of the just is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth.”Proverbs 10:20. Those who are one with Christ cannot enjoy listening to trifling conversation; much less will they engage in it themselves. If the heart is spiritual, there will be spiritual conversation; for “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.”Matthew 12:34. In our words and actions our thoughts will be revealed, just as they are. The life is a true unfurling of the banner, testifying what is in the heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 7)
What I have just written opens to you the reason why there is not more vitality in our churches. The standard of the gospel minister is lowered into the dust. The elders of our churches and the ministers have not been as branches of the Living Vine, drawing nourishment from Christ. They are not rich in spiritual knowledge and heavenly wisdom, but are dry and Christless. Man’s words they speak in the desk may be good in themselves, but they are powerless because the heart of the speaker has not been transformed by grace. The churches would be far better without such elders and ministers. Money is drawn from the Lord’s treasury to support those who are unconverted and need that [some] one teach them the first principle of the gospel, which is Christ formed within, the hope of glory. When the laborers who are so lacking in spirituality believe in Christ, it will be manifest that they possess the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The words of Paul to the Corinthians should be heeded by all who labor for the Master: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.”1 Corinthians 16:13, 14
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 8)
For the last fifteen years the deplorable condition of the Michigan Conference has from time to time been presented before me. I have felt anguish of soul as I have thus seen the true state of things. There are dishonest men in our churches, there are licentious men; in this large conference there is declension in the place of constant advancement to a higher, holier standard. And there is little of the proper labor done by ministers in the churches, because many do not carry the burden of the souls for whom they labor. The truth has not sanctified their own hearts. O, there is need of most earnest, devoted, self-sacrificing labor—the preaching of the truth, preaching Christ and living Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 9)
O that all our workers would be laborers together with God, not trifling with time, not trifling with sacred responsibilities, with solemn sacred truth, the presentation of which is deciding the destiny of souls, but representing Christ in all things, watching for souls as they that must give an account; day by day, hour by hour, living in the channel of light. This is the only course that you can pursue with safety—in the churches, and among the people in cities and villages, diffusing the light received from the Sun of Righteousness. In order to do this, they must devote much time to prayer.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 10)
Brethren, be instant in prayer. When in society, when compelled to be among the frivolous, the careless and inconsiderate, you are not to descend to their level and engage in cheap and frivolous talk. But dart up your petitions to heaven, that the God of all grace will keep your souls in the love of Christ. When the workers are thus connected with God, there will be continual growth in every church blessed with this labor in Michigan.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 11)
Then the finances will be in a prosperous condition. Now the books of heaven bear the record of robbery toward God in a large degree in tithes and offerings. Men who have been pioneers in the work are becoming disheartened; but they ought not to be. Jesus is their example, of whom it is written, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” [Isaiah 42:4.] For all who are disheartened, there is but one remedy—faith, prayer, and work. Cease to think gloomy thoughts. Let every soul fall on the Rock, Christ Jesus, and be broken. Then Jesus will fashion the character after His own likeness. Discord and strife will die a natural death because they have nothing to feed upon.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 12)
Those who are joined to Christ, the Living Vine, will bear the very same kind of fruit as does the parent stock. Christ was the pattern minister. He was the greatest teacher the world ever saw. He gave to His followers, for them to repeat to us, lessons of the utmost importance concerning the salvation of soul. It is by believing and receiving Him that we secure our own salvation; and when we believe on Him, we cannot keep it to ourselves; we shall tell others what Christ has done for us.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 13)
There can be no careless disregard of His Word without the terrible consequence that always follows backsliding and neglect. Many have not the Spirit of Christ, and thus give evidence that they are none of His; and yet this very class are seeking to tell others how to be saved. There is need of humiliation of soul before God, need of confession of sins and restitution. There has been unbelief, there has been dishonesty. A spirit of murmuring has been communicated from one to another in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers. They do not discern spiritual things. Discouraging words have been spoken. Do not indulge this spirit, dear brethren and sisters. You please the enemy in so doing. You cannot afford to reap the harvest that will thus be produced.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 14)
You who have been withholding your means from the cause of God, read the book of Malachi, and see what is spoken there in regard to tithes and offerings. Cannot you see that it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings because you are not in harmony with everything that your brethren do? The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man, but are to be used in doing a certain work for God; unworthy ministers may receive some of the means thus raised; but dare any one, because of this, withhold from the treasury and brave the curse of God? I dare not. I pay my tithe gladly and freely, saying, as did David, “Of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 15)
A selfish withholding from God will tend to poverty in our own souls. Act your part, my brethren and sisters. God loves you, and He stands at the helm. If the conference business is not managed according to the order of the Lord, that is the sin of the erring one; the Lord will not hold you responsible for it, if you do what you can to correct the evil. But do not commit sin yourselves by withholding from the Lord His own property. “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,” or negligently. [Jeremiah 48:10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 16)
When persons declare that they will not pay their tithes because the means is not used as they think it ought to be, will the elder of the church or the minister sympathize with the sinners? Will he aid the enemy in his work? Or will he, as a wise man endued with knowledge, go to work to correct the evil and remove the stumbling blocks? Let those who are dissatisfied state plainly their grievances to the ones who they think have erred, instead of talking the matter over with others, and thus fanning the flame of discontent.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 17)
But, brethren, do not be unfaithful in your lot. Stand in your place. Do not, by your neglect of duty, increase our financial difficulties, and thus add to the heavy burden that rests on the president of our General Conference. The conferences, through their delegates, have appointed the one who occupies this difficult and important place, and they are under obligation to sustain him, by bearing their part of the burden. Elder Olsen is far from coveting the position. He has said again and again, “Do not lay the burden on me; I am not fitted for such a position.” But where are the men who are fitted? They are few indeed. Eld. Olsen is a man who loves and fears God. The church needs his labors; he must not be left alone to bear heavy burdens that others will let fall upon him because of their backslidings.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 18)
Many important interests demand attention from the president of the General Conference. He must have a care for the needs of the various branches of the work. Those who have never occupied such a position have very faint conceptions of the perplexities upon his mind. Not only our institutions and the churches throughout the United States, but the missions in foreign lands require his thoughtful consideration and decision; and if there are not men who will hold up his hands, as Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses, he will faint while pressed under the load as a cart beneath sheaves. Neither the mental nor the physical powers can long endure the strain brought to bear upon him.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 19)
All the council and committee meetings should be so planned and conducted that these wearing, taxing seasons may be lessened both in number and duration. Those who engage in them should give much thought to the matters to be considered, before bringing them before the committee, and should come quickly to the points of interest. Make them plain, and let every one try to dispatch the business as speedily as possible, and not hold and tax the minds and bodies of men for long hours to do the business that might and should be dispatched promptly. There should be a constant effort for brevity in business meetings.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 20)
Harmony and simplicity in the work, an avoidance of all unnecessary machinery, will do much to preserve the courage and the physical and mental energies of those who have to consider so many points. Those who have none or but little of this kind of labor should be very careful how they criticize or censure the ones who do have these burdens to bear. Let all so conduct themselves that they will not throw any extra burdens upon our president. They should not depend upon him to do their thinking. If they keep their own souls in the love of God, growing in spirituality, dissensions will be shut out; the oil of grace will cause the machinery to run smoothly.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 21)
I ask you who shall meet in conference, Will you individually act your part, through the grace given you of God, to lift just as much of the burden as you can lift? Bear your own burdens. Pray much, talk less, meditate more. Rid yourselves of every jealous thought and feeling. Your hearts need weeding before you enter upon conference business. Divest yourselves of selfishness, but stand firmly for right principles, cost what it may. The right alone will prevail. Will you yourselves abide in Christ? Will you be true to the laborers who bear the heavy responsibilities? Will you come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty Satanic agencies that are working unseen to bring defeat and ruin? Will you have the love and fear of God in your own hearts? From your closets, from your family altars, will you send up, not cold, heartless prayers, but earnest supplications that the Lord will work with Eld. Olsen, that the power of Jesus will heal him of infirmities and give him physical and mental strength to bear the responsibilities that devolve upon him?
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 22)
Do not get together and give expression to criticism and questioning in regard to matters you have learned by hearsay. Do not draw within yourselves and work in secrecy and darkness with a select few, giving no words of encouragement, offering no prayer for the blessing of the Lord to rest upon your president. Come right up to help him; talk with him; encourage him. Keep distrust out of your own hearts. Give the man who carries the heavy responsibility your hearty co-operation. Do not manufacture burdens to perplex his tired brain and wearied nerves. God calls upon you to act your part with fidelity and guard the interests of the church with which you are connected.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 23)
Work with an eye single to the glory of God. Keep pressing your way to the light and you will have light. Talk faith, and you will have faith. Seek for harmony; seek to be of one mind, of one judgment, thus answering the prayer of Christ. Leave not all the agonizing prayer to be poured forth day and night by your soul-burdened president, and a few faithful standard-bearers. Bro. Olsen is constantly seeking to know the way of the Lord, listening to hear the first words of command from the Master. Will you do the same? Will you close your ears to murmurings and disputings, to words of distrust and jealousy? Will you look up? Will you show that you have confidence in the Captain of our salvation, or will you, when things go hard, distrust God and prophesy defeat and disaster and ruin, as did the unfaithful spies?
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 24)
In the various branches of the work there are many things that Eld. Olsen and some others feel deeply over, that they know ought to be different; but it takes time to work reforms, and unless God shall soften hearts that have been growing hard and unchristlike, unless the hearts of those in our churches are open to Jesus, Eld. Olsen and other faithful workers will carry the heavy burden of disappointed hopes. But this need not be. Brethren in every department of the work, will you, to a man, help him? I feel deeply over this matter. We do not want men who will pity and sympathize with themselves and with every faultfinder, murmurer, and complainer, and neglect the important duties devolving upon them. Make diligent effort to keep your own souls in the love of God, and help the very ones who need your help.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 25)
If you open your minds and hearts to the insinuations and suggestions of Satan, you will be led to act a part similar to that of the unfaithful spies. Instead of trusting in God to bring victory, instead of inspiring hearts with firm faith in the leadings of His Spirit, you will talk and act as did the spies. Can you afford to do this? No, no. Let your voice be heard echoing the words of faithful Caleb concerning the land of promise: “Let us go up at once and possess it.” [Numbers 13:30.] Caleb and Joshua “spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land which we passed through to search it is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land that floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us; their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us, fear them not.” [Numbers 14:7-9.] This is the spirit that dwelt in Caleb and Joshua.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 26)
When doubt and murmuring are expressed because of the trials in the way to the heavenly Canaan, let not the elders, the ministers and presidents, by their words of unsanctified sympathy, water the seeds of disaffection, and then present the matter in an exaggerated light, as if a terrible rebellion were about to take place, and suppose they are helping the cause of God in so doing. They strengthen the suggestions and temptations of the prince of darkness and open a wide door for the enemy to enter and take possession of the souls of the people, as he did under the false report of the unfaithful spies.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 27)
The false and cruel words of discouragement spoken by the unfaithful spies were received by the people, and excited them to desperation. They felt that they were greatly abused, and they mourned and lamented over themselves and manifested distrust of God, forgetting His mighty works in delivering them, and destroying their pursuing foes. Let not one in our ranks be so ungrateful, so forgetful of God, as to repeat the sin of murmuring, rebellious Israel.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 28)
God’s people are tempted and tried because they cannot see the spirit of self-sacrifice and consecration to God in all who manage important interests. Many act as though Jesus were buried in Joseph’s new tomb and a great stone were rolled before the door. I wish to proclaim with voice and pen, Jesus has risen, He has risen, He is a living Saviour, the Head of the church. He is the Good Shepherd. “The sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow.” [John 10:4, 5.] When things become entangled and cannot be easily adjusted, we are not to lose heart and courage and faith, and talk doubts and unbelief. Discouragement will spread and become as a deadly malady.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 29)
Again and again during the last forty years of our experience we have been brought into straight places, but the Lord’s own power, not human philosophy or wisdom, set things straight. The Lord made His voice to be heard, guarding against rebellion, the seeds of which are sown in hearts that are not right with God. It is the Lord that has saved us from rebellion and apostasy. We cannot fall as long as we hope and trust in God. Let every soul of us, ministers and people, say as did Paul, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” [1 Corinthians 9:26], but with a holy faith and hope, in expectation of winning the prize.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 30)
Say to your soul, “Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.] By precept and example encourage faith, confidence, assurance. This is the work of the Comforter, and it is your work to co-operate with God’s agencies. A discouraged man can do nothing to uplift others. A discouraged church can only sow doubts, complaints, and disaffection. Let all this be cleansed from us. Cease to look to the darkness; look to the light, rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 31)
Show that you trust in God to work with His mighty agencies for the upbuilding of His cause, the spread of the truth. Let every ear be sanctified to hear aright, let the tongue be sanctified to speak aright, and the heart have the treasure of goodness and love; for out of the heart are the issues of life. Look up, and if one tells you that things are all wrong, tell him the Lord Jesus knows all about it, and just close the heart against doubt and unbelief. Look up and say, My treasure is laid up on high.
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 32)
Through Christ we shall reach the end of our journey if we hold the profession of on faith firm unto the end. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.” [Hebrews 10:35, 36.] Do the work of God diligently and in faith. “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, 33)
Ms 4, 1890
Sermon/Sermon by Mrs. E. G. White NP March 8, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 593-598.
Yesterday morning, before I went into the ministers’ meeting, my soul was greatly distressed. I cannot tell you how hard the pressure was. It seemed to amount to an agony, and in the night season it was an agony. I did not know what to expect, or how long this thing was going to persevere.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 1)
I stood before our people, after I came from Minneapolis, in the church. I told them what God had presented to me. I stood before them in this room, when the committee was here. I told them that every one of them that laid that hardness into their hearts when they were at Minneapolis, and that pursued the course they did, never would see a ray of light till they confessed it. It has not had any influence on Brother Smith, but he stood just as strong to push back. I have had to stand all the time to push, and when I have felt that I could not do it, then the words have come, “I am back of you to push with you.”
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 2)
And the light that came to me night before last laid it all open again before me, just the influence that was at work, and just where it would lead. I want to tell you, brethren, whoever you are, I want to tell you that you are just going over the very same ground that they went over in the days of Christ. You have had their experience; but God deliver us from having the come-out of it as they had. But notwithstanding you have heard my testimony, notwithstanding it was the testimony of the Spirit of God, you have braced yourselves—a few of you, strong men of determined will—to carry it out on your line, to fight it out on your line. May God have mercy upon your souls, because you need it. You have stood right in the way of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 3)
The earth is to be lighted with His glory, and if you stand where you stand today, you might just as quickly say that the Spirit of God was the spirit of the devil. You have said it now in your actions, in your attitudes, that it is the spirit of the devil. You have said it thus, and you will say it when the crisis will come. And while praying here on my knees, I have had the evidence that there would be a break.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 4)
The Spirit of God has come upon me, the light of heaven has shown into my heart, and His comforting grace is upon me. My mind is just as clear as a sunbeam; I rejoice in God my Saviour today. I thank God that I have not been discouraged to death; I thank God that I have clung to the arm of infinite power to stand all but alone. The ones that ought to have stood with me, that God would have to stand with me to receive the blessings, have stood to hedge up my way in every step.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 5)
I want to tell you, brethren, there are debaters among us. I warned them in Minneapolis never to put a minister in a conference by the side of a debater. For the last twenty years the light has shone upon me in regard to debaters. They will turn light into darkness. That is just what Brother Larsen will do. He has an education, but unless the Holy Ghost shall come upon him, he will never go through with this cause to its close. What is the matter? I am afraid of Brother Larsen; I am afraid of Brother Larsen. I will not converse with you unless you are [with] other men. You will take my words, you will put a false interpretation upon them, and you will make them mean this or that, other than they shall.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 6)
And those that stand criticizing, let me tell you, you are walking in the sparks of your own kindling, and you are right down in darkness. It is the word of God. God presented the case before me. I told it to Brother Morrison when we were in Des Moines. Said I: “If you don’t come out as Elder Canright, it is because you will be a converted man; but every soul that is connected with you that you have educated and trained as a debater, you will wish that work was undone.” Brethren, we are not here for this work.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 7)
We are not here to study infidel authors, to open our minds to the suggestions of the devil. We are here to get ready for the judgment, and we are right on the borders of the eternal world. Here are many that are to go forth to their fields of labor to strengthen the things that are ready to die, or to be powers of darkness. Now what are you going to do in this matter?
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 8)
Now I beseech of you that are here today, that have cherished sins, whatever they may be, clear it out of the way. God help you to be converted. Oh, I see the smiles of Jesus today. I am so grateful. I know that God will help us if we will clear the King’s highway. I hoped, Brother Porter, when you were at Kansas, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon you, I hoped you might be in the light; but you are not in the light. Do not be surprised if I, when you are in the darkness, refuse to have an interview with any of you. I have told you over and over again.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 9)
Christ said: “Why do you not hear my words?” [John 8:43.] I would say, “Why do you not hear the words of Christ that are presented to you? Why will you have darkness?” They are so afraid to see that there is another ray of light. They will build up every conceivable barrier against it. You are working just as the Jews were. Do not hang on to Brother Smith. In the name of God, I tell you, he is not in the light. He has not been in the light since he was at Minneapolis. You have gathered together, you have built up yourselves, and you have tried in every way to resist the Spirit of God. May God have compassion on your souls.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 10)
Now, brethren, I beseech of you that have been seeking for light, that have not filled your souls with the passion of prejudices, I beseech of you right here to lose sight of every man; I beseech of you to seek God. Do not let them mystify you, don’t let them turn light into darkness. But I beseech of you to press to the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit you need, the conviction of sin; and may God let it rest upon you today. I thank Him for His light and for His Spirit. I thank Him for His grace, and I mean to hang my helpless soul upon Him. I stand nearly alone; but the God of Israel alone can work.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 11)
But if Jesus, when He was upon earth, with all His power and miracles could not break down that prejudice that was in the heart of the people, what can we do? Brethren, pray. Don’t argue, but pray before God, and let every soul hang himself upon God. Let us seek God now that we may find Him. Let the truth of God come into your hearts; open the door.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 12)
Now I tell you here before God, that the covenant question, as it has been presented, is the truth. It is the light. In clear lines it has been laid before me. And those that have been resisting the light, I ask you whether they have been working for God, or for the devil. It is the clear light of heaven, and it means much to us. It means to show us that you cannot depend upon your own smartness and your criticisms, but you must hang your helpless soul upon Jesus Christ, and upon Him alone.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 13)
God help you to see. God help you to understand. The angels of God will be round about us, if we will only cling to the right. Wherever Christ is, there are angels. Wherever Christ abides, there are angels to communicate the power and the grace and the glory. I honor my Lord and my Master. I want to carry the banner of truth to the very close of this message. And when the message shall triumph, I want to triumph with it. No more will my lips be sealed. I have been watching to see what course these men would take, how much light would come into their souls. I have been watching to see. I told Brother Dan Jones, I will not tell you my opinion; my faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 14)
Dig in the Bible. Sink the shaft of truth to find out what is truth. But I tell you today, while I have been keeping in silence, the Lord has been revealing, night after night, the position of individual cases before me. The converting power of God is needed in our midst. He will work through our ministers as He did in Bethlehem. He will shed His light and His glory upon us if we will only give Him a chance. But when you begin to talk with them they will make your words mean something else.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 15)
The Devil is at their side. He is just as much at their side as he was at the side of those men of Nazareth when Christ proclaimed that he was the anointed one. The power of God, the Holy Ghost, the great Convictor, said it was so, and they said right out it was so. But the Devil said, Think of this; why, His mother and His brethren are right here with us. Well, then, Satan followed up the track, and what next? They were ready to pitch Him over the precipice. It is not best to set the feet an inch in the powers of darkness. But God help us right here on this ground to surrender to Him. I have born testimony after testimony, but it has not had any weight. They have rejected everything but their own ideas. May God help you to not close your hearts and minds to this testimony. May God help you to accept and receive it as truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 4, 1890, 16)
Ms 5, 1890
Result of Studying Harmful Textbooks Battle Creek, Michigan 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 19MR 73-76.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” [Psalm 119:9.] Why then do the teachers in our colleges and schools depend upon books for the education of children and youth that are filled with falsehood and cheapness, with fairy tales and stories, and which fill the minds of the young with desires for the unreal? Why should not the lessons which children and youth learn be pure, elevating, and ennobling? Cannot books be written that are free from every species of error? Is there not talent enough among Seventh-day Adventists to write books containing the simple lessons of the Old and New Testaments?
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 1)
The study of Old Testament history is of great value to both children and youth, and the lessons contained in the New Testament were given by the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. Why then should we depend upon the productions of men who have not worked to the glory of God, whose minds have not discerned truth from error or light from darkness? Is there not enough in the great plan of redemption to engross every mind? A knowledge of this plan will not only educate and discipline the mind, but will attract and sharpen the intellect. Our lives should be full of Jesus, and we should now be preparing for a better and a clearer knowledge of Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 2)
Why do our people, in the instruction of their children, depend upon books which contain objectionable errors? When the children ask what these stories mean, which are so contrary to all they have been taught, the parents answer that they are not true, and yet they continue to place the books before their children. Thus error is brought into the education of the young. But no one seems to realize that the ideas presented in these books mislead children, and that the imaginary stories, novels, and fables which are dealt out to feed their minds, beget a taste and encourage an appetite for the unreal things of life.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 3)
When we have an abundance of that which is real and that which is divine, why do we not feed the minds of children with this kind of food? Books which contain a perversion of truth and which will mislead growing minds should never be placed before children or youth, and those with mature minds would be far better, far purer, stronger, and more noble if they had nothing to do with them.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 4)
I sought to get this matter before our people last Christmas, but other subjects demanded so much of my time and strength that I could not do the work I greatly desired to do. When the resolution was brought up, that nothing should be taught in the college during the coming year but that which had been taught heretofore, without being brought before the conference, I protested, for there had been many things presented to me which I could not at that time present before the conference, because they were not prepared for it. A decided reform is needed in the lessons given to the children and youth in our schools. In every department we must move upward, taking no low level.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 5)
You may say, Our Sabbath Schools give instruction in regard to truth. Yes; and then as the children go to day school, books are placed before them which confuse the mind, and lessons which are false are given them to learn. These things need close criticism; for if you educate the young from books which contain a perversion of truth, how will you be able to counteract the influence of this education? You are sowing seed, and must prepare for the harvest.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 6)
I do not urge that the reasons for every phase of our faith shall be brought into our school education, this the students can obtain in the Sabbath School and the church; but the lessons given in the Old and New Testaments should be carefully selected and arranged as to be interesting and attractive to the minds of children. That which Christ has taught it is certainly safe and advisable to bring into the education of our students. Children are not blind and deaf to the perversion of truth; their minds are easily impressed, and the impressions given should be of a right character.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 7)
We are not at liberty to teach that which will reach the world’s standard of the church because it is the custom to do so! We are safe only when following the lessons of Jesus Christ. That which was safe for Him to teach, is safe for our children to study. Eternal life is before us, and do we not want our children to win the precious boon? But all who win eternal life, old or young, must put aside their likes and dislikes, and with simplicity of heart and profound humility, they must search God’s Word. Those who are bold and domineering, and full of self-sufficiency will not search the Scriptures with an eye single to the glory of God; for they will seek to find something with which to vindicate their own ideas and sustain their own theories. There is a great deal of insubordination in the heart that is not fully sanctified.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 8)
It is all-important that we each have an eye single to discern and understand from the heart the high things of God, for even that which we have before considered to be light may be found to be sparks of our own kindling. Man cannot possibly interpret the Scriptures correctly by his own light, and measure them by his own narrow comprehension. “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” [1 Corinthians 3:18.] When, through the grace of Christ, man has crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, then and then only can he become a partaker of the divine nature. But many act as though they were above the Lord Jesus Christ. He was pure, and undefiled, wholly obedient to His Father’s commandments, and His true followers must be as He was.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 9)
These are the lessons which children should learn in school. If the inward life is perfect, a noble experience will be seen; and we shall see beyond the present narrow compass of time and sense. Is the world becoming more dead to the teachers in our day schools and Sabbath schools? Are they seeking those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God? The religion of Jesus Christ is from above, and can have nothing in common with the show and illusion of the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 5, 1890, 10)
Ms 6, 1890
Counsel to Workers in Publishing Houses Brooklyn, New York November 25, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in PC 385-389.
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and forever. Amen. Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” [Revelation 1:4-8.] ... After this is given a message revealing future events, for John is commanded to write, “the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Verse 19.]
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 1)
Matters of deep importance were opened before John which were to be given to the world to be read, understood, and appreciated, in the ages to come. Again and again the true witness says, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7.] But it is evident from what is written that some who have ears to hear will not hear, will not receive the message, and will not become wise in the Scriptures.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 2)
The Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, gave a message to John in regard to the work of the churches, for He understood how great would be the danger of neglecting their God-given work, and thus make a failure of diffusing light to others. The invitation of the gospel was to extend from Christ to the church and from the church to the world. “And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst say, Come; and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] The work of diffusing the gospel is neglected by those who are specified as hearing. But when the professed people of God hear the message to some purpose, when they take on the burden of the work and say to others, “Come,” then they will become laborers together with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 3)
During the night I have been in communion with God. I have been brought by my guide into councils in Battle Creek, and I have a message to bear to you whether you will hear or not, whether you will receive it or reject it. The people must know that they are not moving in the order of God, they have left Christ out of their councils. Leading men are giving a mold to the work that will result in a loss of many souls; for they are moving away from the safe path.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 4)
Many come here from foreign countries thinking that Battle Creek, from whence come the publications of truth, will be next to heaven. How disappointed they feel when they hear in this place the message of God spoken of lightly, when they hear the messengers of God, by some in responsible places, made a subject of ridicule. And why is this? It is because the message of the messengers does not coincide in every particular with the ideas of those whom the Lord names of His scorners, although it is a message sent from heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 5)
Where the truth is rejected, it opens up a way where false waymarks will be set up, and perils will rise on all sides. Through neglect of seeking the earnest counsel of God, men will be connected with the office who will form themselves into a ring, to echo the sentiments of him whom they consider most influential and who pleases their human ideas. My guide spoke slowly and solemnly, “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear all ye far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us.” [Isaiah 8:9, 10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 6)
Men may be selected by the conference to connect with the office of publication, but unless these men look to God, and with a transformation of character; unless they realize that eternal vigilance is the price of safety, unless they seek counsel of God in large and small matters concerning things connected with the sacred work of God, unless they are emptied of vanity and self, they will be turned from the safe path and will turn others from the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 7)
Unless these associated together are converted men, and they walk in, see, realize, the sacredness of the work of God for these last times, they will surely imperil the work of God, and discouragement will come upon the people. It is not enough that they assent to the truth. The question is, “Are they sanctified through the truth? Has the truth been brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul?” The past, present, and future, was plainly revealed to me.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 8)
When Brother Chadwick was connected with the office at first, he needed a decided change in his character; he needed the gentleness of Christ. His connection has not been to his advantage, or to the benefit of those with whom he was connected; but the atmosphere he has breathed, the words, the precepts, and the example of strong minds and firm wills set in a wrong way, brought to the front objectionable traits of his character. He has become sick at heart and desperate in impulse when opposed, and he is a man with another spirit. Saul became another man, because the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him, and he had another heart given him. But in the case of Brother Chadwick, the change is of a different character and from a different source.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 9)
I have no words to speak, individually, to the men from whom this influence has come; my words must be spoken to them as a whole. It is not to be left to them to repeat my words as they have done, interpret them as they please, and thus transmit them to others. I wish to present the matter to them from my own lips as God has presented it to me.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 10)
How long shall blindness be upon men who have evidence piled on evidence that the testimonies are indicted by the Spirit of God to His people? How long shall men in positions of trust fail to discern how and where God is working? Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not; understanding have they, but they understand not the things of God. Reproofs should not harden you, for, “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty; for he maketh sore, and he bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands maketh whole.” [Job 5:17, 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 11)
Many of the old, experienced hands have fallen in death. Those who led out in the work of God, and who could tell how it came into existence, have passed away from the scene of action. In every branch of the work, men have been departing from the principles laid down by the Lord Jehovah to control the working of the cause. Inexperienced hands and unsanctified minds have been placing their mold upon the work, and self has been woven into it in every branch.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 12)
Before the destruction of the old world, there were talented men, men who possessed skill and knowledge; but they became lifted up in their own imaginations, just as men are doing today, and because they left God out of their plans and councils, they became wise to do that which God had never told them to do, wise to do evil. Their wisdom would have worked destruction to those who should be born who should come in contact with them, and the Lord took the matter in hand and cut them off from the earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 13)
After sending them warnings for a hundred and twenty years, God’s mercy and forbearance was exhausted, and then the day of probation was ended. The probation given them in mercy they devoted to ridiculing Noah, whom God had sent with a message. They caricatured and criticized him, just as some who thought themselves wise have done; they have laughed at the messengers just as they did in Noah’s day for his peculiar earnestness, and for his intense feelings in regard to the judgments that were sure to come.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 14)
Noah warned them that God would fulfil His word; but they reasoned among themselves, they talked of science and of the laws controlling nature; and they laughed Noah to scorn, calling him a crazy fanatic. Men who believe themselves to be wise in our days will do good to their own souls, and to the souls for whom Christ died, if they recognize that there is a wisdom, an unsanctified wisdom, that comes from beneath, which has been in the world ever since the fall.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 15)
I have been shown that there is a great want of personal piety among the workers in the office, nearly every one of them, and that their unsanctified wisdom is the result of a lack of connection with God. They take very little time to seek God’s counsel with humble contrition of soul, with earnest searching of heart; self-sufficient, they walk in the sparks of their own kindling. The spiritual atmosphere which surrounds their soul does not make manifest that they have constant reliance upon God.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 16)
The most sacred truths are fast losing their preciousness and sanctity to them, because they do not have a full connection with God and receive the things that be of God. Unless the converting power of God shall be felt upon the hearts and characters of men in positions of trust, they will not, cannot be one with Christ, keeping the way of the Lord; but like the Pharisees in the days of Christ, they will teach the doctrines and commandments of men, and the Lord will have no more use for them. They cannot be laborers together with God while they keep the spirit that has actuated them in the past. They have felt but little respect for those who have stood under the direction of God in seeking counsel from Him who is mighty in wisdom in founding and building up His great work in the earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 17)
The consecration, the vital piety, the humility which God requires, does not exist among them. Self is exalted, and Jesus is not glorified. Jesus, the blessed and only Potentate between God and man, is not working with them. Satan’s insinuations are credited, and plain commands of God in regard to mercy and tender compassion are ignored. Those who are handling sacred truths in the publishing work, or in any branch of the cause of God, are invited of God to put forth their highest mental and moral energies, to study continually in their business line, not the will of men, but the will of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 18)
The office is fast losing its peculiar character the Lord directed in its establishment, and it is never to take a worldly mold. Those who are welded together to sustain each other, determined to carry out certain plans without the counsel of the church or of the people, may succeed for a time, but not long, for God will not permit it. There is too much self, too much confidence in what men can do, too little confidence and dependence upon God, the divine Ruler.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 19)
Men handling sacred things are not to speak lightly, but with trembling, of the work of God. God’s grace must be manifested in all the work, of whatever kind it may be. The proud heart must be humbled every day before God, lest He shall humble it. Success of the right kind will attend your efforts in proportion to your consecration, self-denial, and self-sacrifice.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 20)
I was instructed that the Lord’s will was not fulfilled when the leaders in the office were willing to take such large wages; but how quickly was the bribe taken, how quickly selfishness was manifested. This is greatly at variance with the principles upon which the publishing house was established; and it is not in harmony with the Spirit and work of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 21)
There have been serious mistakes made in exalting business above the service and worship of God. Here is where thousands have made shipwreck of faith, and made the greatest possible mistake. The Lord says we are to be “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] The Lord has left a wide door open for those who would go into His work, but energy must be mingled with another element, with living zeal in the service of God. We must be not only diligent in business, but “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 22)
Devotion and piety and godliness must be interwoven into every transaction. Without this in your business, you will commit robbery toward God, while professing to serve Him. We see family and home religion neglected, altars broken down, first love abandoned, and the religion of Christ expelled from the soul, to give place to engaging in speculation and business enterprises, and these things are constantly multiplying. Men are leaving God and heaven out of their calculations, and time spent in searching the heart is considered wasted. The Bible is neglected, and a multitude of cares overbalance the precious truth of God in the heart, and spiritual eyesight is put out. How much men need the heavenly anointing!
(6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, 23)
Ms 6a, 1890
Managers of the Health Inst./Crystal Springs Refiled as Lt 6a, 1890.
Ms 7, 1890
Sermon/Cherish the Heavenly Light [Battle Creek, Michigan] February 5, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in 7BC 937.
Remarks of Mrs. E. G. White at the Bible School, February 5, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 1)
We have the exhortation, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” [James 4:8.] Well, now we are to consider what “nigh” is. You want to be very nigh to God. You do not want to be standing a great way off. You will not know nor understand the voice of God; and if you hear the voice of God you can not feel the influence that comes from God. Every one that comes into the presence of Christ more closely takes in the influence of His Spirit and breathes the atmosphere which comes from Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 2)
As we are engaged in the solemn, serious work of investigating the Scriptures, we want to be sure, brethren, that we are in that humble position, that meekness, that teachable spirit, that the Lord can impress our hearts, that the Lord can draw us. He is drawing us. We never draw nigh to Him, but that He draws us first. It seems so difficult for us to believe that our heavenly Father means us well. It is a most astonishing thing that our sensibilities, in some way, have become so perverted that we misapply His designs toward us and His purposes, that we do not now understand that God is seeking to take our hand and to lead us step by step, onward and upward that we may be fitted to join that family in the kingdom of God that is without spot, that have been washed, that have been cleansed, that have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 3)
Now, we want to be just in that position, that we shall consider all that are here, that we hope to meet them there, that we hope to meet them face to face there; and if we have this hope that we shall see them face to face there, shall we not have love inspired in our hearts, and a tenderness toward these individuals that are here? Shall we not consider them every one of them, the purchase of an infinite price—the blood of Jesus Christ? And if Christ values us so highly, then we should value, in a certain sense, ourselves in this light: that all the powers that God has given us belong to Him. And we should value every one of the precious privileges that He has given us, that we may reach out and gather the principles that He has placed right in our reach, that we may follow on to know the Lord, that we may know His goings forth are prepared as the morning.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 4)
Now, the Lord wants every one of us that are here to obtain a deeper and a richer experience in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We have precious opportunities to grow—grow in grace, grow in the knowledge of our Lord and our Saviour. Grow—how? Not earthly. Grow heavenward, grow upward, into Jesus Christ, our living Head. How shall we reach the full stature of the measure of Jesus Christ, our living Head? Well, now, we cannot grow too much. We cannot gather any too many of the precious rays of light that is flashed upon our pathway.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 5)
The Lord wants that every one of us should have sanctified ears, that we should have a sanctified understanding, that Jesus Christ may move upon our minds, that it may affect our hearts and our characters so that we shall be just what He wants us to be. And what is that? Representatives of Jesus Christ in the world. What is that? What it is to be a light amid the moral darkness that prevails? It is to be a light wherever we are. A light—not to have a light and chaffy spirit—that is not the kind, because that is from beneath. But we want solidity of character. More than that, we want to know what faith is. We want to know what it is to love one another. And if we draw nigh to God, individually, then don’t you see what the result will be? Can’t you see that we will draw nigh to one another? We cannot draw nigh to God and come to the same cross without our hearts being blended together in perfect unity, answering the prayer of Christ “that they may be one,” as He is one with the Father. [John 17:11.] And therefore we should seek in spirit, in understanding, in faith, that we may be one, that God may be glorified in us as He is glorified in the Son; and that God shall love us as He loves the Son. Do you think God will love us if He sees us here right in the very last close of this earth’s history, that we are quibbling and trifling and spreading ourselves apart as far as we can, for fear that we shall have an understanding with some of our brethren? Do you suppose that that honors God? I tell you, Nay. God desires and designs that His children shall be one as Christ is one with the Father.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 6)
Now, supposing that this oneness exists, why He says that all men shall know that ye are My disciples, because that ye have love one for another. [John 13:35.] And these are the divine credentials that as a people we should bear to the world. And if we bear these credentials to the world, it is Christ speaking through us; it is Christ working through us; and in the very atmosphere that surrounds us we are not only gathering light, but diffusing it.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 7)
We are constantly flashing new rays of light amid the churches. While the churches have been presented before me, they are so destitute of faith that they are ready to die. God says, I have something against thee, because that we have not strengthened those that were ready to die. [Revelation 3:1, 2.] And when you shall go from this place, and when you shall go to your churches, know that your taper is kindled, not from the brains of any man living, but from the divine altar, and that you can flash the light of heaven upon the pathway of those that have been working with knees trembling, with feeble grasp, that could hardly hold the prophecies; but strengthen the things that are ready to die. Let the testimony ring forth in every church in our land; say what the Lord has done for me. If there are any here who were at South Lancaster last year, you know that it swept in the whole of the school and the church, and such living testimonies were not exceeded by those that were given in 1844 before our disappointment. Yes, they were testimonies that were meat and drink, because they strengthened those that were ready to die. They had been, as they claimed, converted for years; but the testimony was: I never knew Jesus; I never knew the Father; I never knew what it was to walk with God until the experience that I have obtained at this meeting. Now, we heard that everywhere we went.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 8)
We want to say to you that God has the richest blessings to impart unto every individual among us. Brethren, you can not go to heaven on a casual faith. You cannot go to heaven believing, Yes, yes, Christ has died for me; Oh, I believe in Jesus. Is He your Saviour? Is He your Saviour today? Do you know that He saves you? That you can plant your feet upon that which will never loosen from beneath them? That you can plant your feet upon the living and eternal promises of God and the great I AM? And, brethren, there is light for us, light for us, light for the people of God; light shining amid darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; because they fasten themselves where they will not have faith. Oh I implore you today to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. Don’t follow any man; but follow the light of life—follow Jesus Christ. There is light flashing from the throne of God. What is it for? Why, it is to prepare us for the perils of the last days; it is to fit up a people to stand in the day of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 9)
And you that have devoted hours to the preparation of garments, and to the decoration of things in your home, how is it with your soul, I ask you? Have you the heavenly adornment? Is Christ in you formed within the hope of glory? Why, brethren, don’t you understand that we must have a clear-cut testimony now? We cannot take up with anything superficial; we cannot listen to the words, O, be cautious, be cautious; don’t be in a hurry, you are altogether too much in earnest; why, now, don’t you know there are errors, and there are falsehoods coming in? We know it, brethren; that is why we want the light, every jot of it, flashed upon our people, that they may stand amid the perils of the last days. We have no time to serve selfish interests. I tell you the Lord is coming; and you must lift up your voice like a trumpet; cry aloud; spare not; proclaim to the house of Israel and to the house of Jacob their sins. They do not like it; they are uneasy under it; and they itching where they shall not have the words of condemnation spoken to them. Oh my soul, we need it! We need it! We need the soul temple to be cleansed. I want to get ready.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 10)
At two o’clock this morning I was awake, pleading with God, What shall we do? How can we arouse the people? How can we stop the tide of unbelief that will flow in upon them, do the very best we can. There seemed to be a voice that came to me saying, Go forward and upward; I am with thee; I will be by thy side; I will impress hearts; I will sweep back the moral darkness that would gather over honest souls. Brethren, it is time that the trumpet had a certain sound. We want no uncertainty here. The Lord is coming; and we want to get ready. I want to be ready every moment; I want the oil, I want the oil of grace; I want the robe of Christ’s righteousness. I cannot do without it. I want to get ready, brethren; I want to humble my soul before God. Let us every one come low at the foot of the cross, and then He will put a word in our mouth, even praise to our God. And He wants to see it. How He wants us to catch the music of the heavenly angels; and He wants us to learn the song of thanksgiving and of praise and of adoration to our God. How He wants us to get out of ourselves. How He wants us to touch our lips with a live coal from off His altar. How He wants us to sanctify our tongue! How He wants us to sanctify our entire being! And how He wants to do for us those things that Christ commanded to do and to open for His disciples; but He said, “Ye cannot bear them now.” [John 16:12.] Supposing that they could have borne them; how much better they could have borne the terrible trial that was upon them in Christ’s crucifixion and burial. But they could not bear it. They could not bear the words.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 11)
Brethren, shall we open the understanding of our minds? Shall we cleanse the soul temple? Shall we consecrate ourselves to God? What is the matter with us that we do not make the surrender? We make half work of it; we do not get our necks under the yoke, and submit to the yoke, and lift the yoke, and carry the burdens. Now, we want to do it. God help us, we will do it. And, brethren, remember, we are all the time praying for this meeting. We do not take a step.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 12)
When we are writing upon the life of Christ and [see] how hard it was for the people to believe and to receive Him, notwithstanding He was the Majesty of heaven, [when we see how] unbelief had taken so firmly hold of their minds that they could not comprehend Him, then my heart ascends to God, Oh Lord, let this people see the light, and may not prejudice and unbelief come into their hearts that they will close the door that Christ can not come in. And every sentence that I write, that seems to present before me our condition as a people, there is a prayer that, as my pen addresses the lines, darts up to heaven, O God, forbid this should be the condition of thy people! O God, increase their faith; give them light—and the peace of God comes to my heart. We have met unbelief in the experienced ones. That is what hurts my soul; that is what hurts me; and that is what hurts the Spirit of the Lord. Those that ought to know, those that ought to lead the people forward and upward, they do not know how. God, open their understanding.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 13)
Brethren, we are upon the very borders of the eternal world, and God wants us to have in our testimony that which will reach the hearts of the people.
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 14)
We must have a testimony that all heaven is in harmony with. And the testimony that heaven is bearing to the earth is, Get ready, get ready; press together, get ready, for the Lord is at the door. Get ready, brethren. God help us to do the work. If you will only do your part—consecrate your soul, bow to the cross of Calvary, try to draw nigh to God. He is drawing nigh to you. Believe Him; He loves you. He does not want to draw you unto Him that He may bruise you, but that He may comfort you, that He may pour into your heart the oil of gladness, the oil of rejoicing; that He may heal the wounds and bruises that Satan has made. Will we take hold unitedly? Will we break all to pieces? Will we fall on the Rock and be broken? Will we fall hard? Then Jesus will gather His arms about us, and He will bind Himself up with us. Will we do it?
(6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, 15)
Ms 8, 1890
Sister White’s Testimony Through the Review NP 1890 Extracts from The Review and Herald.
“Some have asked me if I thought there was any more light for the people of God. Our minds have become so narrow that we do not seem to understand that the Lord has a mighty work for us to do. Increasing light is to shine upon us; for ‘the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.’ [Proverbs 4:18.]”—Review, June 18, 1889.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 1)
“The question has been asked me, ‘Do you think that the Lord has any more light for us as a people?’ I answer that He has light that is new to us, and yet it is precious old light that is to shine forth from the Word of truth. We have only the glimmerings of the rays of the light that is to come to us.”—Review, June 3, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 2)
“The churches are lukewarm. They have listened to doctrinal discourses, but they have not been instructed concerning the simple art of believing.”—Review, August 13, 1889.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 3)
“The present message—justification by faith—is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness.”—Review, September 3, 1889.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 4)
“If our brethren were all laborers together with God, they would not doubt but that the message He has sent us during these last two years is from heaven. Suppose that you blot out the testimony that has been coming during these past two years proclaiming the righteousness of Christ, who can you point to as bringing out special light for the people? This message as it has been presented should go to every church that claims to believe the truth, and bring our people up to a higher standpoint.”—Review, March 18, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 5)
“Some of our brethren have expressed fears that we shall dwell too much upon the subject of justification by faith, but I hope and pray that none will be needlessly alarmed; for there is no danger in presenting this doctrine as it is set forth in the Scriptures. If there had not been a remissness in the past to properly instruct the people of God, there would not now be a necessity of calling especial attention to it. Some of our brethren are not receiving the message from God upon this subject. They appear to be anxious that none of our ministers shall depart from their former manner of teaching the good old doctrines. We inquire, Is it not time that fresh light should come to the people of God, to awaken them to greater earnestness and zeal? Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, ‘It is the third angel’s message in verity.’”—Review, April 1, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 6)
“Those whom God has sent with a message are only men, but what is the character of the message they bear? Will you dare to turn from, or make light of, the warnings, because God did not consult you as to what would be preferred? God calls men who will speak, who will cry aloud and spare not. God has raised up His messengers to do His work for this time. Some have turned from the message of the righteousness of Christ to criticize the men and their imperfections because they do not speak the message of truth with all the grace and polish desirable. They have too much zeal, are too much in earnest, speak with too much positiveness, and the message that would bring healing and life and comfort to many weary, oppressed souls, is, in a measure, excluded.”—Review, May 27, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 7)
“It has been necessary to exalt the great standard of righteousness, but in doing this, many have neglected to preach the faith of Jesus.”—Review, Sept. 3, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 8)
“The doctrine of justification has been lost sight of by many who have professed to believe the third angel’s message. God has raised up men to meet the necessity of this time who will cry aloud, who will lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Their work is not only to proclaim the law, but to preach the truth for this time—the Lord our Righteousness.”—Review, August 13, 1889.
(6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, 9)
Ms 9, 1890
Sermon/Remarks of Mrs. E. G. White at the Bible School [Battle Creek, Michigan] February 3, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1SAT 120-128.
My brethren, I am laboring most earnestly day and night. My mind is traveling. Things are constantly being revived to my mind that have been revealed in times past all the way along. I feel such a burden pressing and urging upon me that I cannot keep my tongue silent. Now we have talked it, and we have urged it, and we have set it before you, and begged and pleaded and prayed and wrestled with all the strength of our being, until we have felt afterward as though, after the occasion was over, the whole being was so feeble that my breath might stop and my life end at any time. But still on another occasion I am urged in behalf of the people. Now, why can’t you do some of this? Every time our people assemble, they come, and they hear, and they go away as they came. They may have a little light; but they do not act it; they do not take their position on the Lord’s side. You do not see that they have opened up the avenues of the heart where the Spirit of God can, with its illuminating power, come right into the heart and soul; so that they will respond. If God is working upon me in this direction, why is not there a more decided response with our brethren, and they take hold of the work too? Is it so that the burden may press upon me constantly, and yet my brethren and sisters sit as though it must always be so, and as though they have no special work to do in this matter? Now, brethren, we want to know whether we will take hold of that which is our privilege to lay hold of in Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 1)
I know there have been efforts—a contrary influence—to throw back the light—the light which God has been forcing in here upon us in regard to the righteousness of Christ; but if God has ever spoken by me, it is the truth, brethren. It is the truth that every soul of you will receive, or your soul will be left in darkness as barren as the hills of Gilboa—without dew or rain.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 2)
The question will come up, How is it? Is it by conditions that we receive salvation? Never by conditions that we come to Christ. And if we come to Christ, then what is the condition? The condition is that by living faith we lay hold wholly and entirely upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. When we do that, then we work the works of righteousness. But when God is calling the sinner in our world and inviting him, there is no condition there, he [is] drawn by the invitation of Christ, and it is not, “Now, you have got to respond in order to come to God.”
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 3)
The sinner comes, and as he comes and views Christ elevated upon that cross of Calvary, which God impresses upon his mind, there is a love beyond anything that is imagined that he has taken hold of. And what then? As he beholds that love, why he says that he is a sinner. Well, then, what is sin? Why, at once he has to come here to find out. There is no definition given in our world but that transgression is the transgression of the law, and therefore he finds out what sin is. And there is repentance toward God, and what then? Why, faith toward our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that can speak pardon to the transgressor.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 4)
Christ is drawing every one that is not past the boundary. He is drawing him to Him today; no matter how great that sinner is, He is drawing him. And if the sinner can get his arm fixed upon the cross of Calvary, then there is no conviction of sin? What is he there for? Because the law has been transgressed, and he begins to see that he is a sinner, and Christ died because the law was transgressed. And then he begins to look to the righteousness of Christ as the only thing that can cleanse the sinner from his sins and from his transgressions.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 5)
Now, we want to have an intelligent knowledge of this thing. Then we want to take hold of the righteousness of Jesus Christ by living faith and know that we have not any. We may work to the very best of our ability, and we cannot make a single virtue in ourselves; it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ alone that can do it. Then, as we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ we have a power and a strength that is imparted unto us, and we will not want to sin; we cannot do it with the righteousness of Christ, and with ourselves in a position where we shall have Christ working with us and by us. We may make mistakes, we may make errors, but we shall hate these sins—the sins that caused the suffering of the Son of God in our behalf because we were transgressors of the law of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 6)
Now, I want to say, brethren, there is a door open, and no man can close it to you—no matter if it is those in the highest position or the lowest position, they cannot close it, but you can. You can close the door of your heart, that the light which God has sent you for the last year and a half—or nearly that, that it shall not have its influence and its effect upon your life, nor be brought into your religious experience; and this is what God sends His messengers.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 7)
As John went forth to proclaim his message, God gave him a work to do. He had to do that work and arouse the attention of the people. He had to cry aloud, lift up his voice like a trumpet in the wilderness. Just as spoken in Isaiah: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] Well now, Christ had not come, yet, upon the stage of action as a minister. But after the ministry of Christ commenced here, was John to prepare the way for the ministry of Christ, that the minds of the people might be agitated, that their hard hearts, and principles, and customs, and practices might be all stirred up; and he condemned their course, and condemned their practices, calling them a generation of vipers.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 8)
Then Christ comes in with a healing balm, and He comes with a message which, with the heart broken up the seed can fall into prepared soil. And when the disciples [became] jealous of [Christ], they said, This man, Christ, is baptizing, and all men go unto Him. They bring it in to stir up jealousy. John tells them there cometh One after me who is preferred before me, whose shoes’ latchet I am not worthy to unloose. [John 1:27.] Here was the very work to be done. Well, now, do you think that John had not human feelings? Of course he had! But those human feelings should not have a power over him on that occasion. No, when he sees Christ in the crowd, why he says, “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” [Verse 29.] He directed the people right to Christ and two of the disciples immediately followed Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 9)
God has workmen. They carry the work so far, and they can carry it no further. God does not want that they should carry that work any further, because it is just as natural for the mold of man to be placed upon man as it is to breathe. Now, God calls upon another workman to come right in and advance the work. The one that was working becomes circumscribed; he cannot see that the very line of work that he is working in is not to be pursued to the very close of time, when it is not. There has got to be more light and power infused into the work that they have not had.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 10)
There is a workman to come and carry that work upward and forward, that breaks up the old mold that would be an injury to them, and which would have crippled their experience and advance. But this mold has got to be taken off. The mold of man, the peculiarities of man, are stamped upon it, and it comes to be deified by all those that receive of his labor. Now there comes in another element that takes the old mold off. This work is to be carried upward and forward, and the building is to go up. And thus God has worked with His workman; He buried the workmen, but the work progresses still.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 11)
When I sat with the hand of my dying husband in my own, I knew that God was at work; for while I sat right there on the bed by his side, he in such feveredness, it was there, like a clear chain of light was presented before me: The workmen are buried, but the work shall go on; I have workmen that shall take hold of this work; fear not, be not discouraged, it shall go forward.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 12)
It was there I understood that I was to take the work and a burden stronger than I had ever borne before. It was there that I promised the Lord that I would stand to my post of duty, and I have tried to do it. I do, as far as possible, the work that God has given me to do, with the understanding that God was to bring an element into this work that we have not had yet.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 13)
Our young men look at the older men that stand still as a stick and will not move to accept any new light that is brought in. They will laugh and ridicule what these men say and what they do as of no consequence. Who carries the burden of that laugh, and of that contempt? I ask you? Who carries it? It is the very ones that have interposed themselves between the light that God has given, that it shall not go to the people who should have it. I know what I am talking about. These things have not been revealed to me for the last forty years, and I in ignorance in regard to them.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 14)
Now, brethren, I say, Clear the King’s highway, for your soul’s sake. And if you have interposed between the people and the light, get out of the way, or God will move you out of the way. I tell you that God calls for men to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. They are not to pull back, they are not to put their weight against the chariot so as to pull it back, but they are to push with all the might and energy that God has given them.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 15)
Now it is just exactly as in the days of the Jews; when there was a message came in, why all the power of the leaders was put against it, that it should not have access to the people. Now, brethren, go to God for yourselves, and on your knees plead with God. We cannot bear that men should go away from the very center and heart of the work here, with wrong impressions. I cannot bear that they should go away from here with a cloud on their minds. If God sends us light, let it come to us, and let no man close the door, or try to close it. Don’t close it yourselves; open the door of your heart and let the brilliant rays of light shine into your heart and into your mind. Let, I pray you, the Sun of Righteousness in.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 16)
Now, if it is my work, and if God wants me to stand and oppose this matter to the end, I can. But how long before you decide you will receive my testimony? How long before it shall have any weight with you? How long before you will accept the word that has been among us from its very commencement? How long will you reject or turn from the testimony to your own feelings and your own ideas and your own impulses? I have stood here and fought every inch of ground, that we may have the very message that this people has had, that I might work together with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 17)
I want to know how God will let His people deny and hedge up the way, that the light that He has sent to His people cannot reach them. How long is this thing to be tampered with? How long is the grace of God to come to this people in vain? I plead with you for Christ’s sake to clear the King’s highway, and trifle not with the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 18)
We have traveled all through to the different places of the meetings that I might stand side by side with the messengers of God that I knew were His messengers, that I knew had a message for His people. I gave my message with them right in harmony with the very message they were bearing. What did we see? We saw a power attending the message. In every instance we worked—and some know how hard we worked—I think it was a whole week, going early and late, at Chicago, in order that we might get these ideas into the minds of the brethren.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 19)
The devil has been working for a year to obliterate these ideas—the whole of them. And it takes hard work to change their old opinions; they think they [have] got to trust in their own righteousness and in their own works, and keep looking to themselves, and not appropriating the righteousness of Christ and bringing it into their life and into their character. And we worked there for one week. It was after one week had passed away before there was a break, and the power of God, like a tidal wave, rolled over that congregation. I tell you, it was to set men free. It was to point them to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 20)
And there at South Lancaster, the mighty movings of the Spirit of God were there. Some are here that were in that meeting. God revealed His glory and every student in the college was brought to the door there in confession and the movings of the Spirit of God were there. And thus [it was] from place to place. Everywhere we went we saw the movings of the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 21)
Do you think, like the ten lepers, I shall keep silent? That I shall not raise my voice to sing the righteousness of God and praise Him and glorify Him? I try to present it to you, that you may see the evidence that I saw. But it seems that the words go as into empty air, and how long is it to be thus? How long will the people at the heart of the work hold themselves against God? How long will men here sustain them in doing this work? Get out of the way, brethren. Take your hand off the ark of God, and let the Spirit of God come in and work in mighty power. I feel to stand at my post of duty. I may fall here as my husband fell, but I need to do a work for God. I need to do a work for eternity.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 22)
What is the testimony that has been given here? Who are the men to come in and give you anything, infusing new light, and bringing you up to the higher standpoint? If you can show them to me, if you can show me that the work is advancing, we say amen; but we cannot see it. We want to see that God puts His impress upon the work. We want to see men that bear heavenly credentials, that shall carry this work in the very last days to its completion.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 23)
God will give every man here a chance if they will accept it. But if they do not choose to accept it, He takes every man in his place, and they come right in and carry forward the work, and they can tell, as John did, The things which we have seen, the things which we have heard, and which our hands have handled of the Word of Life, these things we tell unto you, we show unto you.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 24)
Why, every one of these that have a place, they have power, and God wants them to live among us; but God forbid that they should close the door that no other but they shall be heard. Now, brethren, I entreat of you for Christ’s sake, let us get to reason, and let the Spirit of God have influence upon your hearts. I feel an intense interest for every soul here. Why? Because I look to Calvary and I see the value of the price that has been paid for the soul, and therefore I do not want that [any] soul should close the door of his heart from God. I entreat of you, brethren and sisters, that you should come near to God, that you should take hold of His power, and that you should not deprive yourselves of the very blessing that God wants you to have.
(6LtMs, Ms 9, 1890, 25)
Ms 10, 1890
Sermon/Who Will Accept the Light From Heaven? [Battle Creek, Michigan] February 6, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1SAT 129-138.
Remarks of Mrs. E. G. White at the Bible School, February 6, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 1)
He has some very precious words I want to read to you: “Neither pray I for these alone (that is the disciples immediately around him), but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” [John 17:20.] That is us. That means us, Brethren. “That they may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” [Verse 21.] The unity and the harmony! Now, I have thought of a good many that ought to be here that are not here.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 2)
Where are Leon Smith, and Brother Ballenger, and Bro. Smith? Can’t they spend an hour? Will they draw off for fear that they shall be [won]? Why not gather these men in here? And if they do not know what they are opposing at all, they will not understand. Now, brethren, where is your burden? Is it that you should get those that do not understand these things and are all the time firing in the dark against them? We know they will not come to hear, and where the Lord can impress their hearts and their minds. Can’t you see that is not the way for man to work?
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 3)
Now, brethren, let us look at these matters in the right light. If we have precious things, we want they should have it, we want they should understand where the Spirit of God is. But if they keep on the outer skirts of the camp all the time, they do not know the impressions that the Lord is making upon His people. We want them to come right in with us, that we may [have] a unity in faith and in purpose, and we may understand where the Spirit of God is working. And there are a great many others that ought to be here.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 4)
Now, here is the Word: “That they may believe that thou hast sent me; and the glory which thou gavest me I have given them.” [Verses 21, 22.] That is what we are waiting for here. We want some of that glory, and it is our privilege to have it. There is darkness enough in the world, and we want the light of the glory of God to lighten our pathway and to lighten the pathway of others. We want some of that glory, that you may go forth to your labors with that glory shining upon your countenances, expressed in your words and in your testimonies, that it will make an impression on minds wherever you go.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 5)
“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one.” [Verse 22.] Who is it that is burdened that they may get into unity? Who are they? Where are they? God help us that we may understand what spirit actuates and moves us. “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.” [Verse 23.] Now their profit is not in seeing just how far they can keep off, and keep another mind and their own ideas, and cherish their own ideas, and water their own ideas. No, but it is that they may be made perfect in one, and they want to be made in one, and they are trying to be one, and they are trying to get where they may be in unity.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 6)
“That the world may know that thou hast sent me.” Those are the credentials they bear to the world. “And hast loved”—now, mark this; O, it is such a power with me. It has such a power for my heart; it melts and dissolves my very being as I read this. “And hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [Verse 23.] Why, brethren, can we comprehend this? Can we take hold of it? Can we measure it? “Hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” Why, that ought to bring every soul of us in gladness and joy and thankfulness and gratitude the whole time to God, that the preparation has been made that this shall be done, that God loves us as His Son. Why? Because we are united in Christ as He is united with the Father. There is a oneness with those that are partakers of the Spirit of Christ. You may bring the horse to the water, but you never can make him drink, he has got to drink of himself. Just so it is with us; we may have a house around us, and the words of life may be presented in all their beauty and in all their clearness, and it is like the bright shining of the candle. But unless they will kindle their tapers from it, unless they are willing to get some light, they won’t have any, no, indeed. Now, that is the most precious to me.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 7)
And He says, “Father I will that they also that thou lovest, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [Verse 24.] Why, in His kingdom they will be right around Him, right about Him. Oh, what a thought! It makes me willing—even if I die at my post—it makes me willing to make an entire sacrifice for the truth’s sake. Oh, if I can be with Him where He is! He is my love, my crown of rejoicing. He is my hope and comfort.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 8)
Now what? “That they may behold my glory.” [Verse 24.] We have felt Him in the humiliation, we have felt Him in the sacrifice, we have felt Him in the trials, we have felt Him in the test. Now that we may behold Him, that we may see Him as He is, that we may behold His glory. If we behold Him we will be a partaker with Him of His glory. “And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them. For thou lovest me before the foundations of the world. O, righteous Father, the world hath not known thee.” [Verses 22, 24, 25.] Oh, how little we know thee. And we profess to be His followers. He says, “The world hath not known thee.” God forbid that it should be of those that carry the truth to those that are in darkness that Christ will say they do not know it. How few know my Saviour!
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 9)
“But I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 25, 26.] That is His Word. We have been reading it for more than the last year more distinctly. “I have declared unto them thy name,”—Thy name, its goodness, its mercy, its love, its compassion, that you may gather up your forces and think, and that you may plant yourselves upon the Rock Christ Jesus and believe Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 10)
“I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it.” That is what He came here for. “That the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verse 26.] I am so glad, brethren, I am so glad that we have the privilege. But our minds have become separated from God; and the enemy meant it should be so. He cast his hellish shadow right between us and our hope, and our strength, and our comfort, that we should not see Him; that he might eclipse Jesus, that we should discern Him and what He was to us and what He would do for us, and what He would be to us—that he should cast this dark and gloomy shadow between us and our Saviour.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 11)
Now, we have been just getting a glimmering of faith. We have not but a little of it. Yet it is so very hard for the mind that has been looking on the dark shadow, and that has been hanging memory’s hall all through with disconsolate things and pictures that are draped in mourning, that it seems as though that we cannot look upon anything else. But may God help to gather up the jewels of Christ. God help us that we may hang memory’s hall all through with the rich promises of God, that when Satan shall come to cast his hellish shadow between us and the source of our strength that we may just be armed. We have got the memorials all surrounding us—barricaded with the promises—and we can say, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither fruit be found in the vine; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” [Habakkuk 3:17, 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 12)
And when sometimes it seems that the Word is made so hard because unbelief is planted in the hearts where faith ought to be flourishing, I repeat that text over and over again, and I bring myself in position where I can perceive the light and the brightness of the Sun of Righteousness. I will not look at the darkness. Brethren and sisters, I beg of you for Christ’s sake, to lift Him up—the Man of Calvary. Lift Him up, the sinner’s only hope. Learn of Him, every one of you.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 13)
Oh, may chapters be opened in your experience that you never have opened before in regard to the blessedness and the trust and confidence that you may have in God. Just see what our Saviour says: “When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith in the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] Why? Why, because the devil has put his dark mantle to enshroud the people when we want light, light, brethren, light, precious light from the throne of God. Well, then, you want to be sure that you learn how to tell it when you go from here. You want to be so rooted and grounded in it that when you go to those that are fastened in unbelief that they shall not throw their darkness over your mind, that you shall become so settled as to what is truth that you will not be shaken away from it, but that God can reveal to you His precious, precious light.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 14)
Now, Paul knew that he was not going to stay very long with Timothy, and he kept giving him lessons all the time, and he says, “My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” [2 Timothy 2:1.] That is what every one of us want—not any of your own opinions, nor smartness, nor intellect, nor any of these things—but be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” [Verses 2, 3.] There is the very word before us.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 15)
And the very men that ought to be here to feel their interest of having the truth for their positions of trust here in Battle Creek, on this missionary soil, the very men that ought to be fitting for these positions, they are not here at all, they do not come near. Now, Brethren, that is not as it ought to be. I want you to meditate over these matters. I want you to seek God in regard to it. I want you to tell the Lord to stir up these souls, that they may begin to feel that they need something more than they [have] got.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 16)
Brethren, we want light, precious light from the throne of God. And in place of quibbling, and in the place of fastening up hooks that you can hang your doubts upon, for Christ’s sake, go to your knees in prayer. For Christ’s sake, see the errors and mistake of the Jews, because Christ has said, “Light has come, and ye choose darkness rather than light.” [John 3:19.] Now this can be done right where light is shining. You meet men who say, Beware, beware; we must go carefully; we must be very careful to press out the darkness and let the light come in.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 17)
Brethren, we want to come right up, as a man, and obtain a living experience here in this meeting. You want light enough that you can carry it with you into eternity. This is what you want. We have not half faith enough. We are only just beginning to learn as little children. The child first takes a step and falls, and then takes another step, and finally learns how to walk. Now, we want to learn how to exercise faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 18)
When the centurion came to Christ, just look at his faith. Why, he did not claim all the knowledge of the Jews. But here this centurion came, and he says, O Lord, you need not go away down there to heal my servant, you just say it and it will be done. What kind of power did he think was in Christ? Just what was invested in him. Now, said he, you may just say the word. I say to my servant, go, and he goeth; and I say to him, do this, and he doeth it. Well now, all you have to say is to command, and it will be done. What was his insight? That there were angels all around Christ; the word of Christ would go right to that sick chamber and heal that servant. The Jews saw how Christ said to him, “I have not found so great faith, no not in all Israel.” [Matthew 8:8-10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 19)
Now there are those outside of us that are standing in greater favor to God than we are, and why? Because they live up to every jot of light that they have. And we have light pouring in on us, and for months we have been pleading that the people would come up and accept the light, and they do not know whether to do it or not. They do not seem to see that they can come and drink, that they can open their hearts and let the Saviour in. My soul is agonized, at times, over these things. But I cannot do anything, I cannot speak to the heart—but God alone can speak to the heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 20)
I entreat of you, as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, to bruise Satan under your feet. I beseech of you to labor for yourself, labor for souls that are in darkness and unbelief. I beseech of you to spend your efforts in order to bring them where they can come where the living waters flow—where the light of Heaven may come upon them, that they can stand amid the people as a light, and not as a shadow of darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 21)
Well, yesterday morning I awoke about two o’clock, and I could not rest. It seemed as though there was an agony of soul upon me, and I could not say anything. I knelt right down before the Lord, and I said, You know all about it; You know what the burden is. And I must have something more than this. I cannot carry this load. I feel such a responsibility when I know that men are not walking in the light, when I know that they are going contrary from what God has told me. And it seemed as though there was a lightwave came right down upon me, and the peace of God came upon me; and the words, I will be with you, I will give thee My strength, came to me.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 22)
And since yesterday morning I have felt that I could die for Jesus Christ. And I am not going to leave it right in the hands of God. Brethren, do we carry our loads there and leave them? Let us do it. Let us roll it right on the Burden-bearer, and when we have a part to act, we will act it. And when you go from this place, Oh be so full of the message that it is like fire shut up in your bones, that you cannot hold your peace.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 23)
It is true men will say you are too excited; you are making too much of this matter, and you do not think enough of the law. [They say], “Now you must think more of the law. Don’t be all the time reaching for this righteousness of Christ, but build up the law.” Let the law take care of itself. We have been at work on the law until we got as dry as the hills of Gilboa without dew or rain. Let us trust in the merits of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 24)
May God help us that our eyes may be anointed with eyesalve, that we may see. God helping us we will draw nigh to Him, and He says He will draw nigh to us. [James 4:8.] Do we believe? Will we come in God’s appointed way? May the Lord help us and enlighten us, that we may go forth from this place as they went forth to proclaim the truth after the day of Pentecost, and there were souls converted, they could not resist the testimony.
(6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, 25)
Ms 16, 1890
Our Constant Need of Divine Enlightenment Lynn, Massachusetts 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in 2SM 19-21; PM 67, 79; Ev 593-594; CW 94-95; MM 98-99; VSS 315-316; 5BC 1126; 6BC 1097; 7BC 907, 934, 941, 949, 979; CTr 124, 238; 1MR 109-110; 2MR 197; 5MR 164.
The true Witness speaks through John to the churches, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] And again they are reproved because they have not strengthened the things that remain, that are ready to die.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 1)
The Lord Jesus, in bestowing His rewards, will scrutinize every talent; the interest expected will be in proportion to the amount of capital intrusted. By His own humiliation and agony, Christ has paid the purchase money for our salvation, and He has a right to our services. The very name of servant involves the idea of work, responsibility. All our capabilities, all our opportunities, have been intrusted to us for wise improvement, that Christ may receive His own with usury. The heavenly messenger ascended on high and led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men—divine treasures of truth to be presented by His living witnesses to all men. What use are we individually making of these gifts, the talents in our hands? Do not, like the unwise and unfaithful servant, bury these talents in the world where they will bring no returns to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 2)
It behooves all to improve with careful fidelity the talents intrusted to them. They will increase as they are used for the good of humanity and the glory of God. Every soul should make the kingdom of heaven first in his calculations. He is not to put all the strength of brain, bone, and muscle, into worldly business interests; if he does, he imperils his spiritual interests and will lose an eternity of bliss.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 3)
Christ said to His disciples, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Is this commandment obeyed? Do we love one another with that unselfish love which Jesus manifested for our souls? Is not the love of Jesus dying out of our institutions and our churches, and selfish interests taking its place? We are to put from us everything that savors of selfishness, of disagreement, disaffection, or variance. There should be no contentions, no evil surmisings, no seeking the supremacy. They who seek to be the first, the highest, shall be last and least of all. If we are Christ’s, we shall be one, even as He was one with the Father. His grace will unite the hearts of His disciples. Jesus took the nature of humanity in order to reveal to man a pure, unselfish love, to teach us how to love one another.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 4)
As a man Christ ascended to heaven. As a man He is the substitute and surety for humanity. As a man He liveth to make intercession for us. He is preparing a place for all who love Him. As a man He will come again with power and glory to receive His children. And that, which should cause us joy and thanksgiving is that God hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained. Then we may have assurance forever that the whole unfallen universe is interested in the grand work Jesus came to our world to accomplish, even the salvation of man.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 5)
And shall not man on earth co-operate with the great Leader, our Redeemer, who has ascended into heaven for us? Shall we show no special zeal, no devoted interest, in the work that was devised in heaven and is to be carried forward in the world? Shall the men whom the Lord has bought with His own most precious blood, refuse to do the work left in their hands—refuse to co-operate with the heavenly agencies who are doing His bidding on the earth? Will they go if He bids them, even to the ends of the earth, to let the light of truth given them of heaven shine forth to their fellowmen?
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 6)
We are to be diligent workers. An idle man is one of the most miserable of God’s creatures, and to be idle in the great work which Christ gave His life to accomplish, is the worst kind of idleness.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 7)
Our spiritual faculties will perish without exercise. Satan is never idle in seeking our destruction. All heaven is actively engaged in the work of preparing a people for the second coming of Christ to our world. We are laborers together with God. The end of all things is at hand, and we must work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work. Our interests and all our powers are to be enlisted in the work of proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, preparing the way for His second appearing.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 8)
Lift Him up the man of Calvary. Place yourself in the divine current where you can receive the heavenly inspiration, for you may have it. Then point the weary, the heavy-laden, the poor, the broken-hearted perplexed soul to Jesus, the source of all spiritual strength.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 9)
Be faithful, minute men, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Tell it with pen and voice that Jesus lives to make intercession for us.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 10)
Time is passing; the end is near; we must work while it is day. We can unite with the great Master-worker. We can follow the self-denying Redeemer through His pilgrimage of matchless love on earth. Jesus came to magnify the law and make it honorable. He died to exalt the law of God, testifying of His changeless character; and as we proclaim God’s law, we may look unto Jesus and be comforted with the assurance, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 11)
The same Jesus that walked with His disciples, that taught them upon the earth, that toiled and suffered in His human nature, is with us in His divine power. He is at our right hand to help us in every emergency. Let us lift up Jesus, and reveal the Bible foundation for our true faith. There has been among believers dissension, unbelief and jealousy, and, on the part of some, a firm resistance of light from heaven. I have been shown that those who have resisted light will never see clearly again, unless they humble their hearts before God and confess their backslidings, their prejudice, their hatred of the light which God has sent, which, if accepted, would make them wise unto salvation.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 12)
Formality, worldly wisdom, worldly caution, worldly policy, will appear to many to be the very power of God, but when accepted, it stands as an obstacle to prevent God’s light in warnings, reproof and counsel from coming to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 13)
He [Satan] is now working with all his insinuating, deceiving power to lead men away from the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with mighty power. If Satan sees that the Lord is blessing His people and preparing them to discern his delusions, he will work with his master power to bring in fanaticism on one hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a harvest of souls. Now is our time to watch unceasingly. Watch, bar the way to the least step of advance that Satan may make among us.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 14)
There are dangers to be guarded against on the right hand and on the left. There will be inexperienced ones, newly come to the faith, who need to be strengthened and to have a correct example before them. Some will not make a right use of the doctrine of justification by faith. They will present it in a one-sided manner; others will seize the ideas that have not been correctly presented and will go clear over the mark, ignoring works altogether.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 15)
Now genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary, it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from all the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has but just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome through vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech, he cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 16)
The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion means constant work. “Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] We are to be zealous of good works, be careful to maintain good works. And the true Witness says, I know thy works.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 17)
While it is true that our busy activities will not in themselves insure salvation, it is also true that faith which unites us to Christ will stir the soul to activity.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 18)
Those who have no time to give attention to their own souls, to examine themselves daily whether they be in the love of God and place themselves in the channel of light, will have time to give to the suggestions of Satan and the working out of his plans.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 19)
Satan will insinuate himself by little wedges, that widen as they make a place for themselves. The specious devices of Satan will be brought into the special work of God at this time.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 20)
Many in our institutions are careless in regard to the spirit which they carry with them in their business. They say, Religion is religion and business is business; but all our work in this world, even in a business end is in a sense God’s work, and should be done with a heart full of His love and of a heavenly enlightenment. How much more do we need His grace and help in the work especially connected with His cause. There must be no coldness, no formality, no deadness in His work. The hardness of heart that is manifested in business lines among us as a people is an offense to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 21)
The men connected with our institutions are intrusted with sacred responsibilities, and I tell you that which the Lord has opened before me again and again—they cannot be safe men unless they make God their trust every moment, unless they are men of earnest prayer and fervent piety, in their home life, in the work appointed them, in their business. There is danger that these men will cheat their souls by neglecting this ever present help from heaven, failing to become channels of light, and hence failing to receive the reward of eternal blessedness hereafter. There is not one who can stand safely in a neutral position.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 22)
My soul is burdened. Our publishing institutions lie next to my heart. My guide pointed out some things which, if not corrected, will prove ruinous to our institutions. A strange spirit comes over many who accept positions of trust. Some cease to attend religious meetings that are not of the highest importance to them.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 23)
Their voices are seldom heard in the congregation of the saints, they act as if they were now so far advanced that they could do without praying fervently to God. They do not feel their constant need of education in the school of Christ, to learn His meekness and lowliness of heart. They have strong traits of character which must be overcome, else they are not qualified for the place.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 24)
All their capabilities and powers need to be brought under the control of the Spirit of God. Those who desire wisdom from God, those who wish to follow Jesus at every step, will place themselves where the true light will come to their hearts. They that feared the Lord spake one to another, and the Lord harkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him, of them that feared the Lord and thought upon His name. And the Saviour’s promise is, Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there will I be in their midst.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 25)
Those who do not feel the necessity of seeking the assembly of the saints, with the precious assurance that the Lord will meet with them, show how lightly they value the help that God has provided for them. Satan is constantly at work to wound and poison the soul. In order to withstand his efforts we must breathe the atmosphere of heaven. We must individually get hold and keep hold of Christ. The truth of God, dwelling in the heart and guiding the life, will be our safeguard. With the truth in our possession we may humbly and firmly advance from light to greater light, and we shall be guided into every good and holy way.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 26)
Unless the truth transforms the character, it is of no value to the receiver. Those who are in earnest about the future life will not neglect the opportunities and privileges within their reach. They will not only place themselves with the learners of the truth, but will feel that they are under obligation to God to learn all that is possible for them to know of spiritual and heavenly things. They will carry every matter in prayer to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 27)
Coming to God inspires confidence and stimulates the soul to action. The body would die if deprived of suitable nourishment—and so with the soul. In order to have spiritual strength or even life, it must be nourished by the Word, which is spirit and life. It must be constantly fed by the truth which connects the soul with Him in whom we live, and move and have our being.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 28)
In the Office of Publication at Battle Creek, a spirit is cherished that is an offense to God; there is selfishness that God cannot tolerate; there is hardness of heart, a lack of love and meekness, and it is manifested in words and deportment that are entirely unchristian. The Lord has reproved the sins, He has set them before the erring and they still are cherished.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 29)
There are those connected with the Office who did not share in the sacrifices required to establish it and have not carried the burdens of its upbuilding; and they show little interest in it or respect for those who did share in these early labors and sacrifices, and who have grown old and grey in the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 30)
Bro. Frank Belden needs a work of grace on his own heart, for he is not walking humbly with God. Self-esteem and a spirit of arbitrary authority will prove the ruin of his soul unless he is transformed. This spirit is an offense to God—he has not drawn closer and closer to God. He must become another man, through [the] softening and subduing influence of the Holy Spirit. He needs the heavenly anointing, for he does not see things in the right light; he does not render respect to those whom God respects; he is hard, unsympathetic toward the very men who have been faithful in their positions in connection with the Office. Those who are hardhearted, stiff, and unbending give evidence that Christ is not abiding in them.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 31)
The spirit that has been manifested toward Bro. Amadon is displeasing to God. Bro. Amadon has been connected with the Review Office from its first establishment. Those who labored in the cause from the first knew what it was to sacrifice. They accepted the least wages which it seemed possible to subsist upon and sacrificed of even of the little they did receive in order to make the Office a success.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 32)
To Bro. Belden, to Bro. Eldridge, and all others who have more recently connected with the Office and who now find things made ready to their hands, I would say, It becomes you to show great respect and courtesy and liberality to the old standard-bearers. When you lightly esteem them, you show that you do not place God’s estimate upon men. When you have made no real sacrifice in the upbuilding of the work, yet are ready to accept the highest wages for yourselves, are hard and exacting toward the veterans of the cause, you are not carrying out the spirit of mercy and the love of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 33)
The Lord seeth not [as man] seeth. His thoughts are not as your thoughts; as the heavens are higher than the earth, His thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and His ways than your ways. Bro. Henry has an iron will, and he needs the sunbeams of Christ’s righteousness to warm his heart, or his course will do much harm. Bro. Eldridge needs to come as often as possible into association with the worshiping assemblies, that he may be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere—a greater depth of experience in divine things. Brother Dan T. Jones has a firm, determined spirit; when in the right channel it is well, but in the wrong channel it is perilous.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 34)
Brethren these elements of character will unfit you for responsible positions. You are all on trial, under the proving and testing of [God]. Whenever you sit in council, when you act in your official capacity, remember that in your associations you are dealing with human minds, with souls that are just as precious in the sight of God as your own.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 35)
It is entirely out of place for you to be sharp, critical, or in any degree determined and stubborn and oppressive. God has laid no such work upon any one of you. You imperil souls when you forget that you are not to deal harshly with any one, not to exercise any arbitrary authority at any time or in any place. Ever bear in mind that there is no respecter of persons with God. Just as you deal with others, you deal with Christ in the person of His saints, and just so will He deal with you. Unless overcome, your rigid elements of character will strengthen and harden, and will come to [cause] the gates of heaven to be closed against you at last. No such spirit can be brought into the family above.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 36)
Now what will keep you in the family of God? You must place yourself in the holy atmosphere. You have all manifested very little faith in the testimonies of the Spirit of God and have shown little respect for them. By the neglect of the means which God has ordained to impart spiritual strength and grace, you have brought blindness upon your souls and hardness into your hearts, and Satan has led you to look at things in a perverted light. If you have no respect for the messages which God sends by testimony and by His servants, what power has He in reserve that will reach your case and correct your errors so that you shall not be led into false paths? We are not to have a negative religion; the garden of the heart must be cultivated. This work is essential for every church member and is especially essential for those who are in responsible places.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 37)
These poisonous Satanic plants must be uprooted. The soil must be prepared, thoroughly ploughed by the Word of God, and the precious seeds of truth must be sown and tended by a wise, skillful gardener.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 38)
In one of His parables, Christ told the story of a man from whom an evil spirit had been cast out. [Matthew 12:43-45.] The demon desired to return to the heart from which it had been expelled. He came, and, finding it though swept and garnished still empty, he entered in with seven other spirits more evil than himself, so that the last state of that man was worse than the first. The man in the parable broke with Satan, refused to do his work, but the trouble with him was that after the heart was swept and garnished he failed to invite the heavenly Guest. It is not enough to make the heart empty; we must have the vacuum filled with the love of God. The soul must be furnished with the graces of the Spirit of God. Men may leave off many bad habits and yet not be truly sanctified, because they do not have a connection with God; they do not unite with Christ. There is a reservoir of power at their command, but they think they do not need it. They remain in the cave of unbelief, dark, cold, sunless. How can they catch the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness?
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 39)
To be a Christian requires more than a profession of faith; there must be an earnest effort to conquer through the grace freely given of God. All things around us may be made helps to a growth in grace and a knowledge of Christ. Satan, the great rebel, is ever seeking to entice us to sin against God. He will introduce false imaginings, arming the understanding against the revealed will of God, the lower passions against purity and self-denial, the will against God’s will; setting up a wisdom from beneath to conflict with the wisdom from above.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 40)
The Holy Spirit has come into the world to subdue all things unto Himself. Shall the Supreme mind be regarded as inactive? Shall God’s will be put in the background and man’s will be held as supreme? Can this be the controlling power in God’s great contest for the recovery of His own?
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 41)
Those who are laborers together with God must work with pen and voice to meet the wrong tendencies, to correct the errors, that have been coming in among us. The truth must no longer be kept in the outer court, but be brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul. The religion of Christ requires not alone the putting away of pride, malice, covetousness, injustice, [but putting on] kindness, love, generosity. It will be constantly aspiring, pressing on from grace to grace, from faith to greater faith, from glory to greater glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 42)
The Lord commands us through the apostle Peter, Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience Godliness; and to Godliness brotherly kindness, charity, love—for if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. [2 Peter 1:5-8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 43)
But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. For those who are living upon the plan of addition, God will work upon the plan of multiplication, but those who profess to be Christians and lack the Christian graces are blinded by the arch deceiver. They think themselves very wise, when they cannot see afar off and do not understand their own weakness.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 44)
I have been warned that henceforth we shall have a constant contest. Science, so-called, and religion will be placed in opposition to each other, because finite men do not comprehend the power and greatness of God. These words of Holy Writ were presented to me: “Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” [Acts 20:30.] This will surely be seen among the people of God, and there will be those who are unable to perceive the most wonderful and important truths for this time, truths which are their own safety and salvation, while matters that are in comparison as the merest atoms, matters in which there is a grain of truth, are dwelt upon and are magnified by the power of Satan so that they appear of the utmost importance.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 45)
The moral sight of these men is diseased; they do not feel their need of the heavenly anointing that they may discern spiritual things. They think themselves too wise to err. Men who have not a daily experience in the things of God will not move wisely in dealing with sacred responsibilities; they will mistake light for error, and specious error they will pronounce light, mistaking phantoms for realities, and realities for phantoms, calling a world an atom, and an atom a world. They will fall into deceptions and delusions that Satan has prepared as concealed nets to entangle the feet of those who think they can walk in their human wisdom without the special grace of Christ. Jesus wants men to see not men as trees walking but all things clearly. There is only one remedy for the sinful soul, and unless it is received, men will accept one delusion after another until their senses are perverted.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 46)
In their business life, many in a large degree omit heaven from their view. There is an eternal reckoning to take place not far hence, but that has been left out of their calculation; the world and its treasures appear attractive to them and selfish interests claim their attention. Jesus presents eternity to view.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 47)
As the lovers of the world make religion subservient to the world, God requires His worshipers to subordinate the world to religion. The things of the world [that] perish with the using, are not to be made the first consideration; these are not the golden currency of heaven. God has not stamped upon them His image and superscription. We are not to trust in our own ability and exalt our own wisdom, for this is only a talent intrusted to us to prove whether we will make a right use of God’s gifts. You must renounce all trust in self and come to Christ as little children.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 48)
God designs that His messages of reproof and warning shall vanish this spirit of worldly policy that is endangering our churches; He has been laboring to break up the monotony of a legal religion. There may be a form of Godliness and an appearance of life in the church, all the machinery—much of it human invention—may appear to be working well, and yet that church may be [as] destitute of the grace of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 49)
Scores of men have preached the Word when they themselves have no faith in it and did not obey its teachings; they were unconverted, unsanctified, unholy. Piety must be brought into the life. What we want is inspiration from the cross of Calvary, then God will open eyes to see that we are not expected to do any work for the Master successfully unless we connect with Christ. If we are indeed laborers together with God, we shall not have a dead scientific religion, but our hearts will be infused with a living power, even the Spirit of Jesus. All those who are truly converted will be drawn out of and away from themselves. Christ is blessing them day by day, and they are His human channels of communicating light and blessings to others.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 50)
Those who are wavering between Christ and the world are in need of the converting power of God. When they see what sin is, and what is the righteousness of Christ for them, they will no longer dwell in the cave of unbelief. God calls upon them to come out of the cave, and stand with Him. No longer question your need of a personal Saviour. The heart, as well as the understanding must be enlarged; it is not enough to have an intellectual knowledge of the truth, there must be a heart work. The soul-temple must be cleansed from the buyers and sellers and must be opened for the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Christ drew the line of distinction between His disciples and the world, between Himself, even, and His brothers, the sons of Joseph. Listen to these words from His prayer offered just before His agony in Gethsemane, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [John 17:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 51)
We must know the terms of salvation or we are lost. We are to feel, to act, as one with Christ. The very severest of the heart’s struggles is at the hour when we leave the service of Satan for the service of Christ, when true conversion, from transgression to obedience and faith, takes place. Many accept the theory of the truth, but compromise with the world, the flesh, and the devil. They are never wholly on the Lord’s side. But the soul that has truly experienced the transforming grace of Christ has chosen Christ for its portion; it yields to the gracious influence of His Holy Spirit, and thus the character is formed to the divine pattern.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 52)
It is the work of heavenly angels to unite with human agencies in shedding light amid the moral darkness that rests upon the earth. Christ says to His disciples, Ye are the light of the world. [Matthew 5:14.] Shall we envelop our light in a thick covering of worldly policy? Shall we seek for a scientific measurement of how much light shall emanate from us to the world? God help us to live under the direct rays of the Sun of Righteousness that we may be channels of light to the world. There are many false beacons established to lead unwary souls to make shipwreck of faith; but the true light of the world must shine, not be smothered, not be put under a bushel, nor under a bed, but set on a candlestick that it may enlighten all that are in the house, the world. The true light is to stand in distinction from all other lights. The system of truth must stand distinct from all other systems, whether of religion or of morals; it is the light emanating from Christ. Our great work is to reveal Christ to the world and thus reveal the Father.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 53)
There [are] men of the world that will volunteer to be our guides. They regard their course as wise, but their tendencies and actions are evil. They are of the class who, professing to be wise, need to become fools in order to be wise in God’s wisdom. They lead away from the path where the voice of Jesus is heard saying, This is the way, walk ye in it. They are false teachers, blind leaders of the blind. They divert the attention from the very work to be done in this period of the world’s history, but those who follow the leader, step by step, will hear and recognize the voice of the True Shepherd.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 54)
We are to learn from Christ, now, to work to be self-denying, self-sacrificing as He was. If we have His spirit, we shall realize the worth of souls and shall work for their salvation. Our work is to be done wholly through the grace of Christ. We shall have a continual sense of our weakness and frailty and shall look to Jesus in earnest prayer for His wisdom and efficiency. There will be times of despondency as we realize our unlikeness to Christ. We see ourselves small, weak, and compassed with infirmities; but we are to depend upon Jesus, we should commit [our] ways unto the Lord and while we trust in Him, in humility, obedience to His Word, heavenly wisdom will be imparted to us to do the Master’s work. Our lives may seem a tangle; we cannot see how it is to be straightened, but there is a wise Master-worker; and if we commit ourselves fully to Him, our lives and characters will be woven into such patterns as He may plan for our good and His own glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 55)
My brethren, I warn you to heed the oft-repeated injunction of Christ, “Watch unto prayer.” [1 Peter 4:7.] Do not take your eyes off from Jesus. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips that we may not trust in our own finite wisdom, but that our own thoughts may be brought into subjection to Christ, be molded after the mind of Christ. Why should we not walk with God as did Enoch? Why should we not have the transforming grace of Christ daily? Has He not promised to us great and precious things? Who can find words to explain the rich promises of God? Behold, said John, What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. [1 John 3:1.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 56)
In the last struggles of the great controversy, God has called us to aid in giving the final warning to the world. While the Christian world is honoring a false sabbath, we are to show them its true character; it must be made plain to them that they are honoring a man-made institution in place of that which God sanctified. Every rival to God must be made to appear as an idol. Solemn is our responsibility.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 57)
The people of the world will try to induce us to soften our message, to suppress one of its more distinctive features. They say, “Why do you in your teaching make the seventh-day Sabbath so prominent? This seems to be always thrust before us; we should harmonize with you [if you] would [not] say so much on this point; keep the seventh-day Sabbath out of the Sentinel, and we will give it our influence and support.” And there has been a disposition on the part of some of our workers to adopt this policy.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 58)
I am bidden to warn you that deceptive sentiments are entertained, a false modesty and caution, a disposition to withhold the profession of our faith. In the night season, matters have been presented before me that have greatly troubled my mind. I have seemed to be [in] meetings for counsel where these subjects were discussed, and written documents were presented, advocating concessions. Brethren, shall we permit the world to shape the message that God has given us to bear to them? So then as well might the patient prescribe the remedies that are to be used for his cure.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 59)
Shall we for the sake of policy, betray a scared trust? If the world is in error and delusion, breaking the law of God, is it not our duty to show them their sin and danger? We must proclaim the third angel’s message.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 60)
What is the Sentinel for, but to be as the voice of the watchman on the walls of Zion, to sound the danger signal? We are not to cringe and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth; we should scorn concealment. Unfurl your colors to meet the cause of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. In your opinions and faith there must not be the least appearance of wavering: the world has a right to know what to expect of us, and will look upon us as dishonest, as hiding our real sentiments and principles out of policy, if we carry even the semblance of being uncommitted till the popular voice has pointed out the safe way.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 61)
The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ said He would send into the world, was to bear an unwavering testimony, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient that I go away; for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believed not on me; of righteousness, because I go unto my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:7-11.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 62)
On no account will one real believer of the truth remain, even in appearance, neutral in an important crisis or in questions that concern the salvation of the soul. We are not to voice the sentiments of the world. Jesus says, “Whosoever will confess me before men him shall the Son of Man also confess before the Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 10:32.] God calls upon all to consider whom they will serve and whom they mean to worship, they will be swayed to the right or the left by the opinions and position of the world. Will they be time-servers? Now, before they advance another step, let all look carefully to see what are their feelings, their aims, and their purposes.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 63)
Those who are more desirous of securing promotion, a good name in the world, than maintaining right principles, will betray sacred truths; they will cripple their influence; they will darken counsel by their words and make false reasoning to look sound and right. All the success and patronage that can be secured by policy plans will be a snare to every soul who works on this principle.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 64)
Some are flattering themselves that a more auspicious time is coming when God, who ever sides with the right, will vindicate His honor by lifting up His Holy Law, and then they will obey the truth and will triumph with it. I have been shown that in maintaining the right it is not safe to yield one hair’s breath because of circumstances, or to teach others that we may do this with comparative safety. Such a course is like that of Judas, who sold his Lord to his enemies fully believing that Christ would manifest His miraculous power and give His enemies another evidence of His divinity. Judas never recovered the lost ground as he expected to do. To place ourselves in a position of apparent yielding is a new phase in the experience of this people. It is a new experience, a departure from the principles to which we have adhered, which have made us what we are today, a people whom God has prospered, a people who [have] the Lord of Hosts with them.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 65)
Brethren, in the Office of Publication, you have a connection with sacred things. God bids you be careful where you place your feet. He holds you accountable for the light of truth that it shall shine forth in clear and distinct rays to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 66)
The world will never help you by desiring to let your light shine; no, unless there is a separation. They stand under their leader, the great deceiver, who will work through human agencies to eclipse the light. God calls upon you to shine. With intense solicitude trim your lamps, take the oil of grace in your vessels and keep your lamps burning, that your light may shine bright and clear amid the moral darkness of this world. All who hold the truth in righteousness and appreciate its value and sacredness, [will] with wisdom from God send it into the highways and byways of life. If we are sanctified by the truth, our souls will be pervaded by a deep and abiding sense of its importance, and it will be our meat and drink to obey the truth and pass along the precious light to others.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 67)
What is the meaning of all the cautions given me in the last few years? Who are paying heed to their warnings? I have been shown that many who claim to believe the truth have rested in theory and have not felt the necessity of maintaining close, yes, vital connection, with the pure, sacred springs from which they must derive their life and inspiration. When they should be sending up earnest prayers to heaven, humbling their hearts before God, they have been busy with human calculation, human imaginings, exalting their poor selves in place of exalting the Lord. God has been entirely dropped out of our councils. Were you not afraid you were leaving the most precious principles? There is positive need of a reformation in the publishing house and in the ministry. We need to constantly pray that God will help us in the examination of ourselves, that men who are now sanctified to God may not exert a controlling influence in our institutions.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 68)
While we are to stand firm as a rock to principle, we should be courteous and Christlike in our dealings with all men. We should tell people plainly that we cannot accept the papal sabbath, because it is a mark of special dishonor to God whom we love and worship. But while we sacredly observe the Sabbath of the Lord, it is not our work to compel others to observe it. God never forces the conscience, that is Satan’s work. Since God is the author of the Sabbath, it must be presented to the minds of men in contrast to the false sabbath, that all may choose between them. It is Satan that tries to compel the conscience, that error may be accepted and honored.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 69)
This time when there is such an effort made to enforce the observance of Sunday is the very opportunity to present to the world the true Sabbath in contrast to the false. The Lord in His Providence is far ahead of us. He has permitted this Sunday question to be pressed to the front that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment may be presented before the legislative assemblies; thus the leading men of the nation may have their attention called to the testimony of God’s Word in favor of the true Sabbath. If it does not convert them, it is a witness to condemn. The Sabbath question is the great testing question for this time.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 70)
The prophet Isaiah says, They that shall be of Thee shall build the old waste places: Thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations—what is that? The Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Raise it up by pen, by voice, and ring out the truth in every way possible. And thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. [Isaiah 58:12.] See Isaiah 58:13, 14. This is the work of those who see the Sabbath of the Lord trodden down: they are to give it the exalted position it deserves. See Isaiah 61:1-4.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 71)
This work is now to be done upon the earth. Those who are living in transgression of the Holy Law of God will complain when it is made plain that the spurious sabbath is founded in the power of the man of sin, such knowledge is not palatable to them. They will say, in language too plain to be misunderstood, we want not a knowledge of Thy ways, O Lord. Others will say, as did Pharaoh, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice? But we must hold aloft the banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It takes both of these to make up the burden of the message to be given to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 72)
Our ministers need great wisdom and divine skill in order to improve every opportunity that the providence of God shall prepare for them to present truth in contrast with error. While Satan will make masterly efforts to suppress the truth, we must stand firmly to reflect the light to the world. Let not the fear of man, the desire for patronage, be allowed to obscure a ray of heaven’s light. Should the sentinels of truth now fail to sound the warning, they would be unworthy of their position as lightbearers to the world; the standard would fall from their hands, and the Lord would raise up others who would be faithful and loyal.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 73)
It will require moral courage to do God’s work unflinchingly. We are to give no place to self-love, to selfish considerations. Ambition, love of ease, a desire to shun the cross will be a temptation to many, but we are commanded to cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet. Shall we labor to make the name of God in the earth? Shall we obey His voice, or shall we hear the soothing voice of the evil one, and be rocked to a fatal slumber just on the eve of fatal realities? The truth is everlasting to us, or it is nothing. Let those who want to make a name in the world go with the world. We must obey God, and not men.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 74)
We should be alarmed when we see the least disposition to hush the voices that proclaim the message of the third angel. That angel represents the people of God who give the last warning to the world. No greater contempt could be shown to the Creator than the contempt manifested for the day which He has sanctified. And as Satan with his human agencies pushes the warfare against God by leading men to trample on the Sabbath, the few who do honor God should be aroused to greater zeal and earnestness in its defense; the Calebs must press to the front. The greater the contempt heaped upon the law, the stronger will be their love for it, and the more earnest their efforts to exalt it. See Ephesians 5:12, 13.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 75)
In the great conflict of faith and unbelief, the whole of the Christian world is involved. All will take sides. Some may not apparently engage in the conflict on either side. They may not appear to take sides against the truth, but they do not come out boldly for Christ, through fear of losing property or suffering reproach; all such are numbered with the enemies of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 76)
Morality cannot be separated from religion. Conservative tradition received from educated men and from the writings of great men of the past are not all a safe guide for us in these last days, for the great struggle before us is such as the world has never seen. The brethren who have not acted a part in this work in the past need to move with far greater caution in regard to that which they accept and that which they refuse. They need to penetrate much deeper than their limited spiritual knowledge or their present habits or opinions would lead them to do.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 77)
All these may need reforming. We are not one of us safe, even with past experience unless we live as seeing Him who is invisible. Daily, hourly, we must be actuated by the principles of Bible truth—righteousness, mercy and the love of God. He who would have moral and intellectual power must draw from the Divine Source.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 78)
At every point [and] decision inquire, Is this the way of the Lord? With your Bibles open before you consult sanctified reason and a good conscience. Your heart must be moved, you soul touched, your reason and intellect awakened, by the Spirit of God. The Holy principles laid down in His Word will give light to the soul. I tell you, my brethren, our true source of wisdom and virtue and power is in the cross of Calvary. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Jesus is the only sure guarantee for intellectual success and advancement. We need to practice temperance in all things that the taste may be elevated, the appetite controlled, the passions subdued. The Lord Jesus can supply every grace. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—these are the fruits borne by the Christian tree. The Lord Jesus requires of every believer an unreserved surrender of soul, body, and spirit. All the energies, all the capabilities, throughout your lifetime belong to Him. Let no man seek to go about God’s work in any of its branches, in his own strength, for if he does this the fruit will not be such as will abide unto eternal life.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 79)
He appears to build on the foundation, but he puts upon it wood, hay, and stubble, material that will be consumed. Our ideas must be elevated. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary; let the language of the soul be, He must increase, I must decrease. It is very hard for self to occupy a subordinate place. It lifts up itself in many ways, runs without Christ, works without prayer and consecration.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 80)
Man’s wisdom is foolishness, but many do not yet understand this. They form connections with persons no more pious or consecrated than themselves. They counsel and plan with them, and if their devising is accepted, it will surely lead away from the right path. Their self-sufficiency is greater, they do not feel the necessity of prayer at every step; they judge after the sight of the eyes and hearing of the ears, but have not the discernment that God gives which would enable them to look beneath the surface. They favor those who should not be favored and turn from those who ought to find help and comfort and justice at their hands.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 81)
I ask my brethren, What government are we under? Are we under Satan’s rule, or under the rule of Him whom John saw while on the Isle of Patmos, who hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all? Angels, cherubim and seraphim, bow in holy reverence and obedience to God. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels are round about the throne. From this throne angels are sent to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 82)
The ruling principles of God’s throne are justice and mercy. It is called the Throne of Grace. Would you have divine enlightenment? Go to the Throne of Grace, you will be answered from the Seat of Mercy. A compact [was] entered into by the Father and the Son to save the world through Christ, who would give Himself that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. No human power or angelic power could make such a covenant. The rainbow above the throne is a token that God, through Christ, binds Himself to save all who believe on Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 83)
The covenant is as sure as the throne. Then why are we so unbelieving, so distrustful? Why doubt so frequently, and trust God so fitfully? Whenever we come to the Throne of God, to ask His mercy, we may look up and behold the rainbow of promise and find in it a mighty argument to present before God that we should receive the answer to our prayers. But let not one flatter himself that he may transgress the commandments of God, and yet receive His favor. In the government of God, justice and grace stand side by side. The law cannot be transgressed with [impunity.] Justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne; here mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Christ Himself gave the law from Mt. Sinai. He has not at all lessened the claims of the law. He has given His own life in the plan of salvation to atone for man’s transgression of the law and to enable him to obey its precepts. Justice is satisfied. Through the merits of Christ, God can be just, and justify the sinner who believes in Jesus. Christ knows the sinner’s trials; He knows his temptations. He has taken upon Himself our nature. He was tempted in all points like as we are and He knows how to succor those who shall be tempted. He has wept and He knows our sorrows, He has witnessed all our griefs. To all who believe and trust in Him, He will be a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 84)
Those who claim that it was not possible for Christ to sin cannot believe that He really took upon Himself human nature; but was not Christ actually tempted, not only by Satan in the wilderness, but all through His life from childhood to manhood? In all points He was tempted as we are, and because He successfully resisted temptation under every form, He gave man the perfect example; and through the ample provisions Christ has made, we may become partakers of His divine nature, having escaped the corruption which is in the world through lust. Jesus says, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father on his throne.” [Revelation 3:21.] Here is the beginning of our confidence which we must hold steadfast unto the end.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 85)
If Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations, He will help us to resist: He came to bring divine power to combine with human efforts. Jesus was free from all sin and error; there was not a trace of imperfection in His life or character. He maintained spotless purity under circumstances most trying. True, He declares there is none good but one, that is, God; but again He said, I and My Father are one. [Matthew 19:17; John 10:30.] Jesus speaks of Himself as well as the Father as God and claims for Himself perfect righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 86)
In Christ dwelt the fulness of the Godhead bodily. This is why, although He was tempted in all points like as we are, He stood before the world, from His first entrance into it, untainted by corruption, though surrounded by it. Are we not also to become partakers of that fulness, and is it not thus, and thus only, that we can overcome as He overcame?
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 87)
We lose much by not dwelling constantly upon the character of Christ. Believe Me, He says, that I am in the Father and the Father in Me or believe Me for the very works’ sake. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth. [John 14:11, 15-17.] Jesus said to Thomas, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. [Verse 6.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 88)
And He says of the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him. But ye know Him: for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you. I am the Vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me ye can do nothing. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. [John 14:17, 18; 15:5, 10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 89)
Why are ye dull of comprehension? Why do ye not cling to Jesus and draw from Him faith and strength and perfection of His character, as the vine-branch draws the sap from the living vine? We are to look to Jesus and climb up step by step in the work of overcoming as the temptations close about us. Abiding with Christ, we become one with Him. Then we are safe, entirely safe, against all the assaults of Satan. Christ living in the soul is revealed in the character. Man is nothing without Christ. But if Christ lives in us, we shall work the works of God. We shall represent Christ in our life, we shall talk of Christ because we meditate upon Him. We shall grow up into Christ to the full stature of men and women in spiritual understanding.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 90)
And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. The Eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This theme will quench unbelief; and yet, sad to say, Jesus has been dropped out of many, many discourses that have been preached by Seventh-day Adventist ministers. And why? Because these ministers had not Jesus abiding in their hearts by faith; they were not clothed with Christ’s Righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 91)
Jesus could not lead them by the side of still waters and into the green pastures of His matchless love, because they would not be led. The love of Jesus is the golden chain that binds our hearts in tenderest sympathy with humanity and in complete unity with every soul that believes. The Spirit of Jesus in my heart will recognize Jesus in the hearts of my brethren and sisters. Our prayers and hopes are one. The power of an ever-abiding Saviour is greater than ever before, because the emergencies are greater.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 92)
Oh! how much we have lost as a people by our lack of faith. We have suffered loss to our own souls and have failed to reveal to others, by our words and our character, what Christ is and will be to every one who comes to Him believing. He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own and thus make Him known. And in what ever way we make known the Father and the Son, we glorify God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 93)
False views of God, and hence of Christ, are entertained today. Well may we offer the prayer of Moses, Show me Thy glory. What did the Lord answer? I will make all My goodness pass before thee. God might have answered Moses, Why do you ask this question? Have I not revealed My glory in the deliverance of My people from Egyptian bondage? Did I not deliver you by the right hand of My power, and lead you in a dry path across the Red Sea? Did I not reveal My glory in giving you bread from heaven? Did I not bring you water out of the flinty rock? Have you not looked upon My glory in the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day? Moses might have answered that all this only kindled his desire for greater manifestations of God’s power.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 94)
The Lord granted the prayer of Moses, and He desires to answer us in the same way. We need to have our perceptions quickened, our hearts enlarged, that we may comprehend His glory, His goodness, His forbearance, His inexpressible love.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 95)
The Lord passed by and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful—precious ray of light from the Sun of Righteousness—long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth—O what flashes of His glory. Keeping mercy unto thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin—bring all these precious rays together and talk of them, shed their light upon the path of him who walketh in darkness. Look to Christ, behold the attractive loveliness of His character, and by beholding you will become changed to His likeness. The mist that intervenes between Christ and the soul will be rolled back as we by faith look past the hellish shadow of Satan and see God’s glory in His law, and [in] the righteousness of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 96)
Satan is seeking to veil Jesus from our sight, to eclipse His light, for when we get even a glimpse of His glory, we are attracted to Him. Sin hides from our view the matchless charms of Jesus. Prejudice, selfishness, self-righteousness, and passion blind our eyes so that we do not discern the Saviour. O if we would by faith draw nigh to God, He would reveal to us His glory, which is His character, and the praise of God would flow forth from human hearts and be sounded by human voices. Then we would forever cease to give glory to Satan by sinning against God and talking doubt and unbelief. We should no longer stumble along, grumbling and mourning, and covering the altar of God with our tears.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 97)
The Word of God must be exalted with pen and voice; neglect it not; it is the highest folly to keep out of sight the manna for which the world is starving. If we would behold Jesus, believe His words, and be faithful to reflect His image who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, what a wave of glory would flow back from earth to heaven. It is not God’s plan that His Word should be a secondary place in our system of education. We want the Word of God as our guide. It is our light; without its divine rays we grope in darkness. Its study affords discipline that strengthens and elevates and enriches the soul. It furnishes us unto all good works, and guides into safe and rich enterprises. It is the wisdom of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 98)
The Holy Spirit is given to all who will heed its voice; it is a purifier, a sanctifier. Not a soul is safe without it, for all are struggling with natural defects of character, with sinful tendencies. Who will be so foolish as to think he can struggle single-handed with enemies that have overcome them again and again? The heart needs to be constantly softened and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. In contact with the world, and even with business connected with the advancement of the cause, the heart grows hard and selfish unless constantly brought in contact with the heart of Infinite love. Conscience grows callous and feeble by neglect to receive the rays of the Sun of Righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 99)
Those who flatter themselves that they can safely occupy their time in business, having no special seasons of prayer in public or private, drawing no spiritual strength from the Source of all light and power, and are under the delusion of the enemy.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 100)
All should fear to accept and hold responsibilities without hourly and daily consecration to God, and an entire surrender of their wills to Him. Fear to encounter temptations unless your soul is under the transforming grace of Christ, and you are determined to enquire at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? Ask, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” [Acts 9:6.] Deal honestly with your own souls and with your Lord. Do not make a move without God.
(6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, 101)
Ms 17, 1890
Instruction to Physicians Battle Creek, Michigan October 1, 1890 From Lt 13, 1890. This manuscript is published in entirety in MM 51-53, 147-151.
Dr. _____’s great success is largely due to his giving attention to his patients. Here I know that you lacked. You have ability, but you allowed other things to take up your mind, when the patients needed your time, your care, your undivided attention. I know that in this you needed to reform. You neglected to speak words of tender sympathy and assurance to suffering ones. Comforting words were often needed, but they were left unspoken. Dr. _____ carries into the sickroom a heart full of sympathy, and he is ready to speak words that are necessary for the patients.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 1)
You are too reticent. It is in your power to bind the sick to your heart, and if you do not obtain the confidence of your patients, it is because you do not see the great need of tact, ingenuity, in ministering to the soul as well as to the body. I do not justify any one in practicing deception upon the dying. In as mild a manner as possible, tell them the truth in regard to their case (as I believe you do), and then point them to Jesus as their only hope.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 2)
You have no right to shut yourself up within yourself, and say scarcely anything to the patients. You should not keep patients waiting for your decision in their case. It is not right to cause them suffering of mind by unnecessary delay. Every case should receive prompt attention in its turn and according to its necessity. Negligence in this respect has hurt you from the very first of your medical practice. It need not and should not be.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 3)
I have been shown that this defect in your character has caused men and women to curse you in their hearts, and almost to blaspheme God. Now if I thought this could not be corrected, I would not write as I do. It is your duty as a Christian physician to educate your manners and your habits for the sickroom, to be cheerful and affable, to manifest tender sympathy, to converse freely on the subjects essential to your patients and which come within the sphere of your practice. You can reach a high standard in your practice.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 4)
Do not, I beg of you, lay blame on others. You have pondered over disagreeable matters altogether too much. There are many things that you do not view in a correct light. Now, cease to think of the disagreeable things; cease to talk of them. Fix your mind on Jesus your helper, and work in faith and confidence. By disciplining yourself you can have greater success than you have ever yet had.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 5)
While at the Health Retreat, you were too reticent in religious exercises. You need to educate the soul religiously. You need to pray and to believe, to hang your helpless soul on Jesus.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 6)
A physician needs to be in daily communion with God, that he may be a constant channel of light to his patients. He should be an imitator of the Lord Jesus Christ. While daily conversant with death, working for those on the verge of the grave, he requires a constant supply of the grace of God, for there is danger that he will become indifferent to eternal realities. His only safety is in keeping the Lord ever before him, his mind constantly under the influence of the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 7)
The physician should be governed by a strict sense of propriety at all times and on all occasions. I speak plainly, because I know that it is my duty to do this. You cannot be too chaste in your words or too modest in your examination of patients. Coarseness or indelicacy in the operating room, or by the bedside of the suffering, is a sin in the sight of God; and in the minds of the patients it will tell with power against the physician. Unless he constantly cherishes a strict sense of propriety, he will unguardedly shock sensitive patients who are modest and refined.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 8)
Above all other men who fill positions of responsibility, the physician needs to be connected with God, to be taught continually by Him, else there is danger that, under temptation, he will become unfaithful, coarse, and profligate. He needs pure and undefiled religion. And those who stand as his assistants should be wise and calm, persons who fear God. You are safe only when connected with the source of all power, of all purity and elevation of character.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 9)
There are coarse and even sensual minds among physicians. God forbid that this should be the character of one who claims to believe sacred truth. The Spirit of God will shield us from all evil, and will give us an appreciation of the reality of spiritual and eternal things. The solemn truths which we profess will sanctify the soul if we bring them into the inner sanctuary of the heart. O that every physician would be what God would have him—pure, holy, undefiled, shielded by the grace of God, knowing that Christ is his personal Saviour.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 10)
Ever bear in mind, Dr. _____, that the sickroom is a place where Christian courtesy, delicacy, and politeness should always be manifested. There should not be even an approach to commonness. The actions of the physician are making their impression. The tones of his voice, the expression of his countenance, the words he speaks, are weighed by the patient. Every movement is scrutinized.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 11)
If the invalid is relieved from pain, and brought back, as it were, from death to life, he is inclined almost to worship the one who, he thinks, has saved his life. He seldom thinks that it is God who has done this work through His human agents. Now is the opportune moment for Satan to come in and lead the physician to exalt himself instead of Christ. Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 12)
You should lead the patient to behold Jesus as the physician of the body as well as of the soul. If the physician has the love of Christ in his own heart, he will use his influence to set the mighty Healer before the afflicted one. He can direct the thoughts, the gratitude and praise, to the source of all power, mercy and goodness. If he fails to do this, he is neglecting the most precious opportunities. Oh, what a chance for the Christian physician to exercise his talents to the glory of God, and thus put them out to the exchangers, to be multiplied, and send back to heaven a flood of light in praise and thanksgiving to God for His mercy and love. Oh, what opportunities to drop in the heart the seed which will bear fruit unto holiness.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 13)
He who loves God supremely, with all the heart, with all the soul, mind, might, and strength, will love his neighbor as himself, and will strive for his highest good. He will not lose one opportunity of setting the Lord before the afflicted one.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 14)
There are false ideas of consistency and etiquette which lead to neglect of sacred duties. Worldly etiquette, which stands in the way of saving men’s souls by lifting up Jesus before them, and of seeking to do them good, is to be discarded. It should be our constant study how we may best follow the example of Christ and promote His glory. Connection with God is everything. What physicians aim to do, Christ accomplished in the fullest sense. The physician labors with zeal to prolong life. Christ is the giver of life.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 15)
Who has endowed the physician with reason and intelligence? He who is the truth and the life. He applies the balm of Gilead. He is the great Restorer. He is the one who has repeatedly vanquished death and who grants eternal life—God over all. If the physician has learned in the school of Christ, he will, while ministering to the diseased bodies, watch for souls as one that must give an account.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 16)
Christian physicians need to pray—to watch unto prayer. Before them is opened a door for many temptations, and they need to be awakened to a lively sense that there is a Watcher by their side, as surely as there was a Watcher at that sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar, when men praised the gods of silver and gold and drank from the sacred vessels of the temple of God. When men take honor to themselves, they are dishonoring God.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 17)
Whenever one, by any action, leads men to be forgetful of God or to neglect the plain injunctions of His Word, the unseen Witness testifies, as in the writing on the walls of the palace, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.]
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 18)
Dr. John Cheyne, while he rose to a high point in his profession, did not forget his obligations to God. He once wrote to a friend: “You may wish to know the condition of my mind. I am humbled in the dust by the thought that there is not one action of my busy life which will bear the eye of a holy God. But when I reflect on the invitation of the Redeemer, ‘Come unto me,’ and that I have accepted this invitation; and moreover, that my conscience testifies that I earnestly desire to have my will in all things conformed to the will of God, I have peace, I have the promised rest, promised by Him in whom was found no guile.”
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 19)
Before his death, this eminent physician ordered a column to be erected near the spot where his body was to lie, on which were to be inscribed these texts, as voices from eternity: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” [Hebrews 12:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 20)
And while Dr. Cheyne thus strove, even from the tomb, to beckon sinners to the Saviour and to glory, he concealed his own name, withholding it from tHe column entirely. He was not less careful to say, as speaking to the passer-by, “The name and profession and age of him whose body lies beneath are of little consequence, but it may be of great importance to you to know that by the grace of God he was brought to look to the Lord Jesus as the only Saviour of sinners, and that this looking unto Jesus gave peace to his soul.”“Pray to God, Pray to God,” it says, “that you may be instructed in the gospel; and be assured that God will give the Holy Spirit, the only teacher of true wisdom, to them that ask Him.” This memorial was designed to turn the attention of all to God, and cause them to lose sight of the man.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 21)
This man brought no reproach upon the cause of Christ. I tell you, dear brother, in Christ we may do all things. It is an encouragement to remember that there have been physicians who were consecrated to God, who were led and taught by God. And there may be such in this age—physicians who do not exalt self, but who walk and work with the eye single to the glory of God, men who are true to principle, true to duty, ever looking unto Jesus for His light.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 22)
When we shall have finished our work here, let it be with joy and not with grief that we meet our life record. One writer has said, “In ancient times it was proverbially true, or alleged, that wherever there were three physicians, there were two atheists; that is, the majority of the profession were then deemed atheist or atheistic. How changed now!”
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 23)
“William Hay, a surgeon of eminence, is described as one of those who fear God in youth, who walk with Him through life, and to whom the hoary head is therefore a crown of glory. Arrested by the words, ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature’ [2 Corinthians 5:17], and affected by the love of God in the Saviour, he devoted himself to that which God puts first in the soul. The holy duties and pleasures of the Sabbath rest were zealously cultivated by Hay. In short, he escaped from the dangers of his profession because he was afraid of them and adopted the divine means of safety. His support and comfort were found in believing views of the atonement made by Jesus; and resting therein, he was blessed and made a blessing.”
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 24)
As we examine the records of the past, physician after physician rises up before us qualified to minister to the soul as well as to the body, and some of them actually doing so. Driven by the perils of their profession, they sought the wisdom of ‘God, only wise, and’ were guided by His Spirit in the path whose end is glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 25)
The Christian physician is a minister of the highest order. He is a missionary. Those who through their skill and faithful, earnest effort, by wisdom from God, can relieve bodily pain, place themselves in such a relation to their patients that they can point them to the Soul-healer, who can say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] The God-fearing, God-loving physician longs to reveal Jesus to the sin-sick soul and tell him how free, how complete, is the provision made by the sin-pardoning Redeemer. “His tender mercies are over all his works.” [Psalm 145:9.] But for humanity more ample provision is made, and the promise is full which points to Jesus as the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. What can make a heart so light, what can spread so much sunshine through the soul, as the sense of sins forgiven? The peace of Christ is life and health.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 26)
Then let the physician realize his accountability and improve his opportunities to reveal Christ as a forgiving Saviour. Let him have a high regard for souls and do all in his power to win them to Christ and the truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 27)
May the Lord put His Spirit upon our physicians and help them to work intelligently for the Master, because they loves Jesus and the souls for whom Christ died.
(6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, 28)
Ms 19, 1890
Cultivating the Graces of Christianity Petoskey, Michigan August 20, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in TM 147-158. To the Ministers and Churches in the Ohio Conference:
During the late camp meeting I sent an appeal to you from the Lord, to correct existing evils. I did not write out all that I had to say to you, for I greatly feared that the letter might not reach you before the meeting closed.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 1)
My brethren, we are living in a most solemn period of this earth’s history. There is never time to sin; it is always perilous to continue in transgression; but in a special sense is this true at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever before. Now let every person search his own heart and plead for the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and cleanse from defilement. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 2)
Through faith, irrespective of feeling, Jesus, the Author of our salvation, the Finisher of our faith, will by His precious grace strengthen the moral powers, and the sinner may reckon himself “to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.” [Romans 6:11.] Simple faith, with the love of Christ in the soul, unites the believer to God. While toiling in battle as a faithful soldier of Christ, he has the sympathy of the whole loyal universe. The ministering angels are round about him to aid in the conflict, so that he may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper,”“the Lord is my strength and my shield;” I shall not be overcome. [Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 28:7.] “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” [Ephesians 2:8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 3)
The infinite wisdom and power of God are exerted in our behalf. The heavenly host are surely fighting our battles for us. They are always looking with intense interest upon the souls purchased by the Saviour’s blood. They see, through the sacrifice of Christ, the value of the human soul. It is always safe to be on the Lord’s side, not halfheartedly, but wholly. It is this halfhearted, indifferent, careless work that separates your souls from Jesus, the source of your strength. Let this be your prayer, “Take everything from me, let me lose property, worldly honor, everything, but let thy presence be with me.” It is safe to commit the keeping of the soul to God, who reigns over all heaven and earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 4)
Will my ministering brethren in Ohio see that they work circumspectly, that they heed the charge of the apostle Paul to Titus? “Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:6-8); also read verses 11-15.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 5)
I was shown that on the part of the ministers in all our conferences and churches there is a neglect to study the Scriptures, to search for the truth. If their minds were properly disciplined, and were stored with the precious lessons of Christ, then at any time and in any emergency they could draw from the treasure house of knowledge things both new and old, to feed the church of God, giving to every man his portion of meat in due season. If Christ is abiding in the soul, he will be as a living fountain, “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 6)
I tell you the things which I have seen, and which are true—that by well-directed, persevering effort there might be many, very many, more souls brought to the knowledge of the truth. O! the end is near. Who is ready for Christ to rise up from His throne to put on the garments of vengeance? Whose names are registered in the Lamb’s book of life? The names of those only will be there who follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. Your erroneous ideas, your objectionable phases of character, must be given up, and you must be clothed with the garments of Christ’s righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 7)
Faith and love—how destitute are the churches of these! The heavenly Merchantman counsels you, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.] God forbid that those who are preaching in our conferences should be like the foolish virgins, having lamps, but destitute of the oil of grace which makes the lamp burn and give forth light.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 8)
O, we want more praying ministers, men who carry a solemn weight of souls, men who have a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Without faith it is impossible to please God. How imperfect is faith in our churches! Why do we not believe that the Lord will do just as He says He will?
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 9)
We are God’s servants, and to each of us He has given talents, both natural and spiritual. As children of God, we should be constantly gaining a fitness for the heavenly mansions which Christ told His disciples He was going away to prepare for them. [John 14:2.] He who lays hold upon the righteousness of Christ may become a perfect man in Christ Jesus. Working from a high standpoint, seeking to follow the example of Christ, he shall grow up into His likeness, possessing more and more refinement.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 10)
The Saviour prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] Those who are disciplined by the truth will be doers of the Word; they will be diligent Bible readers, searching the Scriptures with earnest desire to understand the will of God and doing His will intelligently.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 11)
The ministers in our conferences need to walk carefully before God. The apostle’s injunction, “Be courteous” [1 Peter 3:8] is greatly needed in their ministering, in watching for souls as those who must give account, in seeking to save the erring. You may be true to principle, you may be just, honest, and religious; but with it all you must cultivate true tenderness of heart, kindness, and courtesy. If a person is in error, be the more kind to him; if you are not courteous, you may drive him away from Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 12)
Let every word you speak, even the tones of your voice, express your interest in and sympathy for the souls that are in peril. If you are harsh, denunciatory, impatient with them, you are doing the work of the enemy. You are opening a door of temptation to them, and Satan will represent you to them as one who knows not the Lord Jesus. They will think their own way is right, and that they are better than you. How, then, can you win the erring? They can recognize genuine piety, expressed in words and character.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 13)
If you would teach repentance, faith, and humility, you must have the love of Jesus in your own heart. The truth you believe is able to sanctify the soul and to fashion and mold the whole man, not only to change his words, and deportment, but to abase the pride, and purify the soul-temple from all defilement.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 14)
Bible religion is very scarce, even in the ministers. I mourn day and night for the coarseness, the harshness, the unkindness in words and spirit, that is manifested by those who claim to be children of the heavenly King, members of the royal family. Such hardness of heart, such a want of sympathy, such harshness, is shown to those who are not special favorites; and it is registered in the books of heaven as a great sin. Many talk of the truth, they preach the theory of the truth, when the melting love of Jesus has not become a living, active element in their character.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 15)
This is an age of almost universal apostasy. And those who claim to hold advanced truth mislead the churches when they do not give evidence that their character and works harmonize with the divine truth. The goodness, the mercy, the compassion, the tenderness, the loving kindness of God are to be expressed in the words and deportment and character of all who claim to be children of God, especially in those who claim to be messengers sent by the Lord Jesus with the Word of Life to save the perishing. They are enjoined by the Bible to put away all that is harsh and coarse and rough in their character, and to be grafted into Christ, the living Vine. They should bear the same quality of fruit that the vine bears. Thus only can the branch be a true representation of the preciousness of the vine.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 16)
Christ came to our world to reveal the Father amid the gross darkness of error and superstition that then prevailed. The disciples of Christ are to represent Him in their everyday life, and thus the true light from heaven will shine forth in clear, steady rays to the world; thus a character is revealed entirely different from that which is seen in those who do not make the Word of God their guide and standard.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 17)
A knowledge of God must be preserved amid the darkness that covers the world and the gross darkness that envelops the people. Age after age the pure character of Christ has been misrepresented by those who claimed to be believers in Him and in the Word of God. Hardness of heart has been cultivated. Love and kindness and true courtesy have been fast disappearing .
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 18)
What can the universe of God think of this? Those who claim to be representatives of Christ show rather the characteristic of Satan, which made him unfit for heaven, unsafe to be there. Just so it will be with those who know the truth, and yet close the door of the heart against its sanctifying power. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” [1 Corinthians 1:21.] The servants of Christ are not only to be instruments through the preaching of Jesus, to lead men to repentance, but they are to continue their watchcare and interest by keeping before the people, by precept and example, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They are to sanctify themselves, that their hearers also may be sanctified. Thus all will grow in godliness, going on from grace to grace, until the ambassador for God can present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Then the ministerial office will be seen in its true, sacred character.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 19)
But the standard of the ministry has been greatly lowered, and the Minister of the true sanctuary is misrepresented before the world. God is ready to accept men as His co-laborers, and to make them the light of the world, agents through whom He can graciously infuse light into the understanding. If the men who bear the message have not Christ abiding in them; if they are not true—and some are not—may the Lord awaken them from their deception before it shall be too late. God wants men to be tender-hearted, compassionate, and to love as brethren. Jesus is waiting for them to open the door, that He may come in and infuse into their hearts the warmth of His love, His goodness, His tender compassion, that the worker may in all his connection with humanity reveal the Saviour to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 20)
Ministers too often act the part of critics, showing their aptness and sharpness in controversy. Sabbath after Sabbath passes away, and scarcely an impression of is made upon the hearts and minds of the hearers. Thus the ministry comes to be regarded as unimportant. All heaven is working for the salvation of sinners; and when the poorest of the human family comes with repentance to his Father, as did the prodigal son, there is joy among the heavenly host. There is warmth and courtesy and love in heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 21)
Let ministers go before God in prayer, confessing their sins, and with all the simplicity of a little child ask for the blessings that they need. Plead for the warmth of Christ’s love, and then bring it into your discourses, and let no one have occasion to go away and say that the doctrines you believe unfit you for expressing sympathy with suffering humanity, that you have a loveless religion.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 22)
The operations of the Holy Spirit will burn away the dross of selfishness and reveal a love which is tried in the fire, a love that maketh rich. He who has these riches is in close sympathy with Him who so loved us that He gave His life for our redemption. Paul, when speaking to the Corinthians, says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” [2 Corinthians 4:7.] This is what Christ taught His disciples: “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 23)
Paul would impress upon the minds of the ministers and people the reason why the gospel was committed to weak and erring men—that man might not receive the honor due to God only, but that God might receive all the glory. The ambassador is not to congratulate himself, and take to himself the honor of success, or even to divide the honor with God, as if by his own power he had accomplished the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 24)
Elaborate reasoning or argumentative demonstrations of doctrine seldom impress upon the hearer the sense of his need and his peril. Simple, brief statements, from a heart made soft and sympathetic by the love of Christ, will be as the grain of mustard seed to which Christ Himself likened His utterances of divine truth. He throws into the soul the vital energy of His spirit, to make the seed of truth germinate and bear fruit.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 25)
Will my brethren that no glory is given to men? Will they acknowledge that Christ does the work upon the human heart, and not they themselves? Will my ministering brethren plead with God alone in secret prayer for His presence and His power? Dare not to preach another discourse until you know, by your own experience, what Christ is to you. With hearts made holy through faith in the Righteousness of Christ, you can preach Christ, you can lift up the risen Saviour before your hearers; with hearts subdued and melted with the love of Jesus you can say, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 26)
There is a sad neglect of reading the Bible and searching it with humble hearts for yourselves. Take no man’s explanation of Scripture, whatever his position, but go to the Bible and search for yourselves. [After hearing Jesus, the Samaritans said,] <“Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” [John 4:42.]> There is the mine of truth. Sink the shaft deep, and you will possess that knowledge which is of highest value to you. Many have become lazy the searching of the Scriptures, and they are as destitute of the Spirit of God as of the knowledge of His Word. We read in the Revelation made to John of some who had a name to live while they were dead. [Revelation 3:1.] Yes, there are many such among us as a people, many who claim to be alive, while they are dead.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 27)
My brethren, unless the Holy Spirit is actuating you as a vital principle, unless you are obeying its promptings, depending on its influences, laboring in the strength of God, my message to you from God is, “You are under a delusion which may prove fatal to your souls. You must be converted. You must receive light before you can give light. Place yourselves under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.” Then you can say with Isaiah, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] You must cultivate faith and love. “The Lord’s arm is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy, that he cannot hear.” [Isaiah 59:1.] Seek the Lord. Rest not until you know that Christ is your Saviour.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 28)
I wish you, my brethren, to bear in mind that Bible religion never destroys human sympathy. True Christian courtesy needs to be taught and acted, to be carried into all your intercourse with your brethren and with worldlings. There is far more need of love and courtesy in our families than is now revealed. When our ministering brethren shall drink in the Spirit of Christ daily, they will be truly courteous, and will not consider it weakness to be tender-hearted and pitiful, for this is one of the principles of the gospel of Christ. Christ’s teaching softened and subdued the soul. The truth received into the heart will work a renovation in the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 29)
Those who love Jesus will love the souls for whom He died. The truth planted in the heart will reveal the love of Jesus and its transforming power. Anything harsh, sour, critical, domineering, is not of Christ, but proceeds from Satan. Coldness, heartlessness, want of tender sympathy, are leavening the camp of Israel. If these evils are permitted to strengthen as they have done for some years in the past, our churches will be in a deplorable condition.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 30)
Every teacher of the truth needs the Christlike principle in his character. There will be no frowns, no scolding, no expressions of contempt, on the part of any man who is cultivating the graces of Christianity. He feels that he must be a partaker of the divine nature, and he must be replenished from the exhaustless fountain of heavenly grace, else he will lose the milk of human kindness out of his soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 31)
We must love men for Christ’s sake. It is easy for the natural heart to love a few favorites, and to be partial to these special few; but Christ bids us love one another as He has loved us. “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” [James 3:17, 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 32)
You have a serious, solemn work to do to prepare the way of the Lord. You need the heavenly unction, and you may have it. “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, I will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [John 16:23, 24.] Who can be trifling, who can engage in frivolous, common talk, while by faith he sees the Lamb that was slain pleading before the Father as the intercessor of the church upon earth?
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 33)
By faith let us look upon the rainbow round about the throne, the cloud of sins confessed behind it. The rainbow of promise is an assurance to every humble, contrite, believing soul, that his life is one with Christ, and Christ is one with God. The wrath of God will not fall upon one soul that seeks refuge in Him. God Himself has declared, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” [Exodus 12:13.] “The bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant.” [Genesis 9:16.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 34)
It is Christ that loves the world with a love that is infinite. He gave His precious life. He was the only begotten of the Father. He has risen again from the dead, and is at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. That same Jesus, with His humanity glorified, no cessation of His love, is our Saviour. He has enjoined upon us to love one another as He has loved us. Will we then cultivate this love? Shall we be like Jesus?
(6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, 35)
Ms 19a, 1890
Frivolity and Familiarity Among Mission Workers St. Helena, California May 1, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in GCDB 02/06/1893 162-163.
Missions are essential as the foundation of missionary effort in our cities; but unless those standing at the head of these missions make strenuous effort to guard every post so that Satan shall not control, losses will be sustained. The mission at Cleveland, Ohio, is not reaching the highest standard. Young men and young women should here receive the training and education that will qualify them to work for the Master. But if they do not possess solidity of character, and a spirit of consecration, all efforts to fit them for the work will prove a failure. None should be connected with the mission who do not give evidence that they possess these essential qualifications. The same is true of the older workers. Unless they have the truth sanctifying soul, body, and spirit, they will not do the right kind of work; they cannot exert a saving influence in the canvassing field or in any other branch of the cause.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 1)
Without a high sense of propriety, of sobriety, of the sacredness of the truth and the exalted character of the work, how can men in any way represent Christ? How can they be a savor of life unto life?
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 2)
The Lord has many precious souls in Cleveland, in Cincinnati, and other cities, who should be reached by the special truths for this time. But the course pursued by young men and young women connected with the mission is frivolous, degrading the work, and demoralizing the mission. Such defective characters separate God from the mission rooms, it does not require weeks or months to read the character of many of the workers. Their conduct is an offence to God. There are wrongs existing in society which Christians will not practice, but abhor. Let those who are frivolous and carnally minded be placed in our missions, and their influence tends to lower everything connected with the institution.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 3)
There should be connected with the mission married persons who will conduct themselves with strictest propriety. But the danger in Ohio is not alone from youth, but from married men and women who should build up the walls of modesty and virtue about themselves, so that women will not allure men, and men will not allure women from strict propriety. “Abstain from even the appearance of evil.” [1 Thessalonians 5:22.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 4)
Lovesick sentimentalism prevails. Married men receive attention from married or unmarried women; women also appear to be charmed, and lose reason and spiritual discernment and good common sense. They do the very things that the Word of God condemns, the very things that the Testimonies of the Spirit of God condemn. Warnings and reproofs are before them in clear lines, yet they go over the same path that others have traveled before them. It is like an infatuating game at which they are playing. Satan leads them on to ruin themselves, to imperil the cause of God, to crucify the Son of God afresh and put Him to an open shame.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 5)
There is no safety for any man, young or old, unless he feels the necessity of seeking God for counsel at every step. Those only who maintain close communion with God will learn to place His estimate upon men, to reverence the pure, the good, the humble, and the meek. The heart must be garrisoned as was that of Joseph. Then temptations to depart from integrity will be met with decision: “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” [Genesis 39:9.] The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. No matter how severe the pressure brought to bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the unrenewed heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 6)
A man who claims to have believed present truth for years, and is counted worthy to fill positions of trust in missions or in our institutions, may become careless when change of circumstances brings him into temptations, and in his turn he may tempt others. His case is sad indeed, for he reveals the working of a corrupt heart, a want of that principle which every Christian should possess. When one who is entrusted with great responsibilities betrays his sacred trust and gives himself into the hands of Satan as an instrument of unrighteousness to sow the seeds of evil, corrupting the hearts and minds of others, he is a traitor of the worst type. From one such tainted, polluted mind, the youth often receive the first impure thoughts that lead to a life of shame and defilement.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 7)
If men placed at the head of a mission have not firmness of principle that will preserve them from every vestige of commonness and unbecoming familiarity with young girls and women after the light which has been so plainly given, let them be discharged without a second trial. There is a depravity of the soul which leads to these careless habits and practices, and which will far overbalance all the good such persons can do. We are living in an age of moral debasement; the world is as a second Sodom. Those who look for the coming of the Son of Man, those who know that they are right upon the borders of the eternal world, should set an example in harmony with their faith. Those who do not maintain purity and holiness are not accepted of God. The true children of God have deep-rooted principles which will not be moved by temptations, because Christ is abiding in their hearts by faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 8)
A second trial would be of no avail to those whose moral sense is so perverted that they cannot see their danger. If, after they have long held the truth, its sanctifying power has not established the character in piety, virtue, and purity, let them be disconnected from the mission without delay. For through them Satan will insinuate the same lax sentiments into the minds of those who ought to have an example of virtue and moral dignity.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 9)
Anything that approaches lovesick sentimentalism, any intimation of commonness, should be decidedly rebuked. And the one who is guilty of encouraging these tendencies should not only be relieved of responsibilities which he was unworthy to bear, but should be placed under censure of the church. And that censure should remain upon him until he gives evidence in spirit and deportment, that he sees his sinfulness and heart corruption, and repents, like any other guilty sinner, and is converted. Then God, for Christ’s sake, will heal him of his transgression.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 10)
Even though the men and women at the head of our missions are in character as pure as fine gold, they need constant connection with God in order to keep themselves pure and to know how to manage the youth discreetly, so that all shall keep their thoughts untainted, uncorrupted. Let the lessons be of an elevated, ennobling character that the mind may be filled with pure and noble thoughts. “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he (God) is pure.” [1 John 3:3.] As God is pure in His sphere, so man is to be pure in his. And he will be pure if Christ is formed within, the hope of glory; for he will imitate Christ’s life and reflect His character.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 11)
When a conference selects young men and women and aids them in obtaining an education for the canvassing field or any other branch of the work, there should be an understanding as to what they propose to do—whether they design to engage in courtship and marriage or to labor for the advancement of the cause of truth. It is of no use to spend time and money in educating workers who will fall in love before they complete their education, and who cannot resist the first temptation in the form of an invitation to marriage. In most cases the labor spent on such persons is wholly lost. When they enter the marriage relation, their usefulness in the work of God is at an end. They increase their family, they are dwarfed and crippled in every way, and cannot use the knowledge they have obtained.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 12)
Before persons are admitted to our mission training schools, let there be a written agreement that after receiving their education they will give themselves to the work for a specified time. This is the only way that our missions can be made what they should be. Let those who connect themselves with the missions be straightforward and connect themselves with the work in a businesslike way. Those who are controlled by a sense of duty, who daily seek wisdom and help from God, will act intelligently, not from selfish motives, but from love of Christ and the truth. Such will not hesitate to give themselves unreservedly, soul, body and spirit to the work. They will study, work and pray for its advancement.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 13)
I repeat, do not enter into a marriage engagement unless there are good and sufficient reasons for this step, unless the cause of God can be better advanced thereby. For Christ’s sake deny inclination, lift the cross, and do the work for which you are educating yourself. Many of the marriages contracted in these last days prove to be a mistake. The parties make no advancement in spiritual things; their growth and usefulness end with their marriage.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 14)
There are men and women through the country who would have been accepted as laborers together with God if Satan had not laid his snares to entangle their minds and hearts in courtship and marriage. Did the Lord urge them to obtain the advantages of our schools and mission that they might sink everything in courtship and marriage, binding themselves by a human band for a lifetime? By accepting the work of rearing children in these last days of uncertainty and peril, many place themselves in a position where they cannot labor either in the canvassing field or in any other branch of the cause of God, and some lose all interest to do this. They are content with a common, low level and assimilate to the positions they have chosen.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 15)
The bewitching power of Satan’s deceptions wrought within the human heart its evil work. Instead of candidly considering the time in which we live and the work they might do in leading others to the truth, they reason from a selfish standpoint and follow the impulse of their own unconsecrated hearts. “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” [Galatians 5:17.] The natural appetites and passions become a controlling power, and the result is that spiritual growth ceases; the soul is, as it were, paralyzed.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 16)
Let none who dedicate themselves to God be discouraged at the outlook, but let them strive to do faithfully the work committed to them. Live wholly for God; put your life, your energies, your soul into your work, not knowing which shall prosper, this or that. Go forth to your canvassing work or other branches of labor, knowing that there is a witness, an angel, by your side. If you are careless and inattentive, reckless of your words, reckless in spirit, your character is thus portrayed by the recording angel.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 17)
As the polished plate of the artist reproduces your features, so will the books of record reflect your words, your works, your character. If you cease to do evil, if you learn to do well, through the grace given, for you the golden harvest of infinite blessings is growing; and as a laborer together with God, you are preparing to become a reaper. Yield not to indolence, give not up to discouragement, be not weary in well doing, for you will reap if you faint not.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 18)
Let every soul bear in mind the words of Jesus, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] We are wholly dependent upon the Holy Spirit for fitness to do the Master’s work; we must rely upon Him for Christian fortitude, perseverance, and grace. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] Your words, your character, your conduct, your spirit reveal the character of the tree, for these are the fruits you bear.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 19)
The sinful nature is to be kept under the control of the Spirit of God; the transforming grace of Christ will bring the will into harmony with the will of Christ. The more closely we are brought into unity with Christ, the more clearly we will discern our defects of character. It is marvelous how deceptive is the human heart, how easily self-deluded, how easily led into sin. Be jealous of yourself, never become puffed up, never flatter yourself or accept flattery from any man or woman. When persons attempt to flatter you, tell them they are giving voice to the temptations of Satan.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 20)
“He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” [Galatians 6:8.] Every one is sowing some kind of seed, the fruit of which will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Young men and women, what kind of a harvest are you preparing to garner? Are you sowing unto eternal life, or unto wretchedness and corruption? On the decision of this momentous question depends your happiness or misery for eternity.
(6LtMs, Ms 19a, 1890, 21)
Ms 19b, 1890
Sermon/Mrs. E. G. White’s Talk Before the General Conference Committee Lake Goguac, Michigan July 14, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 80-91.
I have felt that there is too great indifference about discerning talent, and making the best use of it. It is a painful thing to me, as the matter was presented, that we cannot arouse our ministers to see the necessity of encouraging men to come to the college to get an education. When they were spoken to in reference to this matter, the answer would always be, “Well, it will take a good deal of means.” But I entreated that something should be done.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 1)
Bro. Fargo’s ideas were rather narrow and limited, and I wanted to see someone put in his place who would make a change, someone who would encourage the ministers; who would not look altogether at the means it would require to fit these men for positions of trust; who would not think that perhaps some of them might make a failure after all; but someone who would look to the future and begin to lay out their work for the prosperity and health of the cause.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 2)
At the Jackson meeting Bro. Butler said, “I will take the presidency of the Michigan Conference.” And then I sat down before him and laid it out as plain and distinct as I was capable of, what the Lord would have the men in responsible positions do. They should select helpers. He needed one right by his side; and if there were two or three that could work right in with him, and he not do the work, but try to educate them, it would be better, and they would thus be trained for the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 3)
Said I, “What are we going to do? We are going to be brought up here without any workers.”“Well,” he says, “That is the right thing to do;” but he never lifted a finger, nor followed the direction given, in one item as I know of.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 4)
The importance of this has been opened before me again and again; and I would urge the necessity of considering how we are coming out in regard to ministers. But there have been failures. Young men often have some things unpromising, while there are some things promising; and the unpromising traits overbalance the promising. The pain I have felt of seeing that, notwithstanding the directions that have been given, there has been so little done in regard to the matter is beyond anything I can tell you.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 5)
When I went to California this season, I saw the great dearth of laborers that exists. Bro. Gates and Bro. Underwood know how hard we worked at the California camp meeting; but after all had been done that it was possible for us to do, there was not a man left after the camp meeting to bind off the work. And there was Bro. Daniels who needed someone to stand right by his side and tell him what to do and how to work himself out; but he was left, some considering him the worst man that ever lived, and others trying to plaster over his course as though it was not so bad after all. But nobody was left to bind off the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 6)
Letters have been coming to me asking for help. I see the dearth and the necessity for faithful, consecrated laborers. Eld. Loughborough ought not to be left in that conference as president another year; the man is just about threadbare; his strength is about used up. Look at Bro. Olsen; there he is all worn down. What courage have we—what courage can we have—to put forth efforts in different places that use up our strength and vitality to the very last edge; and then go away and leave it to all ravel out, with nobody to look after it?
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 7)
Now I will just mention my experience. After I stepped on American soil after coming from Europe, I did not go into a house but went into a hotel and took my dinner, and then went to New Bedford. There was the place of all others where plans should have been laid to keep somebody there to bind off the work. There were a wealthy people, and deeply convicted. It was a wonderful interest we had there. The people would come out to the meeting and sit and listen with tears in their eyes; they were deeply impressed. But the matter was left with no one to follow up the interest; everything was allowed to go right back. These things are not pleasing to God. We are either spreading over too much ground and proposing to do too much work, or else matters are not arranged as they ought to be.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 8)
We are failing in another direction, and that is that men who can work should be linked in their labors with those who are inexperienced, that they may get an experience in the right direction. The inexperienced ones should not be sent out alone. They should stand right by the side of older and experienced ministers, where they could educate them. They should say to them, “You must not copy my gestures, nor the tone of my voice, so that nobody will know whether you are speaking or whether I am speaking. You are to stand in your own armor, with your own phase of character, sanctified by God. You are not to take my phase of character, nor my gestures, nor my tone of voice, nor my expressions, nor my words.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 9)
I think this has been shown me twenty times in my lifetime, and I have tried to tell it to the brethren; but the evil is not remedied. When one of these men who have not an experience in the work stands by your side he is not to think in everything just as you think, and look at everything just as you look at it; that if you should give up the truth he would say, “I might as well give it up.” Let them stand to obtain a symmetry of character from the God of heaven; not that they should have your ideas, and you have a molding influence on them, but you should carry them right to the Bible as their pattern. The importance of these things has been shown me so many times that I feel a burden on this point.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 10)
Our camp meetings are a power when they are held in a place where the community is stirred. They have a great deal more power there than they have among our own people. Advantage should be taken of the impression that is made by our camp meeting. If something is done that will keep up the interest, many souls might be secured.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 11)
It is as much our duty to look at the after interests of a camp meeting as it is to look after the present interests, because the next time you go, if they were impressed and convicted and did not yield to that conviction, it is harder to make an impression on their minds than it was before, and you cannot reach them again.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 12)
There is another point I want to speak about. It is about the preaching at our camp meetings. There is twice the amount of preaching at our camp meetings that there ought to be. Many smaller matters that lead to things of greater importance are utterly neglected. The idea seems to be only to preach. And the ministers are so tired that when it comes to looking after the little points that need to be guarded—which points would close the door to larger evils—they have no vitality, no time to meditate and pray, and keep themselves in the love of God during the meeting.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 13)
The sermons should come, not from a mechanical heart, but from a heart that is filled with the love of God, and is subdued and softened by His grace; that when you speak the angels of God are enlisted on your side, and Christ is on your side, and it is Christ that makes the impression. Now these things have been neglected at our camp meetings. We have lost two-thirds of all that the camp meetings were designed to accomplish. The idea seems to be woven into the minds of some that all they have to do is to sermonize, sermonize. While sermons are good in their place, there is sermon after sermon given to the people that they cannot retain in their minds—it is an impossibility for them to do it—and they are just wearied out with sermons.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 14)
And there is another point I want you to see: It is wearing out the ministers, wearing out their vital organs. It is not an easy matter to go to a camp meeting and speak to the congregations in such a high pitch of voice as many do. There is a strain on the vital organs, and you do not realize it because you feel enthused with the spirit of the subject and the congregation, but afterward you feel as though you were sapped of your strength; and then the very next thing is, Well, there, I do not feel the Spirit of God; something is the matter with me.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 15)
The strain has been so terrible on the brain that there is a letting down. You cannot do otherwise. It is the natural course of things. The next thing is backsliding. You feel too tired to carry the matter out, that when you do pray, to believe that God hears you. You think something is the matter with you. You are separated from God, and you do not know what the matter is. Therefore you will pass over season after season of prayer, and there is a terrible loss in this respect.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 16)
From the light that God has given me, our brethren must get together and consider these things. The camp meetings lose two-thirds of their efficiency and success because the people, after so many discourses have been given, do not have anything clear in their minds; it is a co-mingling of ideas.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 17)
There should be more time devoted to the spiritual seeking of God. And there should be personal effort with each one on the ground. After the meetings are through, there should be a personal investigation with each one on the ground. Each one should be asked how he is going to take these things, if he is going to make a personal application of them. And then you should watch and see if there is an interest in this one or that.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 18)
Five words spoken to them privately will do more than the whole discourse has done. But you can do more than that: You can show love and kindness and courtesy, and in doing that you remove prejudice. Why, they say, we heard you were a people that did not believe in conversion, and here you are talking to me about conversion; you are appealing to me on conversion. And all that prejudice is swept away when you talk to individuals in that way.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 19)
But there is strength exhausted at our camp meetings that need not be, because we can have constant help from God and be strengthening all the time.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 20)
These things that God had shown me were brought to my mind as I lay there, as it were, under the enemy Death. And I said to those around me, “I am learning my lesson, and I hope I will not have to learn it again.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 21)
The lesson was that, in the education of young men, we should not lead them to think that it is sermonizing that is to do the work. We say it, but let them see the results carried out. After the discourse is through we should take time to seek God by ourselves. That used to be the way. The ministers would go away and pray together, and they would not let loose until the Spirit of God responded to their prayers. They would come away with their faces fairly lighted up, and when they spoke to the congregation, their words meant something. They reached the hearts of the people because the Spirit that gave the blessing to them prepared the hearts to receive the message.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 22)
There is far more being done by the universe of heaven than we have any idea of, in preparing the way so that souls shall be converted. We want to work in harmony with the messengers of heaven. We want more of God. We do not want to feel that it is our talking and our sermonizing that is to do the work; we want to feel that unless the people are reached through God, they never will be reached.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 23)
And when we see a young man of promise, we should use our influence to get him into the college. If they have not any money—young men seldom, if ever, lay by any money—do not say, Go and work a year and then go into the college. No, but try to help them; present them before the churches; bear a decided testimony and say, Brethren, we want you to help these individuals through the college. And all the time keep your eye on them just as though you were their guardian.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 24)
There are men that lie in their graves today that ought to be alive, and there are those that are going there—and what is the reason that God does not raise them up to health? The Lord wants us to learn our lesson, that we cannot use up the vital energies unreasonably and exhaust them just as though we had to do the work and there was not any God in heaven, and we are determined to make a success even at the cost of our lives. But I tell you, we must believe that God does the work, and we should enlist Him in our work. Say to Him, Your Word has said it, that you will be with us always. I do not feel that animation I would like to feel, but God has said it and it will be done; and then, in a straightforward manner, give the practical lessons of Christ for which the people are starving to death....
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 25)
Elder Underwood: “Do we preach too long?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 26)
Sister White: Yes, indeed; and I, too; I take that right to myself. I preach too long.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 27)
W. C. White: “Let me ask a question. Are we to take your example as an exponent of your views?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 28)
Sister White: Well, didn’t I just make my confession? And haven’t I given you an example? I consider myself an exception, but I think I have ventured too far even in the exception. But I will tell you why I consider myself an exception. I have been taken by my husband and carried on the cars and laid on the seat, and I have gone to a place of meeting and have stood under paralysis that had been upon me for weeks, so that I have not been able to command my language to speak a sentence correctly. And yet I would stand on my feet before the public and make my testimony as straight as a string. The Spirit of the Lord was upon me. Every one is not an exception. Now, how can I tell when I am going too far? I have been brought up to that point again and again.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 29)
Notwithstanding I said I had learned my lesson, after I had been three days, as it were, driven, in my mind, on the water of a shoreless ocean, it seemed as though I could not see land. I was there with that little boat like a ship on the water. I could see the oars, but could not reach them. And those who were giving me treatment said, “Sister White, why don’t you touch the hem of Jesus’ garment?” Well, I tried to all I could.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 30)
Then I saw a storm coming. I could see the clouds gathering all around me, and everything was so dark. And then in the night season the form of Christ appeared right before me, just as distinct as any one of your persons. Just the moment I saw that form I said, “It is Jesus, it is Jesus; I am saved, I am saved.” The moment I looked at Him I knew it was Jesus. And all the trouble and perplexity which was there was swept away, and I felt as though I was resting. Everything, I could commit to Jesus.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 31)
But there was something more for me. He spoke and said: “Satan is the destroyer, I am your Restorer. I will restore you.” Then I was so happy, and so full of joy that He would restore me. I cannot remember the words that were spoken, but this is the import: Your trial is not yet ended. You will be tempted; you will have affliction; you will have suffering; but you are not to judge by this suffering that God is not your Helper. I am your Restorer. You are to look to Jesus. I did not know what the words meant.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 32)
The next day I was so happy, and I gave my appointment; I would go out by faith. The patients were asking me to speak. They were wealthy people there. The next day, when the heart was struck, it was as though some one had struck me right across here with a bar of iron, and it seemed to me I was going to die right off. And the next strike was across the kidneys, and I was so nervous it seemed to me as though I would die. If this had come to me before this revelation, I think I would have given up the struggle. And the first thought was, I shall certainly be paralyzed. I had the rheumatism in every nerve and muscle of my body. This was Sabbath.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 33)
Now, said I, shall I give up to this? I told them, No. Brother Biter came and took me by one arm and Sister Lockwood by the other, and I moved just a little at a time. One carried a chair for me, and they led me into the house and I took my seat in the church on the platform; and then I spoke to the patients. I was never clearer in my life. The blessing of God rested on me; and I was in pain at every breath.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 34)
There those patients sat with tears rolling down their faces. I said, Lord, I am just as a vessel all broken to pieces; You can affect the people, Lord. And they were affected. Every one of those patients wanted to be introduced to me. And they said to me, Won’t you have some little talks with us women in the parlor and tell us what we can do? And then, Won’t you pray with us? And they would come from the rooms of those that could not get out and wanted me to come and pray for them.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 35)
We had a very solemn and impressive meeting. The Lord was my Supporter. The impression that was made came from the Lord, and the things that were talked about—faith in Christ and the righteousness of Christ—were things for which they were just starving. I never saw people grasp anything so. One woman by the name of Farmer said, “The Lord has spoken through you today. I have never before heard such things.” And that was the impression that went around. And when I spoke to the helpers, they were just as disappointed as they could be to be turned aside; but I spoke to them the next Sabbath, standing then. We had an excellent meeting. I saw the words of Christ, “I am your Restorer,” and I have hung right to them since. And when I heard of Mary’s sickness and started on the way, I thought the first two days perhaps I would have to be left on the way; but the third day I began to get strength.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 36)
You see the position I am brought into. I have had to move wholly by faith. I never yet have been healed out and out; and that is why I do not call anybody to pray for me, because they expect that I will be healed, and I know from the past I will not be healed; that is, that I shall not have the work done right then and there. I have to go by faith. I have to march out without any sight or feeling. If I should say I had a change of feeling, I would tell a falsehood; I have never had it yet. Now you see I have had to go in that way, and the Lord has sustained me every time.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 37)
Now, how far shall I go? I have taken the position that if the Lord gives me a burden for the Battle Creek church, I will tell it to them; but unless I have a burden, I have nothing more to say. I spoke 21 times in as many days there at Battle Creek. I did not speak every day, but some days spoke twice. This was before I left; and I never got rested until it resulted in this terrible sickness. I knew, and told them at Fresno, that I was fighting my last round. And then in those private meetings the labor was worse than speaking in public, and having to tell them such straight things as I had to tell them.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 38)
Now I do not know whether your question is answered or not; perhaps it is like a long sermon: it is so long that you have lost the main point.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 39)
Elder White: “Now I have questioned somewhat whether one person had the right to shape his action on another’s experience. I have questioned if it was not our duty to shape our action on our own experience.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 40)
Sister White: Well, now, it has been like this. I have been sick and in pain; and I want to tell you that there is never a time when I make an appointment, but that, before that appointment comes, I have wrestled with the most terrible difficulty of the heart, or some infirmity, that makes it seem like an impossibility for me to go before the public. And yet just as soon as I stand on my feet before the people, I feel just as sure that the angels of God are right by my side as if I opened my eyes and looked upon them—as I did at Christ at the time He restored me. I am taken right out of and above myself. I feel just as though, as it were, the judgment is right before me, just as though the universe of heaven is looking upon me, and as though I have these things to do and I must say them if I drop dead in the desk. Now, I do not believe it is the duty of others to do that. And every day I feel that way. It is because the terrible realities of eternity are opened before me, and as soon as I get upon my feet the terrible realities seem to enshroud me like a garment.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 41)
Now, the time Brother Farnsworth and another brother, whose name I cannot call, came to our house last winter for me to go to a meeting of the young people at the Tabernacle, I was so encompassed with infirmities that I did not dare spend that night without sending for the doctor. I hardly ever send for a doctor; but I sent for a doctor before those brethren came. And those brethren came in before the doctor came, and I went to the meeting. When the doctor came down, his patient was not there. We had a most precious season at that meeting. Now, that is the way my course has been.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 42)
Elder Farnsworth: “Don’t you think, Sister White, a great many of our ministers have received great injury from their manner of speaking?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 43)
Sister White: Oh, yes, indeed; I have seen it over and over. My husband got in the way of sometimes raising his voice very loud, and it seems as though he could not get out of that way. And there is a brother in Texas, Brother McCutcheon, that is dying just as sure as if he put a knife to his throat. Now since I have come here, I have thought of that and I must write to him.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 44)
Elder Kilgore: “He has been told about that.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 45)
Elder Farnsworth: “They are all around in every conference.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 46)
Sister White: In my younger days I used to talk too loud. The Lord has shown me that I could not make the proper impression upon the people by getting the voice to an unnatural pitch. Then Christ was presented before me, and His manner of talking. There was a sweet melody in His voice. His voice, in a slow, calm manner, reached those who listened; His words penetrated their hearts, and they were able to catch on to what He said before the next sentence was spoken. Some seem to think they must race right straight along or else they will lose the inspiration, and the people will lose the inspiration. If that is inspiration, let them lose it, and the sooner the better.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 47)
Well, I wrote an article on that point when I was at St. Helena, because I felt as though our ministers were going down, and there was some cause for it. They were violating the laws of their being, and their vital organs are suffering.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 48)
Elder Farnsworth: “Going back to something you said here in the first part of your remarks about our having too much preaching at our camp meetings, have you anything to suggest? For instance, that we cut off a part of the preaching services. Anything to suggest in reference to the way we should fill in this vacancy?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 49)
Sister White: When the congregation is not so large, mostly of our people, the way would be to take less time in speaking and let the people have a chance to testify to what they have heard. When the crowd is there, that could not interest them.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 50)
Elder White: “I have heard you say, Mother, that we should have more teaching and less preaching; less preaching and more teaching. Speaking of the matter of getting the people together and having Bible readings.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 51)
Sister White: That was the way in Christ’s day. He would speak to the people, and they would call out a question as to what that meant. He was a teacher of the people.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 52)
Elder White: “Then at one time I remember very distinctly about your saying that, ‘As we approach nearer the end, I have seen our camp meetings with less preaching and more Bible study; little groups all over the ground with their Bibles in their hands, and different ones leading out in a free conversational study of the Scriptures.’”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 53)
Sister White: That is the work that has been shown me, that our camp meetings would increase in success and interest. There are those that want more definite light. There are some that take longer time to get hold of things and get what you really mean. If they could have the privilege of having it made a little plainer, they would see that and would catch hold of that. And it would be like a nail fastened in a sure place, and it would be written on the tablets of their hearts.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 54)
When the great throngs would gather about Christ, He gave His lessons of instruction. Then the disciples, in different places and different positions, after the discourse would repeat what Christ had said. The people had misapplied Christ’s words; and the disciples would tell the people what the Scriptures said and what Christ said the Scriptures said. They were learning to be educators. They were next to Christ, getting lessons from Him and giving them to the people.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 55)
Elder Olsen: “In our camp meetings this season, except on Sabbath and Sunday, there has not been more than one, or at the most two sermons a day; many times not more than one.”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 56)
Sister White: There are so many things that come in at our camp meetings. But the ministers should get together every day and find out what their true feelings are and what their spiritual impressions are. You should know that everything is drawing in even lines, that you are standing, as the words were spoken to me, shoulder to shoulder, marching right ahead, and not drawing off. There is unity of heart when the work is carried on in this way, and there will be harmony among all; and this will be a wonderful means of the blessing of God resting upon the people. There should be hours when the ministers could get together and pray to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 57)
I have held back from saying it, because I thought there were some that would not receive it; but I want to tell you, from the light God has given me, the time that is taken in our camp meetings in the drilling of canvassers should be done at another time. It should be done in the several churches and in meetings especially appointed. It should not be done at our camp meetings.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 58)
There are some other points that should not be brought in. There is the tract and missionary work, the drilling in the details of how to do the work. The camp meetings are for the spiritual enlightenment of the people, and the spiritual part of our experience is to be attended to at the camp meetings. And when that is done, the power of God will be seen as never before. That is the light I have had. I have been pained to see so much time used up in the canvassing work.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 59)
(Question): “Does not the same principle hold good with reference to cooking schools?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 60)
Sister White: The whole of it.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 61)
Elder Underwood: “Would you think, Sister White, that taking up the detail work of drilling Sabbath school workers would come under the same head?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 62)
Sister White: Exactly; it is not the place for it. That is to be done, but it has its time and its place.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 63)
Elder Underwood: “Suppose they should call a Sabbath school convention and meet for that purpose?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 64)
Sister White: Yes; that is all right; and have those engaged to carry the burden of that work and not hold the people there to hear these particular things. They have no special work in that branch to do. The time is too precious to be spent in that way. This has been repeated to me so many times, “It is the day of God’s preparation to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord.” That has meant a great deal to me. It is all this mechanical work in our camp meetings that has just about destroyed their efficiency and power. But we should not make an abrupt change and rule out all these things, but we should work to this end and keep this point in view and the change be brought about gradually.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 65)
Elder Underwood: “I would like to ask a question on the point of having familiar meetings and allowing our brethren and sisters to ask questions, in meetings appointed for that purpose; what would you think of that, Sister White?”
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 66)
Sister White: That is just the way it was in Christ’s teaching. There should not be anything like controversy. And after you have answered their questions, be sure that they acknowledge it is answered. Don’t let it drop. Don’t tell them to ask that again. But feel your way, how much you have gained. When any come in with a spirit of controversy, tell them that the meeting is not appointed for that purpose, but it is to educate those that have been listening and could not understand some things in the discourses. It is not to get in their doctrinal and controverted points.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 67)
What are our camp meetings put in different places for? It is that the people may be educated, and special efforts should be made for the unbelievers. They should be sought out, and you should tell them, Now we would like to have you, the unbelievers, come into our special meetings. We are to do missionary work. “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 68)
Why was it that Christ went out by the seaside and into the mountains? He was to give the Word of Life to the people. They did not see it just that minute. A good many do not see it, now, to take their position; but these things are influencing their lives; and when the message goes with a loud voice, they will be ready for it. They will not hesitate long; they will come out and take their position. There is a work that we have not done at our camp meetings that ought to be done.
(6LtMs, Ms 19b, 1890, 69)
Ms 20, 1890
Address to Physicians Refiled as Ms 25, 1892.
Ms 21, 1890
Witnessing Adam’s Center, New York October 11, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in RH 08/16/1898.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” [Acts 1:8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 1)
This commission Christ gave to His disciples just before, in His risen and glorified body, He ascended to His Father. This charge He gives to every one who has an intelligent knowledge of the plan of salvation. It is the privilege of His followers to reveal Christ and the Father to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 2)
The work of Christ in the world was to reveal the Father, and when praying to the Father for His disciples, He said, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world.” [John 17:18.] “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth, I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me: and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” [Verses 3-8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 3)
The sinner can be accepted by a holy God only through the righteousness of Christ. Through His blood we have redemption. This is the knowledge that every true witness will have. Upon this Rock will he stand. His faith in Christ as the Son of the infinite God, the mighty Counsellor, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace, will give him assurance. And resting his faith in Christ he will become one with the Father. He will have an experimental knowledge of what Christ is to the believer. He will realize that no member of the human family can of himself meet the claims of God’s law or satisfy His justice, but that Christ is the justifier of him that believeth.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 4)
The followers of Christ are to represent Him to the world. By precept and example they are to teach the works of Christ. They are to do the work that will represent His attributes. They are to entreat their fellow men for whose salvation they labor, that they may not, by providing for themselves only an earthly portion, deprive themselves of eternal happiness. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,” says Christ, “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] He who secures his treasure beside the eternal throne becomes a partaker of the heavenly attributes. Divine attributes and temporal blessings are appreciated and enjoyed in a sense that the worldling cannot understand.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 5)
When the Lord asked Solomon what he should give him, Solomon said, “Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness and in uprightness of heart with thee, and thou hast kept for him this great kindness that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my Father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 6)
“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life: neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart: so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among all the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” [1 Kings 3:5-14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 7)
Here is a lesson for us. Our petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that are filled with selfish aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to the glory of God. He would have us choose the heavenly in place of the earthly. He throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly commerce. He would give encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our choicest treasure. When the earthly is swept away, the believer will rejoice in his heavenly treasure, the riches that cannot be lost in any earthly disaster. Then let your property go before you to heaven. By our works here below we may lay up for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 8)
“Charge them that are rich in this world,” says the apostle, “that they be not high-minded, and trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold upon eternal life.” [1 Timothy 6:17-19.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 9)
We have an infinite Redeemer, and how precious are the gems of truth that testify to this in God’s Word. But these precious jewels have been buried beneath a mass of rubbish, of tradition, and heresies, which Satan himself has originated. His schemes are working with a strange power upon human minds to eclipse the value of Christ to those who believe in Him. The enemy of God and man has cast a spell over those who profess to be the followers of Christ until of many it can be said, They know not the time of their visitation.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 10)
Says the true Witness, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] In the ardor of the first love, what testimonies were poured forth for Christ, what entreaties were made from souls overflowing with love. What joyous gratitude filled the heart and flowed forth from the soul when the believer first became conscious of the love of Jesus. With tears and prayers he offered his petitions to God, he entreated his friends to accept of Jesus; his yearning sympathy was revealed in the love he manifested for the souls for whom Christ had died. But he met with coldness; minds seemed unimpressed.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 11)
Sinners will not always respond to the heaven born pity revealed in the laborer in his first love. But the example of Christ is placed before us, that we may not fail nor be discouraged. Faith, living, active faith must work through apparent discomfiture, defeat, and contempt. The love of Christ in the heart must not be quenched, but show itself invincible through God. In seeking wisdom from God in the work of saving souls there must be manifested a faith that is unwavering.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 12)
How many in our churches have lost their first love! With many it is almost extinct. Shall the Christian graces be brought back? The Lord expects His steward to be faithful, educating and training all his powers, that when the Lord comes to scrutinize his talents, he may return His own with usury. Unless Christlike humility is brought into the life, the believer will grow away from the simplicity of the work. He will bring in spiritual pride and self-sufficiency to supply the vacuum that should be filled with the love of Jesus. Bungling work will be done, because the worker is not disposed to act a self-denying, self-sacrificing part. This he leaves for someone else to do. The love of Christ is scarcely mentioned. The minister whose heart is unsubdued by the grace of Christ cannot give his attention to the people. He has not the Christ-love in his own soul, and therefore it cannot flow out in rich currents to others.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 13)
In the sacrifice of Christ for our world, His mediation is made visible. This is the evidence of things unseen and makes faith the gift of God. “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and having made peace by the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven.” [Colossians 1:19, 20.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 14)
It was by this means that Christ acquired the power to lay under tribute to Himself man’s entrusted talents, influence, and wealth to carry forward this great work in the world. It is contrary to the Lord’s plans for one soul to withhold from Him his ability, his means, or influence. Every soul to whom the Lord has given a knowledge of the truth is a thread in the great web of humanity. He is to fill his position, to act his part, holding himself under the orders of the Captain of his salvation. Each is to bear in mind that he is to act a part in the work of saving souls, that there may be no hindrance to the work of the upbuilding of the kingdom of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 15)
The Lord’s Spirit is grieved when any of His servants, be they ministers or laymen, withhold their tribute of service. When this is done, additional burdens fall on those who are willing to labor. To all who are converted to God, who through faith become partakers of the divine nature, are entrusted talents to be employed in the salvation of souls. Each is commanded, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] And in working as a co-laborer with Christ, man is educated for the work. As a faithful servant looks to his master, and a handmaid to her mistress, so the servant of God will look in earnest prayer to Christ. He will be a doer of the Word. He will obey orders. If the Christian is to be the light of the world, he must shine; he must be a faithful worker for Christ, holding forth the Word of Life, lifting Jesus up before the people and repeating His lessons.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 16)
The Lord makes every effort to reclaim the delinquent—those who place themselves out of the rank of workers, as though they were not responsible for the salvation of their own souls or for the souls of others. But if these men continue in this position, Christ cannot become responsible for their salvation, for they hide their Lord’s talents and bind themselves to the side of the enemy. “He that is not for me,” says Christ, “is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 17)
Why are so many who profess to be children of God devoting their God-entrusted capabilities to selfish purposes? Are they not stewards of the grace of Christ? Are they not to lift up Jesus? Are they not to talk of Christ? His praise should be upon their lips because the Sun of Righteousness is shining in their hearts. His holy name should be exalted in the earth. Many, many become the subjects of Satan’s temptations because they do not engage in Christ’s work disinterestedly and energetically, but take their position in opposition to the great Worker. The names of such cannot be registered in the books of heaven as laborers together with God. They are numbered with the idlers.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 18)
Have the church members any real sense of what this means? Do you feel yourselves under no obligations to be a strength in the world, acting a part in the church, and according to your baptismal vows becoming dead to the world and having your life hid with Christ in God? Says the apostle, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 19)
In the work of redemption for the fallen race, all heaven is constantly employed. Angels are enlisted in the work. They are actively engaged in executing God’s plans to bring men back from their rebellion to reconciliation with God. With intense earnestness they are co-operating with God to bring to men moral efficiency, that in Christ he may be more than conqueror. Jesus left the heavenly courts and came to our world, bringing with Him the sympathies of the angels who lost not their first estate. He advanced from the manger to Calvary with all the heavenly intelligences in His train. On Calvary, in the dying victim, mercy answered the claims of justice with a full compensation.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 20)
All who are partakers in this great salvation wrought out by Jesus Christ are under obligation to work as laborers together with God. In the heavenly courts the roll is called, on which every name is registered, and the heavenly agencies respond to the call. The service which is being done by every human being is there recorded. If negligent, it is recorded; if diligent, the same is reported; if idlers, the fact stands against their names. Not one of all the great mass of humanity is lost. Then let every one be ready to answer the call, saying, “Here, Lord, ready for action.”
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 21)
The world has claims upon you. If you fail to shine as lights in the world, some will rise in the judgment and charge upon you the blood of their souls. It will be seen that you are an agent in the hands of the enemy of God and man to mislead and deceive by your profession of Christianity. You did not lead souls to piety and devotion. You had a name to live, but were spiritually dead. You had not the vitalizing influence of the Spirit of God, which is richly and abundantly provided for all who in faith make demands upon it.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 22)
If man turns away, and does not act his part, he not only suffers loss himself and imperils his own soul, but deprives those who are in darkness of the light he could bring to them. Man must watch constantly for opportunities to do good. Then he will co-operate with the heavenly agencies. The spirit of Christianity will lead men to impart their treasure of the knowledge of the love of Christ to others. Those who become Christ’s disciples will communicate to others the light given them of God. Truth in the heart longs for diffusion. In proportion to the greatness of the sacred trust which has been committed to them, so will be their desire to impart it to others.
(6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, 23)
Ms 22, 1890
Diary, January to March 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan January 10 - March 1, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 568-583. January 10. The Promise of the Saviour.
In Eden the gospel of a coming Saviour was proclaimed. No sooner was the promise given that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head than Christ was revealed as the Redeemer of mankind. [Genesis 3:15.] Through Him alone could be fulfilled God’s purpose to prevent heathenism and idolatry from becoming universal. The promise of His coming was the star of hope that shed its bright beams across the desert over which the church was to make her way to the consummation of her hopes.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 1)
To Abraham God said, “In thee shall all nations of the earth be blessed.” [Galatians 3:8.] How was this to be? Abraham was to be a representative of Christ. Through him and through other representative men the light of truth was to shine forth. By the work that they did was to be awakened in the minds of men the expectation that a wonderful personage was to come, to accomplish a great work.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 2)
In the sacrifices offered by the Israelites, Christ was typified. These sacrifices pointed to a better, more perfect offering, even the Lamb of God, without blemish and without spot. The service of the tabernacle was but a figure, a shadow of the coming One, to whom the gathering of the nations should be.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 3)
Gratitude should fill our hearts as we think of what God, through Christ, has done for us. The thought of the infinite gift made to us should refine and ennoble us. As we think of the love and goodness of God, we should banish selfishness from our hearts, asking the Lord to make us kind and compassionate. Has not God a right to our affections? Do not our powers belong to Him? What more could He have done for men than He has done? In one great gift He poured out for us all the treasures of heaven. Why then do we not talk of His love and tell of His power?
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 4)
For centuries God bore with the inhabitants of the old world. But at last guilt reached its limit. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that He had made man, and it grieved Him at His heart.” [Genesis 6:5, 6.] He came out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth, and by a flood cleansed the earth of its iniquity.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 5)
Notwithstanding this terrible lesson, men had no sooner begun to multiply once more than rebellion and vice became widespread. Satan seemed to have taken control of the world. The time came that a change must be made or the image of God would be wholly obliterated from the hearts of the beings He had created. All heaven watched the movements of God with intense interest. Would He once more manifest His wrath? Would He destroy the world by fire? The angels thought that the time had come to strike the blow of justice, when, lo, to their wondering vision was unveiled the plan of salvation. Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth! God sent His only begotten Son into the world to save the world! Amazing grace! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” [1 John 4:10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 6)
God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Outraged justice might have passed speedy sentence upon man. But in love and mercy God gave him another opportunity.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 7)
January 25. Teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men.
Today I spoke in the Tabernacle. My heart was stirred as I looked upon the large number gathered to hear the words of truth. I sought to impress on those present the need of working with singleness of purpose, keeping the glory of God ever in view. I entreated them to search the Scriptures for themselves. O how much deception prevails at this time, even among those who have been so greatly blessed with light.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 8)
In the days of Christ the scribes and Pharisees searched the Old Testament Scriptures. But they interpreted what they read to sustain their traditions. They taught for doctrine the commandments of men. They failed to see the central truth of the living oracles; and in missing this, they missed everything. When Christ came, they refused to receive Him, because He was different from their idea of what the Messiah should be. Divided on most points, they were united on one point—opposition to Christ. And today it seems that men have united to make of no effect the message that the Lord has sent. Nevertheless, the trumpet must give a certain sound—God’s people must know the doctrine, whether it be of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 9)
January 27. Receiving the Messages of God’s Spirit.
I bore my testimony in the ministers’ meeting, and the Lord gave me a large measure of His Spirit. I entreated my brethren standing in positions of responsibility not to grieve the Spirit of God away from their hearts by their unwillingness to receive the testimonies that God has sent them in reproof and warning. I saw that they were dishonoring God by much talking. Their hearts were not free from prejudice. I said to them, Do not receive the word of any man, but go to the Scriptures for yourselves. Do not turn away from the messages that God sends, as you did at Minneapolis. Prayerfully consider every point, with hearts open to conviction. Receive every ray of light sent you. That which has been set before you deserves candid consideration. Truths that have been buried under a mass of rubbish are to be revived and reset in their original setting.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 10)
January 28. A Faithful Witness.
I attended ministers’ meeting and read important matter which I had read at Minneapolis. I have borne my testimony faithfully, and can say as did Moses in his farewell address, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you a blessing and a curse; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19.]
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 11)
Eternal life is the free gift of God to all who will patiently, humbly receive it, as such, and keep His law.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 12)
Much unbelief is talked. A spirit of prejudice that will not seek for a clear understanding, but works under cover, is cherished. Men will not investigate fairly. They do not wish to know what is truth. They think that because certain ideas have long been held as truth, they are truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 13)
January 29. Wilful Misunderstanding.
I went again to ministers’ meeting and read an important article, making some remarks.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 14)
The lessons of Christ were often misunderstood, not because He did not make them plain, but because the minds of the Jews, like the minds of many who claim to believe in this day, were filled with prejudice. Because Christ did not take sides with the scribes and Pharisees, they hated Him, opposed Him, sought to counteract His efforts, and to make His words of no effect.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 15)
Why will not men see and live the truth? Many study the Scriptures for the purpose of proving their own ideas to be correct. They change the meaning of God’s Word to suit their own opinions. And thus they do also with the testimonies that He sends. They quote half a sentence, leaving out the other half, which, if quoted, would show their reasoning to be false. God has a controversy with those who wrest the Scriptures, making them conform to their preconceived ideas.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 16)
January 30. The Danger of Resisting Light.
My mind is troubled continually. I have great sorrow of heart. I know that Satan is seeking for the mastery over men. I would gladly leave the field of battle, but I will stand at my post as long as the Lord requires me to. I will not flee because of the pressure brought against me. I have been placed here, and my work is to present in clear lines the instruction given me. Some will hear, while others, even such men as Elder _____ will harden their hearts, lest they shall see and be converted. There are those who are looking to Elder _____, thinking that a man who has been given such great light will be able to see when good cometh and will acknowledge the truth. But I have been shown that in Elder _____´s character there is a pride and stubbornness that has never been fully brought into subjection to the Spirit of God. Again and again his religious experience has been marred by his determination not to confess his wrongs, but to pass along and forget them. Men may cherish this sin until there is no forgiveness for them.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 17)
January 31. A Work of Importance.
I attended ministers’ meeting and bore a very decided testimony. I also attended canvassers’ meeting, reading an article that I had written in October, 1885. I am pleading with the Lord for strength and grace and power to bear the testimony that He has given me to bear.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 18)
I fear and tremble for many. I know that the Lord has wrought upon my mind in a remarkable manner. I know that He has given me instruction, and I can not forbear giving it to others. I know that the hearts that are open to receive the light will be strengthened and blessed, and will bear a living testimony to those in darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 19)
There is a work of sacred importance for ministers and people to do. They are to study the history of the cause and people of God. They are not to forget the past dealing of God with His people. They are to revive and recount the truths that have come to seem of little value to those who do not know by personal experience of the power and brightness that accompanied them when they were first seen and understood. In all their original freshness and power, these truths are to be given to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 20)
February 1. The Secret of Success.
Elder Olsen spoke in the morning, and I spoke in the afternoon. On both occasions the house was crowded.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 21)
O how I long to see the church aroused from her feeble, listless condition. There are a few who carry the burden, a few who pray much and talk little, a few who always bear their testimony. But there are many, many who are mere spectators. Why are not those who hear the Word, doers of the Word? Why do they not arise and shine because their light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them? Christ will not accept the highest profession, the most eloquent words, unaccompanied by a faithful practice of the truth. Men may have talent and education, but of what avail is this if the love of God does not abide in their hearts, if they are not clothed with His righteousness. The watchmen must catch the words from the lips of Christ and give the trumpet a certain sound. Their message must bear the divine credentials, and God must give it efficiency, else they will be false guides.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 22)
February 3. Our Need.
I spoke in the ministers’ meeting. The Lord gave me strength to bear my message with power and clearness.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 23)
We need so much a deeper piety. We need to receive the holy oil from the two olive branches, “which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves.” [Zechariah 4:12.] We need to understand the work that is going forward in heaven. In this, the great antitypical day of atonement, we need to be in perfect harmony with the work being carried forward in heaven. We need to repent and confess our sins. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed.” [James 5:16.]
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 24)
It is too late for us to stand on our dignity. There are those who while they think that it is perfectly proper for others to confess their mistakes, think that their position makes it impossible for them to confess their mistakes. My brethren, if you expect your sins to be blotted out by the blood of Christ, you must confess them. If your brethren have a knowledge of your errors, if your position has given wideness to your influence, it is all the more necessary that you make a full confession. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:7-9.] Let our sins go beforehand to judgment, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 25)
February 3. The Hearts of the Fathers to Their Children.
I did not attend morning meeting. In the early hours, while the others in the house were sleeping, I wrote to Elder Lindsay and to his erring son. I see the necessity of parents dealing in the wisdom of Christ with their erring children. Their hearts should be filled with the longsuffering of the Saviour, that they may draw their children to Him, not drive them away from Him. The father is to be a tender shepherd, drawing his children to Christ with the words of love, laboring untiringly for the erring. It is the unpromising ones who need the greatest patience and kindness, the most tender sympathy. But many parents reveal a cold, unpitying spirit which will never lead the erring to repentance. Let the hearts of parents be softened by the grace of Christ, and His love will find a way to the heart. Then will come a Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 26)
February 4. “Show us a Miracle, and We will Believe.”
Today I have written a little on The Life of Christ, but I was obliged to spend the greater part of the time entertaining visitors. I now take up my diary to write out some things that are occupying my mind. I am burdened, day and night, by the thought of the conditions of the Battle Creek church. Some have backslidden from God because they have not accepted the messages sent them from time to time. They show that they are spiritually blind. They know not what spirit they are of. They say, Show us by working miracles that you are of God. But in this very age, they have seen miracles wrought by God.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 27)
After the Minneapolis meeting how wonderfully the Spirit of God wrought; men confessed that they had robbed God by withholding tithes and offerings. Many souls were converted. Thousands of dollars were brought into the treasury. Rich experiences were related by those whose hearts were aglow with the love of God. And yet from the lips of some who have attempted to preach the truth comes the cry, “What miracle dost thou work? Show us a miracle, and we will believe.” God has been present in the meetings that have been held. What greater evidence could men be given than they have had? What more could the Lord do than He has already done? Is not the conversion of the human heart the greatest miracle that can be wrought? This miracle has been wrought, but it has left no impression.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 28)
February 5. A Faithful Witness.
I attended the early morning meeting. We had a good social meeting, and I then bore a decided testimony. How earnestly I am moved by the Spirit of God. Before I stand on my feet, I have no thought of speaking as plainly as I do. But the Spirit of God rests upon me with power, and I cannot but speak the words given me. I dare not withhold one word of the testimony.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 29)
If the solemn call to repentance is not heeded, if false statements are made in regard to it, I may be cast down, I may feel sad, but I have no retraction to make. I speak the words given me by a power higher than human power, and I cannot, if I would, recall one sentence. In the night season the Lord gives me instruction in symbols and then explains their meaning. He gives me the word, and I dare not refuse to give it to the people. The love of Christ, and, I venture to add, the love of souls, constrains me, and I cannot hold my peace. If evil is done by the word spoken, it is because those to whom the message is given have no place in their hearts for the Word of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 30)
February 8. “He Shall Teach You All Things.” [John 14:26.]
I spoke twice on Sabbath, and again this afternoon. For three weeks I have spoken every day, with one or two exceptions. Some of the meetings that I have attended have called for earnest labor. My powers have been taxed to the utmost limit of endurance. At times, I think that I have said all that is necessary, and then the burden rolls upon me, and I confer not with flesh and blood, but in the name of the Lord speak the words He gives me, leaving the consequences with Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 31)
Sometimes the Lord speaks with me in the night season. Sometimes He speaks to me when I am standing on my feet, opening before me the sins of which some have been guilty. The Holy Spirit flashes light before me, giving me instruction to give to the people. This makes me glad; because I know that some will receive the light, and because I know that God, in infinite love and compassion, is still calling His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 32)
In many hearts the messages I bear find no response. In some hearts they arouse a determined resistance, like the resistance that the work of Christ aroused in the hearts of the Jews.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 33)
Sometimes the thought arises, Is it the will of God for me to stand alone, as it were, with those who ought to be standing with me and sustaining me working in various ways to counteract the testimonies given me by God? These reflections are extremely painful, but when I stand before the people, the power of God comes upon me, and I am strengthened to speak the word of reproof and warning. And the promise is fulfilled, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verse 26.]
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 34)
The Lord will strengthen the memory of the one who is speaking in His name. He will bring to the mind the words necessary for the occasion, that portion of His Word which will be meat in due season for the people. To His faithful servants God will be tongue and utterance. The Holy Spirit will make the word effective to convict and convert souls. The seed sown will fall into good ground, and will spring up to bring forth fruit unto life eternal.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 35)
March 1. Unsanctified Confederacies.
I have been shown that love for Christ and for God has well-nigh died out of our churches. And because we do not love God, we are lacking in love for one another. A cold, iron-like spirit separates believers from God and from one another. Some show special attention to a few favorites who uphold and sustain them. Men are binding themselves together in unsanctified confederacies. Their union is displeasing to the Lord. They have united to carry out plans that are not in harmony with the plans of God. The Lord can, and will, break up these selfish confederacies. They are a snare of Satan to weaken the cause of present truth, to bring about a condition of things that will separate God’s people from Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 36)
Men have been trusting to their own wisdom. In this wisdom they have framed resolutions and laid plans that do not bear the endorsement of God. This has gone on until the many resolutions made have become a hindrance rather than a help to the work of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 37)
The Need of More Personal Effort.
Too much time is given to sermonizing. There are many Christless sermons preached. I have been instructed that if less time were spent in preaching and more in personal effort, a great deal more good would be accomplished. Our ministers need to become acquainted with those to whom they preach, that they may learn their spiritual needs Work of this kind is of far more value than discourses. Let our workers come into close touch with those for whom they labor. Let them advise the wealthy to lay up treasure in heaven, for where their treasure is, there will their hearts be also. Let them advise the poor to give something to the cause of God. No matter how small their offering, it will be accepted. Let them do what they can cheerfully and willingly, and God will bless them.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 38)
“He that taketh not up his cross and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.”“He that findeth his life shall lose it.” [Matthew 10:38, 39.] He who shuns self-denial and self-sacrifice will lose his soul. He, who, in his ministry is true and faithful, may lose his life in this world, but he will find it in the kingdom of God. When Christ comes, he will receive eternal life.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 39)
“All Things Whatsoever I Have Commanded.”
Christ commissioned His disciples to teach and preach all things that He had commanded them. Let every messenger for God speak the words of Christ, for these words have weight and power. Could the eyes of those who speak the words of Christ be opened, they would see heavenly agencies moving with divine power upon the hearts of the hearers.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 40)
When the seventy returned from their missionary tour, they said with astonishment and joy, “Even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” [Luke 10:17.] They had spoken the words of Christ, and the result was a glorious manifestation of His power.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 41)
Let God’s servants preach a “Thus saith the Lord.” Let them become acquainted with His instructions, reading and studying every sentence, every word, with softened, subdued hearts drawing near to God, that the Comforter may teach them. Christ’s teachings are our lessons for today, our lessons for tomorrow. The more frequently they are studied, the better will they be understood.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 42)
The Need of Spiritual Training.
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” [1 Corinthians 9:24-27.]
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 43)
Here is represented the need of spiritual exercise, the training of mind and heart. This is even more essential than physical training. It is by the training of the heart and mind that spiritual strength is gained, that weak points of character are made strong.
(6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, 44)
Ms 23, 1890
Diary, November 1890 Brooklyn, New York November 24, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in UL 342; PM 356; CM 129.
Continuation of my diary of November 24, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 1)
I was requested to speak to the canvassers in the evening, when all could be together. This I consented to do. I presented before them the need of keeping the soul constantly uplifted to God in prayer. Canvassers should remember that when engaged in their work, they are connected with the service of God. They are never alone. If they have faith in God, if they realize that to them is committed the work of giving to the people light on Bible subjects, they constantly enjoy the companionship of Christ. They should thoroughly acquaint themselves with the book they are handling, that they may readily call attention to the important chapters. They should study the Scriptures, that they may show that they are conversant with them.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 2)
Do not, because you are among unbelievers, become careless in your words, for they are taking your measure. If you sit at their table, eat temperately and only of food that will not confuse the mind. Keep yourself from all intemperance. Be, yourself, an object lesson, illustrating right principles. If they offer you tea to drink, tell them in simple words its injurious effect on the system. Tell them also that you do not use spirituous drinks of any kind, because you desire to keep your mind in such a condition that God can impress it with the sacred truths of His Word, and that you cannot afford to weaken any of your mental and physical powers, lest you shall be unable to discern sacred things. Thus you can sow the seeds of truth and lead out upon the subject of keeping soul, body, and spirit in such a condition that you can understand eternal realities.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 3)
Study, yourself, the instruction given to Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. “They offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.” Taking common fire, they placed it upon their censers, “and there went out fire from the Lord, and it devoured them. Then said Moses unto Aaron, This is that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me, and before all the people will I be glorified.” [Leviticus 10:1-3.] Canvassers should remember that they are working with God to save souls, and that they are to bring no commonness and cheapness into the service of God. As canvassers, they are to fill the mind with pure, holy thoughts. Speech is a precious talent and their words should be well-chosen. Hinder not the success of your work by uttering light, careless words.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 4)
The Lord desires you to be soul-winners. Do not try to reveal your smartness as theologians, even of Bible truth, for by so doing you will speak too many words that will be as little understood by them as Greek. Restrictions have had to be almost enforced upon canvassers because they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian. Connect yourself firmly with Christ and present the truth as it is in Him. Work as Paul worked. Wherever he was, whether before scowling Pharisees or Roman authorities, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, the cripple at Lystra or the convicted sinners in [a] Macedonian dungeon, he lifted up Christ as One who hates sin and loves the sinner, the One who bore our sins that He might have full power and authority to impart to us His righteousness. Hearts cannot fail to be touched by the story of the atonement. Those who realize the necessity of keeping the heart under the control of the Holy Spirit will be enabled to sow seed that will spring up unto eternal life.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 5)
Opportunity was then given for those present to bear their testimony, and several precious experiences were related by the canvassers in regard to the way in which they had searched their hearts while canvassing for Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets. They said that as they read these books their minds were enlightened, and they felt that angels of God were very near. Some asked, “Why have we been told to canvass only for Bible Readings?”
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 6)
Others said, “We have asked this same question, but it has never yet been answered satisfactorily. We have been greatly blessed in presenting Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets to the people. Why cannot we take hold of these books again? The president of our conference told us that the general canvassing agent had thought [it] best for us to handle only Bible Readings. We have been advised to do this, but we wish to work with those books which contain so large an amount of instruction for the people of God for this time.” The canvassers stated that they had found that where these books had been sold, every one spoke highly of them, and that from reading them, some had embraced the truth who had never heard a discourse in their lives given by a Seventh-day Adventist minister.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 7)
I was then called upon to explain why the canvassers had been instructed not to canvass for Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets. I told them that the Lord had never given any direction in harmony with the one which they had received. God gave me the light contained in Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets, and this light was needed to arouse the people to prepare for the great day of God, which is just before us. These books contain God’s direct appeal to the people. Thus He is speaking to the people in stirring words, urging them to make ready for His coming.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 8)
The light God has given in these books should not be concealed. But in their wisdom men have turned aside the light the people should have. They have made it appear that it was not best for the canvassers to carry more than one book—and that Bible Readings. The books which should have gone before Bible Readings were neglected at a time when, if they had been handled as was Bible Readings, they would have done a work which would have saved many souls from signing petitions advocating the exaltation and observance of a spurious Sabbath. Those who have done this will see their error, but it will be too late.
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 9)
I will present to you the light God has given me, for the burden which has rested upon my soul has been at times almost too great for me to carry. Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets should have stood highest from the very first and should have occupied the field. Man’s devising was not God’s planning. Men have turned aside the purposes of God. I know that the statement made that these books cannot be sold is untrue. I know, for the Lord has instructed me that this is said because human devising has blocked the way for their sale. It cannot be denied that these works were not the product of any human mind; they are the voice of God speaking to His people, Daniel and Revelation should be kept before the people and should have large circulation.>
(6LtMs, Ms 23, 1890, 10)
Ms 24, 1890
Jesus, Our Redeemer and Ruler NP May 18, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 665-672.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-3, 14.] “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [John 6:33-35.]
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 1)
My prayer is, O Lord, take the lead of my mind, control my judgment, imbue me with Thy Spirit. In my very weakness I would glorify God. I would put my trust in Him, I would have sincere faith that works by love and purifies the soul. We need to cultivate faith and love, for our churches are becoming leavened with unbelief, and with hardness of heart. We need to pray for the Lord to give them hearts of flesh.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 2)
Jesus, in communicating with John the Revelator, says, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Revelation 2:1-3.] Here is presented a high state of advancement in spiritual knowledge.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 3)
“Nevertheless,” saith the True Witness, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Verses 4-7.]
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 4)
Will our churches have an ear to hear? Will they take heed? Will they by faith secure the heavenly anointing, the oil of grace which keeps the lamps burning, that they may discern their defects, their destitution of the love of God? Certain it is that the love, earnest, vital love, for Jesus has been dying out of our church. Will every member of the church arouse, will they put on Jesus Christ, and will they heed His positive requirements? Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. The first works, when the love of God was pervading the soul with its energizing, transforming power, how simple was the faith, how trustful the confidence in the Lord, how precious the name of Jesus! His love melted and subdued the proud heart. The knocking of Jesus at the door of the heart met a heart’s response in opening and welcoming the heavenly Guest.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 5)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.] Thus the world’s Redeemer illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart. The living agent, by an act of faith of his own, places himself in the hands of the Lord for Him to work in him His good pleasure in His time.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 6)
Well, then, there must be a continual exercise of faith to be in Christ, and keep in Christ, abiding by faith in Him. This is a training process, a constant discipline of the mind and heart, that Christ shall work His great work in human hearts. Self, the old natural self, dies, and Christ’s will is our will, His way is our way; and the human agent becomes, with heart, mind, and intellect, an instrument in the hands of God to work no more wickedness, but the righteousness of Christ. The man works and cooperates with God; the grace of God is constantly at work with the consent of the agent to perfect a Christlike character.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 7)
In the divine arrangement, God does nothing without the co-operation of man. He compels no man’s will. That must be given to the Lord completely, else the Lord is not able to accomplish His divine work that He would do [through] the [human] agency. Jesus declared that in a certain place, He could not do many mighty works among the people because of their unbelief. [Matthew 13:58.] He wanted to do for them, in that place, just what He knew that they needed to have done, but He could not because unbelief barred the way. The potter cannot mold and fashion, unto honor, that which has never been placed in his hands. The Christian life is one of daily surrender, submission, and continual overcoming, gaining fresh victories every day. This is the growing up into Christ, fashioning the life into the divine model.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 8)
Christ says of the church, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. [Revelation 2:4.] This is represented as a fallen condition, spiritually. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works; or else I will come quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. The first new love that pervaded the heart manifested itself not only in ardent love to God, but in love to all men formed in His image. There was a soft heavenly light shining in the soul. It did not remain there, shut up as under a bushel, but it was diffused, for it was the practical working out of God’s will. There was lively living, a sanctified, lively love, sanctified in Christ Jesus.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 9)
Said the apostle Paul, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? ... And such were some of you, but ye are sanctified, and ye are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” [1 Corinthians 6:9-11.] Devotion, piety, and sanctification of the entire man come through Jesus Christ our Righteousness. The love of God needs to be constantly cultivated. Oh, how my heart cries out to the living God for the mind of Jesus Christ! I want to lose sight of self. I want to work with all the powers I am capable of exercising to save souls for whom Christ has made the infinite sacrifice of His own precious life. I must seek wisdom daily to know how to deal with souls that are entrapped in Satan’s snares.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 10)
There are many erring, well-beloved souls that, if imbued with the Spirit of Christ, we may win back to God. Notwithstanding their sins and follies, the Lord loves them, He gave His only-beloved Son to save them, and it was because He loved them that He sent His Son into the world, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. We must ever keep close to Jesus Christ, that we may be constantly partaking of the divine nature, having a deep personal interest in others who have once been our best friends, but in time of temptation have lifted up the heel against us. The love of Christ must not be extinguished in the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 11)
But the prejudice against me cannot make me what they think I am, and I shall not feel hard toward them; but when I see my own brethren in the faith, responsible men, working in darkness, my heart aches. They have not injured me but the Lord Jesus, who has delegated me to bear His message to them. And now I can but weep as I think of the suffering, stubborn natures who will not yield to evidence. They wear an appearance of unconcern, but it is not true. Gladly would they change their relation to me and those whom they have deeply wronged by thoughts, words and influence, if they could avoid the humiliation of saying, “I have committed an error; I confess my faults; will you forgive me?” The haughty, stubborn will evades the very points they will have to face if their souls are converted. Oh, will they never break the spell of Satan, that is upon them? Will they cherish their pride to the last? How my [heart] longs to see them free, and not in the strong deceptions of Satan.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 12)
While one class pervert the doctrine of justification by faith, and neglect to comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” [John 14:15], there is fully as great an error on the part of those who claim to believe and obey the commandments of God, who place themselves in opposition to the precious rays of light (new to them) reflected from the cross of Calvary. They do not see the wondrous things in the law of God. To all who are doers of the word, with every injunction to obedience there is a promise the most positive underlying the command.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 13)
We have lost very much in that we have not opened the eyes of our understanding to discern the wondrous things in the law of God. On the one hand, the religionist generally has divorced the law and the gospel, while we have, on the other hand, almost done the same from another standpoint. We have not held up before the people the righteousness of Christ and the full significance of His great plan of redemption. We have left out Christ and His matchless love, and brought in theories and reasonings, [and] preached arguments.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 14)
Unconverted men have stood in the pulpits sermonizing; their own hearts have never experienced the sweet evidence, through a living, clinging, trusting faith, of the forgiveness of their sins. How then can they preach the love, the sympathy, the forgiveness of God for all their sins? “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] Looking at the cross of Calvary, you will have a desire to bear the cross. A world’s Redeemer hung upon the cross of Calvary. Behold the Saviour of the world, in whom dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Can any look, and behold the sacrifice of God’s dear Son, and their hearts not be melted and broken, ready to surrender to God, heart and soul?
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 15)
And let this point be fully settled in every mind; if we accept Christ as a Redeemer, we must accept Him as a Ruler. We cannot have the assurance, [the] perfect confiding trust in Christ as our Saviour, until we acknowledge Him and are obedient to His commandments. Thus we evidence our allegiance to God. We have, then, the genuine ring in our faith. It works by love. Speak it from your heart, “Lord, I believe Thou hast died to redeem my soul. If Thou hast placed such a value upon my soul [as] to give Thy life for mine, I give my life and all its possibilities, in all my weakness, into Thy keeping.”
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 16)
The will must be brought into complete harmony with the will of God. When this is done, every ray of light that will shine into the heart and chambers of the mind will not be resisted and the soul barricaded with prejudice, calling light darkness, and darkness light. The light from Heaven is welcomed as light filling all the chambers of the soul, and this is making melody to God. How much do we believe from the heart, “Draw nigh to God, and God will draw nigh to you”? [James 4:8.] This means to be much with the Lord in prayer.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 17)
Those who have educated themselves in skepticism and cherished unbelief, weaving questions and doubts into their experience, when under conviction of the Spirit of God, see it to be their personal duty to confess their unbelief and open their hearts to accept of the light sent them, stepping by faith over the line from wrong to right, from doubt to faith, and consecrate themselves unreservedly to God to follow His light in the place of the sparks of their own kindling. As they maintain their consecration, they will see increased light, and the light will continue to grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 18)
The unbelief which is cherished in the soul has a bewitching power; the seed which it has been sowing will produce its harvest. But they must continue to dig up every root of unbelief, and these poisonous plants will cease to grow for want of nourishment in word and action, and the soul must have the precious plants of faith and love put in the soil of the heart and cultivated, and cherished there.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 19)
Let not anyone be afraid of going to extremes while he is a close student of the Word, humbling the soul at every step. Christ must dwell in him by faith. He, their Exemplar, was self-possessed. He walked in humility. He had true dignity. He had patience. If we individually possess these traits of character, who accept justification by faith, there will be no extremists. Christ never erred in His judgment of men and of truth. He was never deceived by appearances. He never raised a question but what was clearly appropriate. He never gave an answer but what was fitting and right to the point. He silenced the voice of the cavilling, shrewd, and cunning priests by penetrating through the surface and reaching the heart, flashing light into their consciences, which annoyed them, but they would not yield to conviction.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 20)
Christ never went to extremes, never lost self-control or the balance of mind under any excitement. He never violated the law of good taste and discernment—when to speak and when to keep silent. Then if all who claim to see the precious golden rays of the light of the Sun of Righteousness will follow the example of Christ, there will be no extremists. The example of Christ is before us, to ever keep the law and the gospel closely connected; they cannot be separated.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 21)
Let calmness and self-possession be cultivated and perseveringly maintained, for this was the character of Christ. We hear the vehement expression of false religionists who make bold pretensions, who talk loud and long, saying, “I am holy, I am sinless,” when they have not the least foundation for their faith. We hear no noisy protestations of faith, nor do we see tremendous bodily contortions and exercises in the Author of all truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 22)
Remember, in Him dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. If Christ is abiding in our hearts by faith, we shall, by beholding the manner of His life, seek to be like Jesus, pure, peaceable and undefiled. We shall reveal Christ in our character. We will not only receive and absorb light, but will also diffuse it. We will have more clear and distinct views of what Jesus is to us. The symmetry, loveliness, and benevolence that were in the life of Jesus Christ will be shining forth in our lives.
(6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, 23)
Ms 25, 1890
Diary, January 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan January 7-9, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 13MR 238-244. Jan. 7, 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan
I arise at half past three to build my fire and make my supplications to God for His blessing. I have comfort and peace, and hope through Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 1)
What a battle I am obliged to fight! My brethren seem to judge me as taking positions that are not necessary. They do not see that God in His own wisdom has made revelations to me which cannot successfully be contradicted or disputed. Nothing can rub out that which has been presented to me and imprinted on the tablets of my soul. All the oppositions or gainsaying to make my testimony of none effect only compels from me, by the urgency of the Spirit of God, a more decided repetition, and to stand on the light revealed with all the force of the strength God has given me. All the arguments of men, all their opposing influence, is of no force to me. Whatever may be the position or the doctrines of these men, and however firm may have been my confidence in them heretofore, when they take false positions all their arguments against what I know the Lord has shown me to be truth are vain. The words spoken to me of God are as if embedded in the rock forever. All the experiences and the wise assertions of the best and wisest men, men who have been exalted to positions of influence, cannot change or alter the ideas which God has written on my soul. Let God be true and every man a liar.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 2)
Every word spoken is in harmony with the living Oracles, and it is only by wresting the Scriptures from their true meaning, by misapplying and misinterpreting them and the testimonies which God has given me, that this can be gainsaid. Those who do this are like the impenitent Jews, who had eyes, but saw not, ears had they, but they heard not, neither would they understand. Why? Lest they should be converted and have to acknowledge that all their ideas were not correct. This they were too proud to do, and therefore persisted in rejecting God’s counsel and the light and evidence which had been given. Thus they deluded their own souls and the souls of others.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 3)
This is the ground which some of our leading brethren are traveling over now, notwithstanding the example of resistance and refusal of the Jewish nation to receive the evidence plainly revealed before them and to be convinced and yield their ideas. The warnings of the Spirit of God are received in the same spirit by many today. “What,” said Robert Hall, “should we think of a person who, after accepting an invitation to a feast, and taking his place at the table, instead of partaking of the repast, amused himself with speculating on the nature of the provisions, or the manner in which they were prepared, and their adaptation to the temperament of the several guests, without partaking of a single article? Such, however, is the conduct of those who hear the word without applying it to themselves or considering the aspect it bears in their individual characters.”
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 4)
Jan. 8, 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan
I must, this morning, trace the contemplation of my mind and the things which move my heart. Jesus suffered in a world of His own. He had not a place which He could call home. He said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” [Matthew 8:20.]
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 5)
He was seeking to give knowledge to the ignorant and hope to the despairing. He was working to give that wisdom to the world which would make them wise unto salvation. He was seeking to lighten the self-imposed burdens of worldly anxiety and care by inviting the people to come to Him and find rest and peace, to exchange their self-made, cumberous, galling yoke for His yoke, which was easy, and their worldly burdens, which were heavy, for His burdens, which were light. His voice has been coming down along the line to our time with the gracious words of invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] We read that the common people heard Him gladly. [Mark 12:37.]
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 6)
The knowledge which Jesus imparted was richer than the gold of Ophir, yet the value of the truth He presented was not appreciated. He solicited a drink of water from a stranger, and was fully rewarded if His Words of Life were accepted. The tear of penitence evidencing contrition of soul was that which He esteemed.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 7)
January 9, [1890]
Christ’s Manner of Instruction
Christ’s teaching was simplicity itself. He taught as one having authority. The Jews looked for and claimed that the first advent of Christ should be with all the representations of glory which should attend His second advent. The great Teacher proclaimed the truth to humanity, many of whom could not be educated in the schools of the rabbis, neither in Greek philosophy. Jesus uttered truth in a plain, direct manner, giving vital force and inpressiveness to all His utterances. Had He raised His voice to an unnatural key, as is customary with many preachers in this day, the pathos and melody of the human voice would have been lost and much of the force of the truth destroyed.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 8)
The key of knowledge in Christ’s day had been taken away by those who should have held it to unlock the treasure house of wisdom in the Old Testament Scriptures. The rabbis and teachers had virtually shut up the kingdom of heaven from the poor and the afflicted, and left them to perish. In His discourses Christ did not bring many things before them at once, lest He might confuse their minds. He made every point clear and distinct. He did not disdain the repetition of old and familiar truths in prophecies if they would serve His purpose to inculcate ideas.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 9)
Christ was the originator of all the ancient gems of truth. Through the work of the enemy these truths had been displaced. They had been disconnected from their true position and placed in the framework of error. Christ’s work was to re-adjust and establish the precious gems in the framework of truth. The principles of truth which had been given by Himself to bless the world had, through Satan’s agency, been buried and had apparently become extinct. Christ rescued them from the rubbish of error, gave them a new, vital force, and commanded them to shine as precious jewels and stand fast forever. Christ Himself could use any of these old truths without borrowing the smallest particle for He had originated them all. He had cast them into the minds and thoughts of each generation, and when He came to our world, He re-arranged and vitalized the truths which had become dead, making them more forcible for the benefit of future generations. It was Jesus Christ who had the power of rescuing the truths from the rubbish and again giving them to the world with more than their original freshness and power.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 10)
As Christ presented these truths to minds, He broke up their accustomed train of thought as little as possible. Nevertheless a new and transforming economy of truth must be woven into their experience. He, therefore, aroused their minds by presenting truth through the agency of their most familiar associations. He used illustrations in His teaching which called into activity their most hallowed recollections and sympathies, that He might reach the inner temple of the soul. Identifying Himself with their interests, He drew His illustrations from the great book of nature, using objects with which they were familiar. The lily of the field, the seed sown by the sower, the springing up of the seed, and the harvesting of the grain, the birds of the air, all these figures He used from which to present divine truth, for these would remind them of His lessons whenever they should afterward look upon them.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 11)
He inculcated the idea into the minds of His disciples that the amount of divine care given any object in nature is proportionate to the rank which that object occupies in the world of God’s creation, and that His higher care for them shows the higher regard He has for man formed after the divine similitude. “If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Matthew 6:30.] Man has not been forgotten of God. In the volume of His book the page given to man contains his whole history, even to the numbering of the hairs of his head.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 12)
*****
Many truths necessary to be known are hidden like precious ore in the mines which must be diligently and perseveringly worked in order for the precious treasure to be discovered. Truths essential for us to know lie too deeply buried to be discovered by unaided human reason. God speaks to our senses in His created works. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” [Psalm 19:1.] The soul enlightened by inspiration can see the greatness and power of God in His created works.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 13)
The Lord Jesus awakens an interest in man by encouraging him to draw nigh and become acquainted with His character. “This is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] We do not contemplate as we should the character of God. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 14)
Although Satan has misinterpreted God’s purposes, falsified His character, and caused man to look upon God in a false light, yet through the ages God’s love for man has never ceased. Christ’s work was to reveal the Father as merciful, compassionate, full of goodness, and truth. The character of Christ represented the character of God. The only begotten Son of God sweeps back the hellish shadow in which Satan has enveloped the Father, and declares, “I and my Father are one [John 10:30]; look on me and behold God.”
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 15)
Through every hour, through all ages, God’s love stands revealed as without a parallel. When the fullness of time was come, a suitable channel was prepared in Christ Jesus, through whom the streams of heavenly grace could be poured into the world. God so loved man that He made a gift to the world which defies all computation. That the abundance of His grace should be revealed, He could not give less than the fullness, nor was it possible for Him to give more.
(6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, 16)
Ms 26, 1890
Speculation in Lands and Mines Battle Creek, Michigan January 7, 1890 See variant Ms 26a, 1890. This manuscript is published in entirety in 15MR 68-71. +
Extract from Mrs. E. G. White’s Diary, January 7, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 1)
Dealing in mining stocks is a snare to any of our brethren who invest in them. And buying and selling city lots, selling the lots at figures far above their real value, is another species of robbery. It is not lawful business. It may meet the world’s standard, but it cannot meet the standard of God. These are Satan’s traps, laid to catch souls. Our safeguard in all business transactions is the love and fear of God. There are, in our world today, the same dishonest practices that prevailed before the flood swept the world of its pollution, and that prevailed in Sodom before the wicked inhabitants of this city were consumed by fire from heaven. Satan will devise dreamlike prospects of great gain. Thus he seeks to enlist men in his service and to engross their attention with the things of the world. Representations are made that are positively untrue. Many unwary souls are beguiled and made an easy prey as they listen to the voice of a minister, which they have heard proclaiming the truth, now presenting the great advantage of speculating in land and mines. By the exaggerated accounts presented to the people, money that ought to flow into the treasury of God is diverted to other purposes. Investments in mines and land are described as a sure and unfailing source of gain; and to obtain means for the cause is the plea. The glowing descriptions have led God-loving, God-fearing men to invest thousands of dollars in mines. They were told that thus they would be enabled to assist the cause. But what does the after-sight show? They lost all they invested, getting nothing for their money.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 2)
The intoxicating craze for these investments originates with Satan. Thus he seeks to absorb the revenue which should be used to good advantage in God’s work. We are safe only as our souls are sanctified by the truth. If the truth is planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit, God will make the discernment clear as to what is right and what is wrong.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 3)
We have no confidence in a man who will preach to the congregation today, proclaiming solemn truth, and then yield tomorrow to the temptation of Satan to engage in land and mine speculations. The ungodly are lynx-eyed. They see that his conduct is wholly inconsistent with his teaching, and while their words are smooth and flattering, they despise him in their hearts. God wants His messengers to keep clear of everything of this character.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 4)
If Satan paves the way for further evil by making the speculation successful, how terrible is the result. The man’s ambition is aroused. He wants money to spend as he desires. The means he obtains so easily he spends unwisely and unlawfully.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 5)
If we are Christians at all, we must be Christians always, looking constantly to Jesus, practicing His lessons, doing His work. Then we are safe. Those who live the Word of Christ, as well as hear it, will in due time reap that which they have sown. God’s Word, carefully and prayerfully studied, will keep all well-balanced. The Ruler of the nations has protested against man working out his own will, trampling on righteous principles and ignoring the wisdom of God. He declares, “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” [Proverbs 28:20.] The books of heaven mark him as one guilty of fraud. “Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” [1 Timothy 6:17.] “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” [Proverbs 22:4.] “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.]
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 6)
You cannot set aside the light God has sent to shine upon your pathway, and yet walk in its rays. You are to deal justly, never oppressing your fellowmen. We must study God’s Word to find out His way. No one who does this in sincerity will walk in darkness. Those who are trying to secure means by speculating in mines or land might better cease this work and find some steady, honest business. Those who encourage the thirst for gaining riches by speculation will extinguish the light God has set for his feet. If he makes money fast, he will spend it unwisely, and this prodigality will be his ruin. He must continue to make largely in order to keep up his habit of living. Thus many are drawn into the gambling halls to gain money fast enough to meet their expenses.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 7)
If the professed Christian has success in his first speculations, his ruin is almost sure. Scheme after scheme will be entered upon. Lands will be represented as teeming with gold. A large percentage will be promised for all investments. Thus many are deceived. Shares are taken. Then come loss and ruin, in which some lose all they possess.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 8)
Man proposes, but in order to save him from utter ruin, God disposes. God protests against the greed of the natural heart for gold. Whenever His way is departed from and His will violated, by nations, churches, institutions, or individuals, it is recorded in the books of heaven, and retribution will surely follow. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase.” [Ecclesiastes 5:10.] He who says to gold, “Be thou my confidence,” will find himself “pierced through with many sorrows.” [Job 31:24; 1 Timothy 6:10.] God would have His people keep themselves from all speculations.
(6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, 9)
Ms 26a, 1890
A Warning Against Financial Speculation Battle Creek, Michigan January 7, 1890 Variant of Ms 26, 1890. This manuscript is published in entirety in 15MR 71-75.
Financial speculations are Satan’s snares—laid to catch souls. In all business transactions the only safeguard for a man is the love and fear of God. In our world today there are seen the same dishonest practises which prevailed before the flood swept this earth of its moral pollution, and which prevailed in Sodom before fire from heaven consumed its wicked inhabitants. Satan engrosses men’s minds with dreamlike prospects of great gain, and in their greed for gain, those who yield to him make representations which are positively untrue. God and the truth are forgotten. Many unwary souls are beguiled and make an easy conquest, as they listen to a minister, whom they have heard proclaiming the truth, presenting the great advantage to be gained from speculation in mines and land, telling how, by the means which will accrue from the investment, workers may be supported in new fields. By the exaggerated accounts of what can be thus gained, men are induced to invest their means in the hope of making money easily. To gain money for the cause of God is the plea offered by the one asking for means, and his glowing descriptions fascinate God-loving, God-fearing men, leading them to invest money which should have been given to God’s cause in schemes from which, when it is too late, they find that they receive no equivalent.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 1)
We have no confidence in a man who today preaches to a congregation about the solemn truths of God’s Word, and tomorrow yields to the temptations of Satan to engage in land and mine speculation. The ungodly are quick to see that his practises are wholly inconsistent with his teaching, and while they speak smooth, flattering words to him, at heart they despise him.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 2)
Look at the history of our brethren at Fresno. Men left churches that needed their help to go to Fresno, some for their health, others in search of riches, attracted by glowing representations. The temptation to speculate came fierce and strong. Young men and men of grey hair, and even ministers of the gospel, were drawn into the sweeping current, their hopes raised high by their interest in mining shares and city lots. This was Satan’s plan to bind up the means that were needed for the advancement of the cause of God. But the bubble burst. The unreasonable hopes failed. The transactions, recorded in the books of heaven as gambling, bore their bitter fruit.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 3)
God desires His servants to avoid all speculation. Satan may pave the way by making the first investment successful, but O, how bitter will be the final outcome! If the professing Christian has success in his first speculation, his ruin is almost certain. Visionary schemes are wildly entered into as schemers present promising enterprises which they declare will pay a large percentage on all money invested. Good men are fascinated and deceived. Shares are purchased. Then comes confusion and loss. Some are totally ruined, having in the excitement invested all they had. In the thirst for riches, reason seems to depart. One or two may gain wealth, to their own injury, but many, many are bitterly disappointed.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 4)
Man proposes, but to save him from ruin, God disposes. The Lord has instructed me that should our brethren who are engaged in speculation realize their expectations it would be the greatest curse that could come to Seventh-day Adventists. Thus others would be led into the snare, to the peril of their souls. Those who can earn an honest living would give up their business to speculate in mining stock, selling their souls for the hope of gain.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 5)
God requires His people to deal justly and in all kindness, never oppressing their fellowbeings in any way. Instead of entering into speculation, let those who know the truth find some steady, honest employment in which they can earn their living in a way that glorifies God. Those who encourage the thirst for speculation will extinguish the light that God has given to guide their feet aright. Making money easily, they will spend it unwisely, and their prodigality will be their ruin. To maintain their habits of selfish indulgence, they must continue to make money rapidly. The effort to make money fast enough to meet their extravagant expenses draws many into the gambling hall.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 6)
Man cannot prosper while he tramples on God’s principles and ignores His wisdom. Those who refuse to obey the words of Christ will in time reap what they have sown. When, in any sense, God’s way is departed from, when His will is violated, whether by nations, churches, institutions, or individuals, it is written in the books of heaven, and retribution will surely follow.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 7)
Once speculation is entered into, there is ever after an unrest, a thirst for gain, a desire to engage in some enterprise by which means can be obtained with ease, to be spent with prodigality. If by the grace of God the error of this course is seen, and therefore does not prove fatal, the character bears the scars for years.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 8)
The Ruler of the universe has protested against the greed of the natural heart, saying, “He that hasteth to be rich shall not be innocent.” [Proverbs 28:20.] God records them as guilty of fraud and transgression. “Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” [1 Timothy 6:17.] “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.” [Leviticus 19:35.] “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” [Proverbs 22:4.] “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase.” [Ecclesiastes 5:10.] He who says to gold, “Be thou my confidence,” shall find himself “pierced through with many sorrows.” [Job 31:24; 1 Timothy 6:10.] “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.” [Mark 8:36.]
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 9)
My prayer to our heavenly Father is, Lord, let the clear light shine forth. Carefully and prayerfully studied, God’s Word keeps men well-balanced. In this Word we find God’s way clearly defined. No one who searches the Word with sincerity will walk in darkness. But we cannot cast aside the light God sends and at the same time walk in its rays. To be Christians at all, we must be Christians in all things, revealing His virtues, doing His works. The truth is our safeguard. Planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit, it enables us to see clearly the difference between what is right and what is wrong. Those who cherish the truth will refuse to be drawn into speculation.
(6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, 10)
Ms 27, 1890
Rules for Christian Workers Sands, Virginia November 10, 1890 Previously unpublished. To the Household:
In a dream there have been presented to me things that depress me. I have been instructed that many among us are not reaching their highest privilege. They are not walking in the way of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 1)
Christians are Christlike. In following Jesus, we walk in the light as He is in the light, and as we advance, this light grows brighter unto the perfect day. As those in the home circle stand under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, they are drawn into the close relationship of a family compact. They feel the responsibility resting upon them to improve in their connection with one another, preparatory to their union with the family in heaven. They are to realize the sacredness of the obligations resting on them as they stand in the inner and smaller circles of duty. They are to live as those who have a sacred part to act in keeping their souls in the love of Christ. They are to live in close connection with the Light of the world, walking circumspectly.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 2)
They are to strive earnestly for the gift of eternal life, a gift that includes everything good and ennobling—honor, love, eternal riches. In order to gain this heavenly treasure, there is something for every one to do. The Lord says to those who are seeking for eternal life, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Christ was a worker. It was His work to help and bless others. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] A tree is known by its fruit. Men do not gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles. Christ says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” [John 15:5.] The branches of the vine bear fruit of the same kind as the fruit borne by the parent stock.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 3)
True Christians have the mind of Christ. They labor in harmony with the great Worker, gathering strength from the Source of all strength, the Fountain of all goodness and truth. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, receiving light from the Saviour, they reflect light to others. The glory of the Lord is their rereward. Their path on earth may be traced by the character of their work. They are not clouds without rain. They are cheerful and happy, because they are following the light of life, whose going forth is prepared as the morning. They have gratitude offerings to present to God. They see Him in all His works; they acknowledge Him in all His ways.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 4)
If they are members of a Christian family, they make the most of their privileges and opportunities, turning them to the very best account. Not only do they receive; they impart; for they are ever learning, ever discerning new motives to duty. They follow where Christ leads the way, advancing, not standing still, for Christ moves ever onward. They feel that it is their constant duty to inquire, “Is this the way of the Lord? Shall I, in following this way, gain spiritual strength?” Diligently examining themselves, proving themselves by the law of the Lord, looking at themselves in the divine mirror, they will discover every defect of character if they desire earnestly to know how they can improve, how [to] grow up into Christ, their living Head.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 5)
Thoughtful self-examination is too often neglected to the great danger and loss of the soul. Before all, old and young, Christ stands as the perfect example. They are to copy His character. To be careless in this work is dangerous.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 6)
Those who neglect to follow the way of the Lord, wasting their time or employing it to the detriment of the soul, follow a road over which they must retrace their steps if they are ever saved. Habits have been formed, tastes and inclinations pleasing to the natural heart established, which make them spiritually and morally weak. They have been doing a work represented as bringing to the foundation hay, wood, and stubble—just the work that Satan was pleased to have them do. But it was their privilege to obtain wisdom from God—wisdom that would have enabled them to make all their mercies tell with directness and power in the service of Christ. It was their privilege to do a work represented as bringing to the foundation gold, silver, and precious stones.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 7)
Every day, true Christians will watch for opportunities to speak words that will be a blessing to others and to do the works of righteousness represented in the Word of God as gold, silver, and precious stones. They have special help in every time of need, because they are not living to please themselves, but to work the works of Christ. In the place of choosing to follow their own way, they inquire, “Is this the way of the Lord?”
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 8)
We have enlisted in the army of God to do whatever He bids us. We are to obey the orders of our Captain. We are engaged in an unceasing conflict with evil. Satan and his angels league themselves with men who do not the will and way of God. Although these men have a pretense of godliness, a name to live, they are dead. Satan uses them as decoys to win other souls to himself. They lead those with whom they come in contact to do those things that are a snare to them. Their influence is a savor of death unto death, whereas, if they followed the way of the Lord, it would be a power for good, on the Lord’s side.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 9)
Satan is a deceiver, a corrupter of principles, and it is a sad loss to any soul to work on the enemy’s side while professedly serving in Christ’s army. Christ has a work for all to do. All are under obligation to learn the best methods and the wisest plans for advancing the cause of Christ. They have enlisted in His army, and they are to use every jot of their ability in the struggle against evil. They are to war a good warfare against the wily foe. They are never to give the enemy the least opportunity to gain control over the thoughts or actions.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 10)
This is the work before every one. Every member of the church must feel the converting power of God. The prevailing sin of the members of the church is that they do not follow Christ. They do not advance in Christian knowledge and experimental godliness. They stop short, as if there were no more steps to take in order to keep by the side of Christ as He leads the way. They are not wide awake to the importance and positive necessity of the union of divine influence with human endeavor. They work without bringing Christ into their work, and therefore their efforts are not successful.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 11)
Many fail to see the necessity of placing themselves in the companionship of those who breathe a pure, holy atmosphere. They do not see the need for the presence of the Lord in all their undertakings, and the enemy leads them in his path, keeping them busy in his work. Then he brings discouragement upon them because of their unfitness to engage in the work of the Lord. They have little power to strive in the strength of God to escape from the snare in which they have permitted Satan to take them captive at his will.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 12)
The soul thus weakened should cast himself upon Christ. He will receive him. He alone has power to change the current of his thoughts and convert him from the error of his way. He can so transform him that he will carry about with him, in word and deed, the proof that divine grace has been working upon his heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 13)
O how greatly our churches are in need of the Spirit of God. It makes my heart ache to see how often the Lord Jesus is betrayed and put to open shame by unconverted believers. Satan secures their services. Under his direction they bring to the foundation material that will be consumed by the fires of the last days. O that God would arouse His people to the necessity and importance of earnest prayer for divine enlightenment, for the influence of the Spirit of God. I pray that they may so strive to gather divine force that their spiritual sleepiness may not deepen into the death slumber.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 14)
Reproach is brought on Christ every day because of the absence of the Holy Spirit among His people. They have so long accustomed themselves to be content with a faint glimmer of light, to be satisfied with small things, that they are disqualified for service. They have received so little spiritual power that they cannot reach hearts. They have not put to the tax every spiritual nerve and muscle in the effort to advance, making the most of their entrusted capabilities.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 15)
We are to keep increasing in wisdom. The more experience we gain in doing the will of the Lord, the better will we understand what the cross of Calvary means to us. Christ says, “Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Mark 8:34.] We shall find that as we lift the cross, it lifts us. Fallen human beings can be converted and transformed only by following where Christ leads the way. Justice says, “Let him alone; he is joined to his idols.” [Hosea 4:17.] Christ says, “Let him come to Me, and live. I will pardon his transgressions. Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 55:3; 27:5.]
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 16)
Our Saviour does not leave His followers in ignorance as to what is before them in the spiritual warfare. With simplicity and faithfulness He lays open before them the character of the warfare in which He asks them to engage. He urges them to count the cost. He points them to the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them, but He tells them that they will not fight alone, that God and the angels will fight with them if they will faithfully act their part, steadfastly resisting the temptations of the enemy. “Be of good cheer,” He says, “I have overcome the world. [John 16:33.] I, the Captain of the Lord’s host, stand at the head of His soldiers, leading them on to victory.”
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 17)
Christ’s soldiers wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and against spiritual wickedness in high places. At times the battle waxes strong, and apparently they are well-nigh overwhelmed; but they need not be discouraged. They are engaged in a good warfare, and angels of God are fighting with them. Impelled by the love of Christ, they are to press the battle to the gates. Every soldier is to be up and doing. But God’s servants are so slow, so fearful to make a charge upon the enemy, that often favorable opportunities for gaining a victory pass unimproved, because they are not ready.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 18)
The Lord is working upon human hearts, but how few act as if they believed this. There are those upon whose minds the Lord is working, bringing to them conviction in regard to the truth. If His human agents would work patiently and in faith, never losing their hold on God, great results would be seen. God is waiting to unite His power with human effort, that the truth may triumph and the world be astonished at the work that God has wrought.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 19)
But before this can be accomplished, a deeper work of grace must be done in the hearts of believers. Christ will accept nothing short of wholehearted service. To the Jews He said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:20.] The charge that He brought against the Jewish leaders was that their piety was not sincere, but superficial—a cloak put on to conceal the deformity of their motives and purposes.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 20)
Every true follower of Christ is guided by principles that keep him active in the service of the Master. He has a high and holy object to gain. Jesus puts in his heart principles that lead him to make the glory of God his highest aim.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 21)
Christ expects us to keep the will of God ever before us, making it our rule of life, committing the keeping of our souls to God as unto a faithful Creator. We are not to allow our own will to control, for we have been bought with a price. We are to keep ever in view the glory of God, for we are Christ’s representatives. Every purpose, every plan, every object, must bow to the supreme will. “I came” Christ said, “not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” [John 6:38; 4:34.] In the garden of Gethsemane, His soul enshrouded with darkness, the thought before Him that His life of humiliation and suffering was to be ended by an ignominious death, He looked to God, exclaiming, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.]
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 22)
*****
Ever since the time that man aspired to be as God, and fell through Satan’s deceiving power, there has been a controversy between man and His maker—a determination on the part of man to gain an independence totally opposed to the life and lessons of Christ. Christians are to lay this struggle for independence on God’s altar. Until they do this, God cannot imbue them with His Spirit. All self-sufficiency is to be given up. The will is to be wholly yielded to God’s will. He who is truly seeking for help from on high will welcome the assistance and counsel that God sends, whatever means the Lord may employ to give His directions.
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 23)
*****
O how we grieve God’s heart of love by our stubborn self-will, our determination to do as we please. Let us not provoke the Lord to anger by striving for self-exaltation. Let us not think that we have no confessions to make. Unless we place ourselves, by confession of sin, where God can cleanse our hearts, we shall do the same wrong things again and again. We cannot afford to do this. Of those who have passed a certain boundary line, God says, “I will punish, and will not spare My judgments.”
(6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, 24)
Ms 28, 1890
The Pillars of Our Faith Norwich to Boston, Massachusetts [December 4, 1890] This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SM 387-389. +
(On the train from Norwich to Boston, en route for Lynn, Massachusetts.)
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 1)
During the last fifty years of my life, I have had precious opportunities to obtain an experience. I have had an experience in the first, second, and third angel’s messages. The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming to the world a message of warning, and having a direct bearing upon the people living in the last days of this earth’s history. No one hears the voice of these angels, for they are a symbol to represent the people of God who are working in harmony with the universe of heaven. Men and women, enlightened by the Spirit of God, and sanctified through the truth, proclaim the three messages in their order.
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 2)
I have acted a part in this solemn work. Nearly all my Christian experience is interwoven with it. There are those now living who have an experience similar to my own. They have recognized the truth unfolding for this time, they have kept in step with the great Leader, the Captain of the Lord’s host. every specification of prophecy has been fulfilled. Those who were privileged to act a part in proclaiming these messages have gained an experience which is of the highest value to them; and now when we are amid the perils of these last days, when voices will be heard on every side saying, Here is Christ, here is truth, while the burden of many is to unsettle the foundation of our faith which has led us from the churches and from the world to stand as a peculiar people in the world, like John our testimony will be borne:
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 3)
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of Life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1-3.]
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 4)
I testify the things which I have heard, the things which I have seen, the things which my hands have handled of the Word of Life. And this testimony I know to be of the Father and the Son. We have seen and do testify that the power of the Holy Ghost has accompanied the presentation of the truth, warning with pen and voice, and giving the messages in their order. To deny this work would be to deny the Holy Ghost, and would place us in that company who have departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits.
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 5)
The enemy will set everything in operation to uproot the confidence of the pillars of our faith in the messages of the past, which have placed us upon the elevated platform of eternal truth, and which has established and given character to the work. The Lord God of Israel has led out His people, unfolding to them truth of heavenly origin. His voice has been heard, and is still heard, saying, Go forward from strength to strength, from grace to grace, from glory to glory. The work is strengthening and broadening, for the Lord God of Israel is the defense of His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 6)
Those who have a hold of the truth theoretically, with their fingertips as it were, who have not brought its principles into the inner sanctuary of the soul, but have kept the vital truth in the outer court, will see nothing sacred in the past history of this people which has made them what they are, and has established them as earnest, determined missionary workers in the world. The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the Rock, Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 7)
This will continue to be as long as time shall last. Any one who has been a close student of the Bible will see and understand the solemn position of those who are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. They will feel their own inefficiency and weakness, and will make it their first business to have not merely a form of godliness, but a vital connection with God. They will not dare to rest until Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. Self will die; pride will be expelled from the soul, and they will have the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, 8)
Ms 29, 1890
Diary, November 1890 New York, New York November 20-24, 1890 See variant Ms 29a, 1890. This manuscript is published in entirety in 21MR 446-456.
I spoke this evening at eight o’clock, and the Lord gave me great freedom. I feel my weakness, and I am pleading with God to restore me. I believe that He will do it. I am reaching out for stronger faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 1)
Nov. 21
During the night season I was specially moved upon by the Spirit of God. My soul had been drawn out in earnest supplication to God. I was distressed on account of the backsliding of His people. While lying in bed, unable to sleep because of the burden resting upon me, I was pleading with the Lord. I fell asleep, and in the night season I was taught of God. My guide said, “I have a work for you to do. You must speak the words given you by the Lord. After these words have been spoken, your duty here is done.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 2)
You are not required to enter into details before individuals, whatever may be their position or work, if they do not recognize the voice of God in the message He gives you to bear in His name. All your efforts to remove their doubts will be of no avail if they gather the clouds of darkness about their souls. If you enter into particulars, you weaken the message. It is not you speaking, but the Lord speaking through you. Those who want to know the will of God who do not desire to follow their own will and judgment, will be easily entreated. They will be ready to discern the right way.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 3)
“The why’s and wherefore’s are concealed from you, yet speak the words I give you, however painful it may be to you. The ways in which God leads His people are generally mysterious. You have asked to know God’s way. Your supplication has been answered. God knows better than you do what is good and essential for His children. He never leads them otherwise than they would wish to be led if they were able to see as clearly as He does what they must do to establish characters that will fit them for the heavenly courts. The people whom God is leading must venture out upon His Word. They must walk forward by faith. Truths have been committed to them which they must obey. The work of God is aggressive. No one can stand in a neutral position and yet be a soldier in the Lord’s army. God has commands for His people, and if they keep in close connection with Him, they will hear His voice, and will keep in step with their Captain. They will go forward in the conflict to fight the battles of the Lord. But those who place themselves in an indifferent, non-committal position will gain no victories. We are to work by faith and not by sight, allowing God to direct the warfare.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 4)
“The men who are placed in positions of responsibility are not to betray sacred trusts. I have a message for you to those who are serving self, but they will pass it by as though they heard it not. They will close their eyes, lest they see and be converted. They have been planning and contriving in their own human wisdom, and they do not seek God earnestly. But imbued and stimulated by the Spirit of God, you are to bear the message given you without worrying or calculating the result. You are to act your part, and then leave the rest to God. You will have startling, surprising messages to bear, but if those who hear cannot see the import of these messages, explanations from you will not lead them to understand any more clearly. They have ears, but they hear not. Satan takes control of their unsanctified reason and leads them to misunderstand and misapply. Before you enter into private counsel to give the details of your message, be sure that the Lord would have you do this. After the message from God is given, you will feel that you have risked much, that there are those who have not faith enough to appreciate the message because they have not kept the way of the Lord, but have walked in the sparks of their own kindling. You feel a remorse which they should feel, and wish you had not spoken.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 5)
“God desires the pure gospel to be preached to His people. Selfishness will appear in many ways. The despondency which you feel after bearing a plain testimony comes not because you have erred in bearing this testimony. If you do not bear the message given you, God will send it to His people through some other channel.”
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 6)
The men who now occupy positions of responsibility do not feel the necessity of making God their trust as did those who first led out in this work. They have planned for themselves. An independent, self-sufficient spirit has been coming into our publishing house in Battle Creek. The managers have followed the inclinations of their own hearts to go beyond the leadings of God. In some things those who carry heavy responsibilities in the institutions in Battle Creek have exercised a wonderful prudence. They have prudently refrained from pointing out the existing dangers in the institution. God would not have large expenditures made to enlarge the facilities in Battle Creek. More is now located in Battle Creek than have ability to manage after God’s order. This fact has been partially discerned, especially in regard to the publishing institution. Principles are being sacrificed that God has plainly specified should control His work. An order of things has been instituted which is leading men farther from God than they are now aware of. They feel no necessity for the earnest prayer, the self-denial, the self-sacrifice which is after God’s order, after the example of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 7)
“But,” said my guide, “their lips will be opened by the Lord to speak the words He shall give them in plainness of language and in demonstration of the Spirit. They still speak that which they have been reluctant to utter, which they have shrunk from speaking. Under the constraining power of God, they will declare the danger threatening the cause of God and the plain facts and principles of truth to which we must adhere, which every worker must respect.”
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 8)
The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with worldliness. Worldly policy is taking the place of the true piety and wisdom that comes from above, and God will remove His prospering hand from the conference. Shall the ark of the Covenant be removed from this people? Shall idols be smuggled in? Shall false principles and false precepts be brought into the sanctuary? Shall antichrist be respected? Shall the true doctrines and principles given us by God, which have made us what we are, be ignored? Shall God’s instrumentality, the publishing house, become a mere political, worldly institution? This is directly where the enemy, through blinded, unconsecrated men, is leading us.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 9)
These things have gone as far as they should without some one protesting against them in plain words. The Lord’s time to set things in order has fully come. There are men in positions of trust who have not had an experience in the leading out of this work, and these men should walk with humility and caution.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 10)
In the night season I was present in several councils, and there I heard words repeated by influential men to the effect that if The American Sentinel would drop the words “Seventh-day Adventist” from its columns, and would say nothing about the Sabbath, the great men of the world would patronize it; it would become popular and do a larger work. This looked very pleasing. Those men could not see why we could not affiliate with unbelievers and non-professors to make The American Sentinel a great success. I saw their countenances brighten, and they began to work on a policy plan to make the Sentinel a popular success.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 11)
This policy is the first step in a succession of wrong steps. The principles which have been advocated in The American Sentinel are the very sum and substance of the advocacy of the Sabbath, and when men begin to talk of changing these principles, they are doing a work which it does not belong to them to do. Like Uzzah, they are attempting to steady the ark which belongs to God and is under His special supervision.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 12)
Said my Guide to those in these councils, “Who of the men among you have felt the burden of the cause from the first and have accepted responsibilities under trying circumstances? Who has carried the burden of the work during the years of its existence? Who has practiced self-denial and self-sacrifice? The Lord made a place for His staunch servants, whose voices have been heard in warning. He carried forward His work before any of you put your hands to it, and He can and will find a place for the truth you would suppress. In The American Sentinel has been published the truth for this time. Take heed what you do. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ [Psalm 127:1.]”
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 13)
[Added to Ms 29, 1890, from diary:]
[November 21, Friday.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 14)
I think not best to attend morning meetings. I am urged by the Spirit of the Lord to write important matters in reference to the work of God for this time and the necessity of the churches reaching a higher standard.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 15)
Brooklyn, N.Y., Sabbath, Nov. 22. This morning I pleaded most earnestly with the Lord for His presence, for the enlightenment which He alone can give me. I wrestled for some time in prayer and placed myself decidedly on the Lord’s side, to believe every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. I will not take myself out of His hands. Infirmities press me at all times, and my faith is tested severely. O that I may never lose sight of Jesus, my hope and my consolation.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 16)
I spoke to a room packed with interested listeners, from Isaiah 58. The Lord’s presence was in the congregation. We know that His Holy Spirit was impressing the hearts of those present. As soon as I had ceased speaking, a woman of commanding appearance arose and bore a testimony from a full heart. She thanked the Lord, she said, that she was present to hear that discourse, for it has decided her to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Although trials and difficulties were before her, she would trust in the Lord, for He would be her fortress, her support, and she would make known the light of truth to others. Testimonies followed in quick succession. Brother Washburn bore a good testimony. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and his face was pale. He said that he knew that the Spirit and power of God was in the message borne by Sr. White and that he had been receiving light and blessing. He felt more deeply the Spirit of the Lord than he had ever felt it before in his religious experience.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 17)
Brother Asa Robinson bore witness that the Lord had deeply impressed his mind, and he longed to drink richer and deeper draughts of the water of life than he had ever yet done. Brother Lindsay spoke with deep contrition of soul, referring to the remarks of the speaker in reference to Joshua and the words spoken to him by Christ. The people of God, represented by Joshua, stood before the angel of God clothed with filthy garments, and Satan was complaining because he was prevented from destroying them as he was determined to do. He pointed to their filthy garments as a reason why he should do this. But the Lord Jesus would not permit him to destroy them. With the voice and attitude of a king, He said, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” Turning to Joshua, Christ said, “I will clothe thee with change of raiment,” even the righteousness of Christ. [Zechariah 3:4.] Brother Lindsay said he felt that he had labored in his own strength too long—clothed with the filthy garments of selfishness. He wanted the endowment of the Spirit of God and the baptism of the Holy Ghost that he might no longer work in his own spirit, after his own way and will. Others followed with testimonies right to the point.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 18)
We then invited those who had not this evidence of their acceptance with God to come forward, and about forty responded. Many of these expressed their desire to be clothed with the garments of Christ. It was evident that the Spirit of the Lord was making deep impressions on the minds of all present. Many with deep feeling asked the prayers of God’s people in behalf of fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters. We bowed in prayer, and I know that the Lord’s presence was with us. Most earnest, heartfelt supplications ascended in faith to the throne of God, and the Lord harkened and heard those earnest cries. Many hearts were blessed, and their countenances reflected the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 19)
This was a precious day to our souls, a season long to be remembered, never, never to be forgotten. Praise and thanksgiving ascended from the hearts and lips of many to the glory of God. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God.” [Psalm 50:23.] The Lord would have His people a bright, cheerful, gladsome people, light-bearers to the world. Light, precious light, represents the cheerfulness and happiness which should be reflected to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 20)
Nov. 24, 1890
I rise this morning with gratitude in my heart for a precious night’s rest. The cars on the elevated railroad have been thundering past all night, but I have slept excellently well.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 21)
I did not fill my appointment at the hall yesterday evening at five o’clock. The managers of the building let it to other parties when our people had engaged it for the day. But we could not help ourselves, as there was no written contract. This ought always to be secured. Many had purposed to come with the unbelieving relatives, and this was a great disappointment to them. They wept with sorrow. This disappointment we must reckon among the “all things” that shall work together for good to those that love God. [Romans 8:28.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 22)
I was solicited to speak in the evening to those assembled in the next tenement, the canvassing class, to understand why they were advised by conference president and canvassing agents not to canvass for Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets. I spoke to them for about one hour. This ends my speaking in this city. It is the universal testimony of those present at these meetings that they have been a blessing. The Spirit of the Lord has had free course and been glorified.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 23)
We feel the necessity of urging home upon the people the needs of the work. The Saviour of the world made the subject of missionary labor so plain that His people need not misunderstand their work. He would send us as missionary messengers to the world. His voice was often uplifted to reiterate the truth, to urge it home upon their hearts, lest they should by any means lose sight of the mission and work of the church. His servants were to circulate the message of truth in all directions, and with earnest longing of soul they were to carry the tidings of light and peace to those in the darkness of error. Christ kept before them the fact, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Those nigh and those afar off must hear the message of peace and hope and joy.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 24)
Christ left the abodes of bliss and came to this world as the light of truth, to shine amid the moral darkness that the bright beams of light might penetrate the darkness of superstition, that divine truth might shine forth in contrast with the maxims and traditions and errors prevailing everywhere. Thus the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness were to dispel the thick clouds of ignorance. Christ opened the fountain of life, not only for the Jews, but for all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. He knew the unrest and earnest longing of soul for something which could satisfy the heart. Before leaving His disciples, He made His plans and set in order His work, that the church might be impressed with its missionary character, that it might see that its work is to diffuse the gospel of truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 25)
The church as a whole is responsible for the fulfilment of the sacred commission, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” to those in the highways and those in the hedges. [Mark 16:15; Luke 14:23.] Every member of the church is held accountable in Christ’s work. Every power of those who have come to a knowledge of the truth is to be enlisted. Reach to the heights; reach to the depths; there is no boundary. Every one is to hear. Every one is to receive light and truth, and transmit it to others. We are not half awake.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 26)
I have now spoken four times in the morning and [in] business meetings and for one hour last evening to the canvassing class. This morning Bro. Chadwick leaves us and returns to Battle Creek. He is in danger through the prevailing influences which exist there. Willie leaves later in the week for Battle Creek. Sara and I shall attend meetings at Norwich, Conn., and at Danvers, [Mass.]. Brother Asa Robinson will be in attendance at these meetings, but it seems to be necessary for him to go to Battle Creek at this time to attend to important matters. I ought to have him with me in my work, but if the presence of the Lord goes with us, we shall have profitable and successful meetings. I send large packages of important matters, to be used during the remnant of the year 1890. I want to arouse and break the silence of the churches, that they may have a sense of their work. This burden is on my mind constantly.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 27)
The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos and revealed many things of solemn importance to him. “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the prophecy of this book, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:3.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 28)
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come, and from the seven spirits which are before this throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion. Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him; and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” [Verses 4-8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 29)
“I am he that liveth and was dead, and, behold, I am alive forever more.”“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Verses 18, 19.] Matters of deep importance were opened to John, which were to be given to the world to be read, understood, and appreciated. The books Daniel and Revelation and The Great Controversy are the books which above all others should be in circulation now. Give them to the people. Light and truth they must have.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 30)
Again and again the true Witness says, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7, 17.] But it is evident that some who have ears will not hear, will not receive, and will not become wise in regard to sacred truth. The Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, gave the message to John in regard to the church. He understood the danger of their neglecting their God-given work. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] When God’s people hear to a purpose the things that are revealed to the churches, when they get the burden of the message, and say to others, “Come,” they are laborers together with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 31)
During the night I have been holding communion with God, I was brought by my Guide into councils in Battle Creek. I have a message for them, whether they will hear or reject. The people must know that they are not moving in the order of God. They have been arranging to leave Christ out of their councils. These men are giving a mold to the work that will result in the loss of many souls. They lead away from safe paths.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 32)
Men come from far countries, thinking that if they can only get to Battle Creek, from whence come the publications of truth, they will be next door to heaven; but O how disappointed they are. They hear leading men making God’s message and messengers a subject of ridicule. Why? Because the message does not coincide with their ideas.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 33)
God’s messengers speak words that are truth, but men do not want to accept them. False waymarks will be made. Signboards pointing in the wrong direction will be set up. Men connected with the publishing house will form a ring, the members of which will voice the words spoken by one another. Slowly and solemnly my Guide said, “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries. Gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us.” [Isaiah 8:9, 10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 34)
Whoever the conference may connect with the offices of publication, unless they look to God daily and are firmly decided that eternal vigilance is the only price of safety, unless they seek counsel from God in the small or large matters connected with His sacred work, they will swerve from safe paths. Unless they are converted men, who realize the sacredness of the work for these last days, they will imperil the cause. It is not enough for them to assent to the truth. The question is, Are they sanctified through the truth? Is the truth brought into the inmost sanctuary of the soul?
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 35)
The past, present, and future were plainly revealed to me. Brother Chadwich was connected with the office in integrity and righteousness of purpose, but the atmosphere he has breathed, the words and example of the men with whom he has been connected, have transformed him. He is another man. He has become sick at heart and is desperate when opposed. Saul became another man, because the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and gave him another heart. But in the case of Bro. Chadwick, the change was not from God.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 36)
This was plainly revealed to me to show to the people. I have no words to speak to these men privately. My words must be given to the people as a whole. It is not to be left to some to repeat my words and transmit them to others. I wish to present the matter as God has presented it to me. How long shall blindness be upon the men who have had evidence piled upon evidence in regard to the testimony of God’s Spirit to His people? They do not discern where or how God is working. Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not; understanding have they, but they understand not the things of God. “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. For he maketh sore, and he bindeth up, he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” [Job 5:17, 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 37)
Many of the old experienced hands, those who led out in the work of God, who could tell how it came into existence, have fallen in death; and inexperienced hands and unsanctified minds have been placing their mold upon the work. The principles designed by Jehovah to control the work have been departed from. Self has been woven into the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 38)
Before the destruction of the old world by a flood, there were talented men, men who possessed skill and knowledge. But they became corrupt in their imagination, because they left God out of their plans and councils. They were wise to do what God had never told them to do, wise to do evil. The Lord saw that this example would be deleterious to those who should afterwards be born, and He took the matter in hand. For one hundred and twenty years He sent them warnings through His servant Noah. But they used the probation so graciously granted them in ridiculing Noah. They caricatured him and criticized him. They laughed at him for his peculiar earnestness and intense feeling in regard to the judgments which he declared God would surely fulfil. They talked of science and of the laws controlling nature. Then they held a carnival over the words of Noah, calling him a crazy fanatic. God’s patience was exhausted. He said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them, and, behold, I will destroy them from the earth.” [Genesis 6:13.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 39)
There is a wisdom that is not from above, an unsanctified wisdom which has been in our world since the fall. I have been shown that there is danger in the office of publication in Battle Creek. It is losing its peculiar character. The Lord directed in the establishment of this institution, and it should never, never take [a] worldly mold. The men who have banded together to carry certain matters without the voice of the church or the people will not stand, for God will not permit it. There is a lifting up of self. Too much confidence is shown in what man can do and too little in what God can do, and therefore man’s wisdom has become foolishness.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 40)
The men handling sacred things do not feel the reverence and awe that they should. They do not speak with trembling of the things of God. This is the sure result of a lack of personal piety. They take very little time to seek God’s counsel in humble contrition of soul. Earnest heart-searching, constant reliance upon God, is not revealed by the atmosphere that surrounds the soul. Men in positions of trust are fast losing the sense of the preciousness and sanctity of sacred things. Unless they feel the converting power of God, they will not, cannot be one with God. They will not keep the way of the Lord, but like the Pharisees in the days of Christ, they will teach for doctrine the commandments of men. The Lord has no use for them. They cannot be laborers together with Him while cherishing the spirit which in the past has exercised a controlling power over them. They have felt little respect for those who have stood under the direction of God, receiving counsel from One mighty in wisdom, regarding the foundation and upbuilding of His great work. The consecration, the vital piety, and humility which God requires, does not exist. Self is exalted, and Jesus, the blessed and only Potentate, the Mediator between God and man, does not work with them. Satan’s insinuations are credited, and God’s plain command in regard to mercy and tender compassion is ignored.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 41)
Those who are handling sacred things in the publishing institutions and in every branch of God’s work are invited to enter the work prepared to put forth the highest powers of their mental and moral energies. They are continually to study, not the will of man, but the will of God. His grace must be revealed in all their work, of whatever kind and degree it may be. Every day the proud heart must be humbled before God, lest He humble it. The success of the work will be proportionate to the consecration, self-denial, and self-sacrifice which is blended with it.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 42)
I was instructed that the Lord’s will is not being done by the men in the office who grasp such large wages. Things are taking a mold decidedly contrary to the principles upon which the publishing work was established. Serious mistakes have been made in exalting business above the service and worship of God. Thus thousands have made shipwreck of the faith. We are exhorted to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] We are to be active in our work, but another element is to mingle with this energy—a living zeal in the service of God. We are to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Into our daily work we are to bring devotion, piety, godliness. This is to be interwoven with every business transaction. Carry on your business without this, and you will make the greatest mistake of your life; for you are committing robbery toward God, while professing to serve Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 43)
We see home religion neglected. We see broken-down family altars. We see the first love left, the religion of Christ expelled from the soul to give place to constantly increasing speculations. Men are leaving God and heaven out of their reckoning. It is regarded as a waste of time to search the heart. The Bible is neglected. A multitude of cares overbalance the truth in the heart, and the spiritual eyesight is blinded. They need the heavenly anointing, O so much.
(6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, 44)
Ms 29a, 1890
Diary, November 1890 New York City, New York November 20-25, 1890 Variant of Ms 29, 1890, which is published in entirety in 21MR 446-456.
I spoke this evening at eight o’clock, and the Lord gave me great freedom. I feel my weakness, and I am pleading with God to restore me. I believe that He will do it. I am reaching out for stronger faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 1)
Nov. 21
During the night season I was specially moved upon by the Spirit of God. My soul had been drawn out in earnest supplication to God. I was distressed on account of the backsliding of His people. While lying in bed, unable to sleep because of the burden resting upon me, I was pleading with the Lord. I fell asleep, and in the night season I was taught of God. My guide said, “I have a work for you to do. You must speak the words given you by the Lord. After these words have been spoken, your duty here is done.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 2)
“You are not required to enter into details before individuals, whatever may be their position or work, if they do not recognize the voice of God in the message He gives you to bear in His name. All your efforts to remove their doubts will be of no avail if they gather the clouds of darkness about their souls. If you enter into particulars, you weaken the message. It is not you speaking, but the Lord speaking through you. Those who want to know the will of God, who do not desire to follow their own will and judgment, will be easily entreated. They will be ready to discern the true and right way.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 3)
“The whys and wherefores are concealed from you, yet speak the words I give you, however painful it may be to you. The ways in which God leads His people are generally mysterious. You have asked to know God’s way. Your supplication has been answered. God knows better than you do what is good and essential for His children. He never leads them otherwise than they would wish to be led if they were able to see as clearly as He does what they must do to establish characters that will fit them for the heavenly courts. The people whom God is leading must venture out upon His word. They must walk forward by faith. Truths have been committed to them which they must obey. The work of God is aggressive. No one can stand in a neutral position and yet be a soldier in the Lord’s army. God has commands for His people, and if they keep in close connection with Him, they will hear His voice, and will keep in step with their Captain. They will go forward in the conflict to fight the battles of the Lord. But those who place themselves in an indifferent, non-committal position will gain no victories. We are to work and walk by faith and not by sight, allowing God to direct the warfare.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 4)
“The men who are placed in positions of responsibility are not to betray sacred trusts. I have a message for you to those who are serving self, but they will pass it by as though they heard it not. They will close their eyes, lest they shall see and be converted. They have been planning and contriving in their own human wisdom, and they do not seek God earnestly. But imbued and stimulated by the Spirit of God, you are to bear the message given you without worrying or calculating the result. You are to act your part, and then leave the rest to God. You will have startling, surprising messages to bear, but if those who hear cannot see the import of these messages, explanations from you will not lead them to understand any more clearly. They have ears, but they hear not. Satan takes control of their unsanctified reason and leads them to misunderstand and misapply. Before you enter into private counsel to give the details of your message, be sure that the Lord would have you do this. After the message from God is given, you will feel that you have risked much, that there are those who have not faith enough to appreciate the message because they have not kept the way of the Lord, but have walked in the sparks of their own kindling. You feel a remorse which they should feel, and wish you had not spoken.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 5)
“God desires the pure gospel to be preached to His people. Selfishness will appear in many ways. The despondency which you feel after bearing a plain testimony comes not because you have erred in bearing this testimony. If you do not bear the message given you, God will send it to His people through some other channel.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 6)
“The men who now occupy positions of responsibility do not feel the necessity of making God their trust as did those who first led out in this work. They have planned for themselves. An independent, self-sufficient spirit has been coming into our publishing house in Battle Creek. The managers have followed the inclinations of their own hearts to go beyond the leadings of God. In some things those who carry heavy responsibilities in the institutions in Battle Creek have exercised a wonderful prudence. They have prudently refrained from seeing and pointing out the existing dangers in the institution. God would not have large expenditures made to enlarge the facilities in Battle Creek. More is now located in Battle Creek than those who are carrying the work there have ability to manage after God’s order. This fact has been partially discerned by some, especially in regard to the publishing institution. Principles are being sacrificed that God has plainly specified should control His work. An order of things has been instituted which is leading men farther from God than they are now aware of. They feel no necessity for the earnest prayer, the self-denial, the self-sacrifice which is after God’s order, after the example of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 7)
“But,” said my guide, “their lips will be opened by the Lord to speak the words He shall give them in plainness of language and in demonstration of the Spirit. They will speak that which they have been reluctant to utter, which they have shrunk from speaking. Under the constraining power of God, they will declare the danger threatening the cause of God and the plain facts and principles of truth to which they must adhere, which every worker must respect.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 8)
“The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with worldliness. Worldly policy is taking the place of the true piety and wisdom that comes from above, and God will remove His prospering hand from the conference. Shall the ark of the Covenant be removed from this people? Shall idols be smuggled in? Shall false principles and false precepts be brought into the sanctuary? Shall antichrist be respected? Shall the true doctrines and principles given us by our Lord, which have made us what we are, Seventh-day Adventists, be ignored? Shall God’s instrumentality, the publishing house, become a mere political, worldly institution? This is what it is now fast becoming. This is directly where the enemy, through blinded, unconsecrated men, is leading us.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 9)
“These things have gone as far as they should without some one protesting against them in plain words. The Lord’s time to set things in order has fully come. There are men in positions of trust who have not had an experience in the leading out of this work, and these men should walk with humility and caution. They know not the solemn messages given to guard us from the many errors and doctrines afloat.”
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 10)
In the night season I was present in several councils, and there I heard words repeated by influential men to the effect that if The American Sentinel would drop the words “Seventh-day Adventist” from its columns, and would say nothing about the Sabbath, the great men of the world would patronize it; it would become popular and do a larger work. This looked very pleasing. But what is the nature of the work that would be done to meet the world’s ideas? These men could not see why we could not affiliate with unbelievers and non-professors to make The American Sentinel a great success; I saw their countenances brighten, and they began to work on a policy plan to make the Sentinel a popular success. The whole matter was introduced by men who needed the truth in the chambers of the mind and soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 11)
This policy is the first step in a succession of wrong steps. The principles which have been advocated in The American Sentinel are the very sum and substance of the advocacy of the Sabbath, and when men begin to talk of changing these principles, they are doing a work which it does not belong to them to do. Like Uzzah, they are attempting to steady the ark which belongs to God and is under His special supervision.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 12)
Said my Guide to those in these councils, “Who of the men among you have felt the burden of the cause of God from the first and have accepted responsibilities under trying circumstances? Who has carried the burden of the work during the years of its existence? Who has practiced self-denial and self-sacrifice? The Lord made a place for His staunch servants, whose voices have been heard in warning. He carried forward His work before any of you who are now lightly regarding its sacredness put your hands to it, and He can and will find a place for the truth you would suppress in The American Sentinel. This paper has been publishing the truth for this time. Your change would make it non-essential. Take heed what you do. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’”
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 13)
Brooklyn, New York, Sabbath, Nov. 22. This morning I pleaded most earnestly with the Lord for His presence, for the enlightenment which He alone can give me. I wrestled for some time in prayer, and placed myself decidedly on the Lord’s side, to believe every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. I will not take myself out of His hands. Infirmities press me at all times, and my faith is tested severely. Oh that I may never lose sight of Jesus, my hope and my consolation.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 14)
I spoke to a room packed with interested listeners, from Isaiah fifty-eight. The Lord’s presence was in the congregation. We knew that His Holy Spirit was impressing the hearts of those present. As soon as I had ceased speaking, a woman of commanding appearance arose and bore a testimony from a full heart. She thanked the Lord, she said, that she was present to hear that discourse: for it had decided her to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Although trials and difficulties were before her, she would trust in the Lord, for He would be her fortress, her support, and she would make known the light of truth to others. Testimonies followed in quick succession. Brother Washburn bore a good testimony. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and his face was pale. He said that he knew that the Spirit and power of God was in the message borne by Sister White, and that he had been receiving light and blessing. He felt more deeply the Spirit of the Lord than he had ever felt it before in his religious experience.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 15)
Brother Asa Robinson bore witness that the Lord had deeply impressed his mind, and he longed to drink richer and deeper draughts of the water of life than he had ever yet done. Elder Lindsay spoke with deep contrition of soul, referring to the remarks of the speaker in reference to Joshua, and the words spoken to him by Christ. They gave him courage and hope and light and increased faith. The people of God, represented by Joshua, stood before the angel of God clothed with filthy garments, and Satan was complaining because he was prevented from destroying them as he was determined to do. He pointed to their filthy garments as a reason why he should do this. But the Lord Jesus would not permit him to destroy them. With the voice and attitude of a king He said, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” Turning to Joshua, who represented the people of God, Christ said, “I will clothe thee with change of raiment, even the righteousness of Christ.” [Zechariah 3:4.] Brother Lindsay said he felt that he had labored in his own strength too long, clothed with the filthy garments of selfishness. He wanted the endowment of the Spirit of God and the baptism of the Holy Ghost that he might no longer work in his own spirit, after his own way and will. Others followed with testimonies right to the point.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 16)
We then invited those who had not this evidence of their acceptance with God to come forward, and about forty responded. Many of these expressed their desire to be clothed with the garments of Christ’s righteousness. It was evident that the Spirit of the Lord was making deep impressions on the minds of all present. Many with deep feeling asked the prayers of God’s people in behalf of fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters. We bowed in prayer, and I know that the Lord’s presence was with us. Most earnest, heartfelt supplications ascended in faith to the throne of God, and the Lord hearkened and heard those earnest cries. Many hearts were blessed, and their countenances reflected the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 17)
This was a precious day to our souls, a season long to be remembered, never, never to be forgotten. Praise and thanksgiving ascended from the hearts and lips of many to the glory of God. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God.” [Psalm 50:23.] The Lord would have His people a bright, cheerful, gladsome people, lightbearers to the world. Light, precious light, represents the cheerfulness and happiness which should be reflected to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 18)
Nov. 24, 1890
I rise this morning with gratitude in my heart for a precious night’s rest. The cars on the elevated railroad have been thundering past all night, but I have slept excellently well.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 19)
I did not fill my appointment at the hall yesterday evening at five o’clock. The managers of the building let it to other parties when our people had engaged it for the day. But we could not help ourselves, as there was no written contract. This ought always to be secured. We must be more thorough in our business management. Many had purposed to come with their unbelieving relatives, and this was a great disappointment to them. They wept with sorrow. This disappointment we must reckon among the “all things” that shall work together for good to those that love God. [Romans 8:28.]
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 20)
I was solicited to speak in the evening to those assembled in the next tenement, the canvassing class, to understand why they were advised by conference president and canvassing agents not to canvass for Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets. They were anxious to know my mind. They said they had been signally blessed in handling these books, while becoming familiar with the precious things in them. I spoke to them for about one hour. I gave them my experience in writing those books. The Lord had revealed the truth for His people through the human agency. But human devising of men, departing from the way of the Lord, had brought their own plans in to counterwork God’s plans; the contrivings of man placed on the shelves the books which should have gone everywhere. This was because men interposed themselves between God and the people. God would have these books go. This ends my speaking in this city. It is the universal testimony of those present at these meetings that they have been a blessing. The Spirit of the Lord has had free course and been glorified.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 21)
We feel the necessity of urging home upon the people the needs of the work. The Saviour of the world made the subject of missionary labor so plain that His people need not misunderstand their work. He would send us as missionary messengers to the world. His voice was often uplifted to reiterate the truth, to urge it home upon their hearts, lest they should by any means lose sight of the mission and work of the church. His servants were to circulate the message of truth in all directions, and with earnest longing of soul they were to carry the tidings of light and peace to those in the darkness of error. Christ kept before them the fact, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Those nigh and those afar off must hear the message of peace and hope and joy.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 22)
Christ left the abodes of bliss and came to this world as the light of truth, to shine amid the moral darkness that the bright beams of light might penetrate the darkness of superstition, that divine truth might shine forth in contrast with the maxims and traditions and errors prevailing everywhere. Thus the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness were to dispel the thick clouds of ignorance. Christ opened the fountain of life, not only for the Jews, but for all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. He knew the unrest and earnest longing of soul for something which could satisfy the heart. Before leaving His disciples, He made His plans and set in order His work, that the church might be impressed with its missionary character, that it might see that its work is to diffuse the gospel of truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 23)
The church as a whole is responsible for the fulfilment of the sacred commission, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” to those in the highways and those in the hedges. [Mark 16:15; Luke 14:23.] Every member of the church is held accountable in Christ’s work. Every power of those who have come to a knowledge of the truth is to be enlisted. Reach to the heights; reach to the depths; there is no boundary. Every one is to hear. Every one is to receive light and truth, and transmit it to others. We are not half awake.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 24)
I have now spoken four times in the morning and [in] business meetings and for one hour last evening to the canvassing class. This morning Brother Chadwick leaves us and returns to Battle Creek. He is in danger, through the prevailing influences which exist there, of becoming unbalanced in mind. Willie leaves later in the week for Battle Creek. Sara and I shall attend meetings at Norwich, Connecticut, and Danvers, Massachusetts. Brother Asa Robinson will be in attendance at these meetings. We wish that Willie could be with us also, but it seems to be necessary for him to go to Battle Creek at this time to attend to important matters. I ought to have him with me in my work, but if the presence of the Lord goes with us, we shall have profitable and successful meetings.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 25)
I send large packages of important matter, to be used during the remnant of the year 1890. I want to arouse and break the deadness of the silence of the churches, that they may have a sense of their work. This burden is on my mind constantly.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 26)
The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos and revealed many things of solemn importance to him. “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 27)
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:3-8.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 28)
“I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold, I am alive forever more.... Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.”Verses 18, 19.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 29)
Matters of deep importance were opened to John, which were to be given to the world to be read, understood, and appreciated. The books Daniel and Revelation and The Great Controversy are the books which above all others should be in circulation now. Give them to the people. Light and truth they must have. I entreat of the people whom I address to get the very books before the people that the Lord has signified they should have, and may the Lord arouse men bearing responsibilities to clear the King’s highway in the place of blocking the road.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 30)
Again and again the True Witness says, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7, 17.] But it is evident that some who have ears will not hear, will not receive, and will not become wise in regard to sacred truth. Some, who have been making crooked paths for their feet, will depart from the faith. The Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, gave the message to John in regard to the church. He understood the danger of their neglecting their God-given work. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come, And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Revelation 22:17. When God’s people hear to a purpose the things that are revealed to the churches, when they get the burden of the message and say to others, “Come,” they are laborers together with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 31)
Nov. 25
During the night I have been holding communion with God. I was brought by my Guide into councils in Battle Creek. I have a message for them, whether they will hear or reject. The people must know that they are not moving in the order of God. They have been arranging to leave Christ out of their councils. These men are giving a mold to the work that will result in the loss of many souls. They lead away from safe paths.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 32)
Men come from far countries, thinking that if they can only get to Battle Creek, from whence come the publications of truth, they will be next door to heaven: but, Oh, how disappointed they are! They hear leading men making God’s message and messengers a subject of ridicule. Why? Because the message does not coincide with their ideas.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 33)
God’s messengers speak words that are truth, but men do not want to accept them. False waymarks will be made. Signboards pointing in the wrong direction will be set up. Men connected with the publishing house will form a ring, the members of which will voice the words spoken by one another. Slowly and solemnly my Guide said, “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: Gird yourselves,”—meaning binding up in companies, “and ye shall be broken in pieces; ... Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us.”Isaiah 8:9, 10.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 34)
Whoever the conference may connect with the offices of publication, unless they look to God daily and are firmly decided that eternal vigilance is the only price of safety, unless they seek counsel from God in the small or large matters connected with His sacred work, they will swerve from safe paths and will divorce God from their councils. Unless they are converted men, who realize the sacredness of the work for these last days, they will greatly imperil the cause. It is not enough for them to assent to the truth. The question is, Are they sanctified through the truth? Is the truth brought into the inmost sanctuary of the soul? Do they despise the counsel of God?
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 35)
The past, present, and future were plainly revealed to me. Brother Chadwick was connected with the office in integrity and righteousness of purpose. Had the influence in the office and with leading men been right, he would have been saved, but the atmosphere he has breathed, the words and example of the men with whom he has been connected, have transformed him. He is another man. He has become sick at heart and is desperate when opposed. He needed a pure, straightforward influence to correct his ways that had been crooked. Saul became another man because the Spirit of the Lord came upon him when he came within the influence of the school of the prophets and gave him another heart. But in the case of Brother Chadwick, the change was not from God to reform him, to save him, but from man to imperil the soul that needed a true, good, righteous example. His soul was lifted up unto vanity and he lost his bearings.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 36)
This was plainly revealed to me to show to the people. I have no words to speak to these men privately. My words must be given to the people as a whole. It is not to be left for some to repeat my words and transmit them to others. I wish to present the matter which God has presented to me. How long shall blindness be upon the men who have had evidence piled upon evidence in regard to the testimony of God’s Spirit to His people? They do not discern where or how God is working. Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not; understanding have they, but they understand not the things of God. “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up, he woundeth, and his hands make whole.”Job 5:17, 18.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 37)
Many of the old experienced hands, those who led out in the work of God, who could tell how it came into existence, have fallen in death; and inexperienced hands and unsanctified minds have been placing their mold upon the work. The principles designed by Jehovah to control the work have been departed from. Self has been woven into the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 38)
Before the destruction of the old world by a flood there were talented men, men who possessed skill and knowledge. But they became corrupt in their imagination, because they left God out of their plans and councils. They were wise to do what God has never told them to do, wise to do evil. The Lord saw that this example would be deleterious to those who should afterwards be born, and He took the matter in hand. For one hundred and twenty years He sent them warnings through His servant Noah. But they used the probation so graciously granted them in ridiculing Noah. They caricatured him and criticized him. They laughed at him for his peculiar earnestness and intense feeling in regard to the judgments which he declared God would surely fulfil. They talked of science and of the laws controlling nature. Then they held a carnival over the words of Noah, calling him a crazy fanatic. God’s patience was exhausted. He said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”Genesis 6:13.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 39)
There is a wisdom that is not from above, an unsanctified wisdom and pride and haughty spirit which have been in our world since the fall. I have been shown that there is great danger in the office of publication in Battle Creek. It is losing its peculiar character. The Lord directed in the establishment of this institution, created in sacrifice, and it should never, never take a worldly mold. The men who have confederated together to carry certain matters in their way, without the voice of the church or the people, will not stand, for God will not permit it. There is a lifting up of self. Too much confidence is shown in what man can do, and too little in what God can do, and therefore man’s wisdom has become foolishness.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 40)
The men handling sacred things do not feel the reverence and awe that they should. They do not speak with trembling of the things of God. This is the sure result of a lack of personal piety. They take very little time to seek God’s counsel in humble contrition of soul. Earnest heart-searching, constant reliance upon God, is not revealed by the atmosphere that surrounds the soul. Men in positions of trust are fast losing the sense of the preciousness and sanctity of sacred things. Unless they feel the converting power of God, they will not, cannot be one with God. They will not keep the way of the Lord, but like the Pharisees in the days of Christ, they will teach for doctrines the commandments of men. This has been done and many are in confusion. The Lord has no use for them. They cannot possibly be laborers together with God while cherishing the spirit which in the past has exercised a controlling power over them. They have felt little respect for those who have stood under the direction of God, receiving counsel from One mighty in wisdom, regarding the foundation and upbuilding of His great work. The consecration, the vital piety and humility which God requires, does not exist. Self is exalted, and Jesus, the blessed and only Potentate, the Mediator between God and man, does not work with them. Satan’s insinuations are credited, and God’s plain command in regard to mercy and tender compassion is ignored.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 41)
Those who are handling sacred things in the publishing institutions and in every branch of God’s work are invited to enter the work prepared to put forth the highest powers of their mental and moral energies. They are continually to study, not the will of man, but the will of God. His grace must be revealed in all their work, of whatever kind and degree it may be. Every day the proud heart must be humbled before God, lest He humble it. The success of the work will be proportionate to the consecration, self-denial, and self-sacrifice which is blended with it.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 42)
I was instructed that the Lord’s will is not being done by the men in the office who grasp such large wages. Selfishness is the root of this. Things are taking a mold decidedly contrary to the principles upon which the publishing work was established. Serious mistakes have been made in exalting business above the service and worship of God. Thus thousands in all ages of the world have made shipwreck of the faith. We are exhorted to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] We are to be active in our work, but another element is to mingle with this energy—a living zeal in the service of God. We are to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Into our daily work we are to bring devotion, piety, godliness. This is to be interwoven with every business transaction. Carry on your business without this, and you will make the greatest mistake of your life, for you are committing robbery toward God, while professing to serve Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 43)
We see home religion neglected. We see broken-down family altars. We see the first love left, the religion of Christ expelled from the soul to give place to constantly increasing speculations. Men are leaving God and heaven out of their reckoning. It is regarded as a waste of time to search the heart. The Bible is neglected. A multitude of cares overbalance the truth in the heart, and the spiritual eyesight is blinded. They need the heavenly anointing, Oh, so much.
(6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, 44)
Ms 30, 1890
An Article Read at the General Conference Battle Creek, Michigan March 1890 [1891] This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 906-916. +
(An article read in the auditorium of the Battle Creek Tabernacle to a large assembly, at the General Conference of 1890 [1891].)
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 1)
God’s servants are to impress upon all the importance of finding out for themselves what is truth, watching and praying for a clear understanding of the Word. Tell them to go to the Master again and again. Had the common people of the Jewish nation been allowed to receive His message, His precious lessons of instruction, they would not have rejected Jesus, the Light of the world, But the priests and rulers led them astray. Let those whom God has imbued with reason search the Scriptures for themselves, obtaining an experience and knowledge for themselves. Let them search with humble and subdued hearts, seeking earnestly for the precious ore. There is altogether too much at stake for men to accept the opinions of their fellowmen,
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 2)
There are men of experience and ability among us who should find their place in the work as the Lord shall permit. Make room for these men, brethren, give them a place. Michigan and many other states are almost destitute of laborers, for but little encouragement has been given to men who if encouraged would do a good work. Give them your confidence. All are but human. If imperfections are seen in your laborers, do not lead them, by your words and actions to lose all confidence in themselves, to think that they can do nothing. Lay hold of every jot of ability that God places within your reach. Cultivate the talents entrusted to human beings. Do not turn away from those who Remember that you have faults which you do not see. Seek to correct their mistakes. Encourage them to overcome, as you would desire to be encouraged were you in their place.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 4)
There is a great work to be done. We need all the talent that Bro. Smith has gained in his experience. God calls upon him to come into the mount, that he may hear His voice and behold His glory, that He may reflect this glory upon those with whom he is associated. He needs to work with an eye single to the glory of God. He needs to drink deep of the spirit and power of present truth. He has a logical mind, and he can see through the cheap, feeble propositions that are too often made and seconded as right.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 5)
Elder Littlejohn is needed. His talent of intellect is of value, and his brethren can help him by showing that they appreciate his ability. It requires much labor and taxing thought to put to the tax the highest mental and moral abilities with which nature, study, and the Word of God have endowed him. His success will be proportionate to his devotion and consecration rather than to his natural and acquired ability. Elder Littlejohn should have a place in your councils. The Lord has given him talents to use to His glory. If sanctified, his clear, strong judgment will be a great help in your deliberations. If he will connect with God, God can use him. But you will have to prepare his way if he works to advantage. If you show that you place little value on his time and labor, you cut him away from the work and discourage him from engaging in active service. This will be a loss to him and to the cause of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 6)
Always remember that Elder Littlejohn has been deprived of his natural sight. Brethren, do your duty by encouraging him to bring his ability into the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 7)
A lack of faith has been shown by practicing a too rigid economy. Economy is but there is danger of carrying it too far. You have gone to extremes in practicing economy. In dealing with Elder Littlejohn, sharp words have been uttered over the price given him for his labor. Those who have placed stumbling blocks in his way, who have thought that he was demanding too much, have revealed the spirit controlling them. Men who have an abundance of means, and who are blessed with all their senses, have manifested a parsimonious spirit which is an offence to God. As they cultivate this selfishness, they are causing dark chapters to be written in the books of heaven. They do not deal justly; they do not bring mercy and the love of God into their religious experience. They are weighed today in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. They would turn even a blind man from his rights.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 8)
Brethren, you may be quick to see things in Elder Littlejohn that do not please you. You say he is sharp in money matters. Is he dishonest? He has erred in some things but those who pronounce judgment against him have made, and continue to make, mistakes in their religious experience. Those who have criticized so freely must remember that Elder Littlejohn is a blind man. If you read the Old Testament Scriptures you will see that the Lord has a special care for the blind. He has a love exceeding the love of a mother for her afflicted children, and He has given special directions in regard to how they should be treated. Those who for several years in the past have made no difference between those who are blind and those who can see have not obeyed the voice of the Lord. They have followed their own impulses, irrespective of the infirmities of the men who could be a help and blessing to the work, Those who treat their afflicted brethren coldly pursue a course condeened by God.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 9)
The Lord has men prepared for the times. One does his part, carrying the people with him in reforms. The Lord raises up another who answers the call to duty saying, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] The Lord tests and proves him, to see if he will deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. But when a man begins to regard his judgment as infallible, God can no longer use him as a representative of what a man who occupies a responsible position should be. The instruction God gives is that His people are ever to press forward and upward. Many cease to advance any further than their teachers carry them. This difficulty has existed in every age of the Christian world. God’s servants find their greatest success among a class who are not wedded to their previous teacher, who ask, Is this the way of the Lord?
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 10)
Thus the work goes on. God has His men of opportunity, who are ready to do His bidding, who give fresh impetus to the work by bringing in food for needy souls, who wait and pray and watch and work. Be sure men are not chosen to act on your councils who have withstood the Spirit of God and have opposed truth and righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 11)
In the fear and love of God I tell those before whom I stand today that there is increased light for us, and that great blessings come with the reception of this light. And when I see my brethren stirred with anger against God’s messages and messengers, I think of similar scenes in the life of Christ and the reformers. The reception given to God’s servants in past ages is the same as the reception that those through whom God is sending precious rays of light today receive. The leaders of the people today pursue the same course of action that the Jews pursued. They criticize and ply question after question and refuse to admit evidence, treating the light sent them in the very same way that the Jews treated the light Christ brought them.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 12)
In Christ’s work there can be no neutrality, no middle ground. He declared, “He that is not with me, is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] Jesus saw and read like an open book the motives which actuated those before Him, whose consciences pronounced them guilty. The great controversy was waxing strong. Christ was not warring against finite men, but against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places. He tells His hearers that all manner of sin and blasphemy may be forgiven if done in ignorance. In their great blindness they might speak words of insult and derision against the Son of Man, and yet be within the boundary of mercy. But when the power and Spirit of God rested upon His messengers, they were on holy ground. To ignore the Spirit of God, to charge it with being the spirit of the devil, placed them in a position where God had no power to reach their souls.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 13)
Some in Battle Creek will surely reach this point if they do not change their course. They will place themselves where none of God’s ordained means will be able to set them right. Their will is not God’s will, their persistency is not the perseverance of the saints. To speak against Christ, charging His work to Satanic agencies, and attributing the manifestations of the Spirit to fanaticism, is not of itself a damning sin, but the spirit that leads men to make these assertions places them in a position of stubborn resistance, where they cannot see spiritual light. Some will never retrace their steps, they will never humble their hearts by acknowledging their wrongs, but like the Jews will continually make assertions that mislead others. They refuse to investigate evidence candidly and frankly, but like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, set themselves against the light.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 14)
The evil heart of unbelief will make falsehood appear as truth and truth as falsehood and will adhere to this position, whatever evidence may be produced. The terrible accusation against Christ, if perseveringly persisted in, places the guilty ones in a position where rays of light from heaven cannot reach them. They will continue to walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, until they will blaspheme the most sacred influences that ever came from heaven They enter upon a path that leads to the darkness of midnight. They think they are following sound reason, but they are following another leader. They have placed themselves under the control of a power which in their blindness they are wholly ignorant of. They have resisted the only Spirit that could lead them, enlighten them, save them. They are following in the path of guilt for which there can be no forgiveness, in this life or in the life to come. Not that any degree of guilt would exhaust the mercy of God, but because pride and persistent stubbornness lead them to do despite to the Spirit of God, to occupy a place where no manifestation of the Spirit can convince them of their error.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 15)
In this, our day, men have placed themselves where they are wholly unable to fulfil the conditions of repentance and confession, therefore they cannot find mercy and pardon. The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any sudden word or deed—it is the firm, determined resistance of truth and evidence.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 16)
The Lord has been calling His people. In a most marked manner He has revealed His divine presence. But the message and the messengers have not been received but despised. I longed that those who have greatly needed the message of divine love would hear Christ’s knock at the door of the heart and let the heavenly guest enter. But at the hearts of some, Jesus has knocked in vain. In rejecting the message given at Minneapolis, men committed sin. They have committed far greater sin by retaining for years, the same hatred against God’s messengers, by rejecting the truth that the Holy Spirit has been urging home. By making light of the message given, they are making light of the Word of God. Every appeal rejected, every entreaty unheeded, furthers the work of heart-hardening and places them in the seat of the scornful.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 17)
These rejectors of light cease to recognize light. Their souls are surrounded by a malarious atmosphere, and though may not show open hostility, those who have spiritual discernment will realize the icy coldness which surrounds their souls.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 18)
I am constrained by God to call your attention to Christ’s words, “Yet a little while is the light with you, walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be children of light ... He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” [John 12:35, 36, 44-48.] “Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountain, and while ye look for light, he turneth it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eyes shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.” [Jeremiah 13:15-17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 19)
From Olivet Christ looked upon Jerusalem, and with trembling lips and grief-burdened soul He said, If thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace: but now they are hid from thy eyes. [Luke 19:42.] He thought of what Jerusalem might have been had she maintained a living connection with God, of what blessings might have rested upon the people had they improved their privileges and [the] blessings they enjoyed through the mercy and grace of a long-suffering God. Jerusalem would have become beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth. God would have made Zion His holy habitation.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 20)
Christ’s heart had said, “How can I give thee up.” [Hosea 11:8.] He had dealt with Israel as a loving forgiving father would [deal] with an ungrateful, wayward child. With the eye of Omniscience He saw that the city had decided her own destiny. For centuries there had been a turning away from God. Grace had been resisted, privileges abused, opportunities slighted. The people themselves had been loading the cloud of vengeance which unmingled with mercy was about to burst upon them. With choked, half-broken utterance, Christ exclaimed, “O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.] The irrevocable sentence was pronounced.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 21)
In this time, light from the throne of God has been long resisted as an objectionable thing. It has been regarded as darkness and spoken of as fanaticism, as something dangerous, Thus men have become guideposts pointing in the wrong direction. They have followed the example set by the Jewish people. They have hugged their false theories and maxims to their hearts until they have become to them as precious fundamental doctrines. They have come to think that if they let them go, the foundations of their faith will be destroyed. If those who claim to believe present truth had opened their hearts to receive the message, and the spirit of truth which is the mercy and justice and love of God, they would not have gathered about them darkness so dense that they could not discern light. They would not have called the operations of the Holy Spirit fanaticism and error.
(6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, 22)
Ms 31, 1890
Circulation of The Great Controversy NP 1890 Formerly Undated Ms 107. This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 802-809.
More than ever before I have been made to feel that our churches need the messages of warning which God has given to arouse them to a sense of their responsibility. Amid the dense darkness that covers the earth, every ray of light that has come from heaven must shine forth. The warnings and entreaties of the Word of God and the fulfillment of prophecy in events daily taking place around us are but dimly comprehended by many who profess to believe the present truth. Satan would have men sleep, while he is actively at work sowing the seeds of error. Every eye in the unfallen universe is bent on the scenes unfolding before us—the final scenes of the great controversy—the consummation of the long struggle of evil against good, of hell with heaven. Satan with his miracle-working power is to deceive the world of the ungodly. But Christ, the atoning sacrifice, will be a refuge to every soul that trusts in Him. In the cleft of the Rock we may hide, secure from all the power and arts of the wicked one.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 1)
Satan will take possession of every mind given to his control, and will work through every agency that he can secure, to further his plans. And the greater the necessity of shedding light into the darkness of the world, the greater and more varied will be Satan’s efforts to intercept the light.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 2)
The Lord has revealed the perils that are around and before us. Through the agency of the Spirit of prophecy, He has unveiled the delusions that will take the world captive, and has spoken to His people, saying, “This is the way; walk ye in it.” [Isaiah 30:21.] Volume Four of The Great Controversy unmasks the deceptions of Satan, and we may expect that the enemy of all righteousness will put forth every effort in his power to keep away from the people that which unveils his arts.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 3)
By His Spirit the Lord has given the very instruction that is needed at this time. The special movement under the messages of (Revelation 14), in its relation to the past and the future, the closing work of Christ in heaven and of His people upon earth, has been unfolded. The Lord placed upon me the burden of bringing out these things, and in Volume Four I have presented them; I still feel a burden that the message shall go to the people. In that book are warnings to guard the people of God against the many errors that shall be promulgated as truth. Every family among our people should study it. The truths which it presents will arouse the conscience and to many will prove a safeguard against deception. It will confirm their faith in the past work of the messages. The warnings, reproof, and instruction given by the Spirit of God are needed by all. There is need of an awakening, a searching of heart, in the light that God has given.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 4)
The truths presented in Volume Four are needed by the people and have been needed for years. The Lord bade me make no delay in bringing out these warnings, and I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. I have done all that I could do. Other agencies must act their part in giving the book the circulation it should have.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 5)
But since the General Conference of 1888, Satan has been working with special power through unconsecrated elements to weaken the confidence of God’s people in the voice that has been appealing to them for these many years. If he can succeed in this, then through misapplication of Scripture he will lead many to cast away their confidence in the past work under the messages. Thus he would set them adrift, with no solid foundation for their faith, hoping to bring them fully under his power. Let the attention of our people be called to the special work of the Spirit of God as it has been connected with the rise and progress of the three messages, and a blessing will result to the whole body. A revival of faith and interest in the testimonies of the Spirit of God will lead to the obtaining of a healthful experience in the things of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 6)
Some of those who are newly come to the faith claim to have special light from God in regard to these messages, but their new light leads them to set aside established truths that are the pillars of our faith. They misinterpret and misapply the Scriptures. They misplace the messages of (Revelation 14), and set aside the work which these messages have accomplished. Thus they reject the great waymarks which God Himself has established. Since their new light leads them to tear down the structure which the Lord has built up, we may know that He is not guiding them.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 7)
The experience of those newly come to the faith, if the Lord is working upon their minds, will be in harmony with the Word of God, and with His past dealings with His people and the instruction He has given them. He will not contradict Himself.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 8)
God has given the messages of (Revelation 14) their place in line of prophecy, and their work is not to cease till the close of this earth’s history. The first and second angels’ messages are still truth for this time and are to run parallel with that which follows. The third angel proclaims his warning with a loud voice. “After these things,” said John, “I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power, and the earth was lightened with his glory.” [Revelation 18:1.] In this illumination, the light of all the three messages is combined.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 9)
In Volume Four the Lord has revealed to us the coming crisis, which is almost upon us. He has warned us of the dangers that beset our way, in order that we may lay hold upon His strength and get the victory over the beast and his image and stand at last on the sea of glass to sing the song of everlasting triumph. But the Lord does not intend that we shall keep these warnings to ourselves. The light He has given in Volume Four is for the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 10)
Today iniquity prevails, not only in the world, polluting it as in Noah’s day, but it exists in the church. As a counter influence, the cross of Calvary must be lifted up, the atoning sacrifice must be kept before the people, that men may behold sin in its true hateful character and may lay hold upon the righteousness of Christ, which alone can subdue sin and restore the moral image of God in man.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 11)
Many in the church allow things of an earthly nature to interpose between the soul and heaven. They have not a right conception of the character of God. They do not perceive His matchless love, and faith and love die out of their hearts. Many minds are confused. They cannot discern spiritual things, and they are unable to distinguish the voice of the true Shepherd from that of a stranger. How necessary it is that such should study the message that God has given. Lest they be swept away by the overwhelming delusions of the enemy.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 12)
The whole world lieth in darkness. Darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. And the Lord calls, upon the members of the church to labor together with Him in awakening the world, if possible, to their peril. We cannot do this of ourselves. We must derive our efficiency from Christ. Jesus says, “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all unto me.” [John 12:32.] Here is the secret of power, of effectiveness; for though human instrumentalities are employed in the work of salvation, it is the light shining from the uplifted cross that alone can attract hearts heavenward. We must present the truth as it is in Jesus. The light and power of an indwelling Saviour must be ours, or we cannot draw others to Him. We must be imbued with the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of Christ. There is no power in humanity to draw humanity to Christ. We are as iron that cannot attract unless it be magnetized. We must be sanctified through the truth if we would have a sanctifying influence upon others. Jesus says, “Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] It is through a sanctified knowledge of the Word of God that we shall be able to overcome the powers of darkness and win souls for the Master.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 13)
I have felt to urge upon all the necessity of searching the Scriptures for themselves that they may know what is truth and may discern more clearly the compassion and love of God. Yet there is need of carefulness and earnest prayer in the study of the Bible, that none may fall into error by a misconception of its teachings. There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures: Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. It is only in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted character of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. The love of Christ constrains man to unite with Him in His labors and sacrifice. The revelation of divine love awakens in them a sense of their neglected obligation to be lightbearers to the world and inspires them with a missionary spirit. This truth enlightens the mind and sanctifies the soul. It will banish unbelief and inspire faith. It is the one great truth to be constantly kept before the minds of men. Yet how dimly is the love of God understood, and in the teaching of the Word it makes but a faint impression.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 14)
When Christ in His work of redemption is seen to be the great central truth of the system of truth, a new light is shed upon all the events of the past and the future. They are seen in a new relation, and possess a new and deeper significance. It is thus that God by His Holy Spirit has opened these things to His people. From this standpoint Volume Four of The Great Controversy, presents to our view the past experience of the church and the great events of the future. In that book God has laid out before us in their true relation the events that are to take place upon our earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 15)
But Satan is constantly seeking to intercept every ray of light that God sends to prepare the people for what is before them. To those who should give the light to the world, he will present plans which appear to be for the promulgation of truth, but which will in reality hinder the work. These plans appear so plausible, however, that they are accepted, and thus his object is accomplished. This is why Volume Four has not received the attention it should have had.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 16)
It has been urged as a reason why this book has not been more generally sold by our canvassers, that it is more difficult to handle than some others. I have good evidence that, if properly understood and presented, it can be sold as readily as any of our books. But suppose the statement to be true, that it is difficult to sell; is that a reason why it should be neglected? If it is a book which the people need, if the Divine Watcher has therein condescended to unveil the scenes of the great contest in which every soul living will have a part to act, should there not be an earnest effort to circulate it. Should not the canvasser be encouraged to handle it? Should not our people be encouraged to do their utmost to bring it before the world? Are the canvassers instructed as they should be that they are not to handle one book, to the exclusion of all others, because it brings greater profit to them? When we shape our work for the profit it brings, wherein do we manifest a missionary spirit?
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 17)
The canvasser need not be discouraged if he is called to encounter difficulties in his work; let him work in faith, and victory will be given. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” [Ephesians 6:12.] Whenever a book is presented that will expose error, Satan is close by the side of the one to whom it is offered and urges reasons why it should not be accepted. But a divine agency is at work to influence minds in favor of the light. Ministering angels will oppose their power to that of Satan. And when through the influence of the Holy Spirit the truth is received into the mind and heart, it will have a transforming power upon the character.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 18)
We can enlighten the people only through the power of God. The canvassers must keep their own souls in living connection with God. They should labor, praying that God will open the way and prepare hearts to receive the message He sends them. It is not the ability of the agent or worker, but it is the Spirit of God moving upon the heart that will give true success.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 19)
Many of our brethren do not think but that other publications may be fully as effective in bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth as Volume Four.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 20)
There are some who occupy positions of responsibility who have had little experience in the working of the Holy Spirit. They do not appreciate the light in warnings, reproofs, and encouragement given to the church in these last days, because their hearts and minds have not been receiving the Spirit of divine grace. These persons are disposed to conceal the fact that, in connection with the work of the third angel’s message, the Lord through the Spirit of prophecy has been communicating to His people a knowledge of His will. They think that the truth will be received more readily if this fact is not made prominent. But this is mere human reasoning. The very fact that this light, coming to the people, is not presented as having originated with human minds will make an impression upon a large class who believe that the gifts of the Spirit are to be manifested in the church in the last days. The attention of many will thus be arrested, and they will be convicted and converted. Many will thus be impressed who would not otherwise be reached.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 21)
Those who set no higher value upon the messages that God sends them than upon the productions of human minds must come into closer connection with heaven before they can discern the things that be of God. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 22)
I testify to the churches that Volume Four should have had just as wide a circulation as any other work we have published, and it might have had if the effort to bring it before the people had been proportionate to the importance and solemnity of the subjects it presents.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 23)
I have waited long for others to feel the importance of placing before the world the warnings in Volume Four. I have waited for them to bring the matter before our canvassers. But no one seems to feel that they have any special duty in the matter. Now I present it to you, my brethren, in the name of the Lord. I think that many of you do not know what it contains, and I ask you to study it carefully and prayerfully. Then you will see the force of my words; you will see the necessity of urging that it find a place in every family among us, and that it be carried to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 24)
The results of the circulation of this book [The Great Controversy] are not to be judged by what now appears. By reading it, some souls will be aroused and will have courage to unite themselves at once with those who keep the commandments of God. But a much larger number who read it will not take their position until they see the very events taking place that are foretold in it. The fulfillment of one prediction will inspire faith that others also will come to pass, and when the earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord in the closing work, many souls will take their position on the commandments of God as the result of this agency.
(6LtMs, Ms 31, 1890, 25)
Ms 32, 1890
The Source of the Church’s Power NP 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in HM 11/1890.
Brethren, we must have less of self and more of God. We are not to trust for success to what we can do, but to what Christ can do through our efforts. The efficiency of our labor depends upon our hold on God. The Lord requires of you diligent culture of your abilities. Unless you are constantly in Christ’s school, the tastes and aspirations will become earthly, and the energies intrusted to you for the accomplishment of God’s work will be perverted and misplaced.
(6LtMs, Ms 32, 1890, 1)
The Holy Spirit is grieved and driven away by the self-sufficiency, the unchristlike spirit, that is cherished. You have no time to spend in contention. Draw near to God, and go to work for Christ and the souls He died to save. If mistakes are made, as they will be, do not fall back, content to make no further effort, but try again. With agony of desire, in humility, with wrestling faith, come to One who is too wise to err, and who will make no mistake in your case, One who knows your every weakness, and who will hear your heart-felt prayers. May God make His servants wise through the divine illumination, that the mold of man may not be seen on any of the great and important enterprises before us!
(6LtMs, Ms 32, 1890, 2)
The Lord wants us to come up into the mount—more directly into His presence. We are coming to a crisis, which, more than any previous time since the world began, will demand the entire consecration of every faculty of the mind and every power of the being on the part of all who have named the name of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 32, 1890, 3)
It is through the church that the self-sacrificing love of Jesus is to be made manifest to the world; but by the present example of the church the character of Christ is misrepresented, and a false conception of Him is given to the world. Self-love excludes the love of Jesus from the soul, and this is why there is not in the church greater zeal and more fervent love for Him who first loved us. Self is supreme in so many hearts. Their thoughts, their time, their money, are given to self-gratification, while souls for whom Christ died are perishing.
(6LtMs, Ms 32, 1890, 4)
This is why the Lord cannot impart to His church the fullness of His blessing. To honor them in a distinguished manner before the world would be to put His seal upon their works, confirming their false representation of His character. When the church shall come out from the world and be separate from its maxims, habits, and practices, the Lord Jesus will work with His people; He will pour a large measure of His Spirit upon them, and the world will know that the Father loves them. Will the people of God continue to be so stupefied with selfishness?
(6LtMs, Ms 32, 1890, 5)
Ms 33, 1890
To Rise Up and Call Them Blessed NP October 11, 1890 From Ms 41, 1890. Portions of this manuscript are published in 2SM 223-224.
At half-past two o’clock p.m. I spoke to a full house [at Adams Center, N.Y.] There were quite a number of Seventh Day Baptists present. Extra benches were brought in and placed in the aisles; the gallery was full. I spoke from John 17:3. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people assembled, who listened with interest. A social meeting followed and many excellent testimonies were borne.
(6LtMs, Ms 33, 1890, 1)
We were gratified to meet the aged servants of God on this occasion. We have been acquainted from the rise of the third angel’s message with Elder [Frederick] Wheeler, who is now nearing eighty years. We have been acquainted with Elders [H. H.] Wilcox and [Charles O.] Taylor for the last forty years. Age is telling on these old standard-bearers, as well as upon me. If we are faithful to the end the Lord will give us a crown of life that fadeth not away.
(6LtMs, Ms 33, 1890, 2)
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside. They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifest unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”1 John 1:1-7.
(6LtMs, Ms 33, 1890, 3)
This was the spirit and life of the message that John bore to all in his old age, when he was nearly one hundred years old. The standard-bearers are holding fast their banners. They are not loosening their hands on the banner of truth until they lay off the armor. One by one the old warriors’ voices become silent. Their place is vacant. We see them no more, but they being dead yet speak, for their works do follow them. Let us treat very tenderly the few aged pilgrims remaining, esteeming them highly for their works’ sake. As their powers are becoming worn and enfeebled, what they do say is of value. As precious testimony let their words be treasured. Let not the young men and the new workers discard or in any respect show indifference to the men of hoary hairs, but let them rise up and call them blessed. They should consider that they have themselves entered into these men’s labors. We wish that there was much more of the love of Christ in the hearts of our believers for those who were first in the proclamation of the message.
(6LtMs, Ms 33, 1890, 4)
Ms 34, 1890
Experience Following Minneapolis Conference Refiled as Ms 30, 1889.
Ms 35, 1890
Loyalty of Daniel and his Three Companions NP 1890 Previously unpublished.
Daniel is a representative of what a youth may be. He was placed with his three companions in the king’s court. These youth were greatly surprised at the advantages that were accorded them. They could not know the end from the beginning; but all four were decided, as they considered that their religious instruction must be carefully and strenuously guarded, that the Lord Jesus, who led the armies of the Lord’s host from Egyptian bondage, would be their guide and their counsellor. These youth prayed individually, and were favored with opportunities to pray unitedly, to the Lord for understanding as to how to conduct themselves in such a way that they would not, in spirit, in word, or in action [engage in] any idolatrous [practices]. The Lord could instruct them in this place, if it was indeed His purpose for them to make known in this heathen court the glory of the true God. As is seen in the lives of Daniel and his three companions, they decided to resist temptation and to be true to the only true God.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 1)
Many things were revealed to Daniel in figures, for he had his appointed place to fill in the history of the kingdom of Babylon.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 2)
In (Ezekiel 14:12-14) the Lord Jesus speaks to Ezekiel: “The word of the Lord came again to me saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.”
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 3)
Although these righteous persons were in the land, they could not deliver any soul by their own righteousness—not even their own sons or daughters, who were, through their own negligence of His requirements, dishonoring God and pursuing a life of iniquity. However much knowledge they might have acquired, God would not spare them from His judgments. They would feel the wrath of their offended God.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 4)
(Verse 22): “Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it. And they shall ... know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord.”
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 5)
(Ezekiel 28:3): “Behold, thou [Ezekiel] art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee.” The Lord God favored Ezekiel, the old and experienced servant of the Most High God. He was older than Daniel. Daniel was growing in favor with kings and with nobles. He was about to fill the important place of Ezekiel, and yet Ezekiel was not at all envious, but was glad that God was bringing in younger men—Daniel and his fellows—to stand firmly for the honor of God. As these men honored God, serving Him with purity of principle, exalting God above all kings and nobles, Ezekiel gave encouragement to them as a father would to his children.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 6)
The whole book of Daniel is a wonderful prophetic history. Great honor was conferred upon Daniel because Daniel honored God and cooperated with God. Daniel did not place himself in the Babylonian king’s courts, where there were idolaters and irreverent and careless people, but he and his companions were taken in warfare and carried to Babylon. Now they began their plans. They would be true to God’s commandments not to practice any species of idolatry. The education of their youth was to them of value if they would practice the instruction which they have received.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 7)
God says, “Them that honor me,” by exalting the principles of the Lord’s government, by their own steadfast principles, “I will honor.”1 Samuel 2:30. The constant fidelity of Ezekiel and the four youthful captives gave strong representations of the character of God. The Old Testament gospel is very precious because of the convincing power of its inspiration.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 8)
Daniel was from his very youth a living, active agency for God. He was a participator in the wonderful events in Bible history which he records. His exaltation in the king’s business did not spoil him. It will be observed that his writing in the book of Daniel bears the right stamp and the right ring. Daniel’s reverence for God caused him, throughout the whole history, to keep the proper distinction between human and divine agencies. While he exalts the divine agency, unfolding the great and holy God as above all things, the human agencies are placed in their proper position of limitation. God is exalted as the Most High God, controlling all kingdoms. All human authority is treated respectfully, but it occupies its own place as merely human. Monarchs and statesmen, the highest and the most learned, were as the dust in the balance, and God alone was Ruler of the destinies of all men. He would, by His might and by His power, exalt whom He would to carry out His purposes. He would cast down one and set up another in his place. As the Monarch of an everlasting kingdom, the Ancient of Days, as the living, omnipotent Ruler, He wills to do and accomplishes His purposes.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 9)
We will speak of Daniel in his youth. It is because he was so true to God that God gave him wisdom and understanding to know how to treat himself in harmony with God’s great plan and not spoil the Lord’s purpose and design by a heart set to do evil. He must understand that he must cooperate with God if he would have God cooperate with him. There must be no departing from the living principles of heavenly requirements. He must understand his own physical frame, its structure and its laws, and how to guide wisely the living machinery. God would keep it in order if he did not, through the selfish indulgence of appetite, imperil God’s workmanship. This was the greatest lesson: practical temperance in all things—the study of how to keep his own God-given wonderful human machinery in perfect order. His knowledge of himself would be of more value than any branch of science or languages. The right use of his God-given powers was his special responsibility.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 10)
Daniel and his fellows saw that the many youth who ate at the king’s table were losing their power of acquiring the highest class of education, because they gave their digestive organs too heavy a task to perform. Consideration must be given to the denial of selfish desires in order to preserve the God-given faculties of body, head, and heart, so that the physical, intellectual, and moral powers may all work as perfectly, nicely adjusted human machinery, conducted intelligently and to the honor and glory of God. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” [Psalm 139:14.] What for? That I may understand the science of being good and doing good.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 11)
There was a soft, heavenly light shining in the soul. It did not remain there, shut up as under a bushel, but it was diffused, for it was the practical working out of God’s will. There was holy living, a sanctified, holy love, sanctified in Christ Jesus.
(6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, 12)
Ms 36, 1890
Danger of False Ideas On Justification By Faith NP 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in FW 15-28; 6MR 147-148.
Can we not understand that the most costly thing in the world is sin? It is at the expense of purity of conscience, at the cost of losing the favor of God and separating the soul from Him, and at last losing heaven. The sin of grieving the Holy Spirit of God and walking contrary to Him has cost many a one the loss of his soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 1)
Who can measure the responsibilities of the influence of every human agent whom our Redeemer has purchased at the sacrifice of His own life? What a scene will be presented when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened to testify the salvation or the loss of all souls! It will require the unerring decision of One who has lived in humanity, loved humanity, given His life for humanity, to make the final appropriation of the rewards to the loyal righteous and the punishment of the disobedient, the disloyal, and unrighteous. The Son of God is entrusted with the complete measurement of every individual’s action and responsibility. To those who have been partakers of other men’s sins and have acted against God’s decision it will be a most awfully solemn scene.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 2)
The danger has been presented to me again and again of entertaining, as a people, false ideas of justification by faith. I have been shown for years that Satan would work in a special manner to confuse the mind on this point. The law of God has been largely dwelt upon and has been presented to congregations, almost as destitute of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His relation to the law as was the offering of Cain. I have been shown that many have been kept from the faith because of the mixed, confused ideas of salvation, because the ministers have worked in a wrong manner to reach hearts. The point which has been urged upon my mind for years is the imputed righteousness of Christ. I have wondered that this matter was not made the subject of discourses in our churches throughout the land, when the matter has been kept so constantly urged upon me, and I have made it the subject of nearly every discourse and talk that I have given to the people.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 3)
In examining my writings fifteen and twenty years old [I find that they] present the matter in this same light—that those who enter upon the solemn, sacred work of the ministry should first be given a preparation in lessons upon the teachings of Christ and the apostles in living principles of practical godliness. They are to be educated in regard to what constitutes earnest, living faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 4)
Many young men are sent forth to labor who do not understand the plan of salvation and what true conversion is; in fact they need to be converted. We need to be enlightened on this point, and the ministers need to be educated to dwell more particularly upon subjects which explain true conversion. All who are baptized are to give evidence that they have been converted. There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 5)
When this question is investigated, we are pained to the heart to see how trivial are the remarks of those who ought to understand the mystery of godliness. They speak so unguardedly of the true ideas of our brethren who profess to believe the truth and teach the truth. They come far short of the real facts as they have been laid open before me. The enemy has so entangled their minds in the mist and fog of earthliness, and it seems so ingrained into their understanding, that it has become a part of their faith and character. It is only a new conversion that can change them and cause them to give up these false ideas—for this is just what they are shown to me to be. They cling to them as a drowning man clings to a lifepreserver, to keep them from sinking and making shipwreck of faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 6)
Christ has given me words to speak: “Ye must be born again, else you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Therefore all who have the right understanding of this matter should put away their controversial spirit and seek the Lord with all their hearts. Then they will find Christ and can give distinctive character to their religious experience. They should keep this matter—the simplicity of true godliness—distinctly before the people in every discourse. This will come home to the heart of every hungering, thirsting soul who is longing to come into the assurance of hope and faith and perfect trust in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 7)
Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 8)
The light given me of God places this important subject above any question in my mind. Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do. The matter has been presented before me in clear lines that if the rich man has money and possessions, and he makes an offering of the same to the Lord, false ideas come in to spoil the offering by the thought he has merited the favor of God, that the Lord is under obligation to him to regard him with special favor because of this gift.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 9)
There has been too little educating in clear lines upon this point. The Lord has lent man His own goods in trust—means which He requires be handed back to Him when His providence signifies and the upbuilding of His cause demands it. The Lord gave the intellect. He gave the health and the ability to gather earthly gain. He created the things of earth. He manifests His divine power to develop all its riches. They are His fruits from His own husbandry. He gave the sun, the clouds, the showers of rain to cause vegetation to flourish. As God’s employed servants you gathered in His harvest, to use what your wants required in an economical way and hold the balance for the call of God. You can say with David, “For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”1 Chronicles 28:14. So the satisfaction of creature merit cannot be in returning to the Lord His own, for it was always His own property to be used as He in His providence should direct.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 10)
By rebellion and apostasy man forfeited the favor of God; not his rights, for he could have no value except as it was invested in God’s dear Son. This point must be understood. He forfeited those privileges which God in His mercy presented him as a free gift, a treasure in trust to be used to advance His cause and His glory, to benefit the beings He had made. The moment the workmanship of God refused obedience to the laws of God’s kingdom, that moment he became disloyal to the government of God and he made himself entirely unworthy of all the blessings wherewith God has favored him.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 11)
This was the position of the human race after man divorced himself from God by transgression. Then he was no longer entitled to a breath of air, a ray of sunshine, or a particle of food. And the reason why man was not annihilated was because God so loved him that He made the gift of His dear Son that He should suffer the penalty of his transgression. Christ proposed to become man’s surety and substitute, that man, through matchless grace, should have another trial—a second probation—having the experience of Adam and Eve as a warning not to transgress God’s law as they did. And inasmuch as man enjoys the blessings of God in the gift of the sunshine and the gift of food, there must be on the part of man a bowing before God in thankful acknowledgement that all things come of God. Whatever is rendered back to Him is only His own who has given it.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 12)
Man broke God’s law, and through the Redeemer new and fresh promises were made on a different basis. All blessings must come through a Mediator. Now every member of the human family is given wholly into the hands of Christ, and whatever we possess—whether it is the gift of money, of houses, of lands, of reasoning powers, of physical strength, of intellectual talents—in this present life, and the blessings of the future life, are placed in our possession as God’s treasures to be faithfully expended for the benefit of man. Every gift is stamped with the cross and bears the image and superscription of Jesus Christ. All things come of God. From the smallest benefits up to the largest blessing, all flow through the one Channel—a superhuman mediation sprinkled with the blood that is of value beyond estimate because it was the life of God in His Son.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 13)
Now, not a soul can give God anything that is not already His. Bear this in mind. “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”1 Chronicles 29:14. This must be kept before the people wherever we go, that we possess nothing, can offer nothing in value, in work, in faith, which we have not first received of God and upon which He can lay His hand any time and say, They are Mine—gifts and blessings and endowments I entrusted to you, not to enrich yourself, but for wise improvement, to benefit the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 14)
The creation belongs to God. The Lord could, by neglecting man, stop his breath at once. All that he is and all that he has pertain to God. The entire world is God’s. Man’s houses, his personal acquirements, whatever is valuable or brilliant, is God’s own endowment. It is all His gift to be returned back to God in helping to cultivate the heart of man. The most splendid offerings may be laid upon the altar of God, and men will praise, exalt, and laud the giver because of his liberality. In what? “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” [Verse 14.] No work of man can merit for him the pardoning love of God, but the love of God pervading the soul will lead him to do those things which were always required of God and that he should do with pleasure. He has done only that which duty ever required of him.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 15)
The angels of God in heaven, that have never fallen, do His will continually. In all that they do upon their busy errands of mercy to our world, shielding, guiding, and guarding the workmanship of God for ages—both the just and the unjust—they can truthfully say, “all is thine. Of Thine own do we give Thee.” Would that the human eye could catch glimpses of the service of the angels! Would that the imagination could grasp and dwell upon the rich, the glorious service of the angels of God and the conflicts in which they engage in behalf of men, to protect, to lead, to win, and to draw them from Satan’s snares. How different would be the conduct, the religious sentiment!
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 16)
Discussions may be entered into by mortals strenuously advocating creature merit, and each man striving for the supremacy, but they simply do not know that all the time, in principle and character, they are misrepresenting the truth as it is in Jesus. They are in a fog of bewilderment. They need the divine love of God which is represented by gold tried in the fire; they need the white raiment of Christ’s pure character, and they need the heavenly eyesalve that they might discern with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn the wages of eternal life. There may be a fervor of labor and an intense affection, high and noble achievement of intellect, a breadth of understanding, and the humblest self abasement, laid at the feet of our Redeemer; but there is not one jot more than the grace and talent first given of God. There must be nothing less given than duty prescribes, and there cannot be one jot more given than they have first received; and all must be laid upon the fire of Christ’s righteousness to cleanse it from its earthly odor before it rises in a cloud of fragrant incense to the great Jehovah and is accepted as a sweet savor.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 17)
I ask, How can I present this matter as it is? The Lord Jesus imparts all the powers, all the grace, all the penitence, all the inclination, all the pardon of sins, in presenting His righteousness for man to grasp by living faith—which is also the gift of God. If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man, and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason. Standing in the presence of their Creator and looking upon the unsurpassed glory which enshrouds His person, they are looking upon the Lamb of God given from the foundation of the world to a life of humiliation, to be rejected of sinful men, to be despised, to be crucified. Who can measure the infinity of the sacrifice!
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 18)
Christ for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. And any works that man can render to God will be far less than nothingness. My requests are made acceptable only because they are laid upon Christ’s righteousness. The idea of doing anything to merit the grace of pardon is fallacy from the beginning to end. “Lord, in my hand no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 19)
Man can achieve no praiseworthy exploits that give him any glory. Men are in the habit of glorifying men and exalting men. It makes me shudder to see or hear of it, for there have been revealed to me not a few cases where the homelife and inner work of the hearts of those very men are full of selfishness. They are corrupt, polluted, vile; and nothing that comes from all their doings can elevate them with God for all that they do is an abomination in His sight. There can be no true conversion without the giving up of sin, and the aggravating character of sin is not discerned. With an acuteness of perception never reached by mortal sight, angels of God discern that beings hampered with corrupting influences, with unclean souls and hands, are deciding their destiny for eternity; and yet many have little sense of what constitutes sin and the remedy.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 20)
We hear so many things preached in regard to the conversion of the soul that are not the truth. Men are educated to think that if a man repents he shall be pardoned, supposing that repentance is the way, the door, into heaven; that there is a certain assumed value in repentance to buy for him forgiveness. Can man repent of himself? No more than he can pardon himself. Tears, sighs, resolutions, all these are but the proper exercise of the faculties God has given to man, and the turning from sin in the amendment of a life which is God’s. Where is the merit in the man to earn his salvation, or to place before God something which is valuable and excellent? Can an offering of money, houses, lands, place yourself on the deserving list? Impossible!
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 21)
There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ. What is faith? “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”Hebrews 11:1. It is an assent of the understanding to God’s words which binds the heart in willing consecration and service to God, who gave the understanding, who moved on the heart, who first drew the mind to view Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith is rendering to God the intellectual powers, abandonment of the mind and will to God, and making Christ the only door to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 22)
When men learn they cannot earn righteousness by their own merit of works, and they look with firm and entire reliance upon Jesus Christ as their only hope, there will not be so much of self and so little of Jesus. Souls and bodies are defiled and polluted by sin, the heart is estranged from God, yet many are struggling in their own finite strength to win salvation by good works. Jesus, they think, will do some of the saving; they must do the rest. They need to see by faith the righteousness of Christ as their only hope for time and for eternity.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 23)
God has given men faculties and capabilities. God works and cooperates with the gifts He has imparted to man, and man, by being a partaker of the divine nature and doing the work of Christ, may be an overcomer and win eternal life. The Lord does not propose to do the work He has given man powers to do. Man’s part must be done. He must be a laborer together with God, yoking up with Christ, learning His meekness, His lowliness. God is the all-controlling power. He bestows the gifts; man receives them and acts with the power of the grace of Christ as a living agent.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 24)
“Ye are God’s husbandry.”1 Corinthians 3:9. The heart is to be worked, subdued, ploughed, harrowed, seeded to bring forth its harvest to God in doing works. “Ye are God’s building.” You cannot build yourself. There is a Power outside of yourself that must do the building of the church, putting brick upon brick, always cooperating with the faculties and powers given of God to man. The Redeemer must find a home in His building. God works and man works. There needs to be a continual taking in of the gifts of God, in order that there may be as free a giving out of these gifts. It is a continual receiving and then restoring. The Lord has provided that the soul shall receive nourishment from Him, to be given out again in the working out of His purposes. In order that there be an outflowing, there must be an income of divinity to humanity. “I will dwell in them, and walk in them.”2 Corinthians 6:16.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 25)
The soul temple is to be sacred, holy, pure, and undefiled. There must be a copartnership in which all the power is of God and all the glory belongs to God. The responsibility rests with us. We must receive in thoughts and in feelings, to give in expression. The law of the human and the divine action makes the receiver a laborer together with God. It brings man where he can, united with divinity, work the works of God. Humanity touches humanity. Divine power and the human agency combined will be a complete success for Christ’s righteousness accomplishes everything.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 26)
The reason so many fail to be successful laborers is that they act as though God depended on them, and they are to suggest to God what He chooses to do with them, in the place of their depending on God. They lay aside the supernatural power and fail to do the supernatural work. They are all the time depending on their own and their brethren’s human powers. They are narrow in themselves and are always judging after their finite human comprehension. They need uplifting, for they have no power from on high. God gives us bodies, strength of brain, time, and opportunity in which to work. It is required that all be put to the tax. With humanity and divinity combined you can accomplish a work as enduring as eternity. When men think the Lord has made a mistake in their individual cases, and they appoint their own work, they will meet with disappointment.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 27)
“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”Ephesians 2:8. Here is truth that will unfold the subject to your mind if you do not close it to the rays of light. Eternal life is an infinite gift. This places it outside the possibility of our earning it, because it is infinite. It must necessarily be a gift. As a gift it must be received by faith, and gratitude and praise be offered to God. Solid faith will not lead any one away into fanaticism or into acting the slothful servant. It is the bewitching power of Satan that leads men to look to themselves in the place of looking to Jesus. The righteousness of Christ must go before us if the glory of the Lord becomes our rereward. If we do God’s will we may accept large blessings as God’s free gift, but not because of any merit in us; this is of no value. Do the work of Christ, and you will honor God and come off more than conquerors through Him that has loved us and given His life for us, that we should have life and salvation in Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 28)
*****
Justification by Faith—How Perverted by Some.
Said the apostle Paul, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? ... And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The absence of devotion, piety, and sanctification of the outer man comes through denying Jesus Christ our Righteousness. The love of God needs to be constantly cultivated.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 29)
Oh, how my heart cries out to the living God for the mind of Jesus Christ! I want to lose sight of self. I want to work with all the powers I am capable of exercising to save souls for whom Christ has made the infinite sacrifice of His own precious life. I must seek wisdom daily to know how to deal with souls that are entrapped by Satan’s snares. There are many erring, well-beloved souls whom we may win back to God if we are imbued with the spirit of Christ. The Lord loves them, notwithstanding their sins and follies. He gave His only beloved Son to save them, and it was because He loved them that He sent His Son into the world that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 30)
I must ever keep close to Jesus Christ that I may constantly be a partaker of the divine nature and have a deep personal interest in those who have once been my best friends but in time of temptation have lifted up their heels against me. The love of Christ must not be extinguished in the soul. The prejudice against me cannot make me what they think I am, and I shall not feel hard toward them; but when I see my own brethren in the faith, responsible men, working in darkness, my heart aches. They have not injured me but the Lord Jesus who has delegated me to bear His message to them.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 31)
And now I can but weep as I think of the suffering, stubborn natures who will not yield to evidence. They wear an appearance of nonconcern, but it is not truth. Gladly would they change their relation to me and those whom they have deeply wronged by thoughts, by words, by influence, if they could avoid the humiliation of saying, “I have committed an error; I confess my faults; will you forgive me?” The haughty, stubborn will evades the very points they will have to face if their souls are recovered and converted. Oh, will they never break the spell of Satan that is upon them? Will they cherish their pride to the last? How my heart longs to see them free and not in the strong deceptions of Satan.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 32)
While one class perverts the doctrine of justification by faith and neglects to comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God—“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15]—there is fully as great an error on the part of those who claim to believe and obey the commandments of God but who place themselves in opposition to the precious rays of light—new to them—reflected from the cross of Calvary. The first class do not see the wondrous things in the law of God for all who are doers of His Word. The others cavil over trivialities, and neglect the weightier matters, mercy and the love of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 33)
Many have lost very much in that they have not opened the eyes of their understanding to discern the wondrous things in the law of God. On the one hand, religionists generally have divorced the law and the gospel, while we have, on the other hand, almost done the same from another standpoint. We have not held up before the people the righteousness of Christ and the full significance of His great plan of redemption. We have left out Christ and His matchless love, brought in theories and reasonings, and preached argumentative discourses.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 34)
Unconverted men have stood in the pulpits sermonizing. Their own hearts have never experienced, through a living, clinging, trusting faith, the sweet evidence of the forgiveness of their sins. How then can they preach the love, the sympathy, the forgiveness of God for all sins? How can they say, “Look and live”? [Numbers 21:8.] Looking at the cross of Calvary, you will have a desire to bear the cross. A world’s Redeemer hung upon the cross of Calvary. Behold the Saviour of the world, in whom dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Can any look, and behold the sacrifice of God’s dear Son, and their hearts not be melted and broken, ready to surrender to God heart and soul?
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 35)
Let this point be fully settled in every mind: If we accept Christ as a Redeemer, we must accept Him as a Ruler. We cannot have the assurance and perfect confiding trust in Christ as our Saviour until we acknowledge Him as our King and are obedient to His commandments. Thus we evidence our allegiance to God. We have then the genuine ring in our faith, for it is a working faith. It works by love. Speak it from your heart: “Lord, I believe Thou has died to redeem my soul. If Thou has placed such a value upon the soul as to give Thy life for mine, I will respond. I give my life and all its possibilities, in all my weakness, into Thy keeping.”
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 36)
The will must be brought into complete harmony with the will of God. When this is done, no ray of light that shines into the heart and chambers of the mind will be resisted. The soul will not be barricaded with prejudice, calling light darkness and darkness light. The light from heaven is welcomed, as light filling all the chambers of the soul. This is making melody to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 37)
How much do we believe from the heart? Draw nigh to God, and God will draw nigh to you. This means to be much with the Lord in prayer. When those who have educated themselves in skepticism and have cherished unbelief, weaving questioning doubts into their experience, are under conviction of the Spirit of God, they see it to be their personal duty to confess their unbelief. They open their hearts to accept the light sent them and throw themselves by faith over the line from sin to righteousness, from doubt to faith. They consecrate themselves unreservedly to God, to follow His light in the place of the sparks of their own kindling. As they maintain their consecration, they will see increased light, and the light will continue to grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 38)
The unbelief which is cherished in the soul has a bewitching power. The seeds of doubt which they have been sowing will produce their harvest, but they must continue to dig up every root of unbelief. When these poisonous plants are pulled up, they cease to grow for want of nourishment in word and action. The soul must have the precious plants of faith and love put in the soil of the heart and enthroned there.
(6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, 39)
Ms 37, 1890
Light in God’s Word NP 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 825-838.
[First part missing.] ... The most precious light here shone forth from the Scriptures presenting the truth of the law of God (which is a standard of character) in such a light as made it indeed glorious. Many souls were charmed with the light shining forth from the Word of God. Some points were presented which were not in accordance with the manner in which our brethren had interpreted the two laws, and they seemed to deplore greatly that this, to them, inharmonious note should be struck, because it created strong feelings of opposition, for the ideas were not in accordance with their former views of the two laws.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 1)
There was among some a spirit manifested in reference to the investigation of this controverted question that was not after God’s order. If we have held as truth some points in doctrine that will not bear close criticism and investigation, it is our duty—without revealing the spirit that the churches manifested, which was so unlike Christ—patiently to come to the Word of God in an humble, prayerful, inquiring mind. Then we need to be changed in spirit, to be converted. The truth will lose nothing of its force or beauty or power through research, testing every point which we have considered as truth, if we preserve the meekness of Christ in our research. The Word of God will be found a treasurehouse full of precious gems. We may draw from this storehouse very much more than we have done and may be made wise unto salvation.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 2)
The Word of God is a revelation of mercy, of peace and good will to men. The teachings of the Word of God open before us the necessity of purity, of holiness. There are jewels of truth, mercy, and righteousness to sanctify our lives, to reveal God in Jesus Christ. All who love God may come to the Scriptures earnestly, prayerfully, with contrition of soul, searching for truth as for hidden treasures, fasting and praying for truth, and they will not be disappointed but be made wise unto salvation.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 3)
The great error with churches in all ages has been to reach a certain point in their understanding of Bible truth and there stop. There they anchored. They ceased to “Go forward,” as much as to say, “We have all-sufficient light. We need no more.” And they refuse light.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 4)
After the message of warning was given, a confederacy was formed that would not receive the message. They kept themselves barricaded, fearing that if they should evidence that they did receive light there was a trapdoor ready to let them through into some dangerous pit. The richest treasures of truth were opened before them. Every mind needed the jewels and gems that were revealed, but by confederating together they were deceived and their stakes were set fast. Thus have the nominal churches dealt with the message from heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 5)
The Lord loves His people, and would lead them step by step onward under the banner of truth, the third angel’s message. Still the precious mines of truth are to be explored. There should be, by every man who teaches the truth, a constant searching for what saith the Scriptures? There are the mines of truth to be worked. There is a most solemn work to be done. In these last days we have the benefit of the wisdom and experience of past ages. The men of God, saints and martyrs, have made confession of their faith, and the knowledge of their experience and their burning zeal for God is transmitted to the world in the living oracles. And their example of faith in living experience, in their self-denying, self-sacrificing lives, comes down along the line to our times. This hereditary trust has been gathered up by faithful witnesses that the bright light shining upon them in the knowledge of God might enlighten those living in these last days; and while they appreciate this light they will advance to greater light, for the knowledge of the Word of God has been extending and increasing upon the earth. The Source of all light still invites us to come and absorb its rays. Light is not placed where the followers of Christ cannot obtain its benefits. It is not cut off from the world so there is no more or increased light to shine in greater clearness and more abundantly upon all who have improved the light given of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 6)
God’s people in these last days are not to choose darkness rather than light. They are to look for light, to expect light. The light will continue to shine from the Word of God whether men will hear or forbear, whether they will come to the light or turn from the light. Many who follow on to know the Lord will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. The light will continue to shine in brighter and still brighter rays and reveal more and more distinctly the truth as it is in Jesus, that human hearts and human characters may be improved and moral darkness which Satan is working to bring over the people of God shall be dispelled.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 7)
In consequence of light shining to every soul who ministers in sacred things, soul, body, and spirit will be sanctified through the molding influence of the Holy Spirit. They will improve in moral power. They will, if they receive and walk in the light, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and their imperfections of character will be revealed just as they are—grievous in the sight of a holy God—and in answer to the prayer of Christ they will be daily advancing, sanctified through the truth. As we near the close of time, there will be needed a deeper and clearer discernment, a more firm knowledge of the Word of God, a living experience, and the holiness of heart and life which we must have to serve Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 8)
Much precious light was brought out at this meeting [Minneapolis, 1888]. The law of God was exalted, placed before the people in the framework of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which left impressions on many minds which will be deepened and will be as lasting as eternity, while some minds were closed against light because it did not meet their ideas and former opinions. I have heard many testimonies in all parts of the field: “I found light, precious light.”“My Bible is a new Book.”“Never did we feel as at this meeting the necessity of being under the constant control of the Spirit of God, constantly uplifting the heart to God, to be Christians in heart, Christians in principles, possessing not merely a theory of the truth but revealing the principles of truth in a Christlike spirit.”
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 9)
We were pained to the heart to see the spirit of self-confidence, so out of place, yet so plainly revealed, so manifest in many because their minds were wrought up with prejudice. There was much talking, much suspicioning, criticizing Sister White’s testimonies. It passed from lip to lip of those who ought to know better that Sister White was influenced. “Of course, if this is the danger to be apprehended, we cannot depend upon her testimonies any more.”
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 10)
I suppose if I had challenged them to tell me when, at what time and place this work changed, which made of none effect the testimonies because corrupted or contaminated with human influence, it would not have been so easy to specify the precise time. One would have said, “It was certain years ago when Sister White’s testimony was in marked contrast to the way I understand the Scriptures. I received a sharp reproof, and I have not seen the testimonies were so.” But all who know that person would bear their verdict, “Every word was truth to the letter.” One had some years ago been reproved and he had doubted the testimonies ever since, for he was sure someone had been writing to me and told me those things.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 11)
When there are those who condescend to take this position, any words would be lost upon them. I will not answer them. They shall not drag me into the mire of Satan with them. If they think that the testimonies originate as Canright claims—that he could give me a testimony—then the sooner they take their position on the dragon’s side of the question the less danger of others being deceived by their disguised words. There are now everywhere surmisings of evil that have not the slightest foundation in truth, yet hearts opened to receive darkness have darkness to form chapters in their experience that lie registered in the heavenly courts. Yet the most wonderful lies Satan could invent were received as truth. If indeed the truth sanctifies the soul, much more of its divine principle was needed at that meeting to soften hearts, to mold character, to reveal Christ abiding in the heart by living faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 12)
When Christ is enthroned in the heart the spirit and love of Jesus will be revealed in the investigation of all points of doctrine. There will be far more praying than jesting and joking in a strong, harsh manner, inflaming one another, strengthening one another in their resistance of messages sent from God.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 13)
Their minds were so blinded that everything was measured by their ideas of what they considered truth. I endeavored to bear my testimony in these meetings in the fear of God. At times I was compelled to speak plainly and lay before them the dangers of resisting the Spirit of God, and the Lord gave me great freedom of spirit.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 14)
As a people we are certainly in great danger, if we are not constantly guarded, of considering our ideas, because long cherished, to be Bible doctrines and on every point infallible and measuring everyone by the rule of our interpretation of Bible truth. This is our danger, and this would be the greatest evil that could ever come to us as a people. While I was in Europe I felt deeply moved by the Spirit of God, as I never did before, that there must be altogether a different spirit and element brought into our conferences. If one should hold ideas differing in some respects from that which we have heretofore entertained—not on vital points of truth—there should not be a firm, rigid attitude assumed that all is right in every particular, all is Bible truth without a flaw, that every point we have held is without mistake or cannot be improved. This I know to be dangerous business and it precedes from that wisdom that is from beneath.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 15)
The very same course was taken by the denominational churches when we embraced the first and second angels’ messages. And as the light was shining forth from the oracles of God upon the messages which were present truth for our time, Satan tried by every means in his power to close the door to shut out the light. We had to meet with prejudice and with ridicule and with sneers and with criticism of the very same character that we have had to meet here in this conference. The opposition seemed almost crushing in its influence. What if we had held our peace and been controlled by the ministers who thought we were heretics, disturbing the peace of churches? Nevertheless, we did move forward, and while many bent beneath the power of opposition and yielded their faith to preserve the unity with their brethren and retained their place in the churches, many could not conscientiously do this. They held fast their faith. And what was the result? They were turned out of the churches. After the passing of the time, when sorrow and disappointment was weighing us down to the earth, the Lord let His light shine in upon us, giving us the light upon the third angel’s message so strikingly clear, which showed us our whereabouts in prophecy and placed our feet in a sure path.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 16)
We have seen in our experience that when the Lord sends rays of light from the open door of the sanctuary to His people, Satan stirs up the minds of many. But the end is not yet. There will be those who will resist the light and crowd down those whom God has made His channels to communicate light. Spiritual things are not spiritually discerned. The watchmen have not kept pace with the opening providence of God, and the real heaven-sent message and messengers are scorned.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 17)
There will go from this meeting men who claim to know the truth, who are gathering about their souls the garments not woven in the loom of heaven. The spirit that they have received here will be carried with them. I tremble for the future of our cause. Those who do not in this place yield to the evidence God has given will war against their brethren whom God is using. They will make it very hard when opportunities shall come where they can carry forward and onward the same kind of warfare they have hitherto engaged in. These men will have opportunities to be convinced that they have been warring against the Holy Spirit of God. Some will be convinced; others will hold firmly their own spirit. They will not die to self and let the Lord Jesus come into their hearts. They will be more and still more deceived until they cannot discern truth and righteousness. They will, under another spirit, seek to place upon the work a mold that God shall not approve; and they will endeavor to act out the attributes of Satan in assuming control of human minds and thus control the work and cause of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 18)
Had our brethren fasted and prayed and humbled their hearts before God at this meeting and sat down calmly to investigate the Scriptures together, then God would have been glorified. But the spirit of prejudice that was brought to that meeting closed the door to the richest blessing of God, and those who had this spirit will not be in a favorable position to see light until they repent before God and have some sense of how near they have come to doing despite to the Holy Spirit and having another spirit.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 19)
But from this meeting there will be a different mold ever after upon the work. Our brethren will feel the need of investigating the evidences of our faith far more critically for themselves. They will not feel that, if ideas are accepted by those who have borne responsibilities in this cause, they may safely accept them as infallible because they are sustained by men in positions of influence, and that they have no more necessity to search the Scriptures for themselves than those who are taught to receive the words of the priests and popes.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 20)
This has been the mistake of a large number of our preaching brethren. They have not been close Bible students, and many of their discourses have been repeated. The old, stereotyped discourses will be repeated with scarcely a variation, because they will not open the door to receive light, increased light, but go on in the same line, repeating almost the same words. For years, scarcely a new ray of light has flashed forth from them. They have not had advanced light, and some have educated themselves as debaters and God has not been glorified in this. They have used great sharpness with opponents and have educated themselves to overcome an opponent if possible, not always by fair means. This is not at all after Christ’s order.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 21)
Whoever studies the Bible in regard to the fall of Satan and the first advent of Christ to our world, and enters into the spirit of His life, His teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension, will see that they have much need of humble, earnest prayer, of deep humility, of far less self-esteem. Their hearts will cry out for help from the living God. They will feel the necessity of trained intelligence, trained ability, to present the truth as it is in Jesus, which is to come to the people in a much higher sense than they have yet heard it. Alone in secret places, they will cry day after day to God for divine wisdom that they may discriminate between good and evil, righteousness and sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 22)
There is need of spiritual guides whose words will be a tonic to the church, who are acquainted with the science of healing the broken heart, of being a physician to the sick sheep and lambs, sermonizing a great deal less and binding up the wounds of the sheep and of the lambs. The sanctification of the soul is the only true elevation of man. While the true shepherd of the sheep will humble his heart before God with the burden of the great responsibility in his position of trust, and with a sense of his weakness, his deficiencies, and with the fear of God before him, he will cry unto God with all his soul for divine enlightenment before he makes a move in any line. He will not trust to his own finite intelligence or to his own wisdom to devise and plan. He will be sick and sore over his past poor performances and inefficient experience.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 23)
He has need of rare discrimination to discern between the souls who are spiritually diseased, discouraged, and who need help, and those in the church who are self-confident, full of self-esteem, and who sense not that their own wisdom is foolishness and that they must conquer the evil inside and outside more earnestly and perseveringly else they cannot be saved. He will, if he walks with God through individual experience, see with clearness the Bible condition for securing blessings from God. It is not in making a show, but when man does his part and comes to God divested of his own self-righteousness and is humble and contrite, the promise will never fail him.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 24)
There are priceless blessings for the churches. Pastors must sense this and present line upon line, precept upon precept, the simplicity of faith. If they would come down from their stilts and cease preaching long, dry sermons and minister to the flock as faithful shepherds, they would see many souls saved.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 25)
We say decidedly, every minister of Jesus Christ must bind himself to the Source of all light and power and he must not follow in the shadow of any other living man, because there is Christ to whom he must become attached, and he should not bind his heart to any human being and let man do his thinking for him. He is not filling his position in society or in the world if he simply accepts what his father has said and what his father, or some great and good man in past generations, has done, and sinks himself, his individuality, in them. Some who think that they preach the gospel are preaching other men’s ideas. Through some means they have come to the decision that it is no part of a minister’s calling or duty to think diligently and prayerfully. He accepts what other men have taught without asserting his individuality. This doctrine, taught by the church of Rome, is entire dependence upon the leaders. The individual’s conscience is not his own. Judgment must be controlled by other men’s ideas. His intelligence is to go no farther than that of those who are leaders.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 26)
Now Satan has his hand in all this work to narrow down the work of God. Ministers of Jesus Christ are to be constantly receiving light from the Source of all light. They are not to be simply receivers of other men’s thoughts, they themselves not plowing deep into the mines of truth. If a minister is not a worker himself, digging for the truth as for hidden treasure to find the precious jewels of truth, he is forfeiting his God-given privileges. He is not to put any human mind, any human intelligence, between his soul and God. There is to come no authority from human minds that will in the least degree interpose between him and God’s authority to lead, to guide, and to dictate.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 27)
The ministers of Christ should gather up every ray of light, every jot of strength and illumination from other minds whom God has blessed, but that is not enough. They must go to the Fountainhead for themselves. God has given men reasoning minds and He will not hold them guiltless if they trust in man or make flesh their arm. He wants you individually to come to Him, to draw from Him, to use the ability God gives to understand the living oracles. If one man can see light in examining the Scriptures, so may every true Christian have the right to read, to examine, to search the Scriptures with unabated interest and gather light therefrom.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 28)
If they fail to do this, they will not be using the ability God has given them that they may grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Then let every man read, study, and search the Scriptures for himself, and take nothing as infallible but the Word that you can see for yourself after much prayer and searching in an humble, teachable spirit. God has given no man a right to set himself up as a standard of doctrine.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 29)
Many have believed some things as truth because men whom they believed to be led of God have declared them to be truth; but were they? Was all they held in doctrine true? No! Time has shown that men who feared God have made mistakes in their interpretation of Scriptures. Some parts were not understood, and the next generation have, through diligent searching, come to a knowledge of the truth; advanced light has been presented, but they did not have all the light. The next generation saw increased light and then there was a going forward from light to a great light.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 30)
It is a deplorable fact that men have connected with men, looked up to them, placed them where God should be, regarded their words and works as inspired, their interpretation of Scripture inspired, and they have become copies of men. They are dwarfed in their religious experience. They do not lead out. They are letting other men be brains for them, letting another man search the Scriptures for them, and accepting his decisions as authority; and yet that man, whom they depend on and trust in, is compassed with the same human infirmities and weaknesses, and his defects really are regarded to be virtues to be copied. The Lord wants ministers of the gospel to search the Scriptures. Make no living man a channel. Accept not the work he does as without a flaw. Do not let him do the work God has told you to do. If you do, how are you occupying a safe position? Jesus bids you come to Him, the great Teacher, and learn of Him, and you should find rest to your souls. Let no man stand between your soul and Jesus Christ, thinking that the Lord tells him that which He refuses to tell you. Give God a chance, ministering brethren, to operate on your mind. Place yourself before Him as one who wants to learn of Him. You must place yourself before the Lord in diligently searching His Word that He may communicate ideas to you. He does not design that you shall be dependent on human minds. He would have you look to Him in faith to do large things for you, not through another man, but to you.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 31)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord.”James 1:5-7.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 32)
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.”Matthew 7:1, 2. The conversation and judging of those brethren who differed in some points on the law in Galatians was not after God’s order but after the order of human nature. The conversation in the homes at Minneapolis was founded principally upon impressions received from letters written from California, and from reports. Those impressions were formed in ignorance. If the judgment had been suspended and the much unsanctified talk left unsaid, had there been words spoken to God and not to men, there would have been some chance for the voice of the Good Shepherd to be heard; but the topic that came to the front was the law in Galatians. And then commenced the judging. One stimulated another. But few found solitude to search their Bibles anew and look to God in earnest prayer, with humble hearts, to learn of the divine Teacher—but the opinion of men was looked to as the voice of God. The enemy took possesion of minds and their judgment was worthless, their decisions were evil, for they did not have the mind of Christ. They were doing continual injustice to the persons they talked about, and they had a demoralizing effect upon the conference.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 33)
The habit that some who claim to be preachers of the gospel have, to pass sentence upon everything with which they do not agree, has a demoralizing influence upon their own religious experience and upon all who have confidence in them. God gives no one the work of sitting in judgment upon their neighbors and communicating their decisions far and wide. When they extend their words and influence against men whom God is using to do a special work and they set themselves in dead earnest against those of whose motives and whose religious standing they know nothing to condemn, they do a work similar to that which Satan is doing. They know nothing about the motives which impel certain actions which they take up and talk of so glibly. All facts that should be considered under the influence of the Spirit of God are glibly pronounced upon as if they themselves were men whose judgment was sound and unquestionable.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 34)
I have been compelled to bear a decided testimony at this meeting. The Lord has men of opportunity through whom He is working. From this meeting there will be decided changes in our churches. There is a faith professed but a decided want of that faith that works by love and purifies the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, 35)
Ms 38, 1890
Diary, January 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan January 2-26, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in TDG 10.
Battle Creek Labors in Early 1890
Last night [Jan. 1] as a family we were sorely afflicted. Emma White was confined to her bed very sick, Sara McEnterfer, my secretary, was sick with the prevailing influenza; Edson White was sick with the same disease; myself threatened. I sent for Dr. Kellogg that I might have help. He said, “You have been having a tremendous strain upon you. I wonder that you can endure so much; but do not go into meeting this evening.” And then came a request from the president of the conference, Elder Olsen, and Elder Farnsworth and other brethren, soliciting me to be present at the meeting to be held in the tabernacle for the benefit of the youth that evening.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 1)
I did not dare to say, I cannot come. I went, and found a large number assembled in the auditorium of the tabernacle. I was pleased to see so many interested youth. Several prayers were offered by Elders Farnsworth, Kilgore, and Underwood. I spoke about twenty minutes to those assembled and then asked those who were not Christians to come forward. About fifty responded. It was a very solemn time. Many of these were seeking the Lord for the first time. Many testimonies were borne expressing their desires, and then earnest prayer was offered in their behalf. If there was more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance, there must have been joy in heaven over the scene our eyes looked upon when so large a number presented themselves as seeking the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 2)
Not many of the older church members were present, for this meeting was especially for the youth. But my heart was made sad to see that some for whom I had been praying were not present among the seekers. Where were these poor souls who so much needed the benefit of that meeting? I so much hoped to see Homer Salisbury and other special ones present earnestly seeking the Pearl of great price, but where were these souls? I learned that they were at a party of young people assembled to amuse themselves, and that which made me feel deeply was that our brethren and sisters in the church opened their houses to have these gatherings for the youth, thus giving their sanction to such things. They were not safe counsellors or faithful stewards of the grace of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 3)
I see in this a device of the enemy. When the servants of God are planning and devising ways and means to benefit the youth, that the unconverted shall be reached, those who profess to have been converted help the enemy to get up some attraction, such as a musical concert, to divert the minds and attention from the very work the Lord is burdening His servants to do. I inquire, What can be done to impress the youth to bear their responsibilities as soldiers of the cross of Christ, to come up into working order that they may be laborers together with God? We are to help the youth who are inexperienced and do not know where they are traveling.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 4)
Many are on the enchanted ground of the enemy. Things of the least importance—foolish social parties, singing, jesting, joking—engross their minds, and they serve God with a divided heart. In these things you have one unseen in your midst, helping you. Satan is present, full of hellish exultation. The declaration of Christ, “No man can serve two masters,” (Matthew 6:24) is unheeded.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 5)
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit did not immediately descend. There were ten days after His ascension before the Holy Spirit was given. This time was devoted by the disciples to most earnest preparation for receiving so precious an endowment. The rich treasures of heaven were poured out to them after they had searched their own hearts diligently and had sacrificed every idol. They were before God, humbling their souls, strengthening their faith, confessing their sins. And their hearts were in harmony with one another. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting,” etc. Acts 2:1, ff. The church needs a similar experience right here at the great heart of the work. Are we searching our hearts, preparing for the heavenly grace to be received? The Lord is waiting to be gracious.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 6)
The Lord will reveal Himself to His people, but they must be unitedly engaged in the work of seeking the Lord and not some be scattered, holding little parties of pleasure, which create a state of things that has a tendency to lead to the forgetting of God rather than to the remembrance of Him. All these side shows, these frivolous parties, are out of place and most decidedly the work of Satan at such a time as this. They are not in harmony with God or His Holy Spirit. The work which is to be carried forward at this time is a most important one. It is a life and death question. It is not the Lord that is prompting the young men and women and youth to engage in this work of pleasure gatherings, but it is another spirit. We pray for wisdom to know just what to do at this time.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 7)
I am awake. Have spent the night praying and entreating the Lord to give His power to turn the current into the right channel of deep, earnest seeking of the Lord. Shall the enemy [be allowed], right at this solemn time, to bring in a condition of things—of diversion and pleasure—to absorb the mind and fill it with vain, trifling thoughts that have no place for God, eternity, or heaven?
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 8)
Sunday, January 5, 1890 [Battle Creek]
Arose at four a.m. Prayed to my heavenly Father who seeth and heareth all that is done in secret. He knoweth the thoughts of the heart and He will bless the earnest seeker. Attended ministers’ meeting at eight o’clock a.m. Spoke about thirty minutes. Elder Olsen spoke about seventy-five minutes. Meeting held two hours. I became very weary and nervous. I did not recover during the day.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 9)
Spoke to the patients at six o’clock p.m. I had freedom in speaking. Two gentlemen from Chicago were introduced to me and expressed much pleasure in hearing the words spoken. They solicited me to come to their Sunday school in Chicago. I visited with Sister _____, missionary from China. She is a pleasant woman, plain and simple in dress.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 10)
January 26, 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan
Spoke in tabernacle vestry to the ministers. I see the need of plain, clear, decided, and unswerving testimony to those who claim to believe. A spirit has come in that is leavened with unbelief, and in our meetings we have to wade through a trying ordeal of a mass of darkness. But while one and still another who would have his say of things is making his influence felt, showing decided lack of unity, I am instructed, “Christ stands at the helm, and all these propositions that are so abundantly brought in are not one in ten at all needed. They absorb time, call forth talk, and create perplexing labor. That which we need is fewer propositions and fewer resolutions for time to come. These resolutions will not be carried into execution. We need very much more light to shine in our midst from Him who declared, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”John 8:12. We need now simple faith in our Leader, Jesus Christ. We are in suffering need of that faith that works by love and purifies the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 11)
*****
All Israel murmured when their faith was tested in regard to bread and water, and yet all Israel departed from the wilderness of Sin, not at Moses’ command but in obedience to the command of God. The unruly, contentious elements will obey the directions of God in some things, when it is in harmony with their own inclination and suits their own human ideas. But none will be registered in the books of heaven as good and obedient servants but those who walk with God, trustingly without questioning. They are not laggards. They do not block the way; they do not put the stone before the wheel.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 12)
Praise is given to men for one or two praiseworthy actions, but the Lord, who sees beneath the surface, reads the motives that prompted the action. Satan brings great sufferings upon the bodies of human beings. He hates mankind because they are the workmanship of God. He opposed the creation of man. On many occasions—in order to deceive, if possible, the very elect—he gives influence to men who would deceive. He removes his evil power from the bodies, that he can better bruise the head. The power of God is accredited to the deceiver, and in this way Satan receives praise and glory. Souls are deluded.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 13)
Obedience to God in all things must be the principle of our life, for as soon as we depart from the path that has been marked out by God in His Word the enemy is on the spot with his deceptions. If we think we follow, murmuring at every step, it were far better to be left behind, for the murmurers infuse doubt and distrust into other minds by their many words of unbelief.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 14)
Those who distrust God and do not have faith in Him, but go to forbidden sources for relief, are under the condemnation of God. They are on the enemy’s ground. The question is asked, Is it because there is not a God in Israel that ye go to inquire of the gods of Ekron? If pain and suffering in one are alleviated by a physician who does not walk and work in the fear of God, then the enemy works through that one to seduce another to have faith in his superior ability, and he may be relieved, and still another may find freedom from difficulties. But is there not a power behind the scenes at work to extol the abilities of the man who is living in transgression of the law of God? Is not the enemy laying his concealed snare to set the minds upon a wrong train of reasoning? Is it not his work to form links with those who love not and fear not God, with those who are in rebellion against Him? Thus Satan shall have power over many through the influence of a few who are full of misconception and who have proclaimed the virtue done to them through forbidden channels.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 15)
It is harder to endure suffering than to obey a commandment. Sufferings are greater trials than actions. “Do something,” the enemy says, “even if it is not the best thing. Get relief some way.” Thus he tempted Christ. “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”Matthew 4:3. But Christ resisted him.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 16)
Satan is now working as he will continue to work. He will work in the same line and in many ways until his power is taken away. Those who begin now to place themselves in the hands of physicians who neither love nor fear God will encourage others to do the same thing that they have done. Is not the enemy in all this to remove the defense from the people of God? The Lord will have His people thoroughly tried and tested. If we cannot follow God by living faith, if we repair to those who have no connection with God, we are placing ourselves where Satan is trying to have us go and where he can use us. Thus he obtains control of the mind, then makes impressions on the mind, and others receive the impressions imparted by the first one deceived.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 17)
The Lord led Israel to Rephidim. He could just as well have conducted them to another place. But He permitted them to go through these bad places that He might have an opportunity of revealing His matchless love in miracles of His grace.
(6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, 18)
Ms 40, 1890
The Vision at Salamanca [Battle Creek, Michigan] [March 1891] See variant Ms 40a, 1890. This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 917-949.
At Salamanca, [N.Y.], November 3, 1890, while bowed in earnest prayer, I seemed to be lost to everything around me, and I was bearing a message to an assembly which seemed to be the General Conference. I was moved by the Spirit of God to say many things, to make most earnest appeals, for the truth was urged upon me that great danger lay before those at the heart of the work.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 1)
I had been, and still was, bowed down with distress of body and of mind. It seemed to me that I must bear a message to our people at Battle Creek. The words were to be in earnest. “Speak the words that I shall give thee, to prevent their doing things which would separate God from the publishing house and sacrifice pure and holy principles which must be maintained.” The eyes of God were bent upon them in sorrow mingled with severe displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”Revelation 2:4, 5. There is no time to lose. God speaks. Men are serving the enemy and betraying sacred principles.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 2)
Many things were unfolded to me. The eyes which once wept over impenitent Jerusalem—for their impenitence, their ignorance of God and of Jesus Christ, their Redeemer—were bent upon the great heart of the work in Battle Creek. They were in great peril through forming a confederacy, but they knew it not. They were walking in the sparks of their own kindling. Human impenitence had blinded their eyes, and yet human wisdom was seeking to guide the important interests, especially in the workings and methods of the publishing house. Men’s hands had hold of the work. Men’s human judgment was gathering in finite hands the lines of control, while God and His will, His way, and His counsel were not earnestly, humbly sought—not considered indispensable. Men of stubborn, unbending, iron will were exercising their own traits of character to drive things through on their own judgment.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 3)
I said to them, You cannot do this. The power of control of these large interests cannot be vested wholly in men who have so little experience in the things of God as you manifest. You know not the way of the Lord. All through our ranks truth is misrepresented. The people of God must not have their faith disappointed and shaken in their own institution, the publishing house at Battle Creek, because of the mismanagement of human minds that magnify self.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 4)
If you lay your hand upon the work of the great instrumentality of God—to write your superscription upon it and put your mold upon it—it will be dangerous business for you and disastrous to the work of God. It will be as great a sin in the sight of God as when Uzzah put forth his hand to steady the ark of God. All that God requires of you who have entered into other men’s labors is humbly to do your individual duty. You are to deal justly toward all those employed for the work by the people, you are to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. This you have not done. Your works testify against you. If you fail to do this, whatever may be your position, whatever your responsibility—if you have as much authority as did Ahab—you will find that God is above you and His sovereignty must and will be supreme.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 5)
In everyone connected with the actual management of the office there is altogether too little fear and love and reverence for the God of heaven; and too little faith, genuine faith, in God and His providential workings. But there is One whose eye is upon all the lines of work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind. That Eye sees beneath the surface of things; that Eye is a discerner of the very thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart. Not a deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imagination of the heart, but He reads it like an open book. Every act, every purpose, is noted. Every word, every action, every plan is faithfully chronicled in the books of the great Heartsearcher who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 6)
I was shown that the follies of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated unless men have greater humility and less confidence in themselves, and greater confidence in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of His people. The ability and wisdom of any men is only derived from God. Connected with God, his life bound up with God, he will work the works of God. God has wisdom underived. He is the Infinite One; the human is finite, erring. He is the Fountain of the light and life and glory of the world. One leak will sink the mightiest vessel that ever rode the proud ocean; so will the church make shipwreck amid the perils of these last days unless the holy Captain of her salvation shall not only serve as Captain, but Pilot.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 7)
We have a living Head, and every man in office where sacred responsibilities are involved must inquire at every step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” He must look constantly and continuously to Jesus for His guidance and maintain principle at any cost. It is not what finite men can do, but what God can do through finite men who are teachable, humble, unselfish, and sanctified. We cannot put the least confidence in human ability unless the divine power cooperates with the human. When men make God their trust, it will be evidenced by meekness, by much prayer, by love, by Christian politeness and genuine courtesy to all people, and by great caution in their position and movements. They will reveal dependence upon God and give evidence that they have a firm platform of solid, uncontaminated principle beneath their feet. These men will show that they have the mind of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 8)
There is altogether too much self-confidence and self-sufficiency, altogether too much pride of heart and self-esteem, without giving glory to God. God has given minds and talents to men only in trust, on trial, to test and prove them to see if they will work in His way and do His will and put not confidence in themselves alone. If they do not stand the test, they are false to His kingdom. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”Jeremiah 9:23, 24.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 9)
The Lord permitted Israel to have their own way, after plainly telling them through Samuel it was not the right way and the best way. In their own mind and in their own judgment it was the way that would bring, as they imagined, the most glory to themselves as a nation. The Lord granted them the desire of their unsanctified hearts.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 10)
When Israel demanded a king to “judge us like all the nations,”“the thing displeased Samuel.”“And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.”1 Samuel 8:5-7.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 11)
It was not Samuel alone who made his sons judges in Israel. Samuel had educated and trained his sons, and they were well qualified to do the work in judging Israel if they had done as Daniel did in the courts of Babylon—if they had purposed in their hearts to be true to the principles of the instruction given. God would have been with them and honored them, if they had sought His counsel and His wisdom and had honored God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 12)
“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”1 Samuel 8:3. Samuel was not to blame for the wrongdoing of his sons. Samuel carried a sore and disappointed heart that his sons disappointed the expectations of the people. And it is stated in what way. Through love of money they became unjust judges. This was a grievous trial to the aged father, for it was a constant source of temptation to the people to think that Samuel had been neglectful of his duty, like Eli. Samuel suffered far more from their defection than did Israel. Had his sons patterned in some degree after the example they had seen in their father? No! No! but after that seen in those with whom they had associated.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 13)
The man whom the Lord had placed over His people was well stricken in years, but he had had a valuable experience in keeping the ways of the Lord. If Samuel had failed to do his duty to his sons, God would have sent to him a message as He did to Eli. In this instance it is seen how children by their course of action can weaken and counteract the best efforts of their parents.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 14)
But the Lord communicated to Samuel, even giving him special directions as to what he should do in the case of Israel’s defection. “Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.”1 Samuel 8:9. Samuel faithfully told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. 1 Samuel 8:11-22. Did the solemn words spoken by Samuel under the direction of God change their purpose? No! Their minds were bent on following their own judgment and casting aside the wisdom of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 15)
Israel had become tired of pious rulers who kept God’s purposes and God’s will and God’s honor ever before them according to God’s instructions. They wanted a reformed religion that they might by external, flattering prosperity be esteemed great in the eyes of the surrounding nations. As they at one time hankered after the leeks and onions of Egypt, and murmured because they did not have everything to gratify their appetites, and declared their choice to go back into bondage rather than deny their appetites, so they now insulted God to His face in throwing off His wise rule. They were hankering after riches and splendor like those of other nations around them.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 16)
God was grieved with the ingratitude of His chosen people. When Samuel prayed to the Lord in the grief of his soul, the Lord told him it was not the man Samuel they were dissatisfied with, but with the Lord’s divine authority, for He as a King over His people appointed their judges. If the judges became untrue, if they became unsanctified, if they trusted to their own finite wisdom, it was the place of the people to set these things in order and not to throw off the authority of the God of heaven. This was a continuation of the rebellion which left the dead bodies of their fathers in the wilderness.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 17)
What effect did the words of Samuel from the Lord have upon the people? “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.”1 Samuel 8:19, 20. Now we can see what confidence can be placed in human, finite beings whose hearts are not daily and hourly sanctified and subdued and controlled by the love and fear of the Majesty of heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 18)
Satan’s mind was imbuing the hearts of men that Israel should follow his own satanic counsel. They were bewitched by the devil to carry out their own purposes even in the face of the solemn protestations from their aged prophet, whom they had every reason to respect and to believe spoke to them the words that God Himself had told him to speak. [God desired] to save them from future distress and to keep them under His own merciful guidance in the place of leaving them to the changeable judgment and strong will of men who chose to take themselves out of the hands of God and guide and manage affairs in the government of Israel in their own way.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 19)
There is no instruction or example that can overcome the natural traits of character that have grown with their growth and strengthened with their strength. External restraints of men of experience will for a time hold in check unsanctified inclinations, but let these restraints be removed and the sad facts appear that those who are occupying important positions of trust are not men who have made God their fear and inquired at every step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” The Lord wants men who will feel their need of drawing strength from an unseen force, which is God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 20)
Israel was given just such a king as they had set their heart on. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, their chosen king, and he was a converted man. Samuel said to him, “Let it be that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.”1 Samuel 10:7. And it is plainly stated, “When he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart.”Verse 9. Here we see what God is ready to do for every one of His workers. Had Saul obeyed the Lord in all things he would have been a blessing to Israel if they had hearkened unto him. But should the king throw off his allegiance to God, then woe be unto Israel! He would prove a course instead of a blessing.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 21)
All this history is written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. I have had presented before me again and again that the people of God in these last days could not be safe by trusting in men and making flesh their arm. By the mighty cleaver of truth God has taken them out of the quarry of the world as rough stones and brought them into His workshop that He might, by axe and hammer and chisel, work off their rough, unshapely edges and fit them for a place in His building. But they must be hewed and squared by His prophets. Reproofs, warnings, admonitions and advice must come to their hearts and make them after Christ’s pattern. They must become changed in heart and in character and must keep the way of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 22)
I raise the warning now that there is danger. The people are to know if there is danger. They are not to be kept in darkness. Ezekiel 3:17-21.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 23)
Just as surely as the Lord has in His providence placed men in positions of holy trust, so surely will He qualify these men for their positions. If they will maintain their consecration to God, study His Word prayerfully, pray, and watch unto prayer, He will give them of His Holy Spirit to do the sacred, important work, day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. The Lord will work on human hearts if the men who are intrusted with sacred things will give themselves unreservedly to Him and become Bible Christians.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 24)
Some may say, “I have done the best I can do.” Perhaps you have, because you can, of yourself, do no good. You must depend, in living, active, persevering faith, upon Jesus Christ. You can shun responsibilities, you can take yourselves still farther away from the channel of light, you can breathe the worldly atmosphere and become purely worldly businessmen. But will it pay? You cannot think so, with eternity in view. Will a separation from the work take you away from temptation? No! Every man who accepts responsibilities must not accept so many that he cannot take time to seek the wisdom which the Lord alone can give him. The Spirit of the Lord will do more for you in your work than you can do in your lifetime without His Holy Spirit.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 25)
Anyone who has a work to do for the Master in any line must know that he will be liable to make mistakes that he might avoid if he would drop these responsibilities. This would be a much more perilous thing to do. Shall men choose the easier and least responsible positions because of this? Will they remain unconsecrated? Will they not be acting as did the unfaithful servant who buried his talent in the earth, complaining because the Lord’s requirements, he declared, were too severe? This unfaithful man pretended that he knew God, and then really charged Him with fraud. He entertained a false view of the character of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 26)
The speech of the faithless steward—the slothful servant—was not merely an excuse, but it was the outspeaking of the true sentiments of his heart. He regarded the Lord just as he expressed. The selfish churl made the Lord’s character just like his own. He had no simplicity of heart, no genuine religion, no experimental knowledge of the character of God and did not believe in His free mercy and His rich gift of grace.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 27)
To know God is to trust Him fully. Oh, what sentiments men entertain of God today! Men need to be restored to God and to themselves. It is so hard for men to see their own motives and judge correctly of their own spirits, so hard for men to acknowledge frankly from the heart, like David, “I have sinned. I have had a spirit unlike Christ.”
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 28)
The men who have had the greatest power in our world have lived in the light reflected from the cross of Calvary. They have poured out their confessions from hearts filled with sorrow because of their errors and wrongs. They have not paraded their goodness, their smartness, and their ability before God, but have said, “In my hands no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 29)
I saw the Lord Jesus looking with grieved countenance upon men handling sacred things, because they did not discern sacred things. He said, “Human character cannot be trusted. Unless Christ is interwoven in the character, it is valueless. Unless there is a transformation of character, there is no hope for the world.”
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 30)
The institutions in our midst have all been founded in sacrifice. They belong to the people, and every soul who has denied self and made sacrifices to bring these institutions into existence should feel that he has a special interest in them. He should not lose his interest or faith, or cease to pray for them. Those who have sacrificed for these institutions should not submit to see them demoralized. They have a right to investigate. As the perils of the last days are upon us, they should pray more earnestly.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 31)
Those men who lifted the burdens when the work went hard should be called into your councils. It is due them, and they should have a voice in the plans devised. There should be no confederacy formed with unbelievers, neither should there be a certain number who think as you think and say “amen” to all your plans which you may propose. No confederacies are to be formed among our own people after the manner and customs of the world. I was shown, especially, the dangers in doing this. The world is not to be our criterion. Let the Lord work. Let the Lord’s voice be heard. We are to bear a clear-cut message to the world. We are not to heed the counsels or follow the plans which will be suggested to make less prominent the special truths which are of vital interest, which have separated us out from the world and made us what we are.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 32)
Time is short. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are the messages to be given to the world. We hear not literally the voice of the three angels, but these angels in Revelation represent a people who will be upon the earth and give these messages.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 33)
John saw “Another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the whole earth was lightened with his glory.”Revelation 18:1. That work is the voice of the people of God proclaiming a message of warning to the world. Has God, through John, given us light relating to the things which are to transpire in the remnant of time just at the end? Then with pen and voice we are to proclaim that very message to the world, not in a tame, indistinct whisper.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 34)
I have been instructed of the Lord that men who are bearing responsibilities in the work need the application of the heavenly anointing, which is the Spirit of God, to quicken and clear their discernment—for they certainly fail to discern sacred and eternal realities in their true significance. They make an atom of a world and a world of an atom.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 35)
“For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion.”Isaiah 8:11-18.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 36)
It is utterly impossible for man to sanctify and purify and bless himself. God alone is our helper. Grace will be imparted to every soul who sincerely desires it. We must put away from us our selfishness and become righteous—not by merit, but by grace. “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be,” but when He who is our life, shall appear, then shall we appear with Him in glory. [1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:4.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 37)
Our life, if hid with Christ in God, will not be discerned or appreciated by the world. Christian character is sometimes admired by some classes of the world who desire to see consistency, but generally the world is at enmity with God and His people. The world generally will not be pleased with real, vital godliness, with a firm, steadfast character that will not be swayed by any of their sophistries or by science falsely so called.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 38)
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The living stones in the temple of God do not attract the man of the world. He does not understand their position in the building and sees nothing in them that he appreciates. He sees talent and sharpness of character and begrudges every particle of it. Whatever the Christian may do religiously, conscientiously, for Christ’s sake, is not understood or appreciated because the world know not the power of the truth and know not the Lord or Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 39)
Let a Christian walk with the Lord in all humility of mind and he is called narrow, bigoted, exclusive. If he is zealous, the world will call him a fanatic. Let him speak the truth decidedly with pen and voice and go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the day of the Lord, and he is called by the world excitable; they say he is denouncing everything but that which he believes. Let the Christian be whatever grace can make him, and the world cannot understand it. It is the unseen, inner life that is woven with the life of God, represented as hid with Christ in God, that the world cannot discern.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 40)
Believers have been accused, misrepresented, and hated for Christ’s sake. They have passed through much tribulation. They have learned by experience, “Marvel not if the world hate you.” [1 John 3:13.] They cannot understand your motives. Christian character is something their eyes are too blind to discern, their touch too coarse to handle. Their soul powers are too much perverted to esteem the living heavenly light that shines into the Christian’s mind and heart. This light is unknown to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 41)
Christians indeed are opposed to display. In proportion as they are Christians they are clothed with humility, and this very grace makes them a light in contrast with darkness. If we are Christians we will not seek to be praised or exalted of men, and we will not be drawn away from the work by bribes or any flattering inducement. Christians will not be driven from their post of duty by fear or by reproach, by accusation, hatred, or persecution.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 42)
Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] There are some who will observe the example and feel the influence of a consistent Christian life. Jesus does not bid the Christian to strive to shine, but just to let his light shine in clear and distinct rays to the world. Do not blanket your light. Do not sinfully withhold your light. Do not let the mist and fog and malaria of the world put out your light. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. Neither take pains to exalt yourself to shine nor go into the cave as did Elijah in his discouragement, but come out, stand with God and shine. God bids you shine, penetrating the moral darkness of the world. Be the salt, the savor of men.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 43)
If the men connected with the office would pray more, if they would feel that God requires them to attend meetings, if they would seek to secure to their souls the heavenly manna, then they would grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ even to full stature of men and women in Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 44)
When those who are in positions of sacred trust shall hold the truth firmly and teach it distinctly and positively, the world will not like it. Yet God’s way and plan is that every ray of light given to the living human agencies is to shine amid the moral darkness that envelopes the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 45)
There is no peace to be obtained in uniting our interest with the world, whom Christ says cannot receive the truth because they know not the Father or the Son Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”John 15:18, 19. Jesus was drawing the world but they refused to come to Jesus, refused to know Him. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my sayings, they will also keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.”John 15:20, 21.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 46)
We are the church militant, not the church triumphant. There must be deeper, much deeper spirituality in those who are handling sacred things. There is great danger in self-confidence, in trusting in human wisdom and in not leaning heavily and thoroughly upon God. Whoever tries to secure peace by withholding and not vindicating the truth—present truth, appropriate for this time—will get a peace which will pass into the slumber of death.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 47)
Now is the time to have every piece of the armor on. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”Ephesians 6:12. Here is our work, and Satan will come in through every avenue that is left unguarded to blind minds as to the true and vital interests that are at stake for this time. If he can becloud the minds of our responsible men, the leaven will work. They will not see nor understand the workings of God any more than did the Jews in the days when the greatest blessings were within their reach. By their impenitence, self-confidence, and self-righteousness they were closing the door to their peace. They were closing the door to their only hope, because they were unwilling to accept of God’s way and submit their minds and hearts to the light of truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 48)
We want not men to sway the minds of the people as in ancient times to secure peace and anticipated favor and prosperity in laying aside the cross. Such will have a peace but it is after Satan’s order, a deceiving peace, not that peace which is from above, the peace which Christ has promised to give.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 49)
“Who is a wise man and endowed with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”James 3:13-18.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 50)
There is no safe peace without the presence of the Spirit of Christ. There is no peace but that which is attached to the cross. The Lord Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless.” [John 14:18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 51)
The measure of the love of God to man is found in the gift of Christ. He is the medium to convey the love of God to man. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16. God loved us and therefore He gave Christ; not, He gave Christ and therefore He loved us.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 52)
You who are bearing the weight of responsibility, the Lord Jesus is waiting to receive your prayers, your confessions, your repentance. Unless your daily experience is of a character which gives evidence that you are constantly deriving strength from Jesus Christ, you are not safe one moment.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 53)
“Well,” says one, “I will let go. I will step out, and someone else can come in my place.” Better not do this unless you have fully decided that you will not maintain a close connection with God. If you leave space for Satan to come in between you and Jesus, Satan will be fruitful in suggestions. There will be an abundance of machinery and a trusting in the mechanical operations but leaving out the only One who can infuse you with His Holy Spirit and in times of danger lift up a standard for you against the enemy. It will not do to depend on your finite wisdom, for you have a limited experience at best, and do not know half as much in regard to the safe and wise management of the work in your hands as you think you do.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 54)
When you see, to a man, the necessity of putting self out of sight, of having an eye single to the glory of God, not thinking or consulting as to what the world will say, what the world will think, what motives they will attribute to our work, but following your Leader, keeping step with the Captain of your salvation, keeping your senses wide awake to catch His orders and to obey them to the letter, then, although you have not had experience your faith will lay hold on Jesus’ power. With Him there is no danger of failure.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 55)
It is easier to crush and destroy the world than to reform it, but Christ gave His life to reform it. Disorder, darkness, and death cover the world like a funeral pall. Cannot men limited in experience learn by sitting at Jesus’ feet? By beholding His ways and His works, and viewing His self-denying life, they become changed. “Learn of me,” He says, “for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest [peace] unto your souls.”Matthew 11:29.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 56)
“Take my yoke upon you.” [Verse 29.] When you yoke up with Christ, as colaborers with Him, you are learners, not dictators. Christ does the dictating. You may be the human agent to diffuse light to the world. Be careful that you do not gather in the darkness of the devil and call it the wisdom from above. The Spirit of Christ alone, a living principle abiding in the soul, gives competence for the task of being laborers together with God. The Lord Jesus Christ takes man into the firm, and makes him co-partner with Himself in saving the souls of men.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 57)
The Lord sent prophets and messages from heaven to save men, but they refused to accept the terms. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to flash light into every dark corner of the world, but Satan interposed himself between Christ and men, to shut out the divine communications, as if to crush out all hope from the heart of Omnipotence. In his counsels he set in operation a line of action which caused the humanity to drop out of the hearts of men and the satanic to take possession of them.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 58)
Wicked hands crucified the Lord of glory. But the parent vine was planted on the other side of the wall. Though its boughs hang over to the world, the precious root was safe, never to be uprooted, and the dry, sapless stalks can be grafted into the living Vine and bear rich clusters of fruit.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 59)
Jesus says, “I will send you the Comforter. My Spirit alone is competent for the task of saving the world, if they will accept of the provisions of My grace. The Comforter shall convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:7, 8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 60)
Then let every man work in God’s lines to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. This is my work; this is the work of every colaborer with Jesus Christ. The agencies that are employed in any department of the work to transform the world must not form a confederacy with the world, to do what they shall or shall not do. We must obey the orders from above. Any suggestions made by those who receive not the truth, who know not what the work of God is doing for this time, weaken the power of the work. They drop Christ out of their counsels and accept the counsel of the gods of Ekron.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 61)
The Lord has been prodigal of His means to save man. Boundless are His resources. Heavenly intelligences are ready to unite with human agencies and men may come into immediate contact with Jesus Christ, the divine Advocate. When men feel that Jesus Christ must have entire control of the whole heart, of all the affections, then He will be with every worker, carrying the heavy end of the yoke. He moves upon human hearts by His Holy Spirit. We have a work to do to go into all the world with the light God has given, asserting with pen and voice the rights of God and vindicating the claims of God. Jesus is to be our only trust and confidence. His righteousness is to be our assurance forever.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 62)
Jesus said, “No man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”John 6:65. Man does his part, as God’s human agent, to reach humanity; but Jesus, not men, does this work of transforming man’s character. His Spirit is diffused through all the capabilities and entrusted powers of men, shedding light into the understanding and bringing under His own control the heart that has been serving sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 63)
If men of talent and influence trust in themselves, then Jesus leaves them, and He will employ the weakest instruments and the simplest means to do His work, as in the case of Gideon and in the taking of Jericho. It is not man that is to be the object of attraction. It is not man that is to lift up himself. It is not man that is to glory or receive praise or glory, but the Lord God of Israel.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 64)
The Review and Herald Office is not in a right position before God. The Lord requires that every one of His servants do His bidding, but there is a great neglect of this. The atmosphere in the Review Office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible they fail in practising its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not in the heart and woven into the character. The requirement is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.”Matthew 6:33. The truth as it is in Jesus will lead men to make Christ first and the world second. They will not engage in the sacred work of God without most earnestly seeking heavenly direction, because Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.”John 15:5.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 65)
The men who are engaged in the work in the publishing house need divine enlightenment in all their business transactions. Everything that relates to the work is to be done with the strictest integrity, not only with those of our faith, but with nonbelievers. The angels of God are watching all the workers, to help all those who need help and whose hearts are drawn out for help. Every transaction of man with his fellow man must be characterized by the purest equity. One man is not to be highly favored and another put down as a footstool, for God declares He will judge for these things.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 66)
What if business matters are done without Jesus to preside? What if these matters are made all-engrossing, as has been done, and the things which belong to our eternal interest and peace of mind are neglected? Then we sin against God, commit robbery and deal dishonestly with our Saviour, whose property we are. We are defrauding our own souls and neglecting to be doers of the Word. No one can lade himself down with business so as to lose the sense of his great need of spiritual nourishment and have no fervor of spirit in serving the Lord, without present and eternal loss. Men make mistakes in their own finite wisdom. They feel not that they are dependent upon God for every breath they draw, and they become self-important.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 67)
Thus it has been in the Office. God is not pleased. There is a harsh, dictatorial spirit. God sees it all. It is written in His book, and every action between man and man will appear just as it is. Christ identifies His interest with suffering humanity, and if a man, in his pride of spirit, in his lofty ideas of himself, bruises the soul of his fellow man, the Lord Jesus writes it as done to Himself. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”Matthew 25:40. If you could every one see and realize the effect of those sharp, rasping words that hurt and discourage the soul, and could see Jesus wounded and bruised because of those words, you would have great carefulness. You would not dare to exhibit your defects and objectionable traits of character. You would obey the Word.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 68)
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”Colossians 3:12-16.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 69)
Oh, that the leading men in the Office would practice the teachings of Christ Jesus! (Colossians 4): “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”Colossians 4:2, 6. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?”James 3:13-18. The Lord Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.”Revelation 3:20.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 70)
The cold, critical, sarcastic spirit which has found place in your hearts has driven out the love of Jesus. Expel this spirit which is not of Christ, supply the vacuum with the spirit of Jesus, and you will then be vessels unto honor, workmen for God who need not to be ashamed.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 71)
There is danger. The workmen are separating from Jesus Christ and a worldly mold is being placed upon the work. The Lord is against all this. Let every one who is handling sacred things remember that the gospel stands in sharp antagonism to the world that lieth in wickedness. Unless the workmen are daily walking with God, an influence will be exerted that will bring the displeasure of God upon the workers. Noble integrity is not practised in all your business transactions, and those who are workers in the Office will have examples given them which may be the means of the loss of their souls.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 72)
Every sharp transaction in deal, every bargain made to advantage yourselves to the disadvantage of another, is a violation of God’s law. You do not love your neighbor as you love yourself and you are registered—even you that handle sacred things—as transgressors of the law of God. Those who are doing the work of God cannot dishonor His name more decidedly than by being sharp and dishonest in deal. You may not call these sharp, keen transactions dishonest; but God calls them so. You can never gain respect as Christians unless you represent Christ in spirit, in temper, in deportment, in all your business transactions. In order to do good to those connected with you in the work, you must inspire them with sound confidence in your piety and the purity of your principles. If they see you stern, iron-hearted, unfeeling, cold, unloving, they know you are not Christians. Christ says, “Love one another, as I have loved you.”John 15:12.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 73)
Let us see the character of God as presented or proclaimed by Himself: “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and the fourth generation.”Exodus 34:6, 7.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 74)
“Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”Jeremiah 9:23, 24.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 75)
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”Micah 6:8.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 76)
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”Isaiah 1:16, 17.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 77)
The Lord requires another spirit in the leading men in the office. In all their councils they need the spirit of meekness, not of pomposity. They need not a strong, hard, exacting spirit, but need to act as Christian gentlemen. Your light is to shine forth not in sparks of your own kindling, but in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. The beginning of your confidence in God and His truth must be held firmly unto the end. There must be a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort, a fighting of the good fight of faith. The struggle is lifelong and the victory is certain. Every soul who has Christ abiding in him will receive grace for grace. As he adds the graces, God works on the plan of multiplication. He will maintain a noble spirit, after the holy example of Christ. He will represent Christ’s character, maintaining integrity, purity, and holiness.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 78)
“Ye therefore beloved, seeing ye knew these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”2 Peter 3:17. Neglect no means of grace. In this you are to be an example to all in the office. Christ in His prayer to His Father said, “I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified.”John 17:19. You are to show that there is much need of giving attention to the means of grace, that others may do as you do.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 79)
You in the office who profess to be Christians, put away your levity and your criticism, which are an offense to God. God has men upon whom He is laying burdens to connect with His work in the office. You can greatly mar their experience by your own lack of piety and by your want of respect for sacred things. God calls upon you to be men under the control of His Spirit that you may be guides to lead the youth heavenward. You need Jesus at every step. This time—1891—is a period when we may expect God to manifest His power to His people. The missionary enterprise will not be limited, but enlarged. Men must be in close connection with God or the enemy will interpose himself between them and God, that they will take his suggestions as the voice of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 80)
The work for this time is represented by the first, second, and third angels flying in the midst of heaven. The first angel has his message, the second follows the first and bears his message. But the first is not dropped; it loses none of its force as the second is proclaimed. So also with the third. These angels represent the people of God proclaiming the Word of God to the world, whereby are produced impressions so powerful that truth is separated from the rubbish of error and stands revealed in its unblemished pure beauty. These messages of truth open the most lofty contemplation of scenes through which they conduct us—solemn, refining, and awfully grand.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 81)
This has been the case from the first discovery of the present truth for this age. We are to call on the Lord to open the way, to sacrifice ourselves, and then pray the Lord for help. Men who have been working in the interest of our nation have been, in their schemes and plans, penetrating beyond the present and have been greatly honored for their comprehensiveness in their far-reaching ideas. God has wrought through human instrumentalities in proclaiming the messages of truth He has given them to bear. From a very small beginning in their missionary work, great results have been accomplished. This work lies in a sphere so heavenly that the devices of human ambition have never reached it. It requires so large a scope that the worldly-wise policies of worldly statesmen would add nothing to its success, but be spent and lost.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 82)
The field is the world. The light of truth must be borne amid the moral darkness. It is not a message which we need cringe to declare. No one who works for the Master is to cover it that it shall not reveal its origin and its purpose. It must move on triumphantly, elevating, ennobling, and purifying everything it touches and giving dignity to all who come under its influence. Its agents must be men who will not hold their peace day or night, for it involves the mightiest conflicts. The results touch both worlds, link earth to heaven, invest men with its own exalted character. The cross—the cross of Christ—is lifted up and stands prominent, infusing into the message a new vigor. Its power is seen and its efficacy comprehended, showing the greatness of the authority of the sin-pardoning Saviour in the heart of the broken law. His power to forgive sins is high and broad and deep. It is without limit.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 83)
What reserve power has the Lord of Israel to reach those who have cast His warnings and reproofs behind them and accredited all with coming from no higher source than Sister White? What can you say in excuse to God in the judgment for your turning from the evidence He has given you of His work? “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] Whatever dealings God has had and manifested in and by me in the past I would not produce or rehearse before you. It is the present evidences for which you are accountable.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 84)
What pain of heart I have because of the spirit which has characterized the board meetings and councils! What a spirit has been brought into them! The ideas and opinions of one affect another, and there has been a large amount of caviling and witticisms. A Witness has been in your meetings and registered it all. These weapons debase the one who uses them, but give him no victories. There has been a bringing down of sacred things to the common. Witticisms and your sharp criticisms, after the infidel style, please the devil but not the Lord. The Spirit of God has not been controlling in your councils. There have been misstatements of messengers and of the messages they bring. How dare you do it?
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 85)
Ridicule and witticisms are poor arguments. Ridicule cheapens the mind of any one who engages in it, for it separates his soul from God. No confidence should be placed in the judgment of those who do this thing, no weight attached to their advice or resolutions. Caviling and criticism are not in God’s order. They leave the soul without dew or grace, as dry as the hills of Gilboa. Accusing the workmen and the work of the ones whom God is using is accusing Jesus Christ in the person of His saints. Your comments when in or out of the council are of no special weight with God. That which you all need is to cultivate your religious faculties, that you may have correct discernment of religious things. There has been a decided failure with you to distinguish between the pure gold and the tinsel and gilded objects; between the substance and the shadow.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 86)
The prejudices and opinions that prevailed at Minneapolis are not dead by any means. The seeds there sown are ready to spring into life and bear a like harvest, because the roots are still left. The tops have been cut off, but the roots are not dead and will bear their unholy fruit, to poison the perception and blind the understanding of those you connect with in regard to the messengers and messages that God sends. When you destroy the root of bitterness by thorough confession, then you will see light in God’s light. Only study the Word of God with a purpose. You need to do this. Do not study with a purpose to confirm your ideas, but bring your ideas to the Bible to be trimmed, condemned or approved in the light of the Old and New Testaments. Make God and your Bible your constant companions. Study the Testimonies with the same purpose, with much prayer.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 87)
The Lord possesses infinite wisdom and omnipotent power. His goodness and mercy are unlimited, without partiality and without hypocrisy. God will not plan, nor His power execute, any purpose which is not in perfect harmony with infinite goodness. Neither does His justice make any requirements or demands that are in opposition to the desires or claims of His mercy. There must be the cooperation of justice and mercy, each drawing vitality, power, and infinite efficiency from the union and sympathetic cooperation of all God’s attributes. This our workers in the office, high and low, will need to learn.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 88)
I was present in one of your councils. One arose, and in a very earnest, decided manner, held up a paper. I could read the heading plainly—American Sentinel. There were criticisms made upon the articles published therein. It was declared that this must be cut out, and that must be changed. Strong words were uttered and a strong un-Christlike spirit prevailed. My guide gave me words to speak to the ones who were present who were not slow to make their accusations. In substance I will state the reproof given: That there was a spirit of strife in the midst of the council. The Lord had not presided in their councils and their minds and hearts were not under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God. Let the adversaries of our faith be the ones to instigate and develop the plans which are being formed. While all the plans are not objectionable, principles are being brought in which will dishonor God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 89)
The light which the Lord has given should be respected for your own safety, as well as for the safety of the church of God. If the steps being taken by a few become established among the remnant people of God, you will certainly not be sustained of God for the Lord will bring to naught the counsels of the prudent—the ones who flattered themselves that they were prudent. It is made evident by your own course of action that you have laid your plans and purposes without the aid of the One mighty in counsel. The Lord will work. The men who come to these decisions need their eyes anointed with spiritual eyesalve. You have felt mighty in your own strength, and there is One who can bind the arm of the mighty and bring to naught the counsels of the prudent.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 90)
The great controversy between the two great powers is soon to be ended, and up to the time of its close there will be a wonderful, sharp contest. It is the time now to purpose, as did Daniel and his fellows in the courts of Babylon, that you will be true to principle. The flaming fiery furnace heated seven times hotter than it was wont did not swerve [the three Hebrews] from their principles. They held firm and were cast into the furnace of fire. The form of the Fourth was with them, and even the smell of fire was not upon their garments. The gaping den of lions was open to receive the faithful, praying Daniel, but did he hide his purpose? Did he haul down his colors? Three times a day, as was his wont, he sought his Lord in his chamber with his window open toward Jerusalem. God delivered Daniel.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 92)
Let us look at the case of Elijah. He meets his mortal enemy, the king, the despotic ruler, an apostate from true religion. The king accuses Elijah, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?”1 Kings 18:17. Does Elijah excuse himself? Does he resort to flattery? Does he betray sacred trusts because Israel has perverted her faith and disowned her allegiance to her God? Does he prophesy smooth things to please and pacify the king and secure his favor? No, no! Will he evade the issue? Will he conceal from the king the true cause of the judgments of God that are falling upon the whole land of Israel? No, no! Elijah is a man who proclaims the truth, just such truth as the occasion demands. He carries a weight, a great burden and sorrow, for apostate Israel. He must hold up before them their defection that they may humble themselves before God that He may turn away His fierce anger from them. The answer came from Elijah, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.”1 Kings 18:18.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 93)
This is the very course men will take who are now in office. The world today is full of flatterers and dissemblers, but God forbid that those who claim to be guardians of sacred trusts shall betray sacred interests through the instigations, suggestions, and devices of Satan. I have a warning to give to this body assembled in this house in General Conference. There is danger of our institutions creating plans and ways and means that mean not success, but defeat. I dare not let this conference close and those assembled return to their homes without telling you to consider carefully every proposition presented, every plan laid before you. Give not hastily to these plans your “yea” and “amen,” and be not carried away with propositions that appear innocent, but whose end is disaster and forfeiture of the favor of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 94)
There is danger. I sound the signal trumpet of warning. God calls for you to humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and He will lift you up. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Ministers high and low, you have no time to complain over your unsuccessful labor. Look unto Jesus. Take hold of His strength by living faith and make peace with God. You have too great a desire for praise of men.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 95)
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”Isaiah 55:6-9.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 96)
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; (mark the words) I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”Isaiah 57:15.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 97)
“Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhoreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people.”Isaiah 49:7, 8.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 98)
Let not men exalt themselves and seek to carry through their ideas, without the sanction and cooperation of the people of God. Your strong spirit is not to become a power to rule. Your loud contentious councils are not in harmony with Christ or His manner and His ways. You must bear the divine credentials before you make decided movements.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 99)
Just as surely as we believe in Jesus Christ and do His will, not exalting self, but walking in all humility of mind, just so sure will the Lord be with us. But He despises your fierce spirit. He is grieved with the hardness of your hearts. Pray Him to give you a heart of flesh, that can always feel and be touched with human woe; a heart that will not turn a deaf ear to the widow or to the fatherless; that has bowels of mercy for the poor, the infirm, and the oppressed; that loves justice and hates robbery; that will not make a difference in your favor but will consider the needy. Then the promises revealed in (Isaiah 58) will be experienced by you.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 100)
But you will need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are surrounded by the lame and halting in faith. Then help them, not by halting yourselves, but by standing like men—firm, tried, proved men—firm as a rock for principle. I know that a work must be done for the people or many will not receive the light of the angel which is sent from heaven to fill the whole earth with his glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 101)
Do not think that when the latter rain comes you will be a vessel unto honor to receive the showers of blessing—even the glory of God—when you have been lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, secretly cherishing the roots of bitterness you brought to Minneapolis, which you have carefully cultivated and watered ever since. The frown of God will surely be upon every soul who manifests a spirit so unlike the spirit and mind of Christ. There is a work to do in your own individual hearts, else you will sow tares. When the Lord touches your lips with a live coal from off His altar, then the trumpet of every true watchman will give a certain sound—very different from that which we have heard.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 102)
God has a living testimony, not a tame, lifeless sermonizing. Men in responsible positions are not to study to meet the world’s plans, to cater to the world’s ideas, to speak smooth words and prophesy deceit. The Comforter—the Holy Spirit of God whom Christ said the Father would send in His name—with unsparing lips reproves the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. [John 14:26; 16:8.] “Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.”2 Timothy 4:2.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 103)
We have a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. We stand forth under the Divine commission and the solemn vows made to God. We stand forth as messengers in Christ’s stead, as the stewards of the mysteries of God. Ever remember that we are surrounded with a cloud of witnesses. The heavenly intelligences are looking upon us as the ambassadors of the King of kings and Lord of lords. We have a right to lift the standard high. Thus saith the Lord, who realizes the dignity of our calling, the sacredness of our work. We may well humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, else He will humble us. The Lord looks upon men-pleasing with disfavor, where there is a satanic accusing of the men who should be respected, [and] whom God is using.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 104)
The tenderness, the kindness, the true courtesy, and the refinement of feelings which evidence that men are learning in Christ’s school have been dropped out of the hearts and characters of many who think God is using them. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.... I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”Revelation 2:4, 5. If there were far more repenting, and less self-sufficiency and self-boasting, we should see spiritual things much more clearly. God wants you to come into vital connection with Himself. Then there will be a purer flame kindled in every soul, and the love of Christ will abide in the heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 105)
There has been a departure from God, and there has not as yet been zealous work in repenting and coming back to the first love. Infidelity has had a large place among us. It is the fashion to depart from Christ, to forsake the Lord and accept skepticism. “We will not have this man to reign over us.”Luke 19:14. Baal will be the purpose, the faith, the religion of a sorrowful number among us, because they choose their own way instead of God’s way. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible—believing in the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and the blood of the Lamb—has been not only slighted and spoken against, ridiculed, and criticised, but suspicions and jealousies have been created, leading into fanaticism and atheism. The true life in Jesus Christ alone is the true religion of the Bible. The Holy Spirit of God is to be an active, working principle in the religious character. The love of Christ must become an abiding principle to make the soul fruitful unto good works. It should be the force and power of every message that falls from human lips.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 106)
What kind of a future is before us if men will be united in Christ? If this long controversy that has been kept up through satanic agencies shall end in the unity that Christ prayed might exist, then we will not see men framing plans and [dictating the] manner of working when they have not spiritual eye sight to discern spiritual things. They see men as trees walking. They need the divine touch that they may see as God sees and work as Christ worked. Zion’s watchmen then will sound the trumpet in clearer, louder notes because they see the sword coming.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 107)
It is no time now for us who claim to keep God’s commandments to range ourselves on the side of the transgressors, to see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their perverted senses. We must press together. We must labor to be a unit, to be holy in life and character, and no longer bow the knees to the idol of men’s opinions or to any shameful lust. We must no longer bring the offering of a polluted, sin-stained soul to the Lord. “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and in ashes. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell.”Matthew 11:21-23.
(6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, 108)
Ms 40a, 1890
The Vision at Salamanca Salamanca, New York November 3, 1890 Variant of material in Ms 40, 1890. Previously unpublished.
Through the night season I was in communion with God, and was taken out and away from myself to assemblies in different states, where I bore a decided testimony of reproof and warning. In Battle Creek a council of ministers and responsible men from the publishing house and other institutions was assembled, and I heard those assembled, in no gentle spirit, advance sentiments and urge measures for adoption which filled me with apprehension and distress.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 1)
Years before, I had been called to pass through a similar experience, and the Lord then revealed to me many things of vital importance, and gave to me warnings that must be delivered to those in danger. These warnings were brought to my mind, and I was commanded to present them before those in responsible offices of trust and to fail not, nor be discouraged.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 2)
The great peril is in the fact that men live so far apart from Jesus that they fail to discern His voice, receive His counsel, keep His way, and honor His name. They become self-exalted and walk in the sparks of their own kindling. Because of this they will fail to understand the devices of Satan and are led to adopt measures that appear right, although they are instigated by the enemy of God and man and place a human mold upon the work, dishonoring the name of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 3)
As far back as 1883 and 1884, testimonies of the deepest interest on points of vital importance were presented to our people in regard to the work and the spirit that should characterize the workers.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 4)
Satan is wide awake and while men sleep he sows his tares. In completing the work of rebellion, Satan is represented as a roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour. Those who are self-sufficient, who do not feel the necessity of constant prayer and watchfulness, will be ensnared. Through living faith and earnest prayer the sentinels of God must become partakers of the divine nature, or they will be found professedly working for God but in reality giving their service to the prince of darkness. Because their eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, their understanding will be blinded and they will be ignorant of the wonderfully specious devices of the enemy. Their vision will be perverted through their dependence on human wisdom, which is foolishness in the sight of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 5)
In a vision given in 1880, I asked, “Where is the security for the people of God in these days of peril?” The answer was, “Jesus maketh intercession for His people, and Satan standeth at His right hand to resist Him.”“And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, Oh Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” [Zechariah 3:2.] As man’s Intercessor and Advocate, Jesus will lead all who are willing to be led, saying, “Follow Me upward, step by step, where the clear light of the Sun of Righteousness shines.”
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 6)
Again and again since 1845, the dangers of the people of God have been laid open before me, and I have been shown the perils that would thicken about the remnant in the last days of time. These perils have been revealed to me down to the present time, and on the night of November 3, there was laid out before me some things which I could not comprehend. But the assurance was given me that the Lord would not allow His people to be enshrouded in the fogs of worldly skepticism and infidelity, but if they would follow His voice, rendering obedience to His commandments, He would lead them above the mists of skepticism and unbelief and place their feet upon the solid rock, where they might breathe the atmosphere of security and triumph.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 7)
No soul is saved except as he is found standing on the elevated platform close beside our Advocate and Surety, where light shines from the throne of God, illuminating the pathway, and preventing the wily foe from stealing a march upon the servants of Christ. The only hope of a perishing world is found in the union that can be formed between humanity and divinity. Humanity is perfect only as it is united with divinity.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 8)
But instead of following the divine plan, instead of taking advantage of the heavenly vision, men have sought out many inventions in harmony with Satan’s devices, for he is the instigator of these vain imaginations. If men would cease to trust in man, cease to put confidence in their own devices, and in simplicity of faith trust in the Lord God of Israel, they would come out of the cave of the darkness of human reasoning and stand in Jesus Christ, where they could hear the voice of God and know the voice of the true Shepherd.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 9)
Christ is the only strength and hope of His people. He took upon Him the nature of man. He erected the cross between humanity and divinity, between earth and heaven, that it might be the center of attraction and draw men across the gulf of separation and sin to Himself, the Life-giver, whom God the Father hath sealed. Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One whom the Father had sanctified and sent into the world. At the baptism of Christ all human instrumentalities were set aside as unworthy in comparison with Him in whom dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 10)
Great scenes are soon to open before us. The Lord is coming with power and great glory. Satan knows that his usurped authority will soon be forever at an end. His last opportunity to gain control of the world is now before him, and he will make most decided efforts to accomplish the destruction of the inhabitants of the earth. Those who believe the truth must be as faithful sentinels on the watchtower, or Satan will suggest specious reasonings to them and they will give utterance to opinions that will betray sacred, holy trusts. The enmity of Satan against good will be manifested more and more as he brings into activity his forces in his last work of rebellion.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 11)
But while Satan controls the hosts of apostasy, those who would serve God, though weak and erring, through Christ may obtain renewed energy, the heavenly anointing, the spiritual eyesight, and be strong to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Those who take advantage of the help provided in the gift of Jesus Christ to our world may know that Jesus is their Counselor. Every man who becomes a laborer together with God will have implanted in him a hatred of evil. He may and will resist the passions Satan would keep in exercise, and will become a partaker of the divine nature, having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 12)
Those who would be the servants of Christ will have a constant conflict with Satan, who claims the dominion of the earth. Evil angels conspire with evil men that the world may be held under the sway of Satan. The whole energy of apostasy was directed against Jesus, the Champion of God and His truth. The prince of darkness led the Jewish leaders to scorn Jesus as a deceiver, and they said of Him, “He hath a devil,”“he casteth out devils through the prince of devils.” [John 10:20; Matthew 9:34.] Those who believe in the words of Christ, who follow in His footsteps, will not escape the enmity of Satan and the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 13)
While bowed in earnest prayer, I was lost to everything around me. The room was filled with light, and I was bearing a message to an assembly which seemed to be the General Conference. I was moved by the Spirit of God to make a most earnest appeal, for I was impressed that great danger was before us at the heart of the work. I had been, and still was, bowed down with distress of mind and body, burdened with the thought that I must bear a message to our people at Battle Creek, to warn them against a line of action that would separate God from the publishing house.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 14)
The eyes of the Lord were bent upon the people in sorrow mingled with displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] He who wept over impenitent Israel, noting their ignorance of God and of Christ, their Redeemer, looked upon the heart of the work at Battle Creek. Great peril was about the people, but they knew it not, for they were walking in the sparks of their own kindling. Unbelief and impenitence had blinded their eyes, and they trusted to human wisdom in the guidance of the most important interests of the publishing work.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 15)
In the weakness of human judgment men were gathering into their finite hands the lines of control, while God’s will, way, and counsel were not discerned and sought as indispensable. Men of stubborn, iron-like will were determined to drive certain measures through in accordance with their own judgment. I said to them, “You cannot do this. The control of these large interests cannot be vested wholly in those who make it manifest that they have little experience in the things of God.”
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 16)
The people of God throughout our ranks must not have their confidence shaken in the working of our publishing house because of mismanagement on the part of erring men. If you lay your hand upon the great instrumentality of God, to place your superscription upon it, to set your mold upon it, you will find that it will be dangerous to you and disastrous to the work of God, for every such movement is a terrible loss. Souls are imperiled. It will be as great a sin in the sight of God as was the sin of Uzzah when he put forth his hand to steer the ark.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 17)
You have entered into other men’s labors, and all that God requires of you is to do your duty humbly, to deal justly, to love mercy, to labor conscientiously as men employed by the people to do the work entrusted to your hands. You have failed to do this, as your works testify. Whatever may be your position, whatever may be your responsibility, if you have as much authority as had
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 18)
Ahab, you will find that God is above you, that His sovereignty must be supreme.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 19)
There is altogether too little fear, love, and reverence for the God of heaven. There is far too little faith in the workings of His providence, in matters concerning His cause, with those who are connected with the active management of the office. His eye is upon all the work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind. He sees beneath the surface of things, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. There is not a deed, not a plan, not an imagination of the heart, but that He reads it as in an open book. Every act, every word, every motive, is faithfully chronicled in the records by the great Heart-searcher, who said, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 20)
I was shown that the follies of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated among the people of God today unless there is greater humility, less confidence in self, and more trust in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of the people. Man’s wisdom and ability are derived from God, and when man is connected with God, he will work the works of righteousness. God is infinite and unerring, while man is finite and fallible. God is the fountain of life and light and glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 21)
We have a living Head, and every man in office where sacred responsibilities are involved must look continually to Jesus for guidance. We cannot trust to human ability, for it is only as divine power is combined with human effort that the work will abide the test. When men make God their trust, it will be made manifest by meekness of spirit, by much prayer, by the exercise of caution in their plans and movements. Such men, by seeking counsel with those who know how these institutions came into existence, will reveal the fact that their dependence is in God, that they have the mind that was in Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 22)
There is altogether too much self-sufficiency, altogether too much pride of heart, too much self-esteem, and glory is not given to the First Great Cause, who has entrusted talents to men, and placed them in positions where they will be tested and proved to see if they will work in His ways, do His will, and put not confidence in themselves. If they stand the test, and wisely improve that which the Lord has given them, they are counted as subjects of His kingdom. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23, 24.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 23)
When Israel demanded a king “to judge us like all the nations,” the thing displeased Samuel. “And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto you.” [1 Samuel 8:5-8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 24)
The Lord communicated to Samuel, giving him special directions as to what he should do in the case of Israel’s defection. “Now therefore hearken unto their voice, howbeit protest solemnly unto them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.”“And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: he will take your sons, and appoint them, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariot.... And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you: and the Lord will not hear you in that day.” [Verses 9, 11, 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 25)
Did the solemn words spoken by Samuel under the direction of God change their purpose? No. Their minds were bent upon following their own judgment, and they cast aside the judgment of God. Israel was weary of the rule of those who kept before them God’s will, God’s ways, God’s honor. They wanted reformed religion and rule, that they might be esteemed great in the eyes of surrounding nations. They desired to make a great display of their external prosperity before the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 26)
God was grieved with the ingratitude of His chosen people, and when Samuel prayed to the Lord in distress of soul, the Lord told him that it was not the man Samuel with whom they were dissatisfied, but it was with the divine ruler, for the Lord had appointed the judges over His people. If they were untrue to their trust, if they revealed the fact that their hearts were unsanctified, that they trusted to their own finite wisdom, it was the privilege of the people to set things in order, but not to throw off the authority of the God of heaven. Such an act was but a continuation of the rebellion which left the dead bodies of their fathers in the wilderness.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 27)
But the solemn words of the prophet had no effect on the minds of the people. “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel, and they said, Nay: but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” [Verses 19, 20.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 28)
In the decision of Israel we can see how little confidence can be placed in finite beings whose hearts are not daily, hourly, under the sanctifying, subduing influences of the Spirit of God. Satan worked upon the hearts of the professed people of God until they were bewitched to follow his counsel and carry out his purposes, even in the very face of the solemn protestations of him whom they knew to be the prophet of the Lord. They rebelled against the counsel of God, which, if heeded, would have saved them from the distress that afterward came upon them in consequence of leaving the merciful guidance of God and accepting the rule of men who felt secure in following their own way and judgment in managing the affairs of Israel.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 29)
There is no power either in instruction or example that will enable a person to overcome the natural traits of character that have grown with his growth and strengthened with his strength. External restraints, such as the influence of men of experience, may for a time enable one of defective character to hold in check his unsanctified inclinations, but let these restraints be removed, and the sad fact will be evident that many who are honored with positions of trust and responsibility in reality do not make God their dependence. The Lord would have men in His service who feel the necessity of drawing strength from an unseen source. They must endure “as seeing Him who is invisible.” [Hebrews 11:27.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 30)
A king was given to Israel after the desire of their hearts. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, their chosen ruler, and he was a converted man. The record plainly declares “that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, the Lord gave him another heart.” [1 Samuel 10:9.] God is ready to do this for any of His workers, and if Saul had obeyed the Lord in all things, he would have been a blessing unto Israel. Through him Israel might have been led to firmer allegiance to the King of heaven, but he withheld his service from God and proved a curse to the chosen people of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 31)
All this history is written for your admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. Again and again I have been shown that the people of God in these last days could not be safe in trusting in men and making flesh their arm. The mighty cleaver of truth has taken them out of the world as rough stones that are to be hewed and squared and polished for the heavenly building. They must be hewed by the prophets with reproof, warning, admonition, and advice, that they may be fashioned after the divine Pattern, changed in heart and character that they may keep the way of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 32)
I now raise a warning voice, for you are in danger. The people are to know when peril is upon them; they are not to be left in darkness. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sins, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand: nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man that the righteous man sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” [Ezekiel 3:17-21.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 33)
Just as surely as the Lord places men in positions of holy trust, He will qualify them for their responsibilities and give them His Holy Spirit that they may do the sacred, important work committed to them day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment if they will maintain their consecration to God, study His Word with faithfulness and prayer, and walk in His counsel. If men entrusted with sacred responsibilities will give themselves unreservedly to God, and will become Bible Christians, the Lord will work upon their hearts day by day that they may be transformed in character. Some may say, “I have done the best I can.” And in your own strength perhaps you have, because of yourself you can do no good thing.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 34)
In order to work the works of Christ, you must depend upon Him with living, persevering faith. You can take yourself away from the channel of light, you can breathe the worldly atmosphere and become mere business men. But will this pay? You cannot think so with eternity in view. Will separation from the work of God take you away from temptation? By no means. Those required to bear responsibilities are not to take so many trusts that they can find no time to seek the wisdom which God alone can bestow. The Spirit of the Lord can do more for you in your work in a short time than you could do by unaided efforts through a lifetime of endeavor.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 35)
Those engaged in any line of the Master’s work are liable to make mistakes, but should they drop the work in order to avoid mistakes they would make still more perilous mistakes. In choosing easier and less responsible positions will they be more likely to maintain their consecration to God? Will they not, rather, repeat the history of the man who buried his talents in the earth because his lord’s requirements were thought to be too severe? This unfaithful man professed to know God, and yet he charged the Lord with fraud because he had a false conception of the divine character. The accusation of the slothful and wicked servant was not an excuse framed for the moment, but an expression of the true sentiments of his heart. The selfish churl regarded the Lord as the possessor of a character like his own. He did not have the simplicity of heart which genuine religion and experimental knowledge of God can give, and therefore did not believe in God’s free mercy, in the rich gift of His grace to help him right all his ways.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 36)
To know God is to trust Him fully, to believe that he will do His work through His human instruments. Oh, what misapprehension there is in the world today concerning the character of God! Men need to be restored to God and to themselves. It is so hard for men to see their motives, to judge of the temper of their spirit. It is so hard for them to acknowledge frankly from the heart, as did David, “I have sinned, I have a spirit unlike Christ.” The men who have had the greatest power in the world have lived in the light reflected from the cross of Calvary. Because of their errors and wrongs, with hearts filled with sorrow they have poured out their confession. They have not paraded their goodness before God, but in humility and contrition they have said,
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 37)
“In my hands no price I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling.”
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 38)
I saw the Lord Jesus looking with grieved countenance upon men who were handling sacred things because they did not discern the sacred character of their work. He said, “Human nature cannot be trusted.” Unless Christ is interwoven in the character, it is valueless. Unless the nature is regenerated and transformed, there is no hope for man.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 39)
The foundations of the institutions among us were laid in sacrifice. They belong to the people, and all who have denied self and made sacrifices to bring these instrumentalities into existence should feel that they have a special interest in them. They should not lose their interest or become despondent in regard to the success of the work. As the perils of the last days thicken about us, they should pray more earnestly that the work may prosper. Those who have lifted burdens when the work went hard should have a part in important councils. No confederacy should be formed with unbelievers, neither should you call together a certain chosen number who think as you do and who say “Amen” to all you propose, that you may carry on things after your supposed wisdom or after the manner and customs of the world. I was shown that there was great danger of doing this.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 40)
“For the Lord spake thus unto me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, a confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy, neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:11-20.] The world is not to be our criterion. Let the Lord work; let the Lord’s voice be heard.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 41)
Those employed in any department of the work, whereby the world may be transformed, must not enter into alliance with those who know not the truth. The world has no business with what we shall or shall not do. We must obey the orders that come from above. Any suggestions made by those who know not the character of the work that God is doing for this time will be such as to weaken the power of the instrumentalities of God. By accepting such suggestions, the counsel of Christ is set at naught, while the counsel of the gods of Ekron is exalted. The Lord has been prodigal of His means to save men. Boundless are the resources He has placed at our command. Heavenly intelligencies are ready to unite with human agencies, and laborers together with God may come into immediate contact with Christ, the divine Advocate.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 42)
We are to bear a clean-cut message to the world. We are not to heed the counsels or follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. We are not to make less prominent the special truths which have separated us from the world and made us what we are, for they are fraught with eternal interests. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are to be given to the world. These angels, spoken of in Revelation, represent a people who will proclaim the truth appropriate for the times. God has given us light through the prophet of Patmos in regard to the things which are now taking place in the last remnant of time, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the world, not in a tame, spiritless way, but in demonstration of the power of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 43)
I have been instructed of the Lord that those who are bearing responsibilities in the work need the anointing of the Spirit of God to quicken their perceptions and clear their vision, that they may no longer fail to discern sacred and eternal realities. They make an atom of a world, and a world of an atom
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 44)
It is utterly impossible for man to sanctify, purify, and bless himself. God alone is our helper. His grace, through the everlasting covenant symbolized by the rainbow about His throne, will be imparted to every soul who sincerely desires it. We must put away our selfishness and become righteous, not by dead works but through the merits of the grace of Christ. The apostle exclaims, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:2, 3.] “When he who is your life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” [Colossians 3:4.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 45)
The life of the follower of Christ is a life hid with Christ in God, and it will not be discerned or appreciated by the world. Some classes in the world do admire the consistency of genuine Christianity, but generally unbelievers are not pleased with vital godliness, with a firm, steadfast character that will not be swayed by the sophistries of its delusions, by the reasonings of science falsely so-called. The living stones in the temple of God do not attract the eyes of the worldly-minded. They cannot understand the value nor discern the preciousness of the spiritual nature. The world may realize that there is talent and weight of character with the man of God, but this is a matter for envy, not for admiration. His actions as a conscientious Christian, his self-denial for Christ’s sake, are not appreciated because the worldling knows not the hidden power of the truth, sees not the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let men walk with the Lord in all humility and they will be called narrow, bigoted, exclusive. If the Christian is zealous for the cause of truth, the world will regard him as a fanatic. If he advocates truth with pen and voice, proclaiming in the spirit and power of Elijah that the day of the Lord is at hand, he will be pronounced excitable [and] he will be charged with denouncing everything except what he believes. Let the Christian be what grace can make him, and he will be a mystery to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 46)
The world cannot discern the unseen, inner life that is woven with the life of God and represented as hid with Christ in God. In all ages believers have been accused, misrepresented, and hated for Christ’s sake. They have passed through much tribulation. They have learned by experience the meaning of the words of Christ when He said, “Marvel not if the world hate you.” [1 John 3:13.] The world cannot understand the Christian’s motives. A Christlike character is something that the eye of the worldling is too blind to discern, his touch too coarse to handle, his spiritual powers too much perverted to esteem. The living, heavenly light that shines into the Christian’s mind and heart is unknown to the unbeliever.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 47)
Christians are at variance with the world. They are opposed to display, and in proportion as they reflect the image of Christ they are clothed with humility. This very grace makes them stand forth in contrast to the men of the world, as light is in contrast with darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 48)
If we are Christians, we shall not seek to be praised or exalted of men, we shall not be drawn away from the work by bribes or flattering inducements. Christians will not be driven from their post of duty by fear of reproach, by false accusations, hatred or persecution. They stand steadfast in their integrity, not serving self, but serving the Lord whose servants they are.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 49)
Jesus says to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world.”“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] There are some in the world who will observe the example and feel the influence of a consistent Christian life, for some will discern the good work of God’s children and be led to glorify God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 50)
Jesus does not bid the Christian “Strive to let your light shine,” but simply, “Let your light shine” in clear, distinct rays. Do not sinfully withhold your light. Do not permit the mists and fog and malaria of the world to smother the glory of the truth of God. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 51)
You need not make painful efforts to become conspicuous before others in order that they may see your faith in Christ, neither need you go into the cave as did Elijah in his discouragement. Come forth and stand with God, and let your moral light penetrate the darkness of the world. Be the salt of the earth, a savor of Christ to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 52)
When those in offices of sacred trust shall hold the truth firmly, [and] teach it distinctly and positively before the world, the world will not look upon them with favor. Yet it is the plan of God that every ray of light given in trust to the souls of men shall shine forth amid the moral darkness that envelopes the world. No peace will be obtained in uniting with unbelievers who, God says, cannot receive the truth because they know not the Father or the Son.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 53)
Jesus says, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. And all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” [John 15:18-21.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 54)
We are the church militant, not the church triumphant, and there must be deeper, much deeper, spirituality in those who are handling sacred things. There is great danger in self-confidence, in trusting to human wisdom, in not leaning heavily upon God. Whoever tries to secure peace by withholding truth, by ceasing to vindicate the ways of God to man for this time, will obtain that peace which passes into the slumber of death.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 55)
It is now time to have on the whole armor of God, that with our spiritual weapons we may war successfully not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. This is our work, and Satan will seek through every avenue left unguarded to blind the minds to the vital interests at stake. If through the leaven of his sophistry he can becloud the minds of those in responsible positions, he will do so, that they may not see or understand the workings of God. They will be as were the Jews in the days when Christ was upon earth, when heaven’s greatest blessings were placed within their reach. By their impenitence, their self-confidence, their self-righteousness, they closed the door to Him who was their only hope, for they were unwilling to accept God’s ways and to submit their hearts to the molding of truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 56)
We do not need men for this time who will seek the favor of the world, who will be zealous for prosperity that comes in laying aside the cross, for this prosperity and peace will be after the order of Satan. It will not be the peace which Christ promised to those who love Him. The peace of Christ is from above. The apostle says, “Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your heart, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” [James 3:13-18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 57)
There is no safe peace without the presence of the Spirit of Christ. There is no real peace except that which flows from the cross of Calvary. Christ is accepted as a theory in the mind before He becomes the Prince of Peace in the heart. But that He may become the Prince of Peace in the heart, He has promised to impart to us His Spirit. He said, “I will not leave you comfortless.” [John 14:18.] The comfort of the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The measure of the love of God to man is found in Christ. He is the medium through which the knowledge of the love of God is imparted. John writes, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God so loved us that He gave His well-beloved Son. It is not that He gave Christ, and therefore He loved us; but that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us as a manifestation of the Father’s compassion.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 58)
Jesus waits to receive your prayers, your repentance, your confessions. He invites those who are bearing the weight of responsibility to come to Him in contrition of soul. You are not safe one moment unless your daily experience is of a character that makes manifest the fact that you are continually deriving strength from Jesus Christ. “Well,” one says, “I will let go of the work, I will step out and let someone fill my place that can do so more acceptably than I.” You would better not do this unless you have fully decided that you will not make a close connection with God. If you give place to unbelief and discouragement, Satan will come in between your soul and Jesus. He will be fruitful in suggestions, and will lead you to trust in ceremony and form, in mechanical operations, instead of in Him who can impart to you His Holy Spirit, who can in times of danger lift up a standard against the enemy.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 59)
It will not do for you to depend upon your finite wisdom; you have but a limited experience at best and do not know half as much as you think you do in regard to the management of the work in your hands. When to a man you see the necessity of putting self out of sight, of having an eye single to the glory of God, not thinking or consulting as to what the world will say, what motives the world will attribute to you in the management of the work, but following your Leader, keeping step with the Captain of your salvation, wide awake to catch His orders and to obey them to the letter, then, although you have not had that experience which is more valuable than the golden wedge of Ophir, your faith will lay hold on Jesus’ power, and with Him there is no danger of failure.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 60)
It is easier to crush and destroy the world than to reform it. Christ gave His life that fallen man might be reformed. Disorder, darkness, and death, like a funeral pall, covers the world. Oh, shall not men, limited in experience, be willing to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him? By beholding His ways, His works, by viewing His self-denying life, they may be changed. He says, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest (peace) in your souls. Take my yoke upon you ... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 61)
When you connect with Christ as laborers together with Him, you are in the position of learners, not dictators. Christ will direct the work, and you may be the human agents to carry out His orders, diffusing light to the world. It behooves you to be careful that you do not gather in the darkness of the prince of darkness and call it wisdom from above. The Spirit of Christ alone, abiding as a living principle in the soul, can qualify you to become a laborer together with God. Jesus has condescended to take man into co-partnership with Himself in the work of saving the souls of men.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 62)
The Lord sent prophets with messages from heaven to save men. But they refused to comply with the terms of salvation and spurned the offers of mercy. At last God sent His Son to flash divine light into every darkened corner of the world. Satan sought to frustrate the plans of God; he interposed himself between Christ and a lost world to shut out the divine communication of the love of God. As if to crush out all hope from the heart of the Omnipotent, he set in operation a line of action that caused men to drop the humanity out of their hearts, that the Satanic might have full possession of them. With wicked hands men crucified the Lord of glory; but though the forces of earth and hell combined to destroy the divine One, the Living Vine Stock was planted beyond their reach. Though His branches hung over on the world, His root was planted on the other side of the wall, never to be destroyed. Into this precious stock the dry, sapless branches can be grafted and bear rich clusters of fruit.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 63)
Through the operation of the Spirit of God humanity may be connected with divinity. Jesus has promised to send the Comforter to lead us into all truth. “My Spirit,” saith Christ, “is competent to influence the world. Those who will accept the provisions of my grace may be partakers of my nature.” It is the Comforter alone that can convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. Then let every man work in God’s order, that the world may be convinced concerning the truth of God, concerning the reality of the eternal world. This is my work; this is the work of every co-laborer with Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 64)
When men realize that Christ must have entire control of the heart, the affections, then Jesus will be with every worker, carrying the heavy end of the yoke. It will then be made manifest that His Spirit moves upon human hearts, for transgressors will be converted to Him. With pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth that God has given us, vindicating the claims of God’s law, showing the right of God to the service of our hearts.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 65)
Jesus is to be our only trust and confidence. His righteousness is to be ours, that we may stand in assurance before Him. But though we go forth proclaiming the words of life, Christ says, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:44.] As God’s agent to reach humanity, man has a part of act but Jesus does the work. Man has no power to transform man. It is the Spirit of Christ diffused through the entrusted powers of men that sheds light into the darkened understanding, assailing the strongholds of error, and bringing into captivity to Himself the heart that has been in the service of sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 66)
Men of talent and influence may be as polished instruments in the hands of God. But if they trust in themselves, Jesus will leave them and will employ the humblest instrument and the simplest means to accomplish the warning of the world, and it will be as it was in the time of the victory of Gideon, of the overthrow of Jericho, for man is not to be the object of attraction. Man is not to lift up himself to receive glory and praise. It is the Lord God of Israel that is to be exalted. Said Christ, “God can raise up of these stones children unto Abraham.” [Matthew 3:9.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 67)
The Review and Herald Office is not in a right condition before God. The atmosphere in the office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible, they fail to practice its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not found in the heart or woven in the character. Jesus says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Christ must be first and the world second.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 68)
If men possessed the truth as it is in Jesus, they would not engage in the sacred work in carelessness of spirit, but would most earnestly seek for heavenly direction. They would realize the truth of the Saviour’s words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Men bearing responsibilities in the publishing house need divine enlightenment that their business transactions may meet the approval of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 69)
Everything that relates to the work of God must be done in accordance with the principles of strictest integrity. Not only in dealings with those of our own faith, but with unbelievers also, the policy of honesty must be made manifest. Angels of God are watching all the workers, ready to help those who need help, whose hearts are drawn out in desire to honor God and benefit man. Your business transactions must be characterized by the purest equity. Partiality must not be indulged. One man is not to be highly favored and another put down as a footstool; God declares that He will judge all these things.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 70)
If the men in the office would pray more, if they would not neglect the means of grace, but be in earnest to feed the soul on heavenly manna, and if they have to neglect anything, rather let it be their business than the nourishment of their spiritual nature, they would grow in grace and in the knowledge of Our Lord and Saviour.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 71)
Suppose Jesus does not preside in your business councils. Suppose business matters are allowed to be all-engrossing—[as] they have absorbed you in the past—and the things that belong to your eternal interests are neglected, then there is sin against God, you commit robbery, [and] deal dishonestly with Him whose property you are. You defraud your own soul and neglect to be doers of the Word. No one can lade himself down with business cares until he feels obliged to neglect things of a spiritual nature, [and] loses fervor in serving the Lord, without making grievous mistakes because he trusts to his own finite wisdom. He does not feel his dependence upon God for every breath he draws, but becomes self-important, self-exalted.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 72)
This excessive interest in business matters has been seen in the office, and God is not pleased. A harsh, dictatorial spirit has been developed, and God has seen it all. Every transaction between man and man has been written in His books of record and will be revealed in the Judgment. Jesus has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] Christ identifies His interest with suffering humanity, and if in pride of spirit a brother bruises the soul of his fellow man, the Lord writes it as if done unto Himself.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 73)
If every one of you could realize the effect of your sharp words, if you could see the discouragement that comes upon the soul, if you could see Jesus wounded and bruised because of your harsh criticisms and denunciations, you would manifest great carefulness in dealing with those about you. You would treat them as you desire to be treated yourself. You would not dare to exhibit your objectionable traits of character. Your heart would be melted to obey the words of the apostle Paul: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ also forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” [Colossians 3:12-17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 74)
Oh, that the leading men in the office would practice the teachings of Christ! Oh, that all would “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man.” [Colossians 4:2, 6.] “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” [James 3:13.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 75)
In order to carry out the instruction we find in the Word of God, we need an indwelling Saviour. The Lord Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.] The cold, critical, sarcastic spirit which has found place in your hearts has driven out the love of Jesus. Expel this spirit, which is so unlike Christ, and let Jesus supply the vacuum with His own spirit of tenderness and compassion. Then you will be vessels unto honor, workmen for God, who need not to be ashamed.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 76)
How great is the danger that the workmen will separate from Christ, and that a worldly mold will be given to the business of the office. The Lord is against all this. Let everyone who is handling sacred things remember that the gospel stands in sharp antagonism to the spirit of the world, for the whole world lieth in wickedness. Unless the workmen daily walk with God, they will exert an influence that will bring down the displeasure of God upon them.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 77)
Noble integrity is not always manifest in your business transactions. Through your unjust dealings the workers in the office receive a false mold. Your example is not after the example of Christ and may be the means of the loss of souls. Every sharp transaction in deal, every bargain made to advantage yourselves to the disadvantage of others, is breaking God’s law. You prove by this that you do not love your neighbor as yourself, and you, even you that handle sacred things, are registered as transgressors of the commandments of Jehovah. Those who do the work of God can dishonor God’s name most decidedly by being sharp and dishonest in deal.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 78)
You may not call these transactions dishonest, but God looks upon them in this light.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 79)
You can never gain respect as Christians unless you represent Christ in spirit, in temper, in deportment, in every business transaction. In order to do good to those who are connected with you, you must inspire them with confidence in your piety, with admiration for your principles. If they see that you are stern, iron-hearted, cold, unloving, they know you have no connection with Christ. Christ has commanded us to love one another as He has loved us.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 80)
God proclaims His own character as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] He says again, “I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight.” [Jeremiah 9:24.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 81)
The Lord requires that a different spirit shall be manifested in the lives of the leading men in the office. In all their councils they need a spirit of meekness, not of pomposity, not a strong hard, exacting spirit. Their light is not to shine forth in sparks of their own kindling, but they are to receive light from the Sun of Righteousness and reflect it upon others. They must hold fast the beginning of their confidence in God and in His truth, even unto the end. There must be a life-long, persevering, untiring effort on their part. They must fight the good fight of faith, for the struggle is life-long, but the victory is certain.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 82)
Every soul who has Christ abiding in him will receive grace for grace. As you add the graces of the Spirit of God, God will abundantly multiply the adornments of His nature, He will beautify the meek with salvation. Those who manifest a noble spirit, walking in the holy footsteps of Christ will represent the character of their Redeemer, maintaining integrity, uprightness, and holiness. “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” [2 Peter 3:17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 83)
Neglect no means of grace, for in this matter you are to be an example to all in the office. In His prayer to His Father, Christ said, “I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified.” [John 17:19.] By your example you are to make it manifest that there is much need of attending the means of grace. You in the office who profess to be Christians, put away your levity, your criticism, for it is an offense to God. There are men upon whom God is laying the burden of the work, that they may connect with the office, and you may greatly mar their experience by your own lack of piety, by your own want of respect for sacred things. God calls upon you to yield yourselves to the control of His divine Spirit, that you may be able to guide the youth heavenward. In order to do this, you need Jesus at every step.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 84)
1891 is a time when we may expect God to manifest His power to His people. Their missionary enterprises are not to be limited, but to be enlarged. Men must be in close connection with God or the enemy will cast a shadow between them and their heavenly Father, that they may act upon his suggestions and think they are following the direction of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 85)
The work for this time is represented by the first, second, and third angels, as they fly in the midst of heaven. The first angel’s message loses none of its force because the second has followed, and the proclamation of the third angel’s message does not make of no effect the previous messages. These angels with their messages represent the people of God as they present the truth to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 86)
Where the message of God is accepted, men are moved to do missionary work for those with whom they come in contact. Truth long obscured by the rubbish of error stands revealed before them in the unblemished beauty of heaven, and men are enabled to contemplate the sublime scenes of prophecy. They see the grand, solemn, elevating truth for this time, and boundless prospects of eternity enter the mind. The heart opens to receive the hidden treasures of light and glory, and men become enlightened in regard to the vast designs of God and the wonderful working of His providence. They see the possibilities for the spread of the message opening up in vast proportions, far beyond the power of the means in their hands. But this should not discourage, for those who have been long in the work know that thus it ever has been in preaching the gospel to the world. The people of God are to make every sacrifice in their power, and pray to the Lord for help. God will not fail them in their time of need.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 87)
There have been men whom God has raised up for the interest of the nation. They have had penetrating and comprehensive views into the future, because God has given them this, and [they] have laid broad plans for the nation’s welfare. These men have been honored for their far-reaching ideas. God has wrought through human instrumentalities to provide means for the furtherance of the messages of truth He has given His people to bear, and a much greater work has been done than would naturally follow such small beginnings in missionary work. This work has for its operation a sphere so large, so heavenly, that the desire of ambition has never compassed it. It has a scope so vast that the policy of worldly-wise statesmen cannot add to its success.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 88)
The field is the world. The light of truth must be borne amid the moral darkness of death, and the message we have to bear is not a message that men need cringe to declare. They are not to seek to cover it, to conceal its origin and purpose, for it is a truth that will sanctify and refine the soul, and purify the heart of those who receive it. Its advocates must be men who will not hold their peace day nor night. The mightiest conflicts are involved in its furtherance, and the results of its promulgation are of moment to both heaven and earth. Those who proclaim it must be invested with its own exalted character.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 89)
The cross, the cross, is to be lifted up, to stand prominent in the heart of the broken law, lifting up before fallen humanity a sin-pardoning Saviour, and through the preaching of a crucified and risen Saviour new power and efficiency is to be infused into the message of truth. Christ is to be revealed as the sinner’s hope. He is to be presented as the One mighty to save, whose power to forgive sin is unlimited.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 90)
What reserve power has the Lord God of Israel with which to reach those who have cast aside His warnings and reproofs, and have accredited the testimonies of the Spirit of God to no higher source than Sister White? What can you who have done this offer to God as an excuse in the judgment for turning from the evidences He has given you that God was in the work? “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 91)
I would not rehearse before you the evidences of the past dealings of God by me, but the present evidences of His working you are now under obligation to believe. What pain of heart I have because of the spirit that has characterized your board meetings and councils. Oh, what a spirit has been manifested! Caviling and witticism have been indulged in at the expense of the debasement of your own soul. The use of such weapons does not gain precious victories for you, but rather, cheapens the mind and separates the soul from God. Sacred things have been brought down to the level of the common, and your criticism and witticism has been sharp and after the infidel order, and has pleased the prince of darkness and grieved away the Spirit of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 92)
The Lord has not had a controlling power in your councils, for you have made misstatements of the messengers and the message. How dare you do it? No confidence should be placed in the judgment of those who indulge in ridicule and misrepresentation. No weight can be attached to their advice or resolutions. Caviling and criticism leaves the soul as devoid of the dew of grace as the Hills of Gilboa were destitute of rain.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 93)
To accuse and criticize those whom God is using is to accuse and criticize the Lord who has sent them. Your comments when in or out of council are of no special weight with God. You all need to cultivate your religious faculties that you may have a right discernment of religious things. You have failed to distinguish between pure gold and mere glitter, between the substance and the shadow.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 94)
The prejudices and opinions that prevailed at Minneapolis are not dead by any means, but the seeds sown there are ready to spring into life and bear a like harvest because men have not discerned the spirit that actuated them and repented and confessed their sins before God and made restitution. The tops have been cut down, but the roots have never been eradicated, and they still bear their unholy fruit to poison the judgment, pervert the perception, and blind the understanding of those with whom you connect in regard to the message and the messengers. When, by thorough confession, you destroy the root of bitterness, you will see light in God’s light. You need to study the Word of God with a purpose, not to confirm your own ideas, but to bring them to be condemned or approved as they are or are not in harmony with the Word of truth. The Bible should be your constant companion. You should study the testimonies with much prayer.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 95)
The Lord possesses infinite wisdom. He is omnipotent, and His mercy and goodness are unlimited. God in His wisdom will not plan, or in His power execute any purpose which is not in harmony with perfect goodness. His justice does not make any requirement that is in opposition to the claims of His mercy. There is cooperation in the working of all God’s attributes, and this harmony of qualities must be seen in our lives. This all our workers, high and low, will need to learn.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 96)
As the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, I seemed to be present in one of your councils, and one of your number arose. His manner was very decided and earnest as he held up a paper before you. I could read plainly the heading of the paper. It was the American Sentinel. Criticisms were then passed upon the paper and the character of the articles published therein. Those in council pointed to certain passages, declaring that this must be left out and that must be changed. Strong words were uttered in criticism of the methods of the paper, and a strong, unchristlike spirit prevailed. The articles were condemned that made the Sabbath prominent. In short, it must be a cooked-up dish to please the appetites of worldlings.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 97)
My guide gave me words of warning and reproof to speak to those who took part in this proceeding, who were not slow to utter their accusations and condemnations. In substance this was the reproof given: The Lord has not presided at this council, and there is a spirit of strife among the counselors. The minds and hearts of these men are not under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God. Let the adversaries of our faith be the ones to suggest and develop such plans as you are now discussing. From the world’s point of view, some of these plans are not objectionable, but they are not to be adopted by those who have had the light of heaven. The plans involve principles whose outworking would result in dishonoring the God of heaven. The light which God has given should be respected, not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the church of God. The steps now being taken by the few cannot be followed by the remnant people of God. Your course cannot be sustained by the Lord, for He will bring to naught the counsels of the prudent.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 98)
It is made evident by your course of action that you have laid your plans without the aid of Him who is mighty in counsel. But the Lord will work. Those who have criticized the work of God need to have their eyes anointed with spiritual eyesalve, for they have felt mighty in their own strength. But there is One who can bind the arm of the mighty and bring to naught the counsels of the prudent.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 99)
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby: If so be that ye tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient: whereunto they also were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that he should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:1-12.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 100)
The controversy between the two great powers of good and evil is soon to be ended. But up to the time of its close there will be continual and sharp contests. We should now purpose, as did Daniel and his fellows in Babylon, that we will be true to principle, let come what may. The flaming, fiery furnace heated seven times hotter than it was wont to be heated, did not cause these faithful servants of God to turn aside from allegiance to the truth. They stood firm in the time of trial and were cast into the furnace. And they were not forsaken of God. The form of the Fourth was seen walking with them in the flames, and they came forth, not having even the smell of fire upon their garments.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 101)
The gaping den of lions did not deter Daniel from a steady adherence to duty. He did not hide his purpose, or lower his colors because death threatened him if he stood faithful to his God. Three times a day, in the face of the king’s decree, he sought his Lord in his chamber, with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He was cast into the den of lions, but God delivered him.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 102)
Let us look at the case of Elijah. The time has come when he must meet his mortal enemy, the cruel Ahab, the despot of Israel, the apostate from the religion of his fathers. In anger the king inquires, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” [1 Kings 18:17.] Does Elijah weaken before the king? Does he cringe and cower, and resort to flattery in order to soothe the feelings of the enraged ruler?
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 103)
Israel has perverted her way, and forsaken the path of allegiance to God, and now shall the prophet, to preserve his life, betray sacred, holy trusts? Does he prophecy smooth things to please the king, and to obtain his favor? Will he evade the issue? Will he conceal from the king the true reason why the judgments of God are falling upon the land of Israel? No, as the messenger of God, he must proclaim the truth—just such truth as the occasion demands. He carries a great weight of sorrow on account of the apostasy of Israel. He must hold up before them their defection that they may humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, that His fierce anger may be turned away from them. Elijah faces the enraged king and answers, “I have not troubled Israel, but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” [Verse 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 104)
Today the world is full of flatterers and dissemblers. But God forbid that those who claim to be guardians of sacred trusts shall betray the interests of God’s cause through the insinuating suggestions and devices of the enemy of all righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, 105)
Ms 41, 1890
Diary, October 1890 Adam’s Center, New York October 9-13, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in OHC 146, 297, 299; 2SM 223-224; HP 329; UL 296; MR1033 5-7. [Circa Oct. 9, 1890]
At Niagara bridge we stepped out of the sleeper and took our seats in the day coach. Soon every available seat was occupied. We reached Syracuse about noon. Here Sister Burdick found us and invited us to go to her house for refreshments. It was raining. Her husband had a covered carriage but could take only one in it, and we thought best to step into the day coach, although it would not be in motion for one hour and a half. We had a visit with Brother Burdick in the cars. He seemed to be very anxious that we should visit Syracuse and labor for the church. Syracuse is a large city and the workers in it are very few.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 1)
We see the situation. We know that if our churches were awake and their lamps trimmed and burning they would be laborers together with God. They would see in the world a work that needs to be done and would do it. They could not be so idle, but they would be workers together with God. Let us never forget these three words.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 2)
Why is all the work left for the ordained ministers, when they are so few in number? Has the Lord designed that there should be so few to minister in word and doctrine? No. A work, an important work, is being left out of the experience in our churches. God calls for the teachers and leaders to awake. Every soul that has an intelligent knowledge of Jesus Christ will have a knowledge of the truth that shines in his day. He is to be a laborer to save souls.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 3)
We are finite, but a wonderful arrangement has been made that we may have close connection with the Infinite. And this is not alone the privilege of the ordained minister, but of every church member. The minister has not been provided with a set of faculties superior to other mortals, but if he has dedicated to God the powers which have been given him in trust to use to the good of his fellow men and for the glory of God, he is receiving special grace to impart to others. Finite beings at their best can do but little, but Christ working through humanity may accomplish wonderful results.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 4)
It is a painful thought to me that I can do so little. The limited sphere of human capabilities leads me to feel indeed the words of Christ, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Many are endowed with superior talents and do not use them, because they have no living connection with God. A sense of their robbery in withholding from God is not taken in.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 5)
My own scanty knowledge and feeble energies drive me to Jesus, and the language of my heart is, “Oh God, I can do nothing. I hang my helpless soul on Thee, Jesus Christ my Saviour. Put Thy grace into my heart. Attract my mind from my weakness to Thy almighty strength, from my ignorance to Thy eternal wisdom, from my frailty to Thy enduring might. Give me correct views of the great plan of redemption. Let me see and understand what Christ is to me and that my heart, soul, mind, and strength are bought with a price. Christ has imparted to me that I may impart to others. Lift up my soul; strengthen and enlighten my mind that I may comprehend more clearly the character of God as revealed in Jesus Christ, that I may know that it is my privilege to be a partaker of the divine nature.”
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 6)
The great and eternal power of God fills my mind with awe and sometimes even terror. Eternal life begins with me in this life when I am enlightened by the Sun of Righteousness shining into the chambers of my mind and into the soul temple. I know that life and immortality are brought to light through Jesus Christ, that every soul may have grace for grace, and may improve and give to other souls. May I indeed look upon Jesus, full of goodness and compassion and love, and behold the Lord God and call Him by the endearing name of Father.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 7)
The deep struggles of my own soul against temptations, the earnest longings of my mind and heart to know God and Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, and to have assurance, peace, and rest in Their love, lead me to desire every day to be where the beams of the Sun of Righteousness can shine upon me. Without this experience, I shall indeed meet with great loss, and all with whom I associate with be affected by the loss of the light I ought to be receiving from the Source of all light and comfort and to be flashing into their pathway. Shall I be indeed a light unto the world or a shadow of darkness?
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 8)
Many do not know what is the matter with them. They want light and see no ray. They are calling for help and they hear no response. Shall doubt and unbelief be perpetuated because I do not gather the divine rays of light from Jesus Christ and let it shine forth to others? Shall I not direct souls, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”? [John 1:29.] The revealing of Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour reveals the Lord Jehovah as possessing the eternal attributes which are shining in the character of Christ. In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 9)
October 11, 1890 Adams Center, N. Y.
We arrived at this place from Syracuse [Friday, October 10] at about half past four o’clock p.m. Brethren Lane, Wilcox, and Place were at the depot waiting for us. We were glad to meet them. A horse and carriage took us to Sister Green’s. There we found a comfortable home in every respect. Meetings had been in session two days. I was very nervous Friday night and could not sleep until about midnight.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 10)
Elder Place preached after the Sabbath school session. At halfpast two o’clock p.m. I spoke to a full house. There were quite a number of Seventh Day Baptists present. Extra benches were brought in and placed in the aisles; the gallery was full. I spoke from John 17:3. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people assembled, who listened with interest. A social meeting followed and many excellent testimonies were borne.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 11)
We were gratified to meet the aged servants of God on this occasion. We have been acquainted from the rise of the third angel’s message with Elder [Frederick] Wheeler, who is now nearing eighty years. We have been acquainted with Elders [H. H.] Wilcox and [Charles O.] Taylor for the last forty years. Age is telling on these old standard-bearers, as well as upon me. If we are faithful to the end the Lord will give us a crown of life that fadeth not away.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 12)
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside. They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifest unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”1 John 1:1-7.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 13)
This was the spirit and life of the message that John bore to all in his old age, when he was nearly one hundred years old. The standard-bearers are holding fast their banners. They are not loosening their hands on the banner of truth until they lay off the armor. One by one the old warriors’ voices become silent. Their place is vacant. We see them no more, but they being dead yet speak, for their works do follow them. Let us treat very tenderly the few aged pilgrims remaining, esteeming them highly for their works’ sake. As their powers are becoming worn and enfeebled, what they do say is of value. As precious testimony let their words be treasured. Let not the young men and the new workers discard or in any respect show indifference to the men of hoary hairs, but let them rise up and call them blessed. They should consider that they have themselves entered into these men’s labors. We wish that there was much more of the love of Christ in the hearts of our believers for those who were first in the proclamation of the message.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 14)
The word of Christ, the True Witness, after enumerating the good qualities of the Ephesus Church, says: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”Revelation 2:4. There is a loss of the love of Christ out of the heart, and as the result they do not properly esteem the true workers. Those who love God in spirit and in truth will improve every opportunity to place themselves where they catch the light of God’s promises and see in them His mind, His will and purpose toward us. And every jot of light you receive you will reflect on others because we love Jesus and want His name to be a praise in all the earth. We will, if we love Jesus, make Him manifest to the world as the Sun of Righteousness and thus reveal to them the one true and living God. To become self-centered is to close the door of our hearts to Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 15)
If patriarchs and prophets were required to be the repositories of divine truth and to shine brightly in their day, every one who has been privileged to gather up the hereditary trusts which God gave to them is responsible to his fellow men and to God to shine with as much greater brightness as increased light has been imparted to him. The very fact that you are children of God should inspire you to love and serve Christ Jesus; to love one another glorifies Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 16)
Why not decide to leave the forces or army of Satan and come under the only true banner, showing loyalty to God, which is obedience to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ? This is our decided message, stripped of all attachments that will hide its testing qualities and its power, its elevating principles. This move caused rejoicing among the heavenly angels because God and Christ rejoiced that souls were saved unto Jesus Christ. This was a spectacle to angels, to all the principalities and powers in heaven, and to men, for here is a fresh exhibition of God’s forbearance, His holiness, His mercy, and His matchless love. To every soul born into Christ’s kingdom is given a solemn charge, “Let your light so shine before men that they, by seeing your good works, shall glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Pour forth upon your neighbors the rich rays of light received from the Sun of Righteousness; flash upon your friend in the world the bright gems of light and truth imparted to you abundantly from the throne of God. This is trading upon the talents entrusted. Go on from light to a greater light, catching more and more the bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness, and shine more and more unto the perfect day.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 17)
Shall the words of Christ be applicable to us? “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, (leaving the first love is represented as a moral fall which requires repentance and faith and doing) and repent, and do thy first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”[Revelation 2] Verses 4, 5.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 18)
Let all ask the question, Do I understand my position? Am I repenting before God? If no light shines forth from you to those who are in darkness, of what use is that light to you? If you love Jesus, that love will speak. It cannot be repressed; it will manifest itself. Supreme love to God will be revealed in your love to all for whom Christ has died. You are not to domineer over your brethren, for this is not love; for He has appointed His church to be the channel of light to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 19)
All who see the verity of God’s Word will exalt before all men in words and in deeds the superiority of the truth to everything else beside. This is God’s purpose, and the Christian sees how essential it is that the love of God be revealed in love to our brethren and sisters. He does not study what is agreeable or respectable or profitable for his own selfish interests, but, What does God expect of me whom He has appointed? What shall I do that I may work the works of God? We have the lessons of Christ, outlining the truth which was the substance of His teaching: the paternal character of God, the relation in which man stands to his fellow man, the necessity of prayer, of repentance and true holiness, the agency of the Holy Spirit to enlighten, renew, and sanctify the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 20)
How much is said by the aged apostle John of love! It is not a love which will compromise with sin, but a love which proceeds from a heart that loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”1 John 2:9. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness have never shown into his heart and the chambers of his mind. “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. He that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.”Vs. 10-12.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 21)
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” This is the explanation the Word of God gives: here was jealousy cruel as death. “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:11-16. We must not consider our pleasure, our convenience, or our own advantage, but lose sight of self for Jesus.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 22)
We see the plain statement of the Word of God in regard to His Spirit and His love. Then why is love lost? Why is self cherished, adored, exalted? Why is not love, more Christlike love, practiced? Why are we not as individuals doers of the word? Satan has made every effort to cut away the people from God, their heavenly Father, by transposing everything, placing a new popular mold upon the work. Not only are the precious jewels of truth lost sight of, and errors substituted for truth, but the enemy has wrought with his angels, united with evil men to interpose himself in exalting the human, and thus obscure the Lord God from sight. He works through the human, and men worship human talent and they become decoys that a knowledge of God—represented by those who believe in Christ as a holy, just, and good Lord—shall not prevail in the earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 23)
When we have done all in our power, with humble, contrite hearts, to scatter the dense darkness of error and doubt and unbelief, irrespective whether it is for our personal advantage or not, then it may be said of us, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] For of ourselves we can do nothing. Then we may rest in God’s assurance—be one with Christ in God. We cannot in truth evidence that we love our brother unless we love him as Christ loved us. We must, as children of God, arm ourselves and give the evidence we love our brother and our neighbor as ourselves. When we let our works bear evidence that we love our brother as Christ has loved us, and exercise toward him the meekness and gentleness of Christ, we will not be jealous—as was Cain—but we will bring the best offering, the symbol of the Lamb slain. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”1 John 4:7. What language is this! How full and far-reaching! “God is love.”v. 8.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 24)
The enemy is constantly active to bring circumstances to bear upon individual minds, that the confusion, the worries, the cares that come to all human beings may become a fruitful source of killing love for God and love for our brethren; and if that love is not glowing on the altar of a man’s heart, he is cold, hard, unsympathetic for his fellow men. He goes through the world as cold as an iceberg.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 25)
The work of Christ was that of Mediator, to effect reconciliation that the whole human family may have His light in the heart. And all who have Christ abiding in the heart by faith will seek to reconcile their own wills to God’s will. They will love their brethren. They will have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul, and they will be a savor of life unto life to all the souls for whom Christ has died.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 26)
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” [Verse 8.] Oh, why are we so careless as to let selfishness and enmity and little grievances, little misunderstandings, separate the very ones who are bought with a price to be one as Christ is one with the Father? The world’s Redeemer prayed that His disciples might be one as He was one with the Father. Are we working with this prayer, to be one with Christ, one with one another?
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 27)
None of us liveth to himself. Each is assigned a post of duty in labor. The influence of each, closely bound in the closest bonds of holy union by the links of the golden chain of love, because God is love, is the evidence to the world that God has sent His Son. The love that is revealed in the home life bursts its bonds and becomes a working power in the church and extends to the neighborhood. Thus the love principle which caused Christ to die to save the world extends to the community, and to the nations and kingdoms of the world. John 14:15-20.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 28)
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.”“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.”1 John 4:9-12, 16-18.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 29)
Think of this: The love of Jesus Christ, exercised one for another, quenches that satanic spirit of thinking evil and speaking evil and always supposing your brethren want to do you harm. Put this all away: love as brethren.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 30)
October 12, 1890 Adams Center, N. Y.
I enjoyed a precious night’s rest. Arose [at] quarter past four and after seeking the Lord in prayer for His grace and His blessing, I commenced writing. I feel grateful to the Lord that I endured the taxation of yesterday much better than I expected. I do ask the Lord for strength and grace, and praise His holy name I do receive decidedly, according to the promise given, the very things I most need. My heart is filled with gratitude to God for His merciful loving-kindness to me. My heart is yearning constantly for a sacred nearness to God. I want the peace of Christ, for my own soul needs it, and I wish to impart every gift from God to bless others.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 31)
I long to see those who believe the truth, present truth, awakening to the great responsibilities that a knowledge of truth gives them to be laborers together with God. These responsibilities are resting upon every individual member of the church. Not one is excused. To every man is given his individual, personal work. Not one can be an idler in the vineyard of the Lord. We are to be diligent workers together with Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 32)
We have just had a season of fasting and of prayer in the churches. The experienced ministers are working beyond their strength and are pressed as a cart beneath sheaves and falling in death under the pressure of the load, while a large number are dying shamefully from inaction. The younger ministers must stay up their hands. May the Lord awaken those that are doing nothing. The displeasure of the Lord is against His people, especially some who occupy responsible positions in the work and cause of God, because they have lost their first love. To our sorrow, we must acknowledge that some of those ministers who have not a living connection with God are almost deified by poor undiscerning souls, while others whom we have unmistakable evidence have the true ring, bearing the message of truth for this time, are almost crucified. Some ministers have occupied the place of God in the minds of some of the church members. All their troubles, all their burdens, have been carried to the younger minister when he was only [a] mortal man, subject to temptations and infirmities of disposition like themselves, possessing objectionable traits of character, and was not able to bear the burdens of his own defects of character. How could these souls turn away from Christ, the living Fountain, to seek water from broken cisterns? God has been dishonored and this man has been exalted and nearly ruined by being placed as God.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 33)
The Lord has sent messages to His people, but these minster-worshipers have not, like the noble Bereans, searched the Scriptures to see if these things are so. In their blind, superstitious attachment they have waited and hung upon the decision of their favorite minister, placing him in a position of great temptation to arrogate to himself authority that is dangerous to himself or to any mortal man to assume; and as they treat the ministers, whom God sends with voices of warning, the church will do likewise. If the men who are in responsibility are blinded by the enemy and refuse the message, then many will follow their example and do likewise. The message and the messenger are altogether set aside and denied. God-given authority and mission is not respected because it does not coincide in every particular with the voice and expression of ideas of the ministers who have been placed by the churches where God alone should be.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 34)
To every man is given his work. All have not the same gift. There is a variety of gifts and all are needed to do the work God has appointed. Instruction needed in every church is cast aside and, by precept and example, trodden under foot by men. Oh, what extremes men will go to when they are not closely connected with God!
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 35)
Who among the ministers today will be found as faithful stewards of the grace of God, who will tenderly, earnestly and perseveringly lift up his voice in warning, proclaiming the message of warning God would have come to His people? A careful and earnest seeking the Lord is essential for this time and a most careful coming to the Bible, searching its pages with softened hearts and with unprejudiced minds, unbiased by their personal opinions to hear what God will speak to them out of His Word. There is great need of much earnest prayer for His grace, His spiritual, holy enlightenment, that they may be kept clean, pure, humble, and contrite, that God may fulfill His word. Isaiah 57:14, 15.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 36)
October 13, 1890 Adams Center, N. Y.
Monday morning. Yesterday was a beautiful day, clear and mild. The time was well filled by meetings, preaching, and instruction. I spoke to a full house in the afternoon. Some Seventh-day Adventists were present, and many not of our faith. I am told that there were more present from outside than had ever been at the meeting before.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 37)
My text was John 17:18. “As Thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 18, 19.] I had much freedom in speaking the Words of Life to those present. The Lord, I know, gave me His Spirit and His grace in rich measure and a decided testimony for His people. There were many whose hearts seemed to be softened and subdued by the Spirit of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 38)
I have been requested to speak upon temperance. May the Lord guide me in regard to the subjects to present to the people. I consented to speak Monday night. Brother Place spoke last night and the words were meat in due season, for the Lord spoke through him. There was a good congregation, and may the seed sown find lodgment in many hearts, is my prayer.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 39)
At ten o’clock I went again into the meetinghouse and spoke in the business meeting and read an appeal which was written October 12, 1875, in regard to the necessity of following up the labors put forth during the camp meetings, with personal effort, with publications. This will fasten the ideas already received.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 40)
The ministers were invited to Sister Deloss Green’s and we had a social season together. I praise the Lord that in our feebleness we may take hold upon divine power. “Without me ye can do nothing,” said the great Teacher. [John 15:5.] The promises we are to claim by faith. The treasures of all heaven are at our command. He will reveal to us His glory. He loves us. He speaks of His followers as ever present in His mind, as members of His Father’s family.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 41)
We can ascend to the sacred heights only as we by faith view Jesus and continue in His love. Satan has ever worked to eclipse heaven from our view that we shall not be attracted by the charms of the glories of heaven, which glories are the manifestation of the loveliness of Christ. We must be believing, and the Lord has given sufficient grounds on which to base our faith. He does not rest His truth alone on human reasoning, for our present limited capacity to perceive truth needed divine endorsement which was manifest in miracles. He gives human reason its place and reveals God to man as unerring, eternal, full of grace and truth. Again and again divinity flashed through humanity, and the infinite God acknowledged Him, again and again, as His only begotten Son.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 42)
Monday, October 13, 1890 Adams Center, N. Y.
Monday afternoon a horse and buggy was furnished us, and Sara and I rode to Adams. We find Adams is a larger place than Adams Center. There are more business places and yet Adams Center is by far the most pleasant and attractive. There are but few stores here. It is decidedly a Seventh Day Baptist settlement.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 43)
I spoke in the evening to a full house. The congregation paid the most marked attention. The ventilation was not good, and some eyes were heavy. I requested them to arise and sing, “I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour,” which had the desired effect. The position was changed and all seemed aroused to hear the words spoken. I had much freedom in speaking from (1 Peter 1), dwelling upon the precious promises.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 44)
My special burden is to arouse the laymen in the church to action, that every individual shall sense his duty to become a worker together with God. Christ has represented His people as “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth.”“If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” [Matthew 5:13, 14.] How can those who claim to have received the transforming grace of Christ not diffuse light and grace of a Christian character to others? The saving properties of the grace of Christ in pure and undefiled religion, in practical godliness, will make their influence felt.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 45)
Christ’s soldiers will keep on the armor. We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. Jesus Christ is the Captain of our salvation. We are His soldiers. We wear His armor and are marshalled under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. We are laborers together with God. He said, “Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] He requires that we sow beside all waters and that we shall garner the harvest we have sown.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 46)
Is it the ordained ministry alone who are made stewards of the manifold grace of God? We answer, When Christ left our world He gave to every man his work, according to his several abilities, and He has entrusted every soul with talents to improve, not only for his own good and the enriching of himself by the imparted grace of Christ, but to be employed to Christ’s own glory. It is expected of a steward that he be found faithful, according to the value of the varied talents entrusted. These lent talents, wisely improved, will increase, that when the Lord shall come His stewards shall place in His hands the entrusted talents with usury.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 47)
How can the world be saved if Christians are not aroused to realize their solemn accountability and to love their fellow men as Christ has loved them? If they will take hold of the work earnestly, with much prayer for heavenly wisdom to know how to work, the promise is, They shall receive it.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 48)
When the first love stirs the soul of the believer as it did that of Philip, he will be filled with most earnest anxiety—in his new love—to tell others that he has found Jesus. Relatives and friends will be hunted up, as Philip hunted for Nathanael. And these very ones sought may be, as was Nathanael, seeking God, inquiring for light and truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 49)
The coldness and indifference of those who claim to see great light, who claim to have found Him of whom Moses and the prophets did write, amazes the heavenly angels. All heaven is interested in the salvation of man, and those who are enlightened and receive the heavenly light of truth are expected, yes required, to be laborers together with God. They are missionaries. Although human hands have not dedicated them to God to become ministers, yet they are, if truly converted, missionaries in the fullest sense. In doing their work to diffuse light, they evidence their love for God; and by their zeal in turning many to righteousness, they show how highly they value the precious grace of Christ. They will have earnestness. They will have yearning sympathy for the soul. God gave His only beloved Son to a life of test and trial, shame and reproach, and to a shameful death, to bring back the wandering prodigal to the Father’s house.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 50)
How can souls who have tasted of the love of God and are partakers of the saving grace of Christ have the idea that they have nothing to do, that they must be helped at every step, must absorb sympathy and strength and life from their brethren, must be propped up on every side and be as helpless as a babe requiring to be tenderly nourished, but although constantly receiving, have nothing to bestow on others? I would that with pen and voice I could arouse church members to their God-given duty, to the importance of doing the work entrusted to them with thoroughness and fidelity. Not one is excused. What efficiency and power would go forth from the churches in every conference if they were indeed laborers together with God! What might they not do if they were gathering increased light and by their precepts and example imparting to others the light received!
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 51)
What kind of an atmosphere is circulating through the church? Is it cold, lifeless? Have not those who have been years in the truth ceased to be aggressive? Have not the affections, the warmth and glow of the love of God in their hearts died a natural death because it has not been cultivated by constant exercise? Are they not content to stand still, as though they had graduated or become superannuated? Is it praiseworthy in them to cease to cooperate with God and, in their inactive, idle condition, to become a sport of Satan’s temptations, really suggesting to others the temptations he has suggested to them?
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 52)
Many who ought today to be bright and shining lights are only bodies of darkness, sitting under the instruction of Satan. They have left the school of Christ, exchanged teachers, and through Satan’s instruction become satisfied to maintain a form of godliness, content if they have a name to live, a reputation for piety, when they are dead. The spark of life from Christ in their own souls is dying out and they are sufficient of themselves, although they do not absorb the beams from the Sun of Righteousness, and neither burn nor shine. They do not see that it is their work to gather the divine rays of light from the Sun of Righteousness and flash it upon the pathway of those in darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 53)
They will be ever relating a past experience, but nothing fresh, nothing in living experience now. They have ceased to be partakers of the divine nature and to go on from glory to glory. Through Christ strengthening them, they might be working to add another, and still another, star to His diadem. Their interest and zeal might continue unabated, as with the beloved disciple John. He always had a fresh testimony, animating and stimulating to others, of the present hope as well as of the past rich experience. Called out of darkness into His marvelous light, his taper, constantly lit from the divine altar, was a light to guide the steps of the faltering in the pathway to heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 54)
It is the work of individual members of the church to be active, living, interested agents for God, quickened and sanctified by His Holy Spirit, given, as promised by Christ, to His church. I entreat my brother church members and my sisters to look carefully to their course of action and see what burdens are they lifting for Christ, and see if they are living branches in the living Vine, answering the mind and will of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 55)
Said Christ, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.”“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”John 15:5, 2-5.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 56)
Every fruit-bearing branch is in Christ, drawing its nourishment from Him; and if a branch, a member of the church, is not an active worker for God, and in his character revealing Jesus Christ, he is not of the Vine. Rich clusters of fruit will appear from every branch that is in Christ Jesus. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”Verse 8. Here is the condition of our discipleship plainly stated, and if we continue to be fruitless we shall be withered branches.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 57)
“As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.”John 15:9-12.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 58)
The love of Christ is evidenced for man in that He gave His life to redeem him. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”Vs. 13, 14.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 59)
As churches and as individuals we are without excuse if we miss the way, make mistakes, follow the devising of human minds, and lose our souls. In these words that I present to your notice is plain and decided testimony specifying man’s duty to his God and to his fellow men.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 60)
Said Jesus on one occasion, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”Matthew 13:16. What we hear and what we see is not alone for our benefit, but to be repeated by pen and voice and presented to others. The glad tidings of salvation shall be for all people. If the grace of God in rich measure is revealed to any one of us, it is for the purpose that we shall communicate the same, speaking the things which we have seen and heard.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 61)
God is no respecter of persons. If He has employed men and women as channels of light, He means we shall let that light shine forth in the clearest rays possible to those who are in darkness. No one is to feel that he is a privileged character because of the benefits he has received from God. Our work is to use our intelligence to diffuse light.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 62)
We are not amenable to man, but to God. The Lord’s mercies, if unappropriated to be a blessing to others, are withdrawn from the one to whom He has given great light, for His goodness is unappreciated, His name is not magnified unless the light and knowledge of the truth that has shined upon us is imparted to all we can possibly reach, enlightening other minds who have not the knowledge of the truth. And when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, many, many, when weighed in the golden balances of the sanctuary, will be pronounced wanting. They were the depositary of sacred gifts and responsible for hiding the light and knowledge given, that it never reached the ones whom God designed should receive it through those agents.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 63)
Moral darkness became dense because men and women were lulled to sleep in Satan’s cradle of carnal security. Enlightened by the truth, we have our orders from God to dispense the heavenly gift, and in thus doing render back to God that which He has entrusted to us. Who will awake? Who will arise and shine in our churches, in our several conferences?
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 64)
Sinners were the special objects of the mission of Christ—sinners of every race and every clime. He has paid the ransom of His own blood. All are brought into the same relation with Him and all are dear to Him because they are the purchase of His blood. The home missions are to receive decided attention. Let every sinner within our households and within our own neighborhoods be sought for. Let personal efforts be bestowed upon them. The cases that seem the most hopeless are to be labored for the most earnestly, in faith and hope and earnest prayer. When these most discouraging cases are brought to surrender to God, the change in them is so decided that Christ says of them, They that are forgiven much, love much. These souls will become living agents to put forth the most earnest efforts, and will labor for others with the same patience and perseverance they were labored with.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 65)
Those upon whom Satan exercises his power the most decidedly are the ones who awaken the sympathy of the Saviour’s great heart of love. He is ever having the ones gathered in the fold to go out into the wilderness to seek and rescue the lost sheep. He feels the tenderest love for those who are entrapped through the deceiving power of Satan. And when the lost sheep are indeed found by Jesus, what joy and rejoicing there is in the whole universe of heaven! “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”Luke 15:7.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 66)
His voice is heard in tones of yearning tenderness, entreaty, and love, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”Isaiah 55:6-9.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 67)
Mortal man cannot read the heart of man and is often mislead by outward shallow appearances. But He that can read the hearts of men as an open book never misjudges. He always judgeth righteously; and He knows the atmosphere surrounding every soul. He knows how many and fierce are the struggles of the human soul to overcome the natural hereditary tendencies and the sins which have become common through habit of repetition.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 68)
He says, He is Mine; I have bought him with human agony and blood. Long have I borne with his manners, his uncourteous, ungrateful behaviour toward Me, yet I forbear to cut him down, hoping, through My living colaborers, to bring him to repentance that I might heal him and wash and cleanse him in My own blood. If he will come unto Me and be saved, he will become a polished instrument in My hand, to be effective, in his great love for Me, to pity and try to save all who were as incorrigible as himself.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 69)
When the churches shall arise and shine because their light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon them, then shall we have living churches because they are laborers together with God. Catching the spirit of Jesus Christ, they diffuse the same to those who are in darkness, who are subjects of the grace of Christ like themselves and capable of being made the trophies of His grace, to reign as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Thousands are just as much in need of personal effort as ourselves, and in just as great danger. They are exposed to Satan’s masterly temptations and without a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent into the world to save the chiefest of sinners. Oh, why do we not discern our part of the work in the great plan of redemption? If we did see, if we did understand just the relation of these souls to Christ, and that Satan is using every device for their souls, I think a sleeping, backslidden church would awaken and be converted. Then their zeal would be evidenced. Their efforts would be untiring, and self-denial and self-sacrifice would be seen in their experience and work in imparting all the intelligence and light they have, till all with whom they come in contact will be made partakers with them of the heavenly light and blessings.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 70)
The missionary spirit is the genuine fruit borne upon the branch that is grafted into the true and living vine. This work for the saving of the souls of men and women should be kept constantly before our churches. It should be impressed upon their minds that they cannot have true piety, cannot be a true branch of the parent vine stock, unless they evidence that they bear fruit to the glory of God in faithful labor to save those for whom Christ has died.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 71)
The Word of God is definite upon this subject. No soul can be abiding in Christ without having the mind of Christ and working the works of Christ. In every truly converted soul there will be genuine, sanctified sympathy with the suffering of Christ, endured by Him to save the sinful. They will, if colaborers with Christ, overcome selfish ease, selfish gratification, selfish indulgence, and will grow in spiritual sinew and muscle by exercising the powers given them of God to win souls to Jesus Christ. This heaven-appointed work is calculated to give breadth and depth and stability to Christian experience and character, and to bring the laborers together with God into a higher, purer atmosphere where their love for Christ will be ever increasing and their love for their fellow men will abound more and more.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 72)
The church piety is now in a large degree sickly because it is so inactive, strained, bigoted, and bound about with self-caring. We are all turned aside from righteousness—however high may be our profession—when we feel no special yearning for the conversion of souls. We must be workers together with God. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, and while seeking divine power by faith we will wisely and mercifully bring that skill and ingenuity into our labor that we may be wholly successful, doing the work of a living missionary.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 73)
It is a fact that the churches have lost their first love, and the True Witness calls upon the church to repent and do their first works. Love for God and for one another needs to be constantly cultivated, for it is a tender plant and if not nourished and constantly growing will die a natural death. Love is the most precious attribute of heaven. We need individually to love as Christ loved, for He has commanded it. There then will be no narrowness, no selfishness. Those who cherish this grace will never become self-centered, never become cold, harsh, self-important, dictatorial, arbitrary, because they become identified with Christ in all His plans, learning in the school of Christ. He communicates to them ways and means to set in operation the most stirring enterprises. He gives His learners something worthwhile to think of, something interesting and important to do. In doing, they catch the inspiration from Christ and work in the very same earnestness and love with which He worked.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 74)
In this work for the Master, self is hid. The language of the heart is, He must increase; I must decrease. There is no such thing as spiritual inactivity or laziness. The love of self dies, the love of Jesus burns upon the altar of the soul. There is no spirit for low, common, self-seeking or worldly ambition because we are living in His presence, doing His work, and are in contact with Jesus Christ and His life. His character and His work are all-absorbing. The life imperceptibly becomes one with Christ as He was one with the Father. The truth and light and life are interwoven with life and character, and the aspirations are elevated, pure, unselfish, after the order of heaven. Such are growing daily in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. They show moral efficiency but take no glory to themselves.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 75)
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”Jeremiah 9:23, 24.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 76)
Would that men who have been placed in responsible positions in our institutions and in the church would write these words on the tablets of the soul. Unless there is a decided reformation and true conversion upon this important matter, and they heed the appeals of the Spirit of God in the above plain, clear words, they will continue to lift up their souls unto vanity and claim to be conscientiously walking in the counsels of the Lord, when they are walking in the sparks of their own kindling and will lie down in sorrow.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 77)
Have God’s words no force? Will the self-important, self-sufficient spirit continue to be a ruling power as it has been in the past? Will love become extinct, except as it is cherished for a few favorites who show partiality to themselves? Will the iron enter the souls of men who are handling sacred things? Will harshness and severity prevail in councils and there be no bowels of mercies, no tender sympathies? Will there be no special efforts made to save the things that are ready to die—all because finite man has thought his way a model of perfection when it is a Christless way, as destitute of Christ as the offering of Cain?
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 78)
If ever a people needed spiritual perception, vigor, and steadfast faith and power in prayer, it is the people who claim to be keeping the commandments of God and looking for the Lord Jesus Christ to come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Those who will make the care of the widow and fatherless their own and who will devote themselves to the work of saving souls are always in a most favorable position to grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, their spiritual Head. They are, while working interestedly for others, working out their own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in them, to will and to do of His good pleasure.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 79)
Selfishness has been like the disease of leprosy, destroying vitality in the Christian life and experience. This terrible destroyer of good can only be expelled by the love of Christ. When that love pervades the soul, selfishness appears as the hateful thing it is. When the love of Christ shall be strenuously cultivated, it constrains us, it imparts an energy that is inspired, and great things are accomplished that were not supposed possible, because the divine cooperates with the human and gives strength and firmness and thoroughness to every action. Change or circumstance cannot have bewitching, controlling power, but the love of Jesus as an abiding principle will make the work performed perfect and successful in proportion to the vital principles from Christ that are brought into the labors.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 80)
Love to Christ will always be seen in those who are laborers together with God. The common, earthly thoughts and motives are discarded as the love for Christ increases. None, however weak in faith and hope and courage, need to despair, for Christ has provided divine assistance to combine with man’s human effort. Christ works constantly to draw the soul into a pure and holy atmosphere. He is acquainted with our infirmities and with the embarrassment we meet on every hand in the world. Assistance has been provided for every advanced step. When the earnest, struggling soul is compassed with infirmities and surrounded by foes to discourage, the Comforter draws near. The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 81)
We must, if we overcome, use the means placed within our reach. We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ. By faith we must clothe ourselves with the righteousness of Christ and put no confidence in our own merits. Many are seeking to be present at the marriage supper of the Lamb in their own citizen’s dress, discarding the robe woven in the loom of heaven and prepared for all at infinite cost, as a free gift to His guests that shall eat of His supper. We must wear the livery of heaven. We must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness and go to warfare at His expense and under His bloodstained banner or we are none of His. Pride and independence is all out of place in the army of Christ, who has given His life to humiliation, reproach, rejection, insult and mockery, and an ignominious death, to purchase our redemption.
(6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, 82)
Ms 42, 1890
Diary, October 1890 South Lancaster, Massachusetts October 14-29, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in OHC 20, 42, 91, 136, 281, 285, 286; UL 312; CTr 127; MR1033 7-16. October 16, 1890 South Lancaster, Massachusetts
I arose at Adams Center, October 14, at four o’clock and my heart was filled with gratitude to God for His loving mercy and continual goodness to me. I have slept well. My heart is thankful. We have been preserved on the journey to this place; no accident or harm has befallen us. We left Adams Center at half past seven o’clock and went through to Rome without change. Brother Place engaged a hack and we rode one mile to his house. We were pleased to meet his wife and little son in his own home. We slept well through the night and were refreshed.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 1)
The morning of the 15th was quite cool but pleasant. We enjoyed a precious season of prayer with the family and then bade them farewell, and the hack took us back to the depot. We stepped on the cars about fifteen minutes past nine a.m. Many crowded into the cars. There were no seats. We were requested to go into the chair car until we reached Utica. We paid nothing extra for this privilege. We find we must economize in every way possible. The treasury is not full because all the tithes are not brought into the treasury and there is a dearth of means.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 2)
The journey was pleasant.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 3)
My mind was in earnest prayer to God for strength of body and mind to labor in the cause of God. I have been afflicted with gatherings in my left ear. Last night the pain was quite severe and I had some anxiety in regard to the matter, but I tried to exercise faith in the promises of God and not worry but just trust Him that hath loved me. He has promised He will be a present help in every time of need. I cannot help matters if I take myself out of the hands of God and try to carry my own burden, for I should certainly fail. I am not able to keep myself for one moment.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 4)
The scenery was delightful. The woods clothed in their autumn variegated dress were lovely. I am so rejoiced in spirit to think how many beautiful scenes the great Master Artist has prepared for us in the natural world. I look upon the beauties of nature and say, He loves us, He loves us; and these scenes in nature are because He loves us. “O the depth of the riches both of the knowledge and wisdom of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” [Romans 11:33.]
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 5)
Oh, when I think that the laboring for souls is not productive of all the good that we might be led to expect, then I consider Jesus. He came to our world, clothed His divinity with humanity that He might come close to humanity, that His great heart might be brought close to my heart. How He has watched those souls for whom He died, to draw them to Himself! Oh what condescension! What love for fallen, rebellious man! Christ’s life was one of humiliation that He might help us, and the Lord Jesus will help all who want His help. Oh God, help me to speak of Thee who gave Thy life for the world in such a way as to draw them to Christ, the sin-pardoning Saviour!
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 6)
We arrived at Worcester about five o’clock. Had to wait one hour and a half. We arrived at South Lancaster about eight o’clock. Brother A. T. Robinson was at the depot with carriage for us. We were taken at once to Sister Harris’s where we were welcomed and felt at home.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 7)
October 16, 1890
Rode out with Brother Robinson to Clinton. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the ride much. But my mind is exercised all the time. How shall I reach the people where they are? How shall I save souls for whom Christ has died? Now, just now, I want to present in simplicity the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love. My heart is filled with a sense of the great humiliation of Christ to bring salvation to me, and I want to be filled with love to Jesus and love for the souls for whom Christ has died that I may represent Jesus before them as a sin-pardoning Saviour ready to forgive all their iniquities.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 8)
October 16
Visited Sister Jones, wife of A. T. Jones. We found her, with her children, usually well. We called on Sister Haskell. Tried to comfort her. Sister Harris and I had a season of prayer with her and we were all blessed. The Lord did draw nigh unto us according to His promise. I tried to leave a favorable impression on her mind and I have the fullest confidence that she is a child of God, an heir of heaven. Oh, how tenderly should these old, faithful ones be regarded! I view the case of Brother Haskell and his wife as among the number of whom the Lord says, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”Psalm 105:15. We should esteem those who have borne the burden and the heat of the day highly for their works’ sake.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 9)
When I see those who have not devoted their time and their whole energies to the work and cause of God, who know little of hard battles that have had to be fought, dwelling so much on the mistakes these ministers have made, I feel burdened. My heart aches because of their lack of discernment and appreciation. They should cover apparent mistakes and hide them from their eyes, except to improve themselves and not make worse mistakes in their life experience.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 10)
October 17, 1890 South Lancaster
Arose at three o’clock and devoted some time to prayer. My heart is filled with gratitude to God for His loving kindness. He has given me peace of mind; His peace, His love, is in my heart. I have confidence in the rich promises of God and I am gathering the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness. I want to train my mind to think upon heavenly things, and my tongue and voice to speak of the unseen realities of the eternal world.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 11)
I never needed the grace of Christ more than I need it at this present time. The unbelief and darkness seem to come rushing in like a thick fog. Oh, how I need to keep watch constantly! It is those who endure to the end that shall be saved; it is those that keep the word of His patience, which means so much to us all, that will be kept from the hour of temptation that shall try all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. I cannot for one moment endure the thought of being neglectful of duty on any occasion. I cannot endure the thought of being found unfaithful in the least. This probation of mine must be improved. I must follow on to know the Lord, whom to know aright is life eternal. I want the communication open between God and my soul. I want more of Jesus and less of self. I am filled with gratitude to God for His matchless love.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 12)
It has rained steadily all the forenoon. About noon the clouds disappeared and Brother Farnsworth presented Sister Harris and me with his horse and carriage, to ride out. My head was tired with much writing. We had a very restful drive. It was dark before we returned. The sky was clear and the stars shone brightly. I was much refreshed. We had prayer at the commencement of the Sabbath. Oh, how good it is to be assured that God is our kind heavenly Father; that He means to save us if we will submit our will to His will! I mean to do this.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 13)
October 18, 1890 South Lancaster
I arose early and committed my case to the Lord. I have infirmities that press upon me daily, and yet I do not mean to look at these discouraging things. I humbly ask God, if it can glorify His holy name, to preserve my eyesight, to preserve my hearing, to keep my mind clear to understand the Scriptures and to communicate the precious love of Jesus to others.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 14)
I spoke at half past two o’clock p.m. I had freedom in speaking and was thankful for the privilege of presenting Jesus and His righteousness before the congregation. The church was full and our social meeting after the discourse was good. Many precious testimonies were borne. I know that the Master of assemblies was present to bless and encourage His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 15)
October 19, 1890 South Lancaster
I arose at a quarter past four a.m. I lifted my heart to God in prayer and pleaded with the mighty Healer to give me His restoring power. He can do great things for me, for He has done much for me, and I long for His salvation to be revealed to those who believe the truth. Why are we so faithless?
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 16)
I attended the meeting in the chapel at half past five and spoke to the people a short time. There was a goodly number present and good testimonies were borne.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 17)
It is quite foggy. I expected the fog would lift but was disappointed. The rain set in and has continued to pour from the heavens bountifully. I was indisposed, and with the rain pouring down I thought for a moment it might be best for me not to go to the meeting, but I reproved myself for thinking of such a thing as disappointing the people in not filling my appointment. At half past two I went to the church and found the house well filled, notwithstanding the rain was pouring down. After singing and prayer and singing again I spoke to the people from John 14. The Lord gave me freedom and His blessing.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 18)
I feel intensely when I read and dwell upon the subjects contained in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John. These lessons are of deep import and need to be studied and even committed to memory. The richest promises are found here. I am pained when I see so little real, genuine piety among Seventh-day Adventists, when we have had so great light. We must be more diligent searchers of the Word, that we may speak a word in season to the oppressed, the sorrowful, the afflicted. We must keep the mind as a storehouse of truth from which to draw the richest consolation to impart to others who are ready to perish. “Thus saith the Lord” and “It is written” should be ever upon our lips, and our souls should be like a natural garden whose waters fail not, refreshing all who are around us. Let us read the Bible and study the meanings of every word.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 19)
October 20, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
I have risen at three o’clock a.m. I am not feeling well this morning. Was suffering much pain in my left ear from seven o’clock until ten. Then obtained rest in sleep. Praise the Lord for the restorer, Sleep. What a blessing it is! The malaria seizes me whenever it can have a chance and I have a continual warfare to keep from being incapacitated for labor on this account; and I do pray that this afflicted ear may recover and I shall not lose my hearing.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 20)
The rain continues to pour down from the heavens. I have had an interview with Brother Chadwick, consulting him upon important subjects. Had about one hour’s conversation with Brother Miles and Sister Sanderson, sister to Dr. Maxson’s wife. She is doing a good work in canvassing for Volume IV. Advice was solicited as to whether she should enter the three years’ training school under Dr. Kellogg, with a view to foreign missions.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 21)
I had no special light on her case but decided to say some things which have rested upon my mind for the year that is nearly past. When one is laboring in the canvassing field and has an aptness for that branch of the work and success follows the work, is it wise to keep before him a work in foreign missions, and create an uneasiness and restlessness and unsettle the mind as to whether he is indeed doing the work that the Lord would have him do? While we feel no lack of deep interest for foreign missions, we feel an oppressive burden for home missions that need much, very much, more close house to house labor; and we wish, if possible, to lay this weight that presses my soul on the churches. It is not alone the ordained ministers that are required to be laborers together with God, but it is every soul whom God loves, who has been brought out of darkness into the light, everyone who has experienced the love of Christ in the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 22)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 23)
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”1 Peter 2:9-12.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 24)
These words do not apply alone to the ministers but they embrace the church, the whole church, and lay upon them responsibilities which they cannot excuse themselves from bearing. In neglecting to do these good works, in neglecting to show forth in holy conversation to unbelievers the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light, they are keeping from the world the light which God has appointed to come to the world through the living human agencies. They are to show forth to others the words of life which God has mercifully sent them. There is work for everyone to do in the great moral vineyard of the Master, and if this work committed to human agencies is not done by them, they are registered in the books of heaven as unfaithful servants. They are represented by the man who had entrusted to him the one talent and went and wrapped it in a napkin and hid it in the earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 25)
Now, the Lord leaves men and women and youth who have talents entrusted to them, no excuse because they have limited abilities. They are expected of the Lord to do their best to use what talent they have committed to them for wise improvement. Every talent must be scrutinized by Him who judges every man’s work and rewards the diligent worker who has made a right use of his entrusted talents. Men are not always to be receiving and never imparting. Minds are being continually wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and when the human agencies present the truth as it is in Jesus there is by many a receiving of the truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 26)
Elder Prescott called upon me. His age is about the same as mine. We had a profitable talk of past, present, and future. We then bowed in prayer and had a most precious, melting season before God, that He would guide us in counsel that we might always keep the right way and never falter amid the perils of these last days. He left for his home this afternoon. May the Lord’s blessing attend him.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 27)
October 21, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
Thank the Lord for His mercy and His goodness to me. I slept well last night and rose at four o’clock and had a precious season of prayer. I presented my case before God, who knows my infirmities and who can relieve me, for He is able to make His strength perfect in my weakness.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 28)
I presented in the arms of my faith Sister Haskell and Sister Wheeler, precious souls. Both are very feeble, compassed with infirmities; both are faithful daughters of Abraham. They have been steadfast and true as steel to their profession of faith and the Lord has granted them many tokens of His care and His rich grace. The Lord careth for these precious souls whose hold upon life is feeble, who are about to lay off the armor at the feet of their Redeemer. With the apostle Paul they can say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness ... and not for me only, but for all them also that love his appearing.”2 Timothy 4:7, 8.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 29)
In these afflicted, aged sisters the church has a precious charge, which I fear they do not always appreciate, and they may feel that they are uncared for and neglected. God forbid this shall be so.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 30)
October 21, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
I wrote several pages in regard to the responsibilities resting upon every individual member of the church to have some part to act in the Master’s vineyard. I attended the half past five o’clock meeting and rejoiced to see a goodly number present, for I had important words from the Lord to speak to them.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 31)
The Lord has at infinite cost to the Father and the Son brought salvation within the reach of all, that none should perish, but that all might have eternal life. It is not ministers alone who are to act a part in the work as God’s agents in communicating heaven’s light to the world. The Lord has endowed His church richly with the knowledge and belief of the truth, and if we are indeed obeying the truth, as it is our highest interest to do, we are doers of the words of Christ. Doers of the words of Christ are represented as a man who built his house upon a rock, and storm and tempest beating about it could not move it because it was built upon a rock.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 32)
The lessons of Christ were of that character to show the relative importance of heaven and earth. He presents before the mind’s eye that the claims of heaven are first in importance. God’s claims are supreme. He demands the whole heart, mind, might, and strength. Earthly things He assigns their place, to be subordinate to the eternal interests.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 33)
The temptations of Satan present earthly things and make them all-absorbing and attractive, so that the heavenly realities are eclipsed and the attachment to the world be made first; and this has become so great a power that Omnipotence alone can dislodge it. Satan’s work is to chain the senses to this world. Christ came to break the satanic enchantment, counterwork the work of Satan, and charm the mind away from the earthly to the heavenly. He alone is able to break the enchantment. He exclaims, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”Mark 8:36, 37. A few years and the world and all its glory, which has through the bewitching power of the great deceiver become an object of worship, are to be burned, with all the embellishments of the art of man. Then what will be found to compensate for the loss of the human soul?
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 34)
The Prince of life calls the attention to the eternal world. He brings it within range of the mind’s eye. He withdraws the curtain of heaven and reveals its treasures, the living glories within. Man can grasp only a notion of the infinite, eternal weight of glory, and the apostle who was taken up to the third heaven and heard things unutterable, declares, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”1 Corinthians 2:9.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 35)
Should the greatness of the treasured glories of heaven be kept before the view, men would be wholly incapacitated for the affairs of the present world. The glory is curtained from our view. The world’s Redeemer came to adjust the claims and attractions of the world in relation to the future world. He presents such views of eternal realities that this world shall not become supreme and all-absorbing.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 36)
Then the case of Martha is presented. She was so anxious for all due honor to be given to Christ that in her active preparations in provision of food, she lost the most precious, golden moments of listening to instruction from His divine lips. Mary sat at His feet to catch every word. She regarded this of highest importance. This offended Martha, and she asked the Lord Jesus if He did not care that she served alone, while Mary shunned these responsibilities. Said Jesus, “Martha, Mary hath chosen the better part which shall never be taken from her.” [Luke 10:42.] What was that better part? To learn of Jesus, to appreciate His words. In giving attention to the words which fell from His lips, she was showing her love for her Saviour.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 37)
“Martha,” said Christ, “thou art careful and troubled about many things.” [Verse 41.] This reproof of Christ comes to many Marthas in our time. They lose much spiritual and divine knowledge that would make them wise unto salvation, through their bustling activity to do so much in temporal things, to shower favors upon those whom they love. If they would preserve simplicity in all their preparations, and improve their precious opportunities to obtain a better knowledge of God’s will and be doers of His words, they would save much irritability and would drink of the perpetual Fountain of life.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 38)
Every word from the lips of Jesus was precious. It was joy to Him to see Mary appreciate His instruction. The more frequently the words of Christ are heard the more deeply do they influence the mind, the better they are understood, and the more easily and perfectly are they obeyed.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 39)
This spirit that is ever ready to make great outward display for our friends is a device of the enemy. It is the society we prize, the interchange of thought. The instruction of Christ was always just what was needed, rich and comforting, like threads of gold. He would have the infinite grandeur of the future hold the attraction of human minds and the present world take its subordinate place in the affections. He sets in order things that Satan has transposed. Having taken the world from the throne where it has become a ruling power and worshiped as a god, He assigns it its proper place and its duties as a servant. He requires His followers—the purchase of His blood—to leave all the follies and vanities and tainting corruptions of the world out of their lives.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 40)
Every man and woman has had the ransom money paid by Jesus Christ. “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price”—even the precious blood of the Son of God. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Your time is not your own to employ as you choose; it is God’s time, and you are required to do His will. You must see that every moment of life is invested with importance and should be used and not abused and wasted. There are to be no idlers in the Lord’s vineyard. To everyone He says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go labor today in My vineyard. Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 41)
He has made the church the depositary of sacred truth. They are to dispense the knowledge of the truth to others. There is something to do for the Master every day. The church members must be active and zealous workers to bring the souls for whom Christ has died to a saving knowledge of the truth. In working for the Master they will be a healthy church—in proportion to their activity. The light of every individual member of the church is to be a bright and shining light to guide sinners who have lost their way back to the paradise of God. Then bring all the paradise you can in your Christian life. The lights of the church must not grow dim, must not cease to burn and reflect light all along the pathway that leads to the celestial city, for terrible will be the consequences if the light does not shine. The right views of heaven will make it easy for the worker together with God to do his work intelligently and in that manner that Heaven can approve. Said Christ, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.]
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 42)
With eternal realities in view we will habitually cultivate thoughts of the presence of God. This will be a shield against the incoming of the enemy; it will give strength and assurance, and lift the soul above fear. Breathing in the atmosphere of heaven, we will not be breathing the malaria of the world. We will not remain in the darkened cellar, but come up into the upper chambers where every window that looks toward heaven is open and catches the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 43)
In God we live, and move, and have our being. Let the impression, “Lo, God is here,” solemnize every mind and make glad every soul. Then there will be sunshiny Christians, the representatives of Jesus Christ. Then the language of the soul will be, “I know that my Redeemer liveth. He ever liveth to make intercession for me.” [Job 19:25; Hebrews 7:25.]
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 44)
The Lord would not have any one of us be presumptuous, care not for health, and make no provision whatever for a sustenance; but when He sees the world taking all the thoughts and absorbing all the affections, He sees that eternal realities are lost sight of. He would correct this evil, which is the work of Satan. The mind, which should be trained to high, elevated contemplation of eternal realities, becomes common, bearing the image of the earthly. Jesus comes to present the advantages and beautiful imagery of the heavenly, that the attractions of heaven shall become familiar to the thoughts, and memory’s hall be hung with pictures of celestial and eternal loveliness. He sees the chambers of the mind filled with those things which defile. He places God before them as the center. In the place of the minds being chained to the earth, He sets before them eternal attractions. He passes through the market places, where everything is full of activity and bustle, and the voice of the traders is heard. The lessons He gives in the dense crowd that gathers to listen to His words are a warning from heaven like the trump of God to break the spell of infatuation. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall he give in exchange for his soul?”Mark 8:34, 35.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 45)
The Great Teacher gives man a view of the future world. He brings it, with its attractive possessions, within the range of their vision. In most wonderful words of power He presents the actual claims of God and heaven. If He can fasten the mind upon the future life and its blessedness, in comparison with the temporal concerns of this world, the striking contrast is deeply impressed upon the mind, absorbing the heart and soul and the whole being. He thus removes the things of time and sense from the affections where they have had the supremacy, and gives them their place as subordinate to the higher and eternal realities. He invests life with the highest responsibilities. He shows man that he must live to a purpose, separating from all life’s vanities. He requires us to cultivate every power given us of God and to increase these entrusted capabilities by exercising them, that like a healthful branch abiding in the vine we may bear fruit to the glory of God. Everything which will tend to our own happiness and usefulness in this life He wishes us to retain. He loves to see us happy.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 46)
Parents, do you realize that there is a large responsibility resting upon you? The little children in your arms will grow out of their babyhood into childhood. Your little boys and girls need to be carefully nourished, and the best gift you can bestow upon your children is the gift of love in their babyhood and childhood. Give time to your children.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 47)
I have felt, when visitors came to see me, that I must not send my children out of the room. Give the children a place. Do not send them out of doors so that you can entertain your visitors, but teach them to be respectful and quiet. Let no harsh words be heard from your lips to exclude them from your presence. The tiny ones in the arms must be carefully tended and soothed when in trouble, and when they are grown up to manhood and womanhood there is more thought and care given to the daughters; but the children between babyhood and adulthood do not generally receive the careful attention that they should have. Mothers are needed who will guide and counsel these children that they may consider themselves a part of the family. Let the mother talk with her children in regard to their bright hopes and their perplexities.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 48)
Let parents consider that these children are to be cared for before strangers. They are to be kept in a sunny atmosphere, where they can be under the mother’s pleasant guidance. They may sometimes develop rude manners, but be careful that you are not rude with your children. Require obedience, but do not allow any disrespectful words from your lips [to be] spoken to your children, because your manners and your speech and your ways are their lessonbook. Help them gently, tenderly over the awkward period of their lives, and let the sunshine of your presence ever make sunshine in their hearts. These growing boys and girls feel very sensitive, and you may, through any roughness, mar their whole lives. Be careful, Mothers; never scold. That never helps matters.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 49)
October 23 [22?], 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
I arose at about five. My mind was on a train of thought and I could not sleep until past midnight. I sought the Lord in prayer and then went to the morning meeting and spoke a short time in regard to the one hidden talent.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 50)
I had an interview with Amos Prescott’s wife. In the afternoon read an article written fifteen years ago and it was of deep interest to me.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 51)
October 23 [22?]
Spoke in the morning meeting and also in the afternoon. Read letter written to some of our prominent brethren in 1875, then made some decided remarks which seemed to reach hearts.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 52)
W. C. White, Sara McEnterfer, and I were invited to take dinner at the college home. I am pleased to see so many intelligent young men and women attending school. They have 105 students of the first class. They are perplexed to know what to do for room. They think they will be obliged to build a new home close by the college, for the students. Certainly this will be a good thing to do if they have means to do the same, but a heavy debt is on the buildings already erected. The present building is too small and they cannot accommodate the students. They have to make their homes in families out side the school buildings. The building now used for the students’ home might well be turned into a sanitarium, which is much needed in South Lancaster. I think it should be done.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 53)
October 23, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
Slept well last night and my heart is drawn out to God in earnest prayer for His light and His counsel. I know I want to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. I want God’s way, not my way; God’s will, not my will. I surrender myself wholly to the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 54)
Calls are being made: We need your help in our churches in Michigan, and we need your help in the State of Maine. We need your help in the New England Conference. We need your testimony right here in Lancaster. May the good Lord let His voice be heard, “This is the way; walk ye in it.” [Isaiah 30:21.] Of one thing I am sure: I need One who is too wise to err to grant me His presence and to go before me wherever I go or all my efforts will be useless.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 55)
I walk not by sight but by faith. I am now trusting in Him who hath said to me, “I am your Restorer. I will restore you.” May the Lord teach me; may the Lord direct me where to go and give me the testimony to bear to His people that they need; this is my constant prayer. I am now speaking once, and frequently twice, each day and doing much writing, and I am sleeping well nights.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 56)
Thursday, October 23
Sister McEnterfer and I rode to Clinton. It was a most beautiful day. In the afternoon Sister Harris and I rode out four miles and gathered barberries.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 57)
Friday, October 24, 1890 South Lancaster
Rain commenced in the night and continued all day. I see, notwithstanding the rain, the people are coming in from Connecticut [?] and Nashua. The church was full of people in the afternoon. I tried to speak to them from (John 15) on the relation of the branch to the vine. The atmosphere was very heavy and lifeless, and it seemed impossible for all the people to keep awake. We called for them to rise up and sing and yet there was an oppression in the atmosphere in the room.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 58)
I thought best to change the exercise and I asked those who had never surrendered their hearts to God and those who were being overcome with temptation to come forward. There were eight seats occupied. Some bore testimony of their needs before a season of prayer. The Lord indicted prayer. Brethren Goodrich and A. T. Robinson prayed with great fervor. The Lord gave me freedom in prayer and the blessing of the Lord rested upon myself and many others. The pain of heart left me and the peace of the Lord took possession of my heart. Thank the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 59)
In the morning, October 24th, Elder Goodrich called to see me and we had a lengthy conversation in reference to the necessity of help in the State of Maine. There is need of reliable men there now, beside Elder Goodrich. Oh, that the Lord would pour upon His faithful ones a spirit of earnest intercession for Him to raise up men to be laborers in His vineyard. The cause of God needs not only money but men of piety and faith, self-sacrifice and love, to engage in the work. Oh that men who are giving their talent to their business concerns, serving themselves, may hear the inquiry from the Lord as was given to Elijah, “What doest thou here?” [1 Kings 19:9, 13.] “Why standest thou all the day idle? Go labor in My vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Oh, for faithful men whose hearts are not calloused by the great light and great privileges which they have not appreciated nor improved! The Lord will hear our prayers. We will not, through weakness of faith, misunderstand His providences and His dealings with us, and distrust His love and His sure, faithful dealings with His people. We will put away our murmurings. We will not so much as think or speak unbelief. We will not talk of the hardships and trials.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 60)
October 24
The blessing given me and my ministering brethren was indeed the brightness from the Sun of Righteousness. How heartily glad and thankful should we be when we have a glimpse of His forgiveness and His love! The sunlight has just come through the cloudy sky and is shining upon the pages while I write. It is the first beams of the blessed sunshine we have had since it went down in the west last Thursday night. How welcome its bright beams!
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 61)
But a single ray of the brightness from Jesus shining into the heart and chambers of the mind makes us very happy. It dispels the clouds and darkness, and all murmurings disappear. The bright sun shining forth rolls back the clouds and the darkness; so do the bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness make joy in the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 62)
What a blessed welcome we gave the Sabbath of the Lord! The Lord’s presence was with us; we knew it; praise His holy name! We want a greater fullness of the love of God. We want to see churches exchange their mournful songs, their murmurings, for contrition and confession before God. We want to see them thankful, and to hear a new song in their mouths, even praise to our God. God is gracious to every true seeker who opens his whole heart to Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 63)
Some talk of the days when Christ was leading and directing Israel as the dark days. How could it be, when Jesus was their Leader, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night? Read the account of Moses’ intercession for idolatrous Israel. Where is greater zeal for the honor and glory of God evidenced today? Where is the putting of self out of the calculation that God might be honored? Oh, that we could have listened to Moses’ intercessions before God that He should not suffer His name to be dishonored in the minds of the heathen, but exalt His own name and reveal His own strength and power as being able to carry out His own purposes without failure in the sight of the heathen.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 64)
“Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book.” [Exodus 32:32.] Oh, that God will breathe upon us the spirit of intercession, that we shall, in faith, ask great things of God because we believe in His power to fulfil His promise without any failure!
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 65)
We want the spirit, not of this time—declension and apostasy—but the spirit of wisdom. We want a great love burning upon the altar of our hearts—love that is greater even than the love that Moses had. We want the love of Jesus, zeal balanced by wisdom, and the patience of Jesus that, like Him, we “shall not fail nor be discouraged.” [Isaiah 42:4.] We see in our churches so great an absence of love for the weak, for the youth, for the erring.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 66)
The parable of the lost sheep is given by the Redeemer of the world to show how the wanderers from God should be treated. All the labor is not to be devoted to the churches. They ought to have strength to give, rather than to be ever absorbing and never giving. We see the banners of rebellion waving around us on every side, and there are those in our midst who are forsaking the covenant, because love for God and love for their brethren has died out of their hearts. Souls are perishing, and no man lays it to heart. Where is the wrestling with God that He will show His power and exalt Himself in the midst of Israel and before the world? Souls are to be saved. In saving souls you save your own soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 67)
Is not this careless indifference, this lukewarmness, the result of the great want of the milk of human affection, human sympathy, and divine love for our brethren? If we kept with all diligence our own hearts, out of which are the issues of life, the fruits of such zeal and faithfulness would be a power in the home, a power in the neighborhood, a power in the church. Personal, practical piety is feeble among us. Real spiritual-mindedness is not the prevailing influence, but is scarce. Earnest praying in faith and depending upon God are not now the order in the churches, but there is a settling into a cold indifference. There are a few feeble efforts, a few superficial performances called service to God, but the world absorbs the time and the thoughts. The earnest planning, the devising, and the executing are on the side of the world, and no time is given for the fire of devotional love to be kindled upon the altar of our hearts, that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 68)
In testimonies borne we hear from so many who are complaining of their unbelief. Oh, how little faith they have! They are looking to themselves. Their thoughts and words are of their wretchedness, their deadness, their depravity and helplessness of soul to overcome the defects in their characters. All this is no doubt true, but they cannot cure the evil heart of this sinfulness by constantly bemoaning its darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 69)
The same lesson that Christ bade Moses to give to the children of Israel in the wilderness is for all such souls suffering under the plague spot of sin. From the billowy cloud Christ spoke to Moses and told him to make a brazen serpent and place it upon a pole, and then bid all that were bitten with the fiery serpents to look and live. [Numbers 21:8.] What if, in the place of looking as Christ commanded them, they had said, “I do not believe it will do me the least bit of good to look. I am too great a sufferer from the sting of the poisonous serpent.” Obedience was the object to be gained, implicit and blind obedience without stopping to inquire the reason or the science of the matter.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 70)
Christ’s word was, “Look and live.” [Verse 8.] “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14, 15.]
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 71)
Looking at self will give you neither light nor hope nor peace. The longer you look and ponder over these things, the more dark and discouraged will you become. You please the enemy of God and of man by keeping in the cave of darkness where there is not a ray of the Light of life, as did Elijah when God said to him, “Go forth and stand on the mount before the Lord.” [1 Kings 19:11.] This command comes to every one of us who is looking to his discouragements and mourning over his frailties and giving to the world an example of distrust of God, refusing to look and live, evidencing that he has not faith in Jesus’ power to save him from the serpent’s sting of sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 72)
I want to lift up my voice for Jesus and say, Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Go forth from the cave by faith. Look to Jesus, your Helper. Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. Look to your atoning Sacrifice lifted up upon the cross, the Innocent dying for the guilty. Will it fail to subdue the hardest heart? Will this love evidenced for sinful man not break down every barrier of unbelief, of stubborn pride? Look away from your wretchedness. Contemplate the inexpressible love of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 73)
His offering of Himself was full and ample. Nothing was wanting. It was indeed a whole and ample atonement that was made. Then why stand before the world in your sinful unbelief, and indicate by words and example that Christ has died for you in vain? After the exhibitions of love that was without a parallel, you say by your words of doubt and mournful discouragement, “He does not love me. He will not forgive me. My sins are of too hard a character to be cured by the blood of Jesus. The offering is not of sufficient value to pay the debt I owe for the rescue of my soul.”
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 74)
If men and women could only see and realize how their unbelief and mournful murmurings exalt Satan and give him honor, while they rob Jesus Christ of His glory in the work of saving them, wholly and entirely, from all sin! I know there will be a horror of soul over your life of distrust, of bruising the Son of God, crucifying Him afresh, and putting Him to open shame, and of courting defeat by your own cruel unbelief, when at every step you might be triumphant and more than victorious through Him that loved us and gave Himself for us.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 75)
Let us come out of the cavern of darkness. Let us educate our intellects to discern what Jesus is to us. Let us train our minds to stand on the mount before God in faith, strong in God under any and every temptation. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. And in all points we shall find Him a present help in every time of need. He is able to succour all them that are tempted, if they will come to Him and believe on Him and not pour out their complaints and doubts and soul grievances into human ears. Take it all to Jesus, who knows the troubles and anguish of the human heart. He declares that no one shall be tempted above that he is able to bear, for with every temptation that besets the soul the world’s Redeemer has made a way of escape. [1 Corinthians 10:13.] In the mount we shall have correct views of Jesus. Satan will not have power to cast his hellish shadow between our souls and Jesus, eclipse our view of Jesus, falsify Him, and encourage our hearts in cruel unbelief of His goodness, His mercy and His love wherewith He hath loved us.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 76)
We want clear views of what Jesus is to us. We want to have distinct views of the victories gained in our behalf. He spoiled principalities and powers and made a show of them openly. He broke the fetters of the tomb and came forth to take again His life that He laid down for us. He ascended on high, having led captivity captive and received gifts for men. All this suffering He endured for us that He might be able to carry all our burdens, for He knows all our griefs. He will be our helper and He will be our refuge in every time of need. He should be revealed in our Christian experience as all-sufficient, a present Saviour.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 77)
Only look and live. We dishonor God when we do not go forth from the dark cellar of doubts unto the upper chamber of hope and faith. When the Light shineth in all its brightness, let us take hold on Jesus Christ by the mighty hand of faith. No longer cultivate your doubts by expressing them and pouring them into other minds, and thus becoming an agent of Satan to sow the seeds of doubt. Talk faith, live faith, cultivate love to God; evidence to the world all that Jesus is to you. Magnify His holy name. Tell of His goodness; talk of His mercy, and tell of His power.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 78)
Sabbath, October 25, 1890 South Lancaster
I have had a very restless night. I labored hard Friday afternoon, coming at half past two and continuing my labors until sundown. The Lord blessed me indeed. The Lord removed the pain in my heart. The Lord gave me peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 79)
Although I was quite sick in the night, I did not lose my faith; I did not allow the enemy to beat off my hold from Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord I obtained some hours of rest before daybreak. I am weak this morning. Arose at five o’clock and sought the Lord in prayer, and I am comforted and blessed. My life seems to be a continual battle with infirmities, but the Lord strengthens me to bear my testimony for Him. He helpeth my infirmities. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. And when so very weak that it seems impossible for me to speak, He makes me courageous and strong and joyful, for He imparts His Spirit and His life [so] that I can impart the same to others and comfort them with the consolation wherewith I am comforted.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 80)
My son Willie White spoke this forenoon, giving a very profitable talk to the youth and for the benefit of the students at the academy. His way of presenting these subjects seems to reach the hearts of the youth. Our ministering brethren urged Willie to speak. Much against his will he consented. I believe this is what he ought to do, rather than to be a businessman, even as correspondent for foreign missions [foreign mission secretary].
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 81)
I spoke in the afternoon with special freedom. The house was full. I again made the call for volunteers in the Lord’s army. I begged that souls would leave the black banner of the powers of darkness, the black banner of Satan, and stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. Five seats were filled. Many were seeking the Lord for the first time. A large number were students from the school. What a precious sight! If there is joy in heaven in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repenteth, what joy must there be in heaven over more than a score of souls coming to Jesus! This was a very solemn scene, and many hearts in the congregation were deeply moved. There was unmistakable evidence that the presence of the Lord Jesus was in the meeting.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 82)
When we bowed for prayer Brother Farnsworth, Brother Robinson, Brother Farman [?], and myself prayed, and we all had a spirit of earnest intercession not only for those who were seeking the Lord but for the whole congregation, and especially for the ministers. The blessing of the Lord came into our midst. The power and Spirit of the Lord in large measure came upon the people, especially the ministers.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 83)
Oh, how it rejoices my heart that I do not have to urge the message given me of God to ears that cannot hear nor understand the voice of the Spirit of God! When I know that there is an influence constantly at work in an under current to counteract that which God bids me speak, it is a great sorrow to my soul, because I know of the personal harm these souls are doing to themselves, just as others have done all the way along since God has given me my work. Some have resisted the Spirit of God, and made of none effect the messages of warning, reproof, and encouragement given to the church and to them personally. They have barricaded themselves with the same unbelief that made the work of Christ so hard when He was upon the earth. He left His mournful testimony that He could not do many mighty works in cities and villages because of their unbelief. Because His teachings interfered with their doctrines, the prejudice against Him was so great that He was obliged to go from place to place to save His life. He was like a fugitive in His own world, which He had created, yet in it there was not a place that He could call His own to lay His head. All this humiliation and sacrifice was borne on our account that Christ might bring many sons and daughters to God. Many are standing in their own light, gathering to their souls clouds and darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 84)
Many claim that they want to be saved, that they want to be sons and daughters of God, but they will in a most pathetic manner complain of God because they do not feel as they think they ought to feel. They say, “I know I have much to be thankful for. The Lord has blessed me many times; but I can’t feel as I want to feel. I dare not apply to myself the promises and say that I am a child of God. I think He blesses others. I think He will receive them—but not me. I cannot believe that He will forgive my sins.”
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 85)
This is clearly defined as unbelief and it is sin before God, for they dishonor God and limit the Holy One of Israel. Christ is your Saviour. He is found of all them who seek for Him with the whole heart. The gracious promises are given to His church, and if you have taken the steps requisite in conversion, if you have made open confession of Christ, you are a part of the body of Christ, a part of His great whole. Anxiety, questionings, and distrust of God show that you do not believe in Him and do not appropriate the promises to yourself. Therefore you fall short of that comfort and hope and courage in the Lord that it is your privilege and duty to have every hour of the day and every day in the week. Do you love Jesus? Do you long for His peace? Then believe, and the longings of your soul shall be satisfied.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 86)
“If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”John 14:14-18.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 87)
With these gracious promises and assurances, how can you look away from Christ and His love, and take Satan’s suggestions and talk out that which pleases him—doubts and unbelief? How can you second the voice of Satan in the soul, to bring a shadow of doubt and a cloud of unbelief to others, and plainly say, I do not believe the words of God; I do not believe He will do for me the things He has promised? In this you grieve the Spirit of God and separate your soul from the comforting assurance of His care, His love, and His guardianship. Oh, how inconsistent is the course of a professed believer who has no real faith in the rich promises of God!
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 88)
Said Jesus, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also ... He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me ... Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, Neither let it be afraid.”Verses 19-27.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 89)
Now let every troubled, perplexed soul study these words spoken by the world’s Redeemer. This is the voice of God to you, and if you want light in clear, steady rays, then hear the voice of God and comply with the conditions here specified. Be a doer of the words of Christ and you will not walk alone and in darkness but you will have the Light of life.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 90)
You are without excuse if you hug to your soul your unbelief, your doubts, and go to others with your complaints, for there is no manner of excuse that can justify you, with these words of Christ spoken to you. They are full of comfort, full of hope and assurance forever.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 91)
If you cast His words behind you and leave the cool snows of Lebanon to seek refreshment from human sources, you will not have peace or comfort, because you refuse the help which God gives you.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 92)
The Lord declares that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His church. [Matthew 16:18.] Every sincere member of the church may include himself in these promises and say, “I am the Lord’s. In His strength I am invincible.” Then do not put on a doleful attitude and misrepresent my Lord, and act as though He had insulted you by giving you promises that He does not fulfill, as though you are having a hard time and are left alone to battle against the powers of darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 93)
He says, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”“Because I live, ye shall live also.”“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”John 14:18, 19, 21. Do you individually believe these words? Or do you treat them as idle tales? Do you grasp them by faith, and accept them and rejoice in them? This is eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 94)
Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words.”“Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”“Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”John 14:23; 6:53-63. Here are the conditions of our salvation: to believe the words given us in the living oracles of God, and to bring His words into our practice—to do His words. They are spirit, and they are life.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 95)
October 26, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
I have not been able to sleep since three o’clock. I arose and indulged in a bath, then tried to see if I could sleep; but no, I have too much thinking to do. I dressed and then enjoyed a precious season of prayer, and have been writing since four o’clock. It is now half past six.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 96)
We had no rain yesterday but the sky was blanketed with clouds, and we have no rain today but the clouds remain. But we do not give up in despair and say the sun will never shine. We expect to see the sun and to rejoice in its brightness. Just so should we encourage faith, believing in the promises of God in the darkness, relying upon His bare Word when there is nothing that appears to human vision as a fulfillment of His promises. Then our faith would grow. It would be triumphant and would be acknowledged of God as perfect. Like the faith of Abraham, it would be accounted unto us as righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 97)
I feel sad because, in so marked a manner, we misrepresent the dear Saviour by walking in gloom. He says, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.”John 8:12. Then you who gather the clouds of unbelief about your soul, whom are you following? You who talk your unbelief, who is your leader? Will you think of these things? Can you reflect light to the world when you have no light to shine to the world? Unless the world shall have a better representation of Jesus Christ in you, I know that you will mislead. You will misrepresent His character and be a body of darkness rather than a bright and shining light.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 98)
When you bring the truth as it is in Jesus into the inner sanctuary of the soul, then Christ is abiding in you. “Without me ye can do nothing,” He says. [John 15:5.] Make an entire surrender to God. Your will, your preference, must be submerged in God’s will and held there firmly day by day, hour by hour. Then you will triumph in the God of your salvation.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 99)
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”Philippians 2:12. What does this mean? It means that every day you are to distrust your own human efforts and wisdom. You are to fear to speak at random, fear to follow your own impulses, fear that pride of heart and love of the world and lust of the flesh shall exclude the precious grace the Lord Jesus is longing to bestow upon you if you will empty the soul and make a place for it. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”Verse 13. You may ever keep in a position to cooperate with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 100)
October 26, 1890
I spoke in the afternoon to a large audience. I feared I should not have strength, but the Lord gave me His grace and His power to address the people from 2 Corinthians 3:18. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of God.”
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 101)
It is Satan’s work to throw his hellish shadow before the souls of men that their minds shall contemplate him and his works and look no farther. Then he seeks most earnestly to eclipse the bright attractions of the eternal world by his thousands of devices, that men shall talk of his power, extol his greatness and praise him, while God is forgotten.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 102)
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”2 Corinthians 4:3-7, 15.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 103)
Christ is our pattern. His life, His character, His manner of teaching need to be continually studied by those who give themselves to His service to direct and instruct those who are ready to perish, as to what they must do in order to be saved. If the ministers of Christ would not study any other man’s ways, attitude, manner of teaching, manner of address, but the one unerring Pattern, they would be far more successful. In constantly keeping the Lord Jesus ever before them, they would learn in His school, practice His ways, and catch His Spirit. Jesus Christ ever assumed an equality and identity with God. “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”“What things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”John 5:17, 19.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 104)
The laborers together with God have the ways and habits of Christ before them. They stand in the same relation to Christ that Christ stood to the Father. They must copy Christ. Whatsoever things the Son of God doeth, so also will His followers do. If the teachers of the Word of God kept their eyes less on men and more upon the Pattern, Christ Jesus, they would have far greater power and efficiency and their work would not present so much imperfection.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 105)
October 27, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
I arose early, attended morning meeting, and read an article written in regard to the canvassers working so largely for one book, Bible Readings, and letting Volume 4 fall dead from the press. The very matter that the people are in need of they do not have because there is no interest manifested to circulate it.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 106)
Took dinner with Brother Robinson’s family. His wife’s mother, Sister Farnsworth, I have not met for many years. We had a little visit. In the evening I read three articles to those assembled in the church. This is very important matter.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 107)
I became very weary. There is a gathering in my head. I have considerable pain in head and ear. Received some treatment at night. I am compassed with infirmities, but I cling to the promise, “I am your Restorer. I will restore you. In all your pain and afflictions remember I will restore you.” This I believe. My trust is in the Lord God of Israel, who has abundant power, who will not require me to go a warfare at my own charges.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 108)
October 28, 1890 South Lancaster, Mass.
I have had more sleep than I feared I should get when I lay down. My ear was poulticed, yet I see no special change for the better. Brother Emery Farnsworth brought his horse and phaeton and took Sara and me to Clinton, and I visited a dentist to see if my teeth created any of this difficulty. He examined my teeth and said that they did not need any repairing. I am asking the Lord to help me, to remove the pain, and strengthen me to do the work before me. I know I have a message for the people.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 109)
I had a long talk with Stephen Belden. He is humble and seems to be in a good state spiritually. He is passing through sore trials now. I am sorry for him and tried to comfort him and encourage him to trust in the Lord. I had a talk with Brother Robinson. Profitable, I trust.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 110)
Brother Edwards came in to visit me. I had a long talk with him which I hope will relieve his mind. Sister Palmer came in and I talked with her a short time. I find enough to do to occupy every moment with earnest work. There is no time to idle, no time to please self, no time to study how I shall kill time. I see so much to be done, so few burden-bearers, that I want more than mortal energy to do that work which many will not see and will not do.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 111)
Wednesday, October 29, 1890 South Lancaster
I arose early and sought the Lord in prayer for His blessing. I can of myself do nothing. My strength, I sensibly feel, is weakness. But the Lord is my Helper; in Him will I trust.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 112)
I spoke in the academy at half past eight o’clock. The students were assembled and I have much pleasure in saying I have not seen a better class of students assembled in any school than is now attending the South Lancaster Academy. I dwelt largely upon the necessity of their making themselves all that they possibly could be, always trusting in the Lord to open their understanding and give them His grace and His wisdom.
(6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, 113)
Ms 43, 1890
Review of Experiences at South Lancaster, Massachusetts En Route from New York City to Pennsylvania October 30, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in MR1033 16-17.
We left South Lancaster yesterday at about two o’clock. Was obliged to remain in Worcester three hours. Left at five o’clock P.M. and arrived at New York City 10 o’clock P.M. Willie had preceded us to the city [by] two days. We were obliged to go to Brooklyn to the Mission. We changed five times, I think, and every change required descending stairs or going up stairs. How thankful I was that the Lord had strengthened my limbs, especially my ankle bones, that I could walk as fast and climb stairs equal to any of our party—Willie, A. T. Robinson, Sara McEnterfer and myself.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 1)
We did not get to rest until midnight. I praise the Lord this morning [that] I can report to those who ask, “How did you sleep?”“Well, notwithstanding the elevated rail cars [that] were rattling over the rails almost by our windows.”
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 2)
We were delayed one day longer than we designed. I had ague in my ear and [my] head was involved. I suffered much pain. Dared not be on the road. I consulted a dentist. He said the teeth were not the cause of this affliction. Then I took alcohol sweat, and worked my best to subdue the pain and the relief came. I am made aware that all this trouble was the result of a severe cold.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 3)
I spoke in the academy to the students and I will say I never saw a better class of students together than was before me. The Lord gave me much freedom in bearing my testimony to those students. This made thirteen times I had spoken. I do not think I shall labor as hard in the forthcoming meeting. The last Friday and Sabbath and Sunday were seasons of intense interest. The Lord moved upon me in a special manner by His Holy Spirit to present the truth and the rich promises of God in clear lines before the congregation.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 4)
Friday I asked all to come forward who desired the prayers of the servants of God. Many students responded and there were about seven seats in the body of the house full of all classes, young and old. All present knew that the Holy Spirit was in our midst. My spirit was stirred within me as I saw the number who responded and listened to testimonies from their lips.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 5)
Then the praying season! What a blessed manifestation of the Spirit and power of God! The prayers were most fervent. I never knew Brother A. T. Robinson to reach so decidedly into the inner sanctuary as on this occasion. The Lord gave me the spirit of intercession. I could not cease the urgent request to God for the converting power of His grace both upon ministers and upon people. We could say with Jacob, “God is in this place.”“This is as the gate of heaven.” [Genesis 28:17.] The sunbeams from the Sun of Righteousness were flooding all the chambers of my mind and the soul temple. I felt for a time shut in with God. I could see and sense only the sweet divine presence of Him whom my soul loveth. This season will never, never be forgotten by those present.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 6)
We commenced the meeting at half past two and remained to welcome the sacred hours of the Sabbath. I have been urging my prayer for the Lord to strengthen me, to give my poor heart rest from pain. I leave my petition at the throne of grace and say, “Not my will, but thine, O Lord be done.” [Luke 22:42.] If it be His pleasure to give me grace to work for Him in pain and suffering almost constantly, and this is best for me, I say, “Amen.” I will continue to work until I lay off the armor at the feet of my Redeemer. Jesus, precious Saviour, is my trust, my song all the day, my refuge in all my troubles.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 7)
Sabbath, by special request, Willie spoke in the forenoon. I was not present. I spoke in the afternoon. Again the burden rolled upon me for the people. I felt constrained by the love of Jesus to urge that all who claim to follow Jesus will be active, earnest workers for the saving of the souls of those out of Christ; that they should unite with the delegated ministers to be laborers together with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 8)
I knew no tame, commonplace efforts would answer for this time. They must eat of the flesh and drink of the blood of the Son of God if they themselves would have eternal life. “My words,” said Jesus, “are spirit and life.”“The flesh profiteth nothing.” [John 6:63.] As the branch draws its sustenance from the living vine, so all who are in Christ must live of Christ, be a partaker of His Spirit, become infused with the life of Christ, and then they can work the works of Christ, be one with Christ, and set forth Jesus crucified and risen again and at the right hand of God to make intercession for us.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 9)
Again I presented before them the richness of the promises of God. I asked if there were any present who did not enter the service of Christ? and Why? That question you will have to answer at the bar of God. Ask it of your own souls now—Why you should not love and obey Him who has died to ransom you from ruin. I again invited them to come just as they were, without waiting to make themselves good enough for Jesus to save them. We had a large number [come] forward again and most of them were students.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 10)
Again we presented these souls, who were now seeking their Lord, in the arms of our faith and again were in the solemn prayers characterized by intense, earnest pleading and arguments before God, that in accordance with His precious promises He would be found of those who were seeking Him in sincerity and in truth, and would pardon their transgressions according to His pledged word; that He would reveal Himself to them as a sin-pardoning Saviour. “Let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:7.]
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 11)
Again the Lord’s presence was with us in a marked manner and that to bless. Praise and thanksgiving rolled back from many hearts and lips to the God of heaven for His mercy, His loving kindness and matchless grace imparted to those who were confessing their sins in contrition of soul. I was abundantly blessed. I could say “The sunbeams of the Sun of Righteousness were shining upon me,” and I was all light in the Lord. Oh, it is these revealings of His mercy that lead me to make melody in my heart unto the Lord and give me courage.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 12)
I thought I had never seen a time in my experience when the Lord came so intelligently near. The work was apparently universal and the influence extended to regions around about. That work of manifest grace of God has been abiding and been doing its leavening work up to this time and the Spirit’s power was again at work upon hearts and the converting power of God was in our meetings. Our ministering brethren, young brother Farnsworth, felt the divine touch; Brother Robinson, Eld. Goodrich, Brother Farman, Brother Whittier, Bro. Miles and many others were deeply moved by the Spirit of God. I was glad to see in the assembly many new in the faith. Men and women of influence had, since the meeting two years ago, responded to the truth as presented before them by the laborers together with God. These men will some of them engage in the work in some of its branches. We are entreated to remain in New England but we dare not yet encourage them. They are urging us to spend the winter east. I want God’s will, not mine. Let the Lord lead me and teach Willie and me what He would have us to do.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 13)
We want [to] work while it is day for the night cometh in which no man can work. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” [John 4:35.] “Pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.”“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” [Luke 10:2.]
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 14)
The harvest of the world is ready. Souls are being impressed and moved upon by the Spirit of God. Christ is drawing all men unto Him. There are men wanted, women also, who shall give themselves to God to cooperate with Jesus Christ who is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] These living human agents are to be laborers together with God. They are to seize the opportunities as they appear presented before them, and gathering light from the source of all light they are to reflect light to the world and lead men to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, leaving in clear and distinct lines a bright track heavenward. The harvest is ready, the laborers are few.
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 15)
If there is spiritual life in the members of the church, they will reveal it. You will walk if you have life. You will work infused yourself with the Spirit of God. You will infuse others. Alive unto God are the unmistakable signs of Christ’s abiding in the heart. Christ is the [light] and the life. Those who are drawing nourishment from the life of Christ will reveal the fresh, new life principles to others. “If thy presence go not with us carry us not up hence.” [Exodus 33:15.]
(6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, 16)
Ms 44, 1890
Diary, October and November 1890 Brooklyn to Salamanca, New York October 30 - November 4, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in 9MR 73-75; MR1033 17-20. October 30, 1890 Brooklyn, New York
Yesterday was a trying day for me, especially in the evening. As we approached New York City it was about ten o’clock. I much dislike the elevated railroad. We changed so often, and had to travel up and down the stairs and be exposed to currents of air, with the cold upon me. I was feeling very disagreeable. We waited at one station more than half an hour while Brother Robinson and Willie White went to seek a place to deposit calligraph and large luggage. Here I got cold by being exposed to currents of air, and greatly feared the consequences.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 1)
It was eleven o’clock at night when we reached the mission at Brother Robinson’s. It was some time before we could awaken anyone. We succeeded at last and we were welcomed into the mission. Had a cup of warm drink and retired. The elevated railroad was very near our chamber and the noise of travel was continued until late, but I slept the sleep of weariness. As early as possible after breakfast and a season of prayer we started on our journey back to New York City to take the cars. We had to go through the same wearisome process, going upstairs and downstairs to ride on the elevated railroad, in order to get to our destination.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 2)
We felt thankful when the hurry and bustle were over and we were seated in the cars for Salamanca, N.Y., which place we reached Thursday night at eleven o’clock. I was sick and tired and nervous. It seemed to me I could not endure the overheating of the cars. There was no comfort to passengers notwithstanding their earnest protests. One man would complain of the ventilators being opened or the door being opened and he would succeed in getting them closed. I hope never to have to suffer such nervous prostration as on that car.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 3)
Thursday night. We met Brother Hicks at the depot and he had us as his guests at his home. It was raining all day, and here in this place the ground was covered with snow—the first we had seen this year. All were in bed and Brother Hicks provided hot water for me to drink before retiring.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 4)
Friday morning, October 31, 1890
We were introduced to Brother Hicks’ mother, a kindly looking lady, not a Sabbathkeeper, and not opposed. Brother Hicks’ wife is in the insane asylum in consequence of a fall sixteen years before, striking upon the back of her head. They have a son fifteen years old, a quiet lad. He does not make any profession of religion.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 5)
Brother Hicks is employed to oversee the working force on the railroad, receiving fifteen hundred dollars per year. He embraced the Sabbath and sent in his resignation, but the president of the road did not accept it, so he has continued to keep the Sabbath and do his work. He has been sent for a number of times to oversee some difficult job on the railroad on the Sabbath, but he did not respond and they did not discharge him, for he is faithful and is esteemed highly.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 6)
The Lord demands of us to cultivate faith and love, one for another. There is danger of our becoming self-sufficient, of each supposing he can have his own way. This is always a losing game. The Lord Jesus would have us respect one another.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 7)
Sabbath, November 1, 1890 Salamanca, N. Y.
The cold is very severe upon me. I shall attempt to speak but it will be with difficulty. We have the Congregational Church.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 8)
The Lord did indeed help and strengthen and bless me in speaking to the people, dwelling largely upon the necessity of faith and love for one another as followers of Christ, which has been almost extinct in our churches. The words spoken were heartily received and the seed sown I sincerely believe will start a train of thought that will result in the cultivation of greater love and increased faith in the rich promises of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 9)
I sought to show that God was much grieved and greatly misrepresented by His people remaining in an attitude of doubt and uncertainty and downright unbelief, when the Lord had done so much for them in every way. I presented before them the many, many blessings that we are daily receiving from the Lord, and how little gratitude we express for all these favors. We want to be intelligent, God-fearing men and women, and be thankful and praise God every day of our lives.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 10)
The Lord Jesus has been bestowing upon us every favor from age to age. In the pages of sacred history have been left illustrations and symbols speaking to our outward senses to teach us important spiritual truths. The Lord manifested His power in behalf of His people in their deliverance at the Red Sea. When they crossed the River Jordan, a dry path was made for the mighty hosts of Israel to pass over. The Lord Jesus, the invisible Leader of Israel, gave directions to Joshua to pick twelve stones from the bed of the river. Joshua 4:3. This chapter is of special consequence to us. The history of the children of Israel, as well as the New Testament Scriptures, is our lesson book.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 11)
All the cautions given to Israel are to prevent a degeneracy of the people into the habit of blending with the heathen and associating with them, placing temptations in their own way. This (chapter 4) is a lesson to be carefully studied. We are as a people to guard ourselves diligently lest we forget the charges of the Lord. There are many dangers that we shall avoid if we keep ourselves a distinct people from the world. Our children are the Lord’s heritage to be educated and disciplined, and that most faithfully, to obey God and keep all the words of the Lord in obeying His commandments. Parents are responsible to God for strictly guarding their children in the path of obedience to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 12)
Sunday, November 2, 1890 Salamanca, N. Y.
I am suffering much with the cold in my head, my throat and my lungs. And yet I spoke on the subject of temperance, dwelling largely upon the necessity of training children that they shall not become drunkards. All listened with most earnest attention, and many came and thanked me for the good words spoken. They confessed they had become very indifferent in the training and educating of their children. “If we had heard these words you have spoken from the Lord to us, and done according to the instruction given, our children might now be with us serving the Lord. The blame is wholly on us.”
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 13)
The special instruction given from the Lord Jesus to Moses and Aaron and Caleb, is to us just as much as to them. “We are to keep our children now,” I said, “from the association of worldlings.” While we shall not cease to warn and entreat and try to present the truth to the parents who are unbelievers, to mix and mingle with them in association will be to the ruin of your children.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 14)
Monday, November 3, 1890 Salamanca, N. Y.
I had an appointment Monday afternoon and I tried to fill it. My head was suffering, my ears could scarcely hear my own voice, yet the Lord helped me, else I could not possibly have spoken. I could scarcely stand upon my feet, but I felt the sustaining power of God upon me. I dwelt again upon the necessity of faith, the necessity of loving God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 15)
I could not tell the words I spoke, but many said, “The power of God was upon you. The words came to us as wonderful inspiration.”
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 16)
I know that the words of the Lord Jesus had come to the people. Many spoke of the help they received from the words spoken. I told them to render no thanks to me. God and He alone should have the praise. I was only an instrument in His hands, and I could not have stood upon my feet and spoken at all had not the Lord helped me in a special manner.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 17)
I had a lengthy interview with a sister of Sister Bowen. She has an unbelieving husband who opposes her violently and is cruel and abusive to her and to her children. She attended this meeting without his knowledge, on her way to visit her father and mother. She knows not what is before her. Her husband found her reading the Bible. He took the large family Bible, cut out the family record, besmeared its pages with kerosene oil and threw it into the fire. He burns all her books and papers if he can find them. His ingenuity to discover anything that is of a religious character and consume it, is satanic. The enmity of Satan against God and the truth is not abated, and we need to be imbued [?] with the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 18)
Weary in body and in much discomfort and pain I went to my chamber, my sleeping room. I had painful feelings and thought I would be compelled to return to Battle Creek. The season of the year was unfavorable, the weather changeable, and the cars uncomfortably heated. This prepared us to contract colds, and it seemed presumptuous to attempt to journey from state to state.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 19)
I knelt by my chair to pray, feeling disheartened in reference to my journeying. Many appointments were before me. I had not uttered a word when the whole room seemed filled with a soft, silvery light, and my pain and disappointment and discouragement were removed. I was filled with comfort and hope and the peace of Christ. “My peace will I give unto you.” [John 14:27.] I knew it was upon me. The presence of Jesus was in the room. Genesis 28:12-15. I could better understand the meaning of these words. And Jacob said, “Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”Verses 16, 17. And he was in a desolate wilderness.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 20)
Indeed heaven seemed very near to me, and my heart was filled with joy and gladness. I had no inclination to sleep. I wanted to feast upon the heavenly manna, that bread of life that if we eat thereof we shall live forever. What a night that was to my soul! Every breath was prayer mingled with praise to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 21)
November 4, 1890
We left Salamanca Tuesday, November 4, 1890, about eleven o’clock. The train was delayed and we were obliged to wait at the depot. It was very small and the company that was to take the cars was large. They were mostly our people returning from the meeting. All wished to speak with me and I was able to speak with them. The snow was falling. We were at last seated in the cars and were thankful to be moving. I longed to be where I could write out the things that were opened to me the past night.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 22)
***** [Early 1891 (?)] [Battle Creek, Michigan (?)]
[The following entry is preceded by the words “A letter written from Salamanca, November 3, 1890.” However, since it originally followed Ellen White’s diary entry for December 31, 1890, it probably was written after that date. The words “a letter written from” appear to have been added at a later date when it may actually have slipped Ellen White’s mind as to exactly where she was when she penned these lines. The November 3 date doubtless refers to the subject under discussion, not the date of writing, which was probably early in 1891, although we do not know the actual date.]
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 23)
I had a very marked experience which I hope never to forget. Through the night season I was in communion with God. I was taken out of and away from myself, and was in different states and assemblies, bearing a decided testimony of reproof and warning.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 24)
I was in Battle Creek and in a council assembled there were ministers and responsible men from the Review office. There were sentiments advanced and with no very gentle spirit urged to be adopted, which filled me with surprise and apprehension and distress. Years before I had been called to pass over similar ground, and the Lord had revealed to me many things of importance and given me warnings to be given to His people decidedly. I was commanded to hold the same before them perseveringly and not to fail or be discouraged in this work, for the men who ought to live so close to Jesus Christ that they could discern His voice, receive His counsel, and keep His way, would become exalted and would walk in the sparks of their own kindling. They were not spiritual, could not discern the devices of Satan, and were ignorant in a large degree of his workings. They would adopt plans which appeared wise, but Satan was the instigator of these measures. If these men had the molding of the work, God would be dishonored.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 25)
As far back as 1883 and 1884, testimonies were borne in the tabernacle upon many points of deepest interest and vital importance to our people, in reference to our work and the spirit that must attend the worker. It is all true that Satan is wide-awake. While men sleep he sows his tares. While Satan is manifesting his greatness and power to carry out his rebellion to the bitter end, he is represented as walking about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. It is those who feel self-sufficient and in no danger, who do not feel the necessity of constant prayer and watchfulness, whom he ensnares.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 26)
Through earnest prayer and living faith, the sentinels of God must lay hold, as never before, of the divine nature or they will be found ensnared—professedly working for God but working on Satan’s side of the question, flattering themselves that they are working on Christ’s side. The eyes of their understanding are blinded. They are ignorant of the wonderful and specious devices of Satan, because their eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eyesalve. Their vision is perverted with human wisdom, which in God’s sight is foolishness.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 27)
In a vision given in 1880, I asked, Where is the security for the people of God in these last days of peril? The answer was, “Jesus maketh intercession for His people. Satan stands at His right hand to resist him, ‘And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee; is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?’”Zechariah 3:2. Jesus in His position as Intercessor and Advocate for man is leading all who will be led saying, “Follow me upward and onward step by step, where the clear light of the Sun of Righteousness shines.”
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 28)
Again and again since 1845 the dangers of the people of God have been laid open before me, showing what would be the perils of the people of God in the last remnant of time. These perils have been shown me down to the present time, and on the night of November 3 there was spread out before me some things I could not comprehend. At the same time assurance was given me that the Lord would not allow His people to be enveloped in the fog of worldly skepticism and infidelity, for Christ would lead all who would follow His voice, and be obedient to His commands, up from the fog of worldly malaria to the summit, above the fog of questioning unbelief, where they might breathe the atmosphere of security and might triumph, standing on the solid Rock, a foundation sure and steadfast.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 29)
The only safety for any human soul is to stand on this elevated platform, by the side of our Advocate and Surety, where no wily foe can steal a march upon him, and the light of the throne of God will lighten them every one. Man’s only safety is in combining his humanity with divinity. On this combined power hangs the hope of the perishing world. Perfect humanity is perfect only through connection with deity.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 30)
I was shown that man has sought out many inventions with the aptitude, sharpness, and acute wisdom of Satan’s devices, for he is back of these imaginings. If men would not trust in men, if they would not trust in their own wisdom, which they think is beyond question, but would, in simplicity of faith, trust in the Lord God of Israel, then would they come out of the cave where human reasoning is their strength and stand with God. They could hear His voice and know who it is who speaks with them. Jesus Christ is the only strength and hope of His people. Men will climb to exalted heights, drawing minds to their wisdom. Christ laid hold on the nature of man and erected the cross between humanity and divinity, between heaven and earth, to create a wonderful center of attraction which would draw men across the gulf of sin and separation to Himself, the Lifegiver. “Him hath God the Father sealed.” [John 6:27.] Jesus proclaimed Himself as Him “whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world.” [John 10:36.] At His baptism, all human instrumentality was dispensed with as unworthy of the greatness of the One in whom dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 31)
We have great scenes before us. The Lord is soon to come with power and great glory, but men will bind up in confederacy with men. Satan knows that his power and his usurped authority will be forever at an end and, while he can, he will make the most decided efforts to gain the supremacy. Unless those who claim to believe the truth stand as faithful sentinels on the watchtower, praying earnestly to God, presenting the merits of Jesus Christ, Satan will put evil imaginings in their minds, and for lack of spiritual eyesight and discernment, their voices will utter things which will betray holy, sacred trusts. The enmity of Satan against good will increase steadily, as man exercises his powers in human inventions to carry out his rebellion. Satan and man will form an alliance against heaven and will plan their battles against even the God of heaven, for they know not what spirit they are of. The Lord Himself puts His Spirit, His divine nature, where man can, through Jesus Christ, connect with the One mighty in counsel, and have a renovating energy to expel Satan, and through the divine anointing receive spiritual eyesight to discern who is his counselor, Satan or Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 32)
I saw that strange things would arise—fanciful things. Every man who becomes a laborer together with God will have a hatred of evil, and will resist those passions which are excited and kept in active exercise by Satan to deal treacherously with their fellow brethren. All who will become partakers of the divine nature, having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust, have a constant conflict with Satan, who claims dominion over the earth. Evil angels conspire with evil men that the world shall be held under the sway of Satan. The whole aim of the apostasy is to destroy the champions of God and the truth. Jesus Christ came that the world through Him might have life, but He was scorned as a deceiver and they said of Him, “He hath a devil. He doeth miracles through the prince of devils.” [Verse 20; Matthew 9:34.] The cause of truth will be betrayed and God dishonored.
(6LtMs, Ms 44, 1890, 33)
Ms 45, 1890
Diary, November 1890 Sands, Virginia November 4-11, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2MR 322-331; MR1033 21. Wednesday, November 5, 1890 Sands, Virginia
We left Salamanca, November 4, 1890, about eleven o’clock. On the cars we met Brother Lawhead and his son. We were passing over the same ground that we went over two years ago in journeying to Williamsport at the time of the flood. We changed cars at Elmira and at Williamsport, and then we journeyed to Harrisburg. We tarried there until the next morning. We walked to the hotel from the depot—a few blocks—and we found crowds everywhere yelling at the top of their voices because it was election of the State officers and governor of the State. We did not return until eleven o’clock at night. The noise and shouting kept up all night. We had to be at the train at half past four o’clock. We were called at a quarter before four, giving us three quarters of an hour to dress and to be at the depot, check baggage, and buy tickets.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 1)
We were glad to be seated in the cars, but we had in the cars about one dozen men who had more liquor than good sense. They kept up a constant disturbance, snatching one another’s hats, pounding one another on the head with their hats, tossing them, jamming them up in all kinds of shapes, and placing themselves in pugilistic attitudes. Oh, how sick and tired we were of these performances! We changed cars, and had not been long seated before we changed cars again, for they said the wheel-box was on fire. We got placed in the car, rode a few miles, and then had to change again, for the car was disabled—broken. We went into the same car we had left. It was altogether a very disagreeable ride.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 2)
We reached this place Sands, Va., about twelve o’clock. The train is usually due about eleven o’clock. We found Brother Lewis, who lives within three miles of Washington, waiting with team for us. We rode out one mile. Brother Robinson and Willie White walked. Close by the meeting house which was built for our people, was a building owned by Brother Painter. It was at this time vacant, and the brethren moved into it to entertain those who came. We have very good accommodations, but in marked contrast to the ample and abundant rooms in Salamanca. We seldom find ourselves so well situated in our travels as we did at Brother Hicks’. We have not a thing to complain of, for the Lord’s people here are doing their very best and we are fully satisfied. They are generally poor, but there are some who are more wealthy, and who are able to help advance and sustain the cause of God. Brother Painter is wealthy. God help him to do his whole duty in the work and cause of the Master.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 3)
Thursday, November 6, 1890 Sands, Virginia
Brother Robinson, Sara McEnterfer, Willie White and I were accommodated by Brother Lewis taking us with his horses and carriage about eight miles to Luray to see the caverns. We went into a building and for one dollar each we were furnished a guide, and I was astonished at what my eyes beheld. To give a description of this scene is simply impossible. It was wonderful, too wonderful to describe. We spent one hour and a half, with electric lights and lanterns or a tin with candles, three in each tin. We rode back, taking our dinner as we rode back to our stopping place at Sands. The road was quite rough but we enjoyed the ride very much. The day was mild, the sun shone in clearness, and the scenery was good. I was glad for this privilege to ride. It did us all good. I received letters from Brother McClure, Emma White, and Brother Washburn.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 4)
Friday, November 7, 1890 Sands, Virginia
I arose at five o’clock and had a season of prayer, pleading with the Lord for His presence, His grace, and heavenly wisdom. I asked the Lord to give me health and relieve my heart of its pain and sickness, and I believe that He will hear my prayer and give me the message to bear in demonstrating the Spirit to this people. I had a little visit with some of the family, brethren who have come from West Virginia, across the mountains.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 5)
I wrote several pages this morning, and attended morning meeting. Spoke with great freedom. Many precious testimonies were borne. I told the people I would meet with them every morning if the Lord would give me strength. They need to be educated here, line upon line and precept upon precept. Oh, how I long to have them grasp the rich promises of God and conceive all their possibilities, all their privileges, to ask of Jesus those things which they so much need.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 6)
I spoke again to the people this afternoon at half past two. The house was full and more than half were unbelievers, but they listened with intense earnestness. The Lord gave me strength to speak with great earnestness and power one hour and a half. I feel to praise the Lord that He is renewing my strength and enabling me to bear the message He has given me. Oh, for the baptism of the Holy Ghost! I want the people to have it. They need it. We want rich blessings from the Lord in order to represent Christ to the people. I sent off to the mail sixteen pages, all but four written today.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 7)
November 8 [7?], 1890 Sands, Virginia
I arose early and after seeking the Lord in prayer I wrote many pages. At half past eight attended morning meeting and gave them a morning talk. I sought to revive their faith by relating my experience in Salamanca. Hearts seemed to be touched. I urged them to ask greater blessings of the Lord and to believe that He would bless, and then not to go away and waver about it. The Lord would have us firm and importunate as were Elijah and the importunate widow who obtained their requests because they would not let go.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 8)
I spoke in the afternoon to a house full. The Lord gave me power and grace to present the truth to the people, setting before the people the necessity of seeking the Lord, of setting their own house and hearts in order, and of heeding the Scriptures in bringing up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. My text was in Acts, the commission of Christ to His disciples. [Acts 1:8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 9)
The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking to the people of the necessity of every follower of Christ feeling that he is a missionary for God, the living human agency through whom the Lord will communicate His blessings to others.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 10)
Moses spent forty years as a shepherd of flocks to prepare him to understand himself, and to purify himself by emptying himself [so] that the Lord could accomplish His will in him. The Lord did not take for His workmen mere machines in intellect or feelings. Both are essential to do the work, but these human elements of character must be purged from defects, not by talking of the will of God but by doing His will. If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine. Moses was under training to God. He endured a long process of mental training to fit him to be leader of the armies of Israel.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 11)
Inspiration will come to men of God’s appointment, but not to any man who retains a high idea of his own mental superiority. For every man whom God will use to do His will must have humble ideas of himself, and must seek in persevering earnestness for light. God will not require any man to become a novice and to sink down into a voluntary humility, and become more and more incapacitated. God calls upon everyone with whom He works to do the very highest kind of thinking and praying and hoping and believing.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 12)
Many have, as had Moses, very much to unlearn in order to learn the very lessons that they need to learn. He had need to be self-trained by severest mental and moral discipline, and God wrought with him before he could be fitted to train others in mind and heart. He had been instructed in the Egyptian courts. Nothing was left as unnecessary to train him to become a general of armies. The false theories of the idolatrous Egyptians had been instilled into his mind, and the influences surrounding him and things his eyes looked upon could not be easily shaken off or corrected. Thus it is with many who have had a false training in any line. All the idolatrous rubbish of heathen lore must be removed, bit by bit, item by item, from Moses’ mind. Jethro helped him in many things to a correct faith, as far as he himself understood. He was working upward toward the light when he could see God in singleness of heart. God Jehovah was revealed to him. This thorough intellectual training in Egypt, and as a shepherd among the mountains, in the pure air, made him a strong thinker and a strong doer of the Word of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 13)
God has done everything for us. What have we done? Shall we become faithful stewards of His grace? Shall we receive from the Lord Jesus His gifts to impart? “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” [1 John 2:15.] Our life is to be a trial of faith. We are to recognize that a heavenly hand is reached out to us. In laying aside our tenth for God, we shall be able also to present gifts and offerings. This is the Lord’s method of saving our souls from worldliness, from greed, and from selfishness. He has made us His stewards. He imparts to all who love Him, that they may impart to others. With the Lord’s imparted gifts in our hands, we are to feel that the Lord has made us His stewards, to be employed by Him. He has made my heart one with the heart of Christ, who gave His life and all the honors and riches of heaven that one, through faith, shall have eternal riches.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 14)
Sabbath, November 8, 1890 Sands, Virginia
We have beautiful weather. Willie White spoke in the morning with great freedom and his discourse made a favorable impression on all who heard him. This is the very work the Lord would have him to do. His work will be more in this line as he will necessarily have to accompany me from place to place as I journey among the people of God. I have had neither of my sons to accompany me. I have been alone with Sara McEnterfer as my companion. It is time this order of things changed. Willie is correspondent of foreign missions, and I need him, and he must be prepared to preach the gospel to the people wherever he goes.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 15)
I spoke in the afternoon from John 17. The Lord gave me much of His Holy Spirit. The house was full. I called those forward who wished to seek the Lord more earnestly and for those who wished to give themselves to the Lord a whole sacrifice. For a time not one made a move, but after a while many came forward and bore testimonies of confession. We had a precious season of prayer and all felt broken down, weeping and confessing their sins. Oh, that each may understand! It is their privilege to apportion out their means, putting it into circulation to supply the deficiencies by giving back to the Lord His own portion to advance His cause in the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 16)
Sunday, November 9, 1890 Sands, Virginia
Attended morning meetings and walked to them. There are crowds coming in to the meeting. Not more than one half could get entrance into the house. Brother Miles spoke in the forenoon.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 17)
I spoke in the afternoon from Matthew 6:19. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt.” I had freedom in addressing the people, but not more than half could get into the house. Nine hundred and thirty-five, by count, were in the house and outside. Platforms were made by the windows and many stood by the windows on the platform of boards, and others [stood] on the ground. The windows were opened so that they could hear. Many were in uncomfortable positions, pressed up as close to the windows as possible to hear the word of life. The platform of the desk was crowded with men and women.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 18)
I thought if Jesus were here it might be a profitable occasion indeed. Oh, how difficult it is to entertain the idea that Jesus is actually in our midst, but it is truth. I thought of the many occasions when the crowds had come out to hear Jesus. In such large gatherings there is more or less confusion, one crowding upon another. But Jesus patiently bore all their rudeness and all the inconvenience, and so must we if we can only plant the seeds of truth in some hearts. I was surprised that there was as much quiet as there was. Many, many were standing all the time. Many scarcely moved from their positions during the one hour and a half I was speaking.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 19)
I wished we had been accommodated with a large tent where we could gather all under the tent and conveniently seat them. But that opportunity to reach many of all classes has passed into eternity and we will never know the effect of the message borne until the judgment. Oh, how my heart is drawn out to have those who claim to believe the truth to teach others also. Those who can speak the Word should be faithful. But there is much ministering to be done, and the Holy Spirit alone can move upon hearts to do service for God in winning souls to Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 20)
Monday, November 10, 1890 Sands, Va.
I slept this morning unusually long. It was five o’clock before I left my bed. After a season of prayer, I wrote important matters to which my mind was called in a dream. I know it was a message for this people. I read the same in the early morning meeting.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 21)
The meetings were good. I urged upon all present to arouse to their God-given responsibilities at home and abroad. The Lord Jesus has given in His teachings important lessons on faith and love and the comparative claims of heaven and earth. The Lord Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, understands the human heart. He understands the dangers and perils of Satan’s temptations to make the world all-absorbing. There is our danger. If these temptations prevail, the love of God is expelled from the soul and the love of the world fills the vacuum. No earthly power can change this order of things. The love of God brought back to the human heart the power of God. Working with man’s human effort, this power can dislodge the love of the world by keeping a better world in view.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 22)
I spoke to a full house in the afternoon from John 14. The Lord put His Holy Spirit upon me in large measure. There was a large attendance of unbelievers. We hoped, when we made the call for all who wished to take their stand for the Lord more fully, that several would have strength to decide, but something held them. The enemy seemed to have power over them and none led out on this occasion. After much labor and a season of earnest prayer, some responded and yet we felt that there should have been a more earnest response. We had done our duty. We could do no more. But we were disappointed at the reluctance to move. Many were in the house that we knew were not in a prepared state to work for the Master either in their own house or in their neighborhood or in the church, but it seemed that a spell was upon them.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 23)
We prayed most earnestly to God for His Holy Spirit. I wanted strength to bear the burdens and labor as the Lord would have me. I had the spirit of supplication for the baptism of the Spirit of the Lord upon those who had been set as ministers of the people. Oh, I know that they needed the converting power of God just then and there upon their own hearts, before they were prepared to strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die. How my heart is pained to see that those who profess to love God are not advancing step by step from light to a greater light, that they may answer the claims of God. Why will they remain in a lukewarm state, neither cold nor hot?
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 24)
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.] I contemplate the great possibilities and probabilities in these last days for the people of God whose privilege it is to walk in the light as He is in the light. As we approach the end of earth’s history we shall have increased power, proportionate to the trials to which we are subjected. We are not to keep ourselves in a state of worry and doubt, binding up our souls in the perplexities of unbelief and worldliness, in worrying and scolding and fretting, but wait on the Lord, in perfect obedience to His will, and we shall see the salvation of God from day to day. He always gives strength as our day shall be—strength and grace proportionate to the trials and tests and conflicts we are obliged to meet.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 25)
Of the church the Lord says, Why stand ye here all the day idle? Work while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work. [Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] There is no time for us to plan and study how we can amuse ourselves, please our own fancies, follow our own methods. The mind may reach high attainments by being directed in the right channel, but if not properly cultivated it reaches no higher than the lowlands of earth. It settles in the dust. God means that His people shall have a deep and rich experience themselves for the benefit of others. He means that the capabilities of the mind shall be developed and shall triumph over circumstances. God is to be made the center of everything. Earthly things are not to be allowed to have the ascendency.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 26)
The Lord Jesus in His work and in His instruction lifts up His voice to break the spell of infatuation upon human minds and asks the momentous question, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” or “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.]
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 27)
Disease and death are in our world, and how little we know when our individual probation shall end. It is a painful matter for me to consider how many, if now called to render up their accounts, would do it with grief, regret, and remorse that their God-given probationary time was so fully employed in self-serving. The soul—the eternal interest of the soul—has been fearfully neglected for unimportant affairs. The mind is kept busy, just as Satan designs it shall be, with selfish interests and nothing of any consequence, and time may be passing into eternity without a fitting up for heaven at all.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 28)
What can be compared with the loss of a human soul? It is a question which every soul must determine for himself—whether to gain the treasures of eternal life or to lose all because of his neglect to make God and His righteousness his first and only business. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, who gave His own precious life that every son and daughter of Adam might have life—eternal life—in the kingdom of God, looks with grief upon the large number of those who profess to be Christians who are not serving Him but themselves. They scarcely think of eternal realities, notwithstanding He calls their attention to the rich reward awaiting the faithful who will serve Him with their undivided affections. He brings eternal realities within the range of their vision. He bids them to count the cost now of being an obedient and faithful follower of Christ, and says, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.]
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 29)
He would have every individual sense his responsibility to so use his precious time here in this world that it will be fruitful daily in good works. This is the only worthy aim of every living mortal—to employ his God-given faculties with endless results in view.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 30)
It is my Father’s good pleasure that ye bear much fruit. The heart is to be guarded. The seed plot is to be weeded of its weeds of vanity and every circumstance in life is to be so arranged that it shall not shut heaven from our view. The lessons of Christ are to plant precious seeds of truth in the soil of the heart, that the yield may be a hundred fold of rich, precious fruit unto eternal life.
(6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, 31)
Ms 46, 1890
Diary, November 1890 Washington, D. C. to Brooklyn, New York November 13-20, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in MR1033 24-26, 28-29. November 13, 1890 Washington, D. C.
In the morning. I am not feeling well. I feel sensibly the taxation that was upon me through hard labor at Sands, Va. There is a gathering in my ear.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 1)
I visited Dr. Davis, who is one with us in the faith. He examined my teeth and tells me that there is nothing to be done to them. I am relieved, for I feared that my teeth might cause the pain in my ear. Dr. Davis tells me his mother is coming today at noon. He telegraphed for her when he heard I was coming to Washington. Our acquaintance with Sister Davis has been for the past forty years. She lived with her husband in Woodstock, Maine. Her husband died a few years since. She spends the winters with her son, who is one of the superior dentists, and has held an important position in a high institution of learning for years, educating a class in dentistry. He gave up his position because of the Sabbath, and now he practices dentistry, giving himself wholly to his profession, yet continuing his lectures before the students.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 2)
Thursday, November 13, 1890 Washington, D. C.
This day was not without its trials. There is a sense of exhaustion. I try to leave my case in the hands of God. I keep my mind in a praying, supplicating position that the Lord will impart to me His own Holy Spirit, for I know that without His special help I shall not be able to speak to the people. I have to understand what it is to fight the fight of faith. The enemy seeks so hard to cast his hellish shadow before my pathway, that he may shut out the blessed presence of Jesus, who is life and light and truth. I have not been able to speak nights without paying the penalty in a sleepless night.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 3)
We rode in the streetcar about three quarters of an hour to the hall—the place of meeting. This was a commodious place. The hall was full and I spoke with freedom upon the lesson of Christ to His disciples—the vine and the branches. John 15. The Lord gave me much freedom and the trembling of nerves left me after I had spoken about five minutes. His grace strengthened me. My own soul was watered while I was trying to water others, and I knew the presence of Jesus was in our midst. His Spirit and grace were watering the seed sown. Praise the name of the Lord! I sought to bring before the people the necessity of knowing what Jesus Christ was to us individually. A theoretical knowledge of Jesus Christ is quite universal, but a practical knowledge of Jesus Christ those only who are in truth united as the branch to the parent vine stock know what Jesus is to them. They draw the sap and the nourishment from the living Vine and they yield the same fruit as the parent stock.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 4)
November 14, 1890 Washington, D. C.
We had the privilege of speaking to some I had met two years before when I visited Washington, and my heart rejoiced to see a goodly number who had embraced the truth since that time. Many noble, intelligent men and women pressed forward to take my hand, and expressed their pleasure in hearing me speak. Their earnest request [is] for me to spend a few weeks with them and teach them the way of the Lord more perfectly.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 5)
We found the cab waiting for us. We went directly from the meeting to the depot. Brother _____ accompanied us to the city of New York. My son Willie left Wednesday night, in response to the second urgent request from Elder Olsen to meet him just as early as possible. I consented to have him leave the same night. He arrived in Washington at noon, 12 o’clock, and left at 11 o’clock at night.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 6)
We were pleased to learn a train left about ten p.m. My berth had been procured, and I had the privilege of resting in my berth. When we reached Baltimore, the car we were in was filled with an offensive oil smell, combined with heavy smoke. I was afraid the fire box [axle] was on fire and that this caused the smoke. We tarried some time in Baltimore, and I tried to keep my breathing organs covered so as not to take into my lungs the oppressive atmosphere that was almost stifling.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 7)
November 15, 1890 Brooklyn, New York
We arrived here in this city Friday morning. I was pleased to ride all the way from the ferry in the streetcar and not on the elevated railroad. We had a good room assigned to my use exclusively, but the elevated railroad goes directly by the house and I was fearful the thundering noise would prevent me from sleeping. There is a large company who are being accommodated in three different tenements.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 8)
Sunday, November 16, 1890 Brooklyn, New York
I spoke to a full house at eleven o’clock Sabbath a.m. with much freedom. I do not think I have ever seen a better class of people before me. There was nobility and intelligence. We had a good social meeting. Many excellent testimonies were borne. The sisters Charlotte and Sarah Haskins, whom I knew in my youth, were present to hear me. I was glad to meet them. Spoke from John 15.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 9)
Brooklyn, N.Y., Sunday, November 16. I spoke to the people with much freedom from 2 Peter 1, first 8 verses.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 10)
November 17, 1890 Brooklyn, New York
Attended morning meeting and spoke to the people with much freedom upon the subject of faith and the righteousness of Christ. Brother Lindsay made decided confession to the point. He called those forward who desired a deeper work of grace in their hearts. Quite a number responded, and by request I prayed in their behalf. The Lord came graciously near to bless us, and we know that He has peace and rest for the souls of all who come to Him as their only hope. We so much desire the softening, subduing influence of the Spirit of God upon our own hearts. I remained for the conference meeting and was requested to speak and say what I thought of having a ministerial school established in Brooklyn, united with a school for the canvassers and educating Bible Readers. I told them I was not prepared to speak to the point intelligently. I wished to give the subject more reflection and earnest prayer, seeking counsel from God.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 11)
November 18, 1890 Brooklyn, New York
Attended morning meeting. We had an excellent meeting. Many live testimonies were borne. I tried to impress upon the people that we must have simplicity of faith and perfect trust in our heavenly Father. I felt urged by the Spirit of God to speak plainly.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 12)
We remained for the conference meeting, and many important matters were discussed. I was again called on for my counsel in reference to having a school held in New York City. I answered that I had light upon this matter, that I could now speak. It was not advisable to have a school [in New York] for the purpose of educating ministers or canvassers. There was such a school already in session in Battle Creek. Facilities and a combination of varied talents were positively essential to make such a school a complete success. To have one man’s mind, one man’s mold, and one man’s talent as educator, or even the talents of two or three men, were not all that was necessary. There must be a broader and deeper work in educating ministers to understand the Scriptures, and to labor intelligently and devotedly, humbly walking with God. The work of fitting up canvassers was another thing, although this work also demanded that men appointed to educate in this line should be men who were in close communion with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 13)
Thursday, November 20, 1890 Brooklyn, New York
I arose at four o’clock. Sought the Lord in prayer. This is a day of feebleness to me, yet I will put my trust in God, who is my helper and my God. I wrote many pages to be used at the present time, at the close of this year 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 14)
With Sara I fulfilled an engagement to take dinner with Brother and Sister King. Again I mounted two pairs of stairs to reach the elevated railroad to take the cars for their place. We had one change. I feel very disagreeable in riding so high up in the air. We had a very pleasant visit. Sister King is the sister of Sister Tay and one with whom we have been long acquainted.
(6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, 15)
Ms 47, 1890
Diary [Nov. 20-24]/“I spoke this evening” Refiled as Ms 29, 1890.
Ms 48, 1890
Reflections on Labors in Brooklyn, New York Steamer City of Boston November 26, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in UL 344; 4MR 41, 309-311; 13MR 31.
On the Steamer, “City of Boston,” November 26, 1890.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 1)
This day I am entering the sixty-fourth year. Sixty-three years are in the past. This day has been one of close application to my writing to prepare an article for the Week of Prayer. I had just time to pack my satchel after finishing my article. Then, in company with Brother Miles and Sara, we stepped on board the streetcar, changed at bridge for elevated rail car, then walked a few blocks, and stepped on board the horse car, then changed again for another car which brought us to the boat. The Broadway street is quite narrow and it was blockaded and very difficult to make our way, but we are now on the boat and in our stateroom. Very comfortably situated.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 2)
It is now half past five o’clock, and I am writing. I look back and review the experience of the time we have spent in Brooklyn. It has been a season long to be remembered. Several of our ministering brethren were present at this meeting. There were many more in numbers composing the church in New York City and Brooklyn than we expected to see. We were much pleased with the intelligence of those who had taken their position on the commandments of God. We were happily disappointed to meet so many of like precious faith coming in from other churches. I spoke four times in public assembly and four times in the morning meetings and conference meetings. I was blessed with much freedom. There seemed to be no unbelief and prejudice to block the way and no exercise of a spirit in any way to counteract the influence of the testimony given me to bear to the people. My spirit was refreshed while seeking to comfort others with the same consolation and hope wherewith I was comforted.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 3)
Another feature of the meeting was the bright, happy, cheerful faces that were pleasant to look upon and then the testimonies that were so cheerfully and gladly given, almost universally of a hopeful character. The hearts of many were brimming full and running over with gratitude that they had been blessed with the privilege of hearing the truth and with hearts ready to respond to the drawing influences of the Spirit of God. This is that which the true witness describes as “the first love.” [Revelation 2:4.]
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 4)
It was evident that these precious souls had something more than formality. They had spirit and life and the manifest ministration of the Spirit. All testimonies borne by ministers and lay-members were explicit upon the point of disclaiming any pretensions or power in themselves in their most earnest reasoning and in the proclamation of the truth, of conveying saving knowledge to any minds. The agency of the Holy Spirit of God alone could touch and subdue the human heart. The necessity was urged upon all hearers to pray for divine illumination and [to] search the Scriptures for themselves. All their most earnest efforts would prove an entire failure unless the Lord Himself should by His divine power combine with the human agency. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”Zechariah 4:6. If they work after the perseverance and untiring energy of Paul, if they bring into their labors the eloquence and melting and subduing love of Apollos, they must, as did those workers, not trust in their ability to accomplish the work but do as they did, trust alone in God to water the seed sown and to give the increase.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 5)
I was gratified to see the Spirit of the Lord working its sure work in human hearts. Sabbath, November 22 was a day I can never forget. I was awakened in the night with a burden of supplication. I could not give up the point [that] we must have a deeper realization of the sacredness, the solemnity and necessity of constant connection with the Lord in the work. I had a sense of my own efficiency to do anything, constantly compassed with infirmities, perplexities and trials pressing without, that, if I looked away from Jesus, my only Helper, threaten to overwhelm me. My only hope and courage were drawn from one source. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”John 14:6. Everything else seemed fading away into hopeless darkness.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 6)
This occasion was a season of wrestling in earnest prayer to God. I could say with Jacob of old, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.”Genesis 32:26. And like Moses as he interceded with God, “Send me not up to speak to the people unless thy presence go with me.” The work is solemn, the message to be borne so important, I cannot live under the weight of the responsibility. Jesus take it, carry the burden for me, and make me a fit vessel into which Thou canst put the new wine.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 7)
I had the revealings of the Spirit of God: “I will give you rest. Quietude and peace you can find only in Me.” I have never been able to see far in the future and understand what I shall do far ahead. One step at a time, and then another and another. Every step must be in faith and simplicity. The Divine power urges rest on the child of God [when we are] unable to tell the future result of our course of action. God says, “Go and do My will,” and we obey. The peace of Christ which passeth knoweth came into my heart. I felt the assurance that the everlasting arms were around me, and I had a solemn sense of His matchless love.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 8)
What shall we do when men will not hear and receive the message from God. The message is borne, but frequently how different the result from that which was expected. The hearts we hoped to make glad are filled with distrust and resistance and hatred of the message and messenger because it cannot say peace when there is no peace. Then having done the will of God, it is our place to wait patiently and continue to do the biddings of the Lord, whatever may be the consequences. Bear the message God gives. We must not allow unbelief to see God through circumstances, for circumstances often change. Satan makes circumstances. Faith must put the promises of God, who will not lie, between them and circumstances, and seeing God between themselves and circumstances. We are apt to plan too much ourselves [with] our schemes to do wonderful things, but that [which] we think wise ways, may need much pruning.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 9)
Said Jesus, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.”John 5:19, 20.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 10)
This is the very position every child of God should be in—the very same as Christ represents He was in to the Father. Look to Christ, preach Christ, heed the ways of Christ, observe and study the manner of His teachings and copy Christ, and you will work wisely.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 11)
Sabbath day was a good day. I had much freedom in speaking to the full house on Sabbath. The Lord Jesus seemed to be close by my side and His presence was everywhere in the house. I spoke from the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, and I was aware that the Lord sent home the words spoken with thrilling power to the hearts of those who heard. Countenances I saw looked as if the Sun of Righteousness was shining upon them. After the discourse in the social meeting when the testimonies were borne, how heavenly they seemed to me! I knew that the Spirit of the Lord was speaking to these souls. We invited those who desired a living connection with God to come forward. There was a ready response and those who came forward bore a decided, earnest testimony of their purposes and made their requests for prayer for themselves, their fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, wives and husbands.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 12)
The period of prayer was marked by fervent, heartfelt petitions and praise and thanksgiving to God. We knew that Jesus was in our midst just as certainly as if we saw Him with human vision.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 13)
We have the word, the sure promise of God, that if we seek the Lord with all our heart, He will be found of us. Why do we not believe with all our heart that the Lord means what He says and that He will fulfill His pledged word?
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 14)
(Acts 2:38, 39): Peter speaking to the people under the inspiration of the Spirit of God said, “And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” This promise embraces every son and daughter of Adam who will obey the drawing of the Spirit of God. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit we had in this meeting. When the heart is emptied of self, then there is no obstruction and the Spirit of the Lord will come into the heart. We may claim the promise individually. We are to open the door of the heart and receive the fulness of the Holy Spirit, clothed with salvation as with a garment, then the ministry of the Word will be with power.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 15)
But first we must be emptied of self. The Lord cannot fill the heart with His glorious light when the heart is preoccupied and full of self-sufficiency, self-importance. It took the whole of ten days of self-examination and repentance and confession and earnest prayer before the heart and mind were prepared for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Just in proportion as the soul seeking God becomes emptied of self and self-sufficiency and self-esteem, will he see the Lamb of God and appreciate His work and be changed to His image from glory to glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 16)
Will the individual members of the church let Christ make of themselves new bottles that hold the wine of His kingdom, the oil of His grace? The old self-complacent, self-righteous spirit has so long been cherished that the old bottles cannot contain the new and divine enlightenment. Shall we be content to be empty, broken vessels that cannot receive the new wine? Will we give ourselves in surrender to God that He may make new bottles of us that He can put the wine of His grace into the prepared bottles? Let us surrender to God and give up our way and our will to God’s way and God’s will. If you ask God to work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure, you must keep your plans out of the way and let God plan for you. Present yourself as wholly emptied of self to the workings of the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 17)
Your own stubborn will must be conformed to the will of God. Fall on the Rock and be broken and then will the soul be filled with the fullness of God. If you want the will of God to become your will, He wants this more urgently than you can desire. Just as soon as you clear the rubbish from the door of the heart and open it, Jesus will come in with His holy presence. The bright sunbeams of the Sun of righteousness are waiting to fill all the chambers of the mind and the heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 18)
How my heart rejoiced to see and know that the Lord drew very near unto His people, and they did not resist and repulse the Spirit of God but recognized the Holy Spirit and opened the door of the heart for its entrance.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 19)
Bro. W. became very pale, while a light was shining in his countenance and he acknowledged the Comforter and rejoiced that he felt, as he had never done before, the fullness of the love of God in his soul, and offered tribute of praise and thanksgiving to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 20)
Brother C. from Chicago had been in great trial and temptation but he was sustained under his trial and he would not allow Satan [to] have the victory, and here the Lord revealed Himself to C. His words in relating his experience afterward were in substance these: “I said I believed others would be blessed, and why not the Lord bless me? The promise is to all who seek Him with the whole heart. Lord, I will, I do believe,” and then he had such a sense of the blessing of the Lord. He never felt, he said, as happy before, such an assurance that Jesus was close by him, not visible to human sight but distinctly viewed by the eye of faith in His attractive loveliness. He viewed the Saviour as possessing such attributes of loveliness as no language can picture. He came to the meeting heavy in spirit, but he was light in the Lord. All depression was gone. He viewed his trials through which he had been passing as a precious portion of his experience. He felt thankful to the Lord that He did not leave him on his own way to follow out the suggestions of the enemy to disconnect himself with the work of God. He would not leave his position of trust, for the Lord Jesus had taken up His abode with him and henceforth the Lord should have His way with him to will and to do of His own good pleasure. He said he longed to see his friends in Chicago, [so] that he could tell them what the Lord had done for his soul and the precious experience he had passed through.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 21)
There were several who related a similar experience on that occasion. Jesus of Nazareth did indeed pass by and leave a rich blessing to the hearts of His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 22)
The surest evidence we have that Jesus is abiding in the soul temple is [that] there is a sensitiveness to sin, tenderness of conscience, and of a growing sense of the preciousness of Jesus. The name of Jesus seems full of fragrance. There is a living sense that the soul is connected with divine power, for the heart is in sympathy with His mind and purposes.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 23)
Jesus Christ explains to His disciples His connection with the Father and teaches them the secret of His abiding in His Father’s love. “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.”John 15:10.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 24)
Full and entire recognition of the ways and will of God will be revealed by implicit obedience to all the words that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. This is being doers of the word and [not] hearers only. One continued action of disobedience, however small you may regard it, clogs the channel of light and the bestowment of increased sacred gifts of God, and will result eventually in losing the precious evidences of His love we already have. The keeping of all the commandments of God, if we have the mind of Christ, will be the delight of the soul. We will exclaim with David, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”Psalm 1:1-3.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 25)
Those who are resisting the Spirit of God in testimonies of reproof and warnings will be left with their own crooked ways and blind to the necessities, boasting of their riches and increase of goods, “And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”Revelation 3:17.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 26)
Here the true and faithful witness makes His declaration of their true condition of those who stood in attitude, saying, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Then the counsel in (verse 18) is the pleading of the Spirit of God. “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”Revelation 3:18.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 27)
To reveal to you your true spiritual destitution, I set your true condition before you in warnings and reproof. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous, therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”Revelation 3:19-22.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 28)
It is rashness and folly to close the ear and refuse the words of warning, reproof, and counsel [that] the Spirit saith unto the churches, for it will be, to those who refuse to hear and correct their course of action, eternal loss.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 29)
Satan is constantly alluring away from faithfulness and thoroughness in the essential works of preparedness for the great event which will try every man’s soul. The work in the heavenly sanctuary is going forward. Jesus is cleansing the sanctuary. The work on earth corresponds with the work in heaven. The heavenly angels are at work constantly to draw man, the living agent, to look to Jesus to contemplate and meditate upon Jesus that he may, in viewing the perfection of Christ, be impressed with the imperfections of his own character. The Comforter Christ promised to send, He declared, “shall testify of Me.” [John 15:26.] This is the burden of the message for this time. Go lift up Jesus as the world’s only hope. Stop your controversies, cease your debating, which tends to create prejudice and opposition and leads to immature decisions, that fasten souls against Christ when they might have been gathered with Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 30)
We need a continual sense of our entire dependence upon the Spirit of God, laying off the fighting armor, putting on the armor of Christ’s righteousness. “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”Luke 24:45-48.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 31)
Talk as Christ talked; work as Christ worked. We must look to Christ and live. Catching sight of His loveliness, we long to practice the virtues and righteousness of Christ. It is by beholding Christ that we become changed into His image. [By] renouncing self, giving our hearts up wholly to Jesus for His Spirit to refine, ennoble, and elevate, we will be in close connection with the future world, bathed in the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness. We rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Then we are commanded to go into other cities and towns and tell them the good news with hearts all aglow with divine love, even to them that are afar off, even as many as the Lord your God shall call.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 32)
Tell to others the blessed truths of His Word, and in obeying the words of Christ, we continue in His love. How He urges us by the love we bear to Him to keep His commandments. He does this, not to urge us to do impossible things, but because He knows what it means to keep His Father’s commandments. He wants every soul that heareth His invitation to say the same to others, and to receive His richest gifts, for He knows that in keeping the commandments of God, we are not brought into servile bondage, but are made free through the blood of Jesus Christ. “And in keeping of them (His commandments) there is great reward.”Psalm 19:11.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 33)
Tell it to others with pen and voice, with piety, with humility, with love, representing the character of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 34)
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”Revelation 22:17.
(6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, 35)
Ms 49, 1890
Diary, November and December 1890 Norwich, Connecticut November 26 - December 3, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in MR1033 32-36.
On the Steamer en route for Norwich, evening of November 26, 1890
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 1)
We left Brooklyn—Brother Miles, Sara McEnterfer, and I—to go to our appointment at Norwich, Conn. We said goodbye to Willie, not expecting to see him again for three weeks. Then we will meet him in Washington, D.C.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 2)
We first took [a] streetcar as far as the bridge, then we climbed the stairs to the elevated railroad, then down the stairs after we crossed the bridge. We were on the crowded street of Broadway, dodging this way and then that way between teams, narrowly escaping being run over. We reached a car we wished to take, and it went very slowly, being obstructed with heavily loaded vehicles again and again. Changed cars again, and just as we were about to get on board the horsecar, there came a heavily loaded wagon drawn by two powerful horses. They almost collided with the streetcar and became fixed for a time onto the car. I saw a place where we could dodge past the team and board the train. I ran, calling the others to follow with the baggage, which they did, and once more we were moving along. Soon we were obstructed with heavily loaded wagons. As we were near the wharf, we decided to leave the car and walk; it was only a few rods. We were able, after going before teams and behind them and between them, to pass down the gangplank into the boat. Here I am writing, sitting in my berth in my stateroom.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 3)
I had opportunity to write until it was thought best to get to rest. We had good convenience in the line of beds.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 4)
I was awakened out of my sleep by someone rapping on my door. I asked what was wanted and was asked where we were bound. I told them, To Norwich, Conn. At one o’clock the boat stopped. Then, to our sorrow, we learned that the gangway where all the luggage or freight was loaded and unloaded was directly beneath our stateroom. There was the noise of trundling wheelbarrows, orders being given, and the loading of barrels until morning. A very poor chance to sleep! We were to be awakened at four o’clock, but our awakening commenced at one o’clock and continued until four.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 5)
We must take the cars at five o’clock. It was bitterly cold, yet beautifully pleasant. We walked quite a distance to the depot. There was a large waiting room—one room for men and women. Cards were hanging on the walls saying, “No Smoking in This Room,” and yet there were several men smoking away unrestrained. How glad I was to get on board the cars!
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 6)
After riding about one hour, we came to Norwich and decided to walk nearly one mile to Brother and Sister Greer’s. We reached the place about six o’clock. It was hardly light. We rang the bell again and again, but no one heard. We tried at another door with better success and roused Brother Greer and he let us in. Soon Sister Greer was up and we were made welcome. Thus ended my entering of my sixty-fourth [year].
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 7)
November 27, 1890
November 27 we were among strangers in a place we had never visited before. We had both become so thoroughly chilled that it was very difficult to get the blood to the surface in good circulation. We walked out, Sara and I, about one mile, and the air was sharp but bracing. I came to the breakfast table at nine o’clock. Oh how hungry I was! I ate very heartily. Dinner was at three o’clock and I was again hungry for dinner. It was Thanksgiving Day. I tried to sleep some, but I could sleep only a few moments. Brother Miles talked that night to the few assembled. The people were very much scattered and cannot readily assemble at the meetinghouse.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 8)
Friday, November 28, 1890 Norwich, Conn.
I am quite comfortable today. Wrote many pages to send to Battle Creek to be read during the week of prayer. We rode out to Norwichtown, Conn., three miles. Purchased cloth shoes, for my feet are cold and I dare not continue to have them cold. I was pleased to get back to my place where I was entertained. I spoke in the evening from John 14. “If ye love me keep my commandments,” etc. [Verse 15.] There was not a large number present. I had a measure of freedom in speaking. Brother Robinson and Farman [?] came to this place last night at eleven o’clock.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 9)
November 29, 1890 Norwich, Conn.
Evening after the Sabbath. It is milder today. There was less than one hundred present, but they are indeed a very intelligent people who have embraced the truth. I spoke from (Acts 1), on the commission given by Christ to His disciples. I had freedom in speaking. As we were so scattered, meeting [was] held from eleven o’clock. We were in Sabbath school one hour. I spoke at twelve.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 10)
The word seemed to reach hearts, and when the social meeting was in session many spoke right to the point. A physician, Dr. Smith, has taken his stand upon the truth and is ardent in faith. He is a popular man and of excellent repute. He bore a decided testimony. He said when the text was read—Christ’s commission to His disciples—the words thrilled him through and through. He expressed, as did several, thankfulness to God that He had sent Sister White to them to speak to them the truth. I tried to present the character of Christ as a teacher. He made the truth to appear in its exalted, holy character. He ever exalted the moral law as the elevated standard of righteousness. He dwelt much upon the relation human beings bear to God and to each other. “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God: and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” [1 John 4:7.]
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 11)
Sunday, November 30, 1890 Norwich, Conn.
I spoke in the afternoon. The house of worship was full. I have seldom addressed a more intelligent audience. I spoke from (Luke 19), of Christ’s riding into Jerusalem. The attention of every one was riveted. I had special strength given me from the Lord, and His Holy Spirit impressed the hearts of the hearers. There was deep feeling in the congregation. My heart was filled with gratitude to my Saviour that I was sustained by His Holy Spirit in speaking to the people.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 12)
December 3, 1890 Norwich
I am drawing nigh to God with all the power of my being, and I praise His name. The Lord is indeed fulfilling His promise in drawing nigh unto me. I have the sweet peace of Christ in my soul. I feel a deep longing day and night for the continual baptism of the Holy Ghost, because I cannot have any strength of my own. I must have divine power. I cannot make my own labors of value, but as Christ has paid the ransom money for my soul I must consider that soul of value, and every power of soul, body, and mind must be the Lord’s wholly and without reserve. I want to learn daily the art of faith and the grace of submission, that I may have the meekness and gentleness of Christ. I do not want to be satisfied with anything short of a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 13)
I visited Brother Appley’s family, about one-half mile out, and it seemed like home to us. It commenced snowing in the morning and continued until the ground was covered with its white blanket. Brother Greer kindly took us with his horse and carriage to the place. Rain set in and it was a very disagreeable evening, but I had an appointment at the church. The rain poured from the heavens. Sister Greer loaned me her rubber ulster. The slush and water was so deep it went over my rubbers, and it was dangerous, slippery walking, because of the ice upon the rocks leading into the church. Sara fell as she was leaving the church. The lantern flew out of her hand, and the globe came off and rolled down in the gutter. She struck her head on the steps and it made her faint and dizzy. Brother Farman [?] came out to deliver a telegram which was to go to Battle Creek and he fell, but was not injured much. We thank the Lord that these two escaped without further injury.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 14)
I spoke to the few assembled in regard to the rise and progress of the messages and my experience and connection with the work in 1843 and 1844 and since that time. This was not a pleasant task for me, but I knew the people had no real knowledge of my work, and this is what they needed. There was no one present who had had an experience in these messages, and I must speak for myself and for the work in which I have been called to act a part.
(6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, 15)
Ms 50, 1890
Diary, December 1890 Lynn, Massachusetts December 4-9, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in MR1033 36-40. December 4, 1890 Lynn, Massachusetts
Wrote six pages to Sister Ings. We left Norwich a little after eight o’clock. Rode three miles to the village in the streetcar. Waited about half an hour and then stepped into the car. I had some talk with Elders Robinson and Farman in regard to their tarrying in Norwich over the Sabbath. Much needs to be done for the church in that place. They need a personal experience in the truth and in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent into the world. Some talk was made in regard to sending Brother Farman to Putnam to help us in the change of cars which we must make at that place, since Sara was nearly sick with the effects of her fall the previous night, but I thought we could manage. Sara agreed with me that we would not make any extra expense. We had no trouble in making the change. We were met in Boston by Elder Fifield, who took the weighty part of the baggage. We took a hack across the city and then were seated in the cars which would take us to Lynn. We were pleased, after making one more change, to enter the house over which Sister Whaff presided. She is one of the members of the Vunderlind [?] family of Richmond, Maine. We were made welcome in her home, and a pleasant room was ready for us. I could not commence my writing until my trunk came, then it was too late to see by daylight. On the cars I wrote five pages to be sent back to the church at Norwich, and I wrote twelve pages by gaslight, that the letters might reach them before the Sabbath.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 1)
We are making our home with Sister Ellen Whaff. Her maiden name was Vunderlind. She has three children, all living with her. Her eldest daughter, Addie, works in the shoe business, having good wages. Her youngest daughter, Bertha, is working at bookkeeping at eight dollars per week. She is economical and very active. Sister Whaff is in trouble. Her husband does nothing in paying his board and is a great burden. He is a man for whom wife and children have lost all respect. This is one of the sorest trials to the entire family. Sister Whaff pays rent on a large boarding house and then furnishes and rents rooms. Her children all pay their board. The father does nothing toward the support of the family and makes it very unhappy for the family.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 2)
Friday, December 5, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
I have not slept since three o’clock. I arose at four and sent earnest supplications to heaven for light and for grace to do the will of my heavenly Father. I shall surely receive for I have the pledged word of Him whom I cannot doubt, who has said, “Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] There has nothing failed me of all the promises which the Lord has made. He has been better unto me than my fears. I will not allow doubt to shroud my soul. I will cherish faith. I will make God my stronghold in every time of trouble. What should I do without Jesus? What could I do if left to my own ignorance and feebleness? But thank the Lord, I am not! I realize that special assistance and special blessings come to me when I am suffering with infirmities, and I testify that the Lord is my strong tower. Unto Him I run and am safe.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 3)
Sabbath, December 6, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
I spoke to the people assembled on the Sabbath from John 14. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people. Many had just come into the faith. One family, all at home—father, mother, and three children—embraced the truth. The father is a cousin to Edwin Burnham, a First-day Adventist. He was considered one of the most eloquent preachers among the First-day Adventists. He opposed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment with great vigor. He made most extravagant expressions. He stated that the law of God was an old thunder and lightning law, a bloody law, that it was not possible for man to keep that law—that they never could keep it; it was dead and buried and did not deserve a gravestone. He said he always felt better after he had given the law a good run. And now here is a relative by the name of Burnham who had, with nearly all his family, taken hold of the Sabbath! Two children are absent. One is attending Elder Moody’s school and the other is a daughter of talent connected with some literary business of Sabbath schools in Worcester.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 4)
We had a social meeting and thirty-eight testimonies were borne in quick succession. All seemed thankful that they had embraced the truth. I have seldom been in a more cheerful meeting, where all were rejoicing in the love of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 5)
They were an intelligent, noble-looking people. I know the Spirit of the Lord was in the meeting. I know that several were not there because they had not decided to follow the light. There was light and truth unfolded to them. They loved the truth, but they knew that as soon as they should decide to keep the Sabbath they would lose their employment, and how would they and their families live? How could they walk out by faith? The Lord alone can help them in this time of test and trial. Will they yield all for the truth’s sake?
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 6)
Here is the family of Brother Burnham. Once he was a wealthy man, but by some means he lost his property, and he would not consent to settle the matter, with those whom he owed, upon half terms. He paid every debt. It took his all, and his wife’s property also, to settle with every creditor to the last farthing, so that he could hold up his head as an honest man.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 7)
The eldest daughter, unmarried, was a principal in the dressmaking establishment. She employed many hands and her business was to cut garments exclusively. She was receiving forty dollars per week and had invested her money to secure a home for her parents. A one-thousand-dollar mortgage is yet to be paid. After accepting the Sabbath, she received little patronage and was obliged to quit the business. Then she could not obtain work—could get nothing to do. This was her hour of test and trial. She was much tempted, when she saw every way closed before her, but on this Sabbath she bore a clear, decided testimony, rejoicing in the truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 8)
Her eldest sister, at home, is a widow with one child eight years old. She is an excellent-spirited woman. She is an artist and is employed by an establishment to make pictures to represent the poems or the prose they send her. She showed us some very fine specimens.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 9)
The youngest daughter is a school teacher. She has left for Connecticut and is to teach school and board with a Baptist minister. May the Lord make her strong in Him, and may she have the help which the Lord alone can give her, is my prayer. She is quite young, but all this family bore their testimony, and we know the Lord has been working on their hearts by His Holy Spirit.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 10)
It makes my heart rejoice to see any souls taking their position on the truth, and I again rejoice that the testimony that the Lord has given me for His people is received. While standing upon my feet speaking, I receive more clear and precious ideas of truth. Words seem put into my mouth to give to the people. I praise the Lord for this and every token of His love to me.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 11)
Sunday, December 7, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
I have reason to be thankful to the Lord for His goodness, His mercy, and His love to me. I slept well last night. I offered up my petition to the Lord for His grace, His Holy Spirit. I wrote several pages. I spoke in the afternoon upon Christ’s riding into Jerusalem. There was quite a number of First-day Adventists present. After I ceased speaking many were introduced to me. One lady spoke to me and asked me if I knew her. I told her I did not. She said her name is now Gallusia; it used to be Eunice Parkes. She was our close neighbor. We were well acquainted with her in our girlhood. She wished me to call upon her. I am trying to visit and write too, which keeps my time fully employed.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 12)
Elder Fifield and his wife visited Brother Burrows [?], after the meeting, to give a Bible reading on the ordinances, especially the washing of the feet of the disciples by Christ, and His injunction to His disciples to follow His example. Next morning [Dec. 8], the poor soul came in much trouble to see Elder Fifield, but he was gone. She said she had not slept any during the night. She was so distressed over this matter. She did not feel that she could obey the command of the Saviour on this point. I talked with her some time in reference to it. I told her Jesus knew just what His disciples needed to reveal to them the pride of their hearts, and He had humbled Himself, girding Himself with a towel and washing the feet of His disciples. Peter said, Lord, Thou shalt never wash my feet.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 13)
Monday, December 8, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
I have been earnestly engaged in writing and in repairing my clothing. Did not walk out all day. I am in deep perplexity. I do not understand why the burden is constantly weighing me down, why I am filled with remorse for those who are connected with the publishing interest in Battle Creek. I am hearing the words spoken in reference to myself and my work. I feel an intense desire to get Patriarchs and Prophets and Great Controversy before the people, because the very light they need is contained in these books. Why have those who have accepted the publishing of these books no burden? Why have they interposed the Bible Readings, as if filling the world with this book were all that was needed? I know Satan is working this matter, not the Lord. The voice of God is not to be concealed in the works in print before the people. A great pressure is upon me. I cannot rest. I will have to do something. If my sons would only stand with me, I would take the responsibility of handling the books myself.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 14)
Tuesday, December 9, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
Devoted some time to prayer. Rose at five o’clock. I wrote letters to Burleigh Salisbury, to Dr. Lay and family, also to Sister Appley, and a letter to the church at Norwich.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 15)
We had an appointment to take dinner with Brother and Sister Burnham. We walked nearly one mile, and it was snowy underfoot. We had no rubbers. We found them pleasantly situated. After we reached the house, which was in the outskirts of the city, we had a very pleasant visit with the family and then prayed with them, and the Lord drew near by His Holy Spirit. All seemed to be much gratified by the visit. We walked a portion of the way back.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 16)
I felt much exhausted after arriving at my stopping place, and retired at seven o’clock. I designed to make one more visit and attend the prayer meeting in the hall, but I knew it would be presumptuous. It is an exhausting process for me to visit. I feel much the same responsibility as when before the people. I know that light must be shining in all that is said and done, to reflect the light upon those with whom we visit.
(6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, 17)
Ms 51, 1890
Diary, December 1890 Danvers, Massachusetts December 10-14, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in MR1033 41-44. Wednesday, December 10, 1890 Danvers, Mass.
I thank the Lord I slept well during the night. Arose at half past four and wrote ten pages before breakfast. Sister Wharff visited me some. She feels bad that we cannot stay longer. We packed our trunks to leave Lynn at quarter before eleven, accompanied by Elder Fifield.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 1)
Arrived at this place at quarter before twelve and walked to Brother Edwards’, where we shall make our home while here in Danvers. Wrote about eight pages.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 2)
Attended meeting in the evening. There were about forty present. The notice was not inserted right. It was designed to be published for Wednesday evening, but was printed for Thursday evening, therefore I shall now have to speak both evenings.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 3)
I spoke from Matthew 11:25-27. My mind was led out to dwell particularly upon the mission of Christ, which was to reveal the Father. The office work of revealing the Father and representing the character of God was reserved for Him who had been with the Father from the beginning. The knowledge of the only true God had become indistinct, and His attributes were falsified by Satan. Satan’s special work was to clothe the character of God with his own attributes, and he hid his satanic character and agency that he might be the more successful. The knowledge of God must be made known, His divine character represented. If God was the being which Satan represented Him to be, every being on the face of the earth would have feelings of aversion toward Him and would not solicit the help of divine agencies which must combine with human endeavor to be efficacious in the transformation of character and the regeneration of the human heart.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 4)
Satan’s work since his fall is to misinterpret our heavenly Father. He suggested the dogma of the immortality of the soul. “Thou shalt not surely die,” was spoken by the great deceiver to Adam and Eve in Eden, and we are acquainted with the result of believing his words. [Genesis 3:4.] The idea of an eternally burning hell was the production of Satan; purgatory is his invention. These teachings falsify the character of God, that He shall be regarded as severe, revengeful, arbitrary, and not exercising forgiveness. Without the correct knowledge of God, the human family would be divested of all divine strength. With false attributes kept before the mind as belonging to God, the human family would be the dupes of satanic lies and the subjects of satanic agencies, and he could practice upon their credulity with success. The plans of Satan have been indeed in a large degree successful, as the lack of a knowledge of God in the Christian world can testify. Satan’s cruel deceptions have had their effect and have demonstrated his attributes as a deceiver, a liar, a murderer, and an accuser of God and of all who love God.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 5)
The Jewish nation was separated from God, and why? Because of the deceiving power of Satan. His efforts were constantly to make that which was plain and clearly defined in the Word of God, indistinct and confused and mingled with error. The artifice of Satan was accepted in ideas and dogmas attached to valuable truth, which made of none effect the truth of heavenly origin. He works to intercept himself between God and man, obscure every direct ray of light that emanates from God, and throw his awful shadow across the path that leads to life, truth, and heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 6)
The fallen foe was having things his own way. Hope and faith in God were almost extinct. The sayings of men took the place of the Word of God. The only people on the face of the whole earth who claimed to know God were corrupting their ways before God. Satan’s temptations were received as Adam received them from Satan through Eve, and the truth, the light, the way, was involved in a mass of rubbish, sayings and doings of men taking the place of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The darkness of error and superstition made of none effect the commandments of God, and men were placed in office in the priesthood who were vain, proud, and vindictive; they bore not the marks of divine attributes. They were adulterers and murderers, and many were so corrupt that everything sacred was confused with everything that was corrupt.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 7)
The Sabbath of the fourth commandment, that the Lord had declared should be a seal, a sign throughout their generations forever, was perverted; given to man of God to be a blessing, to ever be a memorial of His work of creative power in making the world, it was so loaded down with the inventions of man—“thou shalt” and “thou shalt not”—that its sacred, divine character was lost, and it was made, by self-righteous priests and rulers, an exacting, arbitrary institution, and a curse. No one could keep the Sabbath because of the man-made exactions. The farther the people departed from God, the more traditions of their own manufacture were added, which God had never specified or intimated. The Sabbath, which was given to man as a sign, a seal, was entirely misinterpreted, to become a yoke of bondage, just as Satan wanted it to be.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 8)
The whole law of ten commandments was treated in the same way. Satan exulted to see what power he could exercise in weaving his falsehoods in with the truth, making the truth of none effect by originating errors that counteracted the love of God to man. The supreme attributes of God which, when rightly represented to men, would lead them to love Him, are presented in such lines as to make them hate God rather than to adore Him. Oh, that the people could discern the crooked, lying part Satan is acting and turn to the Lord with all their hearts! Oh, that all could see His merciful, forgiving power! Mercy, the attribute in which the Lord delights, has been transposed into revenge and arbitrary exactions. Truths that were the most vital were attached to man’s requirements to make them a yoke of bondage. The moral law was borne down with such numberless ceremonies that the symbols, which were significant if kept distinct and separate from all human traditions, had but little force. The church of God was narrowed, and their power limited. The eternal future was becoming more and more obscure. The divine perfections were not magnified but were fading from the mind.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 9)
But the time had come when Satan’s work must be limited. The Lord God must be represented in a living character such as no imagery or description could make known to the senses. The highest angel in heaven could not do this work. Man was so unlike God that for [him to] approach the brightness of the heavenly light would extinguish him, for sin cannot live in the presence of a holy God.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 10)
One alone was sufficient and fully able to accomplish this mission. Christ, who was one with the Father, laid off His royal robe and His royal crown, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came into the world to bless the world with a living personation of God. He could approach the human family only as He should hide His glory and employ the faculties of a human being. Then humanity could touch humanity, while His veiled divinity, recognized in heaven, could lay hold on the Infinite One. The Father and the Son saw that it was expedient that Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father, should make Himself visible and walk and talk with men, not as an angel but as a Teacher sent from God, possessing all the attributes of the Godhead under the garb of humanity, revealing the love, the sympathy, the compassion of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 11)
In a body which God—and not man—had prepared, He was fully able to unveil and disclose to man the perfection of Jehovah and reveal His paternal character as a God of infinite love. “No man,” He declared, “knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son shall reveal him.”Matthew 11:27. He stood upon the highest elevated platform. He held the salvation of the lost world in His hands. He declared, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father.” On a certain occasion He said, “I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.”Matthew 12:6.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 12)
Truth was the law of His lips, and mortal ears never listened to such words, so simple, and yet so high, so holy. Love revealed itself in all His works. He conferred honor on humanity in adopting our nature, that humanity might be benefited with a mind uplifted and sanctified by His own life being infused into our life and our character. He identifies His interest with finite man, making us one with Him because of the great love wherewith the Father loved us—a love so great that in order to accomplish this union He gave His only begotten Son to die for the sins of the world. Thus the transgressed law might be magnified before all the universe of heaven, before all the worlds which God had created, and the controversy over His law might be forever settled. Through the eternal ages [it would be known] that God, who gave His law, is unchangeable. He will not alter or change the word that has gone forth from His lips.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 13)
His law is the foundation of His government in heaven and in earth. This law was not established forever to make men unhappy, but for the purpose of making them in harmony with God, in harmony with the whole family in heaven who delight to do His will, to keep all His commandments. The precepts of His law are to be kept by all human intelligences.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 14)
The institution of the Sabbath was given when the foundation of the world was laid and the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. It was God’s memorial ever to preserve to men the knowledge of the true God. It was the Creator of the world who made the heavens and the earth in six days and rested on the seventh day, wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 15)
The Father giving His only begotten Son to our world, Satan has used as an argument to deceive the fallen race as he deceived Eve in Eden, by stating that Christ’s dying for the world was for the purpose of making the commandments of God null and void. All this work of deception is to get rid of the true memorial set up by Jehovah to testify who is the living God, the Maker of the world. That immense sacrifice in the gift of Jesus Christ to our world was to bring man back to his allegiance to God. But Satan has so blinded the eyes of those who believe not, that he has put everything in a false light. He tells his evil angels—and men who are bewildered and entangled in his crooked deceptions—that when Christ died the death knell was sounded to all the laws of Jehovah, and ministers believe the lie and repeat the same from nearly all the pulpits in our land.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 16)
Thursday, December 11, 1890 Danvers, Mass.
I wrote many pages and did not go out to walk as I ought to have done. I need exercise, but the walks are icy, and I feared I might slip and wrench my ankles. About noon a messenger came from Ipswich to say that Sister Brickey was dangerously sick about twelve miles from this place. Brethren Fifield and Farman went on the cars, which took them within three miles of the place. A carriage was waiting for them to take them to the afflicted one. She was very low. They offered prayer in her behalf. She was at once relieved and praised the Lord. Her countenance and voice were changed. They left her happy in God. They attended the half-past five prayer meeting.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 17)
I spoke in the evening. A much larger assembly was present. I had freedom in speaking from (John 14), dwelling upon the rich promises of God that are so plainly given us in such positive words. The presence of the Lord was in our meeting. I sought the Lord in earnest prayer before going to the meeting. My head was confused, but I knew the Lord God of Israel was a present help in every time of need. I was blessed and had freedom in speaking. I understand there were one dozen of the First-day Adventists present, and many outsiders were also in the meeting.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 18)
Elder Mooney came from Salem. He is desirous I should call on his wife who apparently is lying on her deathbed.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 19)
It is suggested that it will be wise for me to speak in Lynn Monday and Tuesday evenings, and then Wednesday take the cars for Washington, D.C. May the Lord be our counselor, is my most earnest prayer. I do not wish to presume upon my strength. I want to use the strength which the Lord has given me to His own name’s glory. I will pour out my supplications before God with thanksgiving for all His mercies and matchless grace to me, who needs it so much that I can impart it to others and comfort them with the blessed assurances. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [Verse 6.] “I am the light of the world.” [John 8:12.] “I am the bread of life.” [John 6:35.] “I am the Good Shepherd.” [John 10:11.] “I lay down my life for the sheep.” [Verse 15.] “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [Verse 10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 20)
Friday, December 12, 1890 Danvers, Mass.
Rose at half past four. Sara and I had but little rest last night. In coming down the steps after closing the door she thought there was only one step. Her heel caught on the second step. She wrenched her ankle and for a few moments we thought she could not walk. She did walk to the meeting, came back, and after her shoe was removed her foot pained her considerably. She could not rest, neither could I. She was obliged to get up at midnight and bathe her foot. She is relieved of pain, but it is not wisdom to use her foot in walking at present.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 21)
Received letters yesterday from Marian; also from C. H. Jones, of Oakland, Calif.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 22)
Sister Edwards and I walked a short distance to call upon my sister Harriett’s daughter, Emma McCann. She married Charlie Morrison. She is his second wife. His first wife was Mary McCann, her own sister. She left three children. All are married but one, whose name is Mabel. Emma was much pleased to see me. We visited her about two hours. In the afternoon Charlie Morrison, Emma’s husband, came with his covered carriage for me to ride out. He took me to his sister’s where his mother is staying. He introduced me to his mother and his two sisters. They received me courteously and the mother heartily. I had a little visit with them. I was glad to see Charlie’s mother. She is a nice, sensible woman, plain, benevolent-looking, and wholesome. When we returned, the horse was afraid of the cars and we had to go a round-about way to get to Brother Edwards’. We were glad to retire early.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 23)
My heart is constantly drawn out after God. I plead for His Holy Spirit. The manifestation of the love of God toward us in Christ Jesus softens, yes, breaks my heart and renews my soul unto holiness. I see I cannot dishonor my Lord more decidedly than to disbelieve and manifest that I do not trust His word.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 24)
I wish to present to all who have an intelligent knowledge of Jesus Christ the necessity of being obedient to all His commandments. Love, the precious plant of love, must be cultivated in your soul. Open the heart to the love of Jesus and then you will inhale the fragrance of His grace, breathe in the atmosphere of power, and the soul and its desires will be elevated above the things of the world. Many, many influences are elevating and holding before you the heavenly attractions.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 25)
[Sabbath], December 13, 1890 Danvers, Mass.
Meetings commenced in the church at half past ten o’clock. Brother Robinson preached; then [we had] Sabbath school. I spoke at half past two o’clock from 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me and upon the people. I then called for all to come forward who were convinced that they must have a deeper work of grace in their hearts. Every one in the house responded but two—an aged colored man and a young man who was very timid. He was not destitute of feeling but dared not take the step. We believe the Spirit of the Lord is working upon his heart. I went to four young men and I pleaded with them to make a decided effort to make this move and say, I will give myself to Jesus. Three went forward; one did not go.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 26)
We had a very earnest season of prayer. All the ministers came forward. Every heart seemed touched and melted by the Spirit of God, and the petitions offered showed that they were indicted by divine power. Oh, how bright and clear seemed the manifestation of the Spirit of God! We knew that He was in our midst and that to bless.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 27)
A lady named Stafford bore her testimony in the meeting and sang beautifully. She said she believed every word that Sister White had spoken. She felt the power of God through her, thrilling her through and through. Many testimonies were borne that the Lord had blessed them as they had never experienced before.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 28)
We thank the Lord with heart and with voice for His manifestation of His Holy Spirit which is full of the promise of eternal life. We know that Jesus and heavenly angels were in the assembly, binding up souls in the mystical union with Himself, their lives hid with Christ in God. Every one is dear to Him, and He has declared in (John 17) that the Father loveth them as He loved His Son Jesus Christ. One with Christ, and Christ one with God—bound up together with Christ in God! They are His chosen ones, His children, heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, redeemed to Himself by the blood of the Lamb. They are His remnant people, in whose hearts is His law.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 29)
What a work the angels have to perform in doing the bidding of Christ to minister unto all them who shall be heirs of salvation! In their ministration they are constantly bringing light and strength from heaven to the souls who are striving for eternal life, but they are engaged in a warfare against satanic influences, which are strong, fierce, and determined to overthrow every soul who loves and fears God. As these angels, in their mission and work, come to understand the plan of redemption, [they marvel at] the great change that takes place in human hearts and adore the Lord of all power and grace. With joy they read the names of those whose names are registered in the book of life.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 30)
Christ has every agency arranged to bring back the world to loyalty to God through the union of the divine influence with the human sanctified agency. He is full of grace and truth. “All power,” He claims, “is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” [Matthew 28:18.] The treasures so abundant in heaven are to be brought down to earth. The angels look with amazement upon men who will not be influenced by all the agencies brought under tribute to Jesus Christ through His dying upon the cross that all men may be saved—and yet they will not be saved. Christ has invested His church with the most abundant capabilities and divine power to be workers together with God to draw the world to Christ by representing the attributes of Christ’s character.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 31)
The world refuses the invitation, “Come;” but the Lord requires of His church to be ever a bright and shining light to reveal to them the simplicity of godliness, the new and living Way, by reaching, themselves, the high standard of holiness and revealing the line of demarkation between the lovers of the world and the sons and daughters of God. The heavenly graces are to be imparted to the church in full measure that it may be a living, working power to influence others. These capabilities and powers given to the church through the cross of Christ are to become a drawing power from the working members of the church, to speak to and influence the world through the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross for their redemption. Then how wonderful is the power of a united church! Not one living to himself, not one refusing to do his appointed work in God’s great plan, but, like a well trained, disciplined army, ready to keep step and to step with the invisible Leader!
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 32)
In the Jewish church the Lord was the foundation of all its rites. The Lord Jesus prescribed every act of the nation. Nothing which would tend to its advancement was withheld. The smallest service in connection with it was sacred and holy and essential to its perfection and thoroughness, that it should stand as a glorious representation, an instrumentality in types and shadows. Will the church of God learn the lessons given it of God in His arrangements in the foundation and consecration of the Jewish economy and recognize the principles of God in their relation to God and to the world? Will they see Christ in all the symbols in the divine arrangement?
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 33)
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”2 Corinthians 3:18. You are not to keep the veil before your face that you shall not see to the end of that which was to be abolished, which was glorious because it foreshadowed Christ. Never talk of the Jewish economy as being an age of darkness, for in it all Christ stood revealed in symbols. Christ gave every specification of that economy. When Christ came to our world, then type met antitype, He Himself being the living representation. In His death, the last specification was fulfilled. Now the sacrificial offering had no continued glory, “by reason of the glory which excelleth.”2 Corinthians 3:10. The Lord has given all things typified and promised in the shadow to the Substance.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 34)
All the teachings and manifestations of Christ’s glory in the ancient economy are to be respected as the revealing of Christ in symbols. All things pertaining to the order, the discipline, the elevated spiritual worship, are as so many sacred, hereditary trusts and emblems of the order and unity and working power which shall be brought into the gospel dispensation. The zeal, earnestness, devotion, and consecration of the church are to be proportionate to the geater glory that excelleth that of the Jewish economy, blessing the world with an exalted spirituality and a perfect and complete unity in all her efforts, superior to that of the Jews, because Christ has come to our world confirming all the types pointing to Himself. He came as the living embodiment of truth and righteousness, to reveal the Father in His paternal character to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 35)
Let the church, in the place of talking of “the old Jewish law,” consider, when making a tirade against that law, that their words of contempt are poured forth against Christ, who was the foundation of it all. He gave the specifications of all their rites, which typified the great and glorious reality. The order and working efficiency of the church are to far exceed those of the Jewish church, inasmuch as their light—the glory of the reality—is the advanced light, for the character and wonderful work of their redemption is laid out in clear lines. Christ did die for the world. Christ was buried in Joseph’s new tomb. Christ did lay down His life and take it again. He is not now in Joseph’s new tomb, but He has risen, was revealed to His disciples, walked with them, and opened to them the Scriptures concerning Himself, beginning at Moses and the prophets. He opened their understanding to discern the glory of the former dispensation as they had never looked upon it before, so that they said, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures” concerning Himself? Luke 24:32.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 36)
Then let no one feel at liberty to pour contempt upon that which Christ made so clear and beautiful to the minds of the disciples. The Jews certainly failed, as the church is doing today, to answer the purpose of God to exhibit to the world His high and holy character, because they were not in close connection with God. They lost sight of their lofty and responsible office. Had they kept their religious service pure, answering the purpose of God in piety and spirituality, Christ would not have been put to death—crucified among His own nation. His crucifixion brought the irrevocable curse upon them as a nation, but not as individuals. The churches today that are full of pride and have departed from God are virtually treading in the same path, acting over the same refusal of Christ as that of the Jewish nation.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 37)
Let the church arise to her exalted privileges, and let each of its members stand in his place to represent the life and the character of Jesus Christ. He said, “For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified.”John 17:19. He devoted Himself wholly and entirely to the work of the redemption of the world. “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Ephesians 3:10, 11.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 38)
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.”2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 39)
Let the church reveal her high and holy character. It is not at all in keeping with our faith to be inactive in religious service. The importance and character of the work are evidenced by those handling it. They can but be wholly and entirely in earnest, and earnestness, perseverance, and untiring energy will be rewarded with success. Earnest work, through the grace of Christ, carries the triumphs of the cross of Christ to the very gates of the city of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 40)
These duties performed are not the means of salvation, not a way to earn justification, not the price we pay for heaven; they are the fruits that appear on the branch connected with the living Vine, the natural result of abiding in the Vine. None of these graces is it possible to produce ourselves. We are to be fruit-bearing branches. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8), said Jesus.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 41)
We are responsible for the influence which proceeds from us, whether it be good or whether it be evil. There is an atmosphere that surrounds every soul, and if that influence is sanctified to a holy purpose, as a part of the great whole, we are a help, a blessing to the great web of humanity. We are to use every capability intelligently, for we are enjoined to do this. “Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”1 Corinthians 10:31.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 42)
And we should consecrate our sons and our daughters to God and not suffer Satan to preoccupy the soil of their hearts. We are to guard our children as the Lord’s property and devote time and patient, prayerful labor to purify, enlighten, elevate, and ennoble them, not for the world’s applause or the world’s ambitious projects, but to save them to Jesus Christ. We should seek to secure to them the heavenly adorning, the garments of a meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price with God.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 43)
Sunday, December 14, 1890 Danvers, Mass.
Brother Farman spoke to the people in the forenoon. I called upon Emma Morrison, my sister’s child. Found her alone, but soon her husband and his son, who is married, came from Salem. We had a short visit.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 44)
I spoke in the missionary meeting in regard to the importance of the canvassing work. I also spoke at length in the afternoon, at half past two o’clock. I was pleased to see Charlie Morrison, his wife Emma, and his son as attentive hearers of the Word. I spoke from the words found in John 3:1-4. The Seventh-day Adventist church was full. Many from other denominations and from the First-day Adventists were present, and all listened with deepest interest. The Lord gave me the Word, and fervor and power to address the audience.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 45)
After the meeting a sister—not a Seventh-day Adventist—kindly and cordially addressed me and inquired if I thought she could be saved and not keep the Sabbath. I answered, “If light has come to you in reference to the Sabbath question. You must search the Scriptures well.” Said she, “I am willing to keep the Sabbath if the Lord shows it to me.”
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 46)
“But,” said I, “the Lord has showed you His will in His word. He will not, when light is lying there revealed in clear lines, speak to you in audible voice. It is for you, with earnest desire to know the truth, to inquire, ‘What saith the Scriptures?’ Then read with the eyes of your understanding open, ready to see the first rays of light that shine from the Word, and with a willing mind to accept the Scriptures even if they come in collision with your previous opinions and the customs and traditions that have long been cherished. Antiquity of opinions does not establish these opinions as truth. Anything we have loved and cherished must be yielded at once if the Word of God revealed to us that it is not truth. Truth takes the place of error, for error will never sanctify the soul.”
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 47)
She seemed to be stirred in her mind, that the words which had been spoken made it unsafe to occupy her present position. “Well,” she says, “what difference does it make if I do not keep the Sabbath? I am saved.” Poor soul! She reveals that she is far from the kingdom of heaven, in her deception reasoning that she can transgress the law of God, and yet she is saved in transgression.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 48)
I told her that was not possible. She was not saved in walking against the light of truth. Jesus said, “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” [John 9:39-41.]
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 49)
This sister, who declared she was saved, was making this claim under the conviction that she should keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, but was trying to avoid the matter by claiming to be saved in open disregard of the commandments of God. This is the deception upon human minds, that there is a sanctification and holiness outside the truth. To be saved in known transgression of the law of God is simply an impossibility. When light has come revealing truth, that truth must be accepted at any cost to self.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 50)
Said Christ, “If I had not come and spoken unto them (the words of truth), they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.”John 15:22. “He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen (the evidence of His divine power) and hated both me and my Father.”John 15:23, 24.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 51)
Many, many self-deluded souls are in the world who claim holiness and purity but hate the mention of the commandments of God. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”John 17:17.
(6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, 52)
Ms 52, 1890
Diary, December 1890 Lynn, Massachusetts December 15-18, 1890 Portions of this manuscript are published in MR1033 45. Monday, December 15, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
We left Denvers about ten o’clock a.m. Called on Mrs. Emma Morrison and said good-bye to her. She felt disappointed that I could not visit her, but I was altogether too weary to do the visiting many hoped I could do. There were two meetings Wednesday and Thursday evenings. I must speak in Lynn, and learn the best route that would take us to Washington, D.C., purchase our tickets, and have everything in readiness for the journey to Washington.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 1)
Tuesday, December 16, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
I have felt drawn out in earnest petitions to God all day. In the early morning I wrote nine pages before breakfast and wrote many pages through the day. I spoke in the hall to a good congregation.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 2)
I felt most intensely upon some points, especially the inauguration of Christ, on the banks of Jordan, to His appointed work. The dedication of Christ was not to be mingled with any human agency. What an event was this—Christ entering upon His work with the seal of divinity upon Him! The baptismal scene at the hand of John was followed by Jesus walking out of the water and offering His prayer to His Father. The heavens were opened and the Spirit descended upon Him, assuming the form of a dove, in appearance like burnished gold; and the voice of the Father was heard in recognition of the offering of Christ to God: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Matthew 3:17.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 3)
This was only a faint representation of that which was enacted in heaven. If the curtain could be rolled back and mortal eyes strengthened to behold within the gates the scenes taking place there, they would see all the angels and archangels, all thrones and dominions and principalities and powers in heaven, standing in awe and reverence, beholding the work in heaven and its counterpart, in faint lines, taking place upon the earth. The Lord God of heaven never was more highly exalted before the universe than on this occasion. The worlds which had not fallen beheld and admired and adored, for never had the love of God been so expressed as on this occasion, when His love was found so deep and rich and broad that it gave up to the world His only begotten Son to the great work of bringing the character of God before the world, that men might behold it in Him. Never had heaven so great rejoicing as when the tabernacle of heaven was set up among men.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 4)
Jesus said of Himself, “Him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27); and He declared Himself as “Him whom the Father hath sanctified” (John 10:36) and sent into the world as His divine representative, our Mediator full of grace and truth. Ask Isaiah who He is, and he will tell you, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 5)
Will the world “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1)? It is important that we have some higher and broader ideas than we have hitherto had, of the great work of intercession in this, the great day of atonement. Now is the very time for human pride to be laid in the dust. Now is the time for contrition of soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 6)
I speak to every church in our land: Now humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may have the pleasure of lifting you up; confess your sins before God that they may go beforehand to judgment. Confess your sins that they may be blotted out. Do not hide them; do not cover them; for then they will be made public to the universe. Approach God in the spirit of the poor publican who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), and you will be brought into the audience chamber of the Most High. If the curtain could be rolled back you would see the Saviour Himself at the altar of incense having in His hand the golden censor. In response to your prayers He answers, “I will pray the Father for you that your transgressions shall be forgiven, your sins pardoned. I will give you rest.”
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 7)
Oh, how ashamed we ought to be for our unbelief and needless anxiety! You see Jesus as your Advocate. It is court week with us. We have a case pending in the Court of Heaven, and when Jesus takes up your case you need not doubt. Your suit is presented to the Father and is indeed gained. Confession, humbling of the soul, is the only position of safety and of hope for any of us. There stands your Representative before the Father, to pour mercy and grace and truth into your soul. You are accepted in the Beloved, and should praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 8)
Wednesday, December 17, 1890 Lynn, Mass.
In the forenoon wrote letters to different ones at Battle Creek. In the afternoon received a number of visitors. One sister is a believer. Her husband does not believe the truth. He at first opposed her, but he senses a great change in her and this has a convincing power with him. She went home from the meeting Tuesday evening and related that which Sister White had spoken. The words made a deep impression on her mind and were repeating themselves to her over and over during the night season. “You have placed finite beings where God should be” and “that everything was set in operation by Satan to divert the minds from God and place them upon human beings.”
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 9)
When Christ was born and laid in a manger there was a wonderful movement in heaven. All the worlds that were created through Jesus Christ were watching with intense interest His reception in the world. They saw that no preparation had been made among His nation to receive Him, and angels of heaven came to the plains of Bethlehem and proclaimed the advent of the world’s Redeemer. The plains of Bethlehem were peopled with the heavenly host, who sang anthems of praise to His glory.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 10)
The wise men from the east were guided by the heavenly angels, which appeared to them as a luminous star, and when they found Jesus they brought unto Him costly offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the enemy has misplaced and turned into various channels in selfish gratification the offerings which should come to the Lord’s treasury. Means are being diverted from the true purpose God designed, and, from the lesser up to the extravagant gifts, they flow to finite beings, to gratify selfish indulgence. If all the rivulets from children and youth and from members of the church were to flow in the proper channel, as the Lord designed they should, there would be a supply in the treasury, the real needy would be blessed, and the hungry fed, and the naked clothed. The Lord’s own entrusted gifts would flow back to their original Source in thank offerings, in sin offerings, in trespass offerings, and in gratitude offering for the great immeasurable gift of the Son of God to our world.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 11)
Why are children and those of mature age educated to put their inventive powers to work to contrive gifts for one another, while the Lord God of heaven, who has made the gift of Himself to the world in His only begotten Son, is left out of the question? How the Lord is dishonored in the celebration of Christmas! How He is robbed, both of talents of means and of thanksgiving and praise which should well up in every heart and flow forth from every voice! Let the thank offerings come in, small and large. Let the treasury be well filled.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 12)
Jesus is the Gift to the world, and everything should be conducted in this channel—to make known Christ to the world, to send to every tongue and nation the knowledge of His salvation, His invitations of mercy, His adorable love. But the devil’s work is to intercept the rays of light coming from the Father to our world and set them to flowing in human channels, to indulge and gratify earthly desires, to please the vanity and to glorify the creature rather than the Creator.
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 13)
I spoke Wednesday night. The rainstorm prevented many from attending, for the windows of heaven seemed to be opened and pouring out its treasures of rain. I had much freedom in speaking from (John 17:17): “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
(6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, 14)
Ms 53, 1890
Diary, December 1890 Washington, D. C. December 19-30, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 766-786. December 19, 1890
We left Lynn Thursday night at four for Boston, from which place we took cars for Washington. We had a beautiful night. We were not crowded in the sleeper. Sara was invited to remain in the sleeper and the porter said he would make her up a berth after the conductor of the sleeping car went through, but she told him she could not accept it for it would not be right to have a berth made up for her unless she paid for it, and she could not well do this at that time. The porter then talked with the conductor and he told Sara that there would be spare berths. She could have two seats and remain in the car and make herself as comfortable as possible. We felt thankful for this favor. We praised the Lord for putting it in the hearts of these men to be kind and attentive to us. We had good cool air and the car was not overheated.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 1)
We found in the morning that we would not arrive at Washington until three hours behind time. We stopped one hour in Baltimore. We arrived at Washington about three o’clock and were so thankful to get baggage and all to the mission before the hours of the Sabbath. We decided that we would not start a journey so close to the Sabbath again. We would make arrangements to get to our destination having one day’s leeway. There was no one at the depot to meet us. The porter put us in a hack, and we came to the mission all right and could commence the Sabbath without anxiety and confusion. The friends had been to the depot twice for us and the delay confused them. They were glad to receive us.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 2)
There has been sadness and sufferings in the church. Brother Howard has lost one child and two more have been at the point of death. They were living in an old wooden house which was decaying, and there was a disagreeable smell. The typhoid fever, it is thought, was in consequence of this unhealthful house. The family were taken out and put into the house Brother McGee had hired, and in that house they will escape the difficulties. I feel deep sympathy for Brother Howard. We are praying that the Lord will sustain our brother and that He will give him fresh courage and hope. God will not leave him if he will put his trust in Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 3)
Sabbath, December 20, 1890 Washington, D. C.
We took the streetcars to reach our appointment, which was quite a distance away. We found quite a goodly number assembled in Sabbath school. The exercises were not yet over.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 4)
I spoke at eleven o’clock with much freedom from Isaiah 6:8. We had a social meeting and many excellent testimonies were borne. The presence of Jesus was in our midst and our hearts were made glad to see that as many as one-half of the number had been united with the church since I was here two years ago. There was a most intelligent company present. My soul was blessed on this day. I will wait upon the Lord, and I will put my trust in Him who loveth us. We must lean more heavily upon our Support and Strength. I am praying for the presence of the Lord Jesus in our midst. I see that there are many things to be done. I must jot them down in scratch books and transfer them to my [journal].
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 5)
Sunday, December 21, 1890 Washington, D. C.
We attended the forenoon meeting of the Week of Prayer at half-past ten o’clock. There were only about thirty present. The first two letters in The Home Missionary were read, and when Brother Baker, who is a new convert to the faith from the Methodist church, read the portions quoted from testimonies he was so affected he could not read. He wished Elder Washburn to read it. But Elder Washburn encouraged him to go on and he read with much feeling. There was great solemnity all over the house, and many tears. We then had a most impressive season of prayer. The Spirit of the Lord did come into the meeting and we had a precious season of seeking the Lord. I then spoke about thirty minutes with much freedom.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 6)
Sunday evening we had to walk only a few blocks to get to the hall. It is a dancing hall, but it is roomy and well ventilated. We had a good attendance from outside and most of our people were present. I spoke from the first epistle of John, chapter three. The best of attention was given by the congregation.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 7)
The subject urges itself upon my mind, Why is not this center, this important place, prepared to have the house of worship so much needed? I hope our people will see the necessity of doing something without delay. The message must be presented here in the most wise yet simple way. Will the hearts of the people of God who believe in present truth give a correct representation in a church building, so we shall not have to assemble in a dance hall to speak the truth? We have been talking this matter over and we are getting all stirred up over the fact that at the capital of the American nation there is so miserable a representation of the grand truths which we are to properly represent. The unbelievers will get the start of us.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 8)
Monday, December 22, 1890 Washington, D. C.
This day was devoted in the early morning, at half past four o’clock, to prayer for the Lord to bless me and give me physical strength and mental clearness and clear spiritual discernment. I believe the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] I shall take the Lord Jesus at His word.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 9)
I wrote ten pages of important matter. About ten o’clock I went to the dentist’s and had my teeth examined and one tooth filled, which caused me no pain. I had an impression taken for a new set of teeth.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 10)
When I returned I found letters awaiting me. One from Edson stated that my account at the office had swelled to the enormous sum of seven thousand dollars. This is, much of it, in publishing Volume 4, Great Controversy, and Patriarchs and Prophets, which they have not handled but have let fall dead from the press, while Bible Readings has been extolled and all the canvassers have been educated to work for it. This is an object lesson of how much value they bestow upon that which the Lord sends in testimonies. Well, I am informed that I can draw no more from the office, and now I must cast about to see what I shall do next. I trust in the Lord, that He will open the way before me and put it into the hearts of those who might help me to do so by educating the canvassers to handle my books.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 11)
The people need the very light given me of God, and I must arrange that they shall have the light in some way. God can reach hearts. The Lord can set things in order. He can infuse His own power into the minds and hearts of His people, and the very light that God has given me for His people they shall have.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 12)
My mind is inclined to be perplexed, but the enemy shall not obtain the victory in this way. I must break up my establishment. I must discharge my workers and cut off all expenses possible; and then what? I know not. Let the Lord direct. I hear the Voice which spoke to Abraham saying, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”Genesis 17:1. The Lord will not leave me to be perplexed as I now am. I shall make special prayer to my heavenly Father and shall not rest until I see something more done in Washington.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 13)
In the evening I walked to the place of meeting and spoke in a large hall to about one hundred people. Oh, how my heart yearns to see the people of God coming up to their high calling! I greatly desire that we should have an increase of faith and stand as valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ. I spoke from (John 14:1-4): “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” This is the promise of His second coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Thus we are second Adventists.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 14)
Tuesday, December 23, 1890 Washington, D. C.
Tuesday morning I rose at four a.m., and after a season of prayer I felt comforted and encouraged, and [I] try to put my trust fully in the Lord. I rest in His promises. I shall see of His salvation. I will not distrust my heavenly Father, for He has been true and faithful in all things and He will never fail those who put their trust in Him. My greatest anxiety is lest something shall interpose between me and my God.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 15)
I have a message to bear to the people, that if the church will only become a consecrated people and have that faith in God which they must have in order to please Him, a brighter day is before them in Washington. The Lord has rich treasures of truth to open before them which they have lost sight of, which will be to them as a new revelation. God is ready to give new ministerial power to His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 16)
I am called not only to write, but to bear my testimony with voice as well as pen, and I must be situated where I can be lifted out of the temporal embarrassments and the common business perplexities and conflicts. The Lord Jesus must dwell in my heart and all my powers shall be devoted to His service. It is my constant prayer day and night that we may realize an awakening among His people, that Jesus may work in this city of Washington in demonstration of His Spirit and with power. In this city are the law-making powers which will ere long make their power felt. Truly the prince of darkness is working with his confederacy of evil, to make void the law of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 17)
I am perplexed to know what to do or to say to our people at the great heart of the work. The Lord presents to me their strange wrong course. There are ambitious projects entered into. Councils are held and plans laid, while the councils are not meeting the mind of the One mighty in counsel. The mold and superscription of God are not upon some of the workers in the office of publication as they should be. They know not what spirit they are of. The day, the evil day, is stealing upon them as a thief and will surprise them by doing in darkness a work which they will not hesitate erelong to do boldly and decidedly. While many of those who claim to believe the truth are asleep spiritually, Satan is sowing his tares, working in darkness, subverting minds. The light which the Lord gave in warning is to be given to the world, that they should not be left in darkness. Our own workers managed so that the warnings in the books Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets did not come to the people. Why? Because Satan devised and planned the whole matter that the living, stirring issues should be smothered until he had preoccupied the field. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. God sees their blindness.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 18)
Wednesday, December 24, 1890 Washington, DC
I have not felt as well as usual. Speaking so many times in the evenings is not favorable to me. I visited Sister D., Sister Gilmore’s grandmother.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 19)
Again the Lord set before me in the night season, December 24, the perils coming upon the people of God. How busy, how persevering, how active are the powers of darkness! The mystery of iniquity, the powers from beneath, are stirred to bring about the crisis in compelling the churches to show honor to the spurious sabbath. Secret meetings are held, secret councils convened. Plans and devices are framed to be executed. The watchmen are not sounding the warning in this important center. When will [we] have a standing place? Men who have not had a vital connection with God see no real necessity of the book Great Controversy coming to the people, because they have eyes but see not. This book should be circulated all through this city.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 20)
The Lord presented the matter before me, that we must make haste. Let the light come to the people in warnings here, right here. But those who were seeing only gain, who saw no necessity of urging and making special efforts to get this word from the Lord before the people, were neglecting their God-given duty. I felt intensely, but what could I do? Strong-minded, stubborn men, unworked by the Spirit of God, priding themselves in their wisdom, would follow a course of their own devising, let the result be as it would. The men will have to answer in the day of God for their neglect of this place. Light must shine forth.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 21)
Christmas eve I spoke in a good-sized hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25-28. I had freedom in speaking. There were a goodly number present and all listened with much attention.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 22)
Thursday, December 25, 1890 Washington, D. C.
I attended morning meeting in the hall. We listened to the readings, which were made very interesting. Then I was asked to lead in prayer and several prayers were offered. I felt like pressing my prayers to the throne of grace for the Lord to open the work in Washington. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon us as we prayed. Many were blessed. I know whereof I speak. The truth must go forth in this city like a lamp trimmed and burning.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 23)
I then spoke about thirty minutes. Our meeting commenced at half past ten and we did not reach the mission until three p.m. [I] had conversation with Sister Kirkland in regard to riding on the cars to the place of meeting on the Sabbath. She had conscientiously refrained from taking the cars because it was, she thought, violating the Sabbath. I told her no, that it was more displeasing to God to remain away from the meetings than to ride on the cars to meet together to worship God. More I will write on this subject when I can use pen and ink. I have not the facilities that I can use.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 24)
Thursday, December 25
Spoke in a hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 25)
My mind has been in painful exercise during the night. I was in a meeting in Battle Creek and heard many suggestions made and saw a spirit manifested not of God. They were having a storm of words. How my heart ached!
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 26)
My guide said, “They are not connected with God and are not walking in His counsel. They are not contending for the faith once delivered to the saints.”
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 27)
Propositions were made, and a world was made of an atom and an atom of a world. I was compelled, as at Minneapolis, to stand aside from them, for I was made to understand clearly that God had not imbued them with His Spirit, but another spirit of a worldly character was controlling their minds. Their judgment was unsanctified, but without a flaw in their eyes. A worldly policy was in their reasoning, and imagination saw it very desirable to carry on the work of the Lord as their own human judgment deemed best.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 28)
I had a message for them as I had for Minneapolis, a message from the Lord God of heaven. I read to them 1 Samuel 8. The Lord has a controversy with His people, because they have left their first love. A similar spirit is entertained by men who have the management and control of matters in the Office of Publication. They are not led of God and are laying plans which have not entered into the mind of God, and all this will react upon themselves.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 29)
That Office was established in sacrifice, through the self-denial and privation of many of those who loved the truth, and God worked with the whole-hearted ones to bring it up from poverty to prosperity. The good hand of the Lord was with us and was seen in its healthful rise and establishment. But I heard words spoken in their council meetings that were not inspired of God, to bring in a new order of things. They must be recognized by the world. This was a repetition of the course pursued by the people in the days of Samuel. Somewhat in advance of them, Samuel was directed of God to listen to the voice of the people. The people’s voice was to then decide whether they would, as a people, discard Samuel before God had released him, and choose to be ruled by a king. Samuel was distressed and prayed unto the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 30)
The people of Israel wanted to be like other nations. The Office of Publication is leading in the same lines, and is in danger, through the managers, of being managed too much after a worldly policy, because those now in responsible positions have not had an experience in the power and workings of God in its establishment. As men are attached to the Office of Publication, they will, unless they walk humbly with God, make propositions which will separate it from God’s management and control. In their spiritual blindness they will separate it from God’s rule and refuse to be under His jurisdiction because they know not the blessing and safety of being led and controlled by the Lord in all their ways.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 31)
Friday morning, December 26, 1890 Washington, D. C.
I have had a very precious blessing all night. I slept some but my heart was full of praise and thanksgiving to God. Jesus was precious to my soul and the love of God was so great I wished to dwell upon it and be comforted, and the peace of Christ rested upon me in large measure. Oh, how precious was my contemplation as I reviewed the precious promises hung in memory’s hall. I was assured that nothing was wanting in the gracious provisions made for our encouragement.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 32)
Our Saviour represents to us that the treasures of divine power are entirely at our command. Said Christ, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whosoever the Son will reveal him.”Matthew 11:27.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 33)
We are to have faith to receive the richest blessings, and we are to be channels to receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness and to communicate them to the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 34)
Oh, why do the members of the church question the willingness of Christ to impart the influence of the Holy Spirit to those who seek for it? Call to mind the day of Pentecost. The abundant gifts then bestowed testify that He is not only willing but longing to impart a constant supply of the refreshing waters of life for the refreshment and health of the church. Asking in faith, of one accord in unity of desire, will bring the revealings of His power according to their faith. My mind this night is especially elevated and I am breathing in the atmosphere of heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 35)
The Christmas season is the occasion of making gifts one to another, but the richest gifts Christ has given to the world in Himself, that the world through Him might not perish but have eternal life. Gifts and offerings should be brought to Christ. The most precious gift of all is that of giving Him your heart without any reserve. How acceptable to Christ would be such an offering! Give to Jesus your whole heart, for Him to write His image and superscription upon it, and to send His beams of righteousness into it to be sent to the world through the living agent.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 36)
I am thinking and thinking—too happy to sleep. If those who are not in Christ could see Him and hear His voice saying, “And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.”Revelation 22:17. He is saying, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”John 4:10. While many are in expectation of receiving gifts from their friends, they have a Friend who is the repository of every good thing. He has treasures of knowledge and grace and greatly desires recipients to share the blessings He delights to bestow.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 37)
Will we open the door and let Jesus come in with the riches of His grace? “The Spirit of truth ... shall be in you.”John 14:17. We are become indeed the building, even the temple of the living God. We are watched over by faithful sentinels day and night. We are kept by the power of God through faith. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God by resisting or refusing the gift of His grace and choosing your own way. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”John 17:3.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 38)
The message of mercy Jesus brought from the Father was to save the perishing. The Father collected the riches of the universe, laid open the resources of His infinite wisdom, and gave all into the hands of Christ to give to men. What more could God do to convince men there is no love but the love of God revealed in His Son? The happiness of man consists in loving God and in keeping His commandments, giving the best and most holy affections to Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 39)
We should be filled with thanksgiving that Jesus came to reveal the Father. He rolled back the cloud of thick darkness, the hellish shadow of Satan which intercepted between man and God, and revealed Him to the world as light and love. He stands before the world as the representation of the Father. “In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.] He was the express image of His person. The perfections of God are seen in the excellencies of Christ. His divinity was clothed with humanity, that He might speak to the human heart and place His divine impress upon the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 40)
This, oh this, is what is needed in the hearts of all our institutions! It is the knowledge of God; and men must not lift up themselves in their own finite wisdom, as did ancient Israel—take themselves out of the hands of God, and think in their human wisdom and supposed smartness they can do much better when left to their own imaginings. Thus thought the inhabitants of the world destroyed by a flood. When they fully decided that they had no need of God, then the Lord decided He had no need of them, and they and all their wicked works perished in the waters of the flood. Oh God, make us to know Thy ways and to choose to be led and guided by Thy unerring counsel.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 41)
December 27, 1890 Washington, D. C.
Rose at four o’clock and felt the peace and assurance of Jesus Christ as I offered up my humble prayer. Last evening, in our season of prayer at the commencement of the Sabbath, the Lord’s presence was with us. The peace, such peace as Christ alone can give, was in my heart and in the hearts of others. All praise and thanksgiving shall be given to Him who hath loved us and died for us.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 42)
I have a continual longing for Christ to be formed within, the hope of glory. I long to be beautified every day with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. I must as an individual, through the grace given me of Jesus Christ, keep my own soul in health by keeping it as a divine channel through which His grace, His love, His patience, His meekness shall flow to the world. This is my duty and no less the duty of every church member who claims to be a son or a daughter of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 43)
The Lord Jesus has made His church the depository of sacred truth. He has left with her the work of carrying out His purposes and His plans to save the souls for whom He has manifested such interest, such unmeasured love. Like the sun in relation to our world, He rises amid the moral darkness—the Sun of Righteousness. He said of Himself, “I am the light of the world.” [John 8:12.] He said to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Jesus came to the world in the garb of humanity, to instruct the world and guide them in the way of light, to eternal happiness. The followers of Christ are His representatives in the world. By reflecting the image of Jesus Christ, by the beauty and holiness of their characters, by their continual self-denial and their separation from all idols, large or small, they reveal that they have learned in the school of Christ. They are continually catching the spirit of love and forbearance, meekness and gentleness, and they stand as representatives of Christ, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 44)
“A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” [Verse 14.] Walking and working in the world, but not of the world, they are answering in their characters the prayer of Christ: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [John 17:15.] They are to stand as the strong fortress of truth, their light shining far in the moral darkness of the world. The Lord has a message for the watchmen on the walls of Zion to bear. The trumpet is to give no uncertain sound.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 45)
Again during the night season I was in Battle Creek and was bearing a most decided testimony to the men whom the people have chosen to be representative men in our institution—the publishing house.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 46)
On the Isle of Patmos John saw in holy vision the One whom he honored and loved above all others. He says, “I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia.” See the description in Revelation 1. The words uttered were not alone for John on the Isle of Patmos; they were not for the churches alone; but through these churches was to come the inspired message for the people, to have its powerful impression in every age to the close of this earth’s history. Why is not this being done? Christ presented Himself to John in His glorified humanity. “I saw,” said he, “one like unto the Son of man.” [Verse 13.] His first words were, “Fear not.” [Verse 17.] It was the same voice that spoke to him from the cross through pale and quivering lips, “Son, behold thy mother.” [John 19:26, 27.]
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 47)
December 27, Sabbath
Spoke in the hall to the church in Washington. The hall was well filled and I had much freedom in speaking from (2 Peter 1), showing the necessity of practical godliness.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 48)
I feel the burden on my soul to present not only the law but the gospel. One is not complete without the other. We hear so many who are deceived by the enemy constantly claiming, “I am saved; I am saved;” but you present God’s great moral standard of righteousness before them, and they show such contempt of God’s rule of righteousness that we know that they do not know what it means to be saved. They have caught up the words, and repeat them parrot-like, while they know nothing of saving grace. The heart is not in harmony with the law of God, but is at enmity with that law. Thus was the great rebel in heaven. Will the Lord take men and women to heaven who have no respect for the law of His universe?
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 49)
There is an enemy constantly at work to make of none effect the holy law of God. He has woven into the theology of today his perilous errors, that exalt a spurious sabbath and trample down the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, so that God is dishonored and the man of sin has exalted himself above God and above all that is worshiped. The professed Christian world have accepted Satan’s lie and discarded the words of God, as did Adam and Eve. People say unto us smooth things, they prophesy deceits.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 50)
What is to bring the sinner to the knowledge of his sins unless he knows what sin is? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in (1 John 3:4): “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor. Christ dying upon the cross of Calvary is drawing his attention. Why did Christ die? Because it was the only means for man to be saved. He became our substitute and surety. He took upon Himself our sins that He might impute His own righteousness to all who believe in Him. The love of Jesus Christ displayed for man in the sufferings He endured on the cross of Calvary is a mystery even to the angelic host of heaven. Amazing love of the Father to give His Son to die to ransom the sinner! Oh, what love, what inexpressible love!
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 51)
The goodness and the love of God lead the sinner to repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The awakened sinner, convicted of sin by the true display of the love of God, is pointed to the law he has transgressed. It calls to him to repent, yet there is no saving quality in law to pardon the transgression of law, and his case seems hopeless. But the law draws him to Christ. However deep are his sins of transgression, the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse him from all sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 52)
There is a necessity of dwelling upon the love of Jesus Christ; this is essential. But it is not all that must be spoken. The great standard of character—God’s holy law, with all its solemn injunctions—should be distinctly set forth, together with the circumstances of the giving of the law from Mount Sinai in awful grandeur. The Lord Jesus Christ was there in person. He spoke that law and gave the commandments, which are unalterable, unchangeable, and eternal in their character.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 53)
While we dwell upon the paternal character of God, and His love expressed for man in the gift of His only begotten Son, we must tell people why such a costly sacrifice was necessary. It was because of sin. What is sin? The transgression of the law. Only the Son of God could pay the penalty, and that by His own humiliation and death. As men look at the cross, conscience will be aroused. They will see the majesty of the law, the holiness of God, and their own unlikeness to His character. They will flee for refuge to Jesus Christ, who can cleanse them from every stain of sin and adopt them into the royal family, making them sons of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Then will the words of the prayer He offered to His Father be verified: “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.... And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”John 17:23-26.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 54)
Every discourse given should be of that practical character which will show sinners the sinfulness of sin in the light of the law of God. It should lift up before them the sin-pardoning Redeemer, who gave His life that He might draw them unto Himself and ransom them from the power of Satan by the price of His own sacrifice of ease, of pleasure, of honor, of glory in coming to a world all scarred and marred with the curse. Thus He became man’s surety and substitute and stands in the place of the transgressor of God’s law. He suffered—the Guiltless for the guilty—that He might make it possible for all to believe on Him and accept Him as their personal Saviour, and for God to accept them in the Beloved.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 55)
Some feel relieved after they have stamped down the righteous, holy law of Jehovah, as one minister described: “I feel better after giving the old law a run, and after denouncing it as a yoke of bondage. I pronounce it a bloody old law, dead and buried, and undeserving of a gravestone.” Is not this the very way Cain felt when he brought a sacrifice to God without the shedding of blood? He was so provoked with Abel that he could not tolerate him, because Abel did not accept his reasoning but followed the injunction of God. He mingled with his offering the blood of the victim representing the efficacious offering, the real person of Christ, as a Lamb without blemish. “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”1 John 3:12.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 56)
Let not one declaim against the law of God, and let not one rail out against the sacrificial offerings. If men were abiding in Christ, if they had a knowledge of His relation to the law, they could not make a raid against the law. Christ Himself was the One who devised the system of the Jewish economy. In the symbols and typical sacrifices to represent the great Offering that was to be made, He would teach to Adam and Eve and all the human family the lesson that without the shedding of blood there is no pardon for transgression and sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 57)
Take not the position that men can be moved by the presentation of the love of God alone. You may build ever so fine a structure, but it is without foundation. Dig deep, lay the foundation on Christ alone—a crucified Redeemer who died for the transgressor that he should not perish but have eternal life. How? Only by coming back to his allegiance to God’s holy law. “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”Acts 20:21.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 58)
The law and the gospel go hand in hand. The one is the complement of the other. The law without faith in the gospel of Christ cannot save the transgressor of law. The gospel without the law is inefficient and powerless. The law and the gospel are a perfect whole. The Lord Jesus laid the foundation of the building, and He lays “the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.”Zechariah 4:7. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. The two blended—the gospel of Christ and the law of God—produce the love and faith unfeigned.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 59)
Sunday, December 28, 1890
In company with Elder Washburn, Sara McEnterfer and I left Washington at nine o’clock for Baltimore to meet a previous appointment at eleven o’clock. We learned the cars did not stop at the station where we had written for them to meet us, and no one was waiting for us at the next station. We met Sister Harris on the train and all four of us went on our way to find the place of meeting. It was not readily found. We walked from street to street. It was bitterly cold, but the air was bracing and good food for the lungs. After wandering about nearly one hour, we were just as much in the dark as when we began the search. We searched directories in vain. We decided to take the streetcar and see where that would take us. This was wise. I believe the Lord suggested this to our minds. On the car was a colored sister just going to the meeting, and she directed us so we found the little hall, away out in the country. The hall was literally packed with believers and unbelievers. They had been waiting one hour, fearing that we would not come. How rejoiced were our brethren to see us!
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 60)
The meeting was opened at once. I spoke from (John 14), dwelling particularly upon that portion which refers to the commandments of God, verses 15, 21-26. The Lord strengthened and blessed me in speaking to the people. I presented before them the fact that the Lord has graciously given to man a probation to try and test us, to see if we will prove loyal and true to the laws that govern His kingdom. Satan proved disloyal and was expelled from heaven, with the disloyal angels.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 61)
There were quite a number of the First-day Adventists present. They are believers in the age to come, and disbelievers in the pre-existence of Christ before He came to our world. Although I had not the slightest knowledge of the faith of those present, being a stranger to the people, yet the remarks were so fitting to those present that Brother Jones, elder of the church, said he thought they would accuse him of telling me; but we came directly into the meeting without one word of conversation with anyone. I dwelt particularly upon the divine character of Jesus Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 62)
Oh, eagerly the men watched to catch something from my lips they could take advantage of. Some deny the divinity of Christ and refuse to believe His pre-existence before the world was made. We walked a short distance to Brother and Sister Jones’ and became acquainted a little with their family. We were much pleased with the family. We took dinner with them, and then stepped into a hack provided for us that took us to the station. We were obliged to wait three quarters of an hour for the cars, for they were behind time, but we got on board the train and were soon comfortably seated. We reached Washington about four o’clock. Friends were glad to see us.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 63)
Elder Washburn remained to hold meetings Sunday [night]. I was not well. My heart troubled me. Great pain was in my heart, something of the same nature as that I suffered in California. I could sleep but little that night. We decided, when this pain came on me so unexpectedly, that I would not be able to attend the meetings we designed in Philadelphia, Ohio, and Williamsport. As I had no appointments out, it was thought best to return home to Battle Creek. All urged us to do this as they learned how sick I was.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 64)
Monday, December 29, 1890
I had a suffering night and left Washington at eleven o’clock a.m. We took the sleeper. Paid for only one berth, three dollars and a half. Sara would not pay for an extra berth and rode in [the] day coach and saved the three dollars and a half. We tried to get a cup of hot drink, as there was a dining car attached to the train, but they said they had not any, so we ate our home lunch and relished it. They did not seem pleased because we did not patronize the dining car, but in all my travels I do not create expense by visiting restaurants or patronizing dining cars. We carry our simple lunch and are perfectly satisfied. I have eaten only twice in the dining car in all my journeyings. I feel it my duty to bind about expenses and not make the conference pay large bills for me to gratify my appetite. Our simple lunch of dry bread suffices me.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 65)
Tuesday, December 30, 1890 Battle Creek, Mich.
We changed cars early in the morning. Waited forty minutes. Stepped into a restaurant across the street and called for warm drink—hot water and milk—and were refreshed. We were soon seated in the cars for Toledo. Without delay we took streetcars for the next depot, while a dray took our trunks across. We found [the] cars open and we took our seats in them. They did not leave for half an hour. I was thankful we performed the journey thus far so comfortably. We reached Battle Creek about three p. m.
(6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, 66)
Ms 54, 1890
Diary, December 1890 Battle Creek, Michigan December 30, 31, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 787-789. December 30, 1890 Battle Creek, Mich.
We reached Battle Creek about three p.m. Our family were glad to see us and it seemed good to get home.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 1)
I learned that the meetings on Sabbath in the tabernacle were excellent. The article I had written, published in the Extra, [Review and Herald Extra, Dec. 23, 1890], was read, and the power of the Spirit of the Lord set the truth home to many hearts. No one could doubt but the Lord witnessed to the words written for the benefit of the church. Hearts were deeply stirred and remarks were made by Elder Prescott and others.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 2)
Elder Prescott confessed that he had not taken the course he should have taken in Battle Creek. He went far back to Minneapolis and acknowledged he did not have the true discernment there, and since that time he had not said much but he had talked with Elder Smith and with a few others. He made thorough work. Elder Smith stated that the testimony in the Extra was meant for him. He accepted it as a reproof to him.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 3)
A call was made for all who desired to seek the Lord earnestly to come forward. All the seats in the center of the body of the house were soon filled, as people came from the gallery and the vestries, which had to be opened to accommodate the people. Prof. Prescott linked his arm in Elder Smith’s and they identified themselves as seeking the Lord most earnestly. The whole congregation was on the move and they had to tell them to be seated just where they were.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 4)
Tuesday night a great burden came on me. I could not sleep. Elder Smith was before me and my supplications went up to heaven in his behalf all night. I was in a spirit of agony, of wrestling with God, and great hope took possession of my soul for him. He is one of our old hands, one of our reliable men, and the Lord will give him His keeping power. What a change as in the meeting! The atmosphere seemed to be cleansed. Light was coming in to take the place of uncertainty and confused ideas.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 5)
Wednesday, December 31, 1890 Battle Creek, Mich.
I devoted much time to writing for Brother Smith, but did not feel quite free to send it to him. Held it, to decide whether I had better talk with him. If Brother Uriah Smith would discern things in their true light, he would not consent to things that are now being transacted. Brother Smith was with us in the rise of this work. He understands how we—my husband and myself—have carried the work forward and upward step by step and have borne the hardships, the poverty, and the want of means. With us were those early workers. Elder Smith, especially, was one with my husband in his early manhood. He knows how we were pressed about for want of means—that our diet was of a very meager sort. Turnips were used for potatoes, because potatoes were too costly to come upon our table. We worked without wages, only using the means positively necessary to live, and our furniture was composed of such things as bottomless chairs that had to be reseated—prepared for use with canvas seats. He knows that we all acted our part bravely, to accommodate ourselves to the situation uncomplainingly while in Rochester, New York, and at different places where we were located. We know how much it cost us to lay the foundation for the work to be advanced onward and upward in our publishing work to its present prosperity.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 6)
We have stood shoulder to shoulder with Elder Smith in this work while the Lord was laying the foundation principles. We had to work constantly against one-idea men, who thought correct business relations in regard to the work which had to be done were an evidence of worldly-mindedness, and the cranky ones who would present themselves as capable of bearing responsibilities, but could not be trusted to be connected with the work lest they swing it in wrong lines. Step after step has had to be taken, not after the wisdom of men but after the wisdom and instruction of One who is too wise to err and too good to do us harm. There have been so many elements that would have to be proved and tried. I thank the Lord that Elders Smith, Amadon, and Batchellor still live. They composed the members of our family in the most trying parts of our history.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 7)
The greatest worker that ever lived was Jesus Christ. He was the Truth. He was the Light, and He was with us under all our trying circumstances. We think of those days with thankfulness for our experience. But now God has been leading us on step by step, from advance to advance. Old standardbearers have laid off their armor, and men with no experience in test and trial or in knowledge come in and think they know everything. They take things made ready at their hands, swell into great proportions, and forget Joseph.
(6LtMs, Ms 54, 1890, 8)
Ms 55, 1890
Peril of Trusting in the Wisdom of Men NP 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 839-845.
The customs and practices of the Jews were very exacting. The sayings and dogmas of finite men were constantly put in front, as essential to their salvation. Ceremonies and display were put in the place of inward piety. The Lord had instituted rites and ceremonies as the means of making eternal realities understood and impressive, but this did not satisfy the minds of those who had witnessed the idolatrous, superstitious, revolting festivities of the Egyptians in their religious worship. They were constantly approaching idolatry by placing the commandments of men where God and His requirements alone should be. The chastisement of the Lord was upon the people because they were idolizing things, sentiments, and ideas of their own creating.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 1)
In the days of Christ, under the guise of the perverse and most rigorous devotion to the forms and the traditions of that which they claimed to be the Mosaic system, the real [meaning of] the precious ceremonies proceeding from God had become obscured. The spiritual and eternal import of the truth in regard to the work and mission of Jesus Christ to our world, prefigured in the sacrificial offerings, became mixed and mingled with the false theories of men. These false theories were the great barriers to the correct understanding of doctrines and to practical piety. They clung to the type, the shadow, rejecting the antitype and the substance. The deceiving power of Satan wrought upon unconsecrated minds to fasten them in blind suppositions. Their incorrect interpretations fastened them hopelessly in error, because the real, true light shining upon their way was accounted as something they must resist, since it did not substantiate their own ideas and interpretations of the Scriptures.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 2)
The lessons of Christ could give them precious gems and jewels of truth which had been lost sight of. He gathered up these grand, glorious jewels—originated by Himself and given to patriarchs, prophets, and apostles—and replaced them in the framework of the gospel, giving them their own divine brightness. But the Jews were obstinate. Their own ideas and customs and practices were their idols. Would they give up their own misinterpretations, which they had taught the people to regard as sacred doctrines? No; never! They formed a confederacy to stand by the old traditions. Their human interpretations they set in defiance to the lessons and pure truths of practical godliness.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 3)
The miracles Christ performed were the manifestation of divine power to testify to the authority of the work and mission of Christ. This was something in God’s arrangement to sweep away their prejudice and inspire faith. Did it do this? No. They had entrenched themselves in impregnable walls, forming a confederacy that they would not yield. The appeals made for them to believe, and the exhortations to repentance, were met with, “Show us a miracle.” [Matthew 16:1.] When Christ and the apostles presented convincing arguments of truth, the Jews would not hear; they would not receive the truth. They clamored for signs and miracles. This was not that they might obtain clearer views of the truth, but to divert the minds of the hearers from the clearest evidences of truth which had been presented. The Saviour had performed many miracles before them, but these were no longer the medium of convincing them of truth. If they could not turn the minds of the hearers away [by other means] they would say, “He works these remarkable signs through Beelzebub, the prince of devils.” [Matthew 12:24.]
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 4)
The same spirit of resistance is to be found even among those who claim to believe the truth for this time. The gospel of Christ, His lessons, His teachings, have had but very little place in the experience and the discourses of those who claim to believe the truth. Any pet theory, any human idea, becomes of the gravest importance and as sacred as an idol to which everything must bow.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 5)
This has verily been the case in the theory of the law in Galatians. Anything that becomes such a hobby as to usurp the place of Christ, any idea so exalted as to be placed where nothing of light or evidence can find a lodgement in the mind, takes the form of an idol, to which everything is sacrificed. The law in Galatians is not a vital question and never has been. Those who have called it one of the old landmarks simply do not know what they are talking about. It never was an old landmark, and it never will become such. These minds that have been wrought up in such an unbecoming manner and have manifested such fruits as have been seen since the Minneapolis meeting may well begin to question whether a good tree produces such evidently bitter fruit.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 6)
I say, through the word given me of God, Those who have stood so firmly to defend their ideas and positions on the law in Galatians have need to search their hearts as with a lighted candle, to see what manner of spirit has actuated them. With Paul I would say, “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?”Galatians 3:1. What satanic persistency and obstinacy has been evidenced! I have had no anxiety about the law in Galatians, but I have had anxiety that our leading brethren should not go over the same ground of resistance to light and the manifest testimonies of the Spirit of God and reject everything to idolize their own supposed ideas and pet theories.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 7)
I am forced, by the attitude my brethren have taken and the spirit evidenced, to say, God deliver me from your ideas of the law in Galatians, if the receiving of these ideas would make me so unchristian in my spirit, words, and works as many who ought to know better have been. I see not the divine credentials accompanying you. I am warned again and again of what will be the result of this warfare you have persistently maintained against the truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 8)
We are, as I have been shown, constantly liable to error in laying too much stress even on sound ideas and proper forms. Those peculiarities which are not required, if allowed to become so distinct, lessen the force of the positions we are compelled to hold upon sound, essential truths that will distinguish us as God’s peculiar people. It is this phase in the religious world that has divided up God’s professed people. Faith, love, and holiness are the essentials that give true power to the truth for this time. The manifest absence of these, the little many have known of Christ, and the little we preach Christ’s lessons, have been a telling witness against Seventh-day Adventists.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 9)
The reproach of Christ is upon us, His people. The gospel of Christ and His love and Him crucified was a stumbling block to the Jews, and it has been evidenced that it is a stumbling block to many who claim to believe present truth. They are forever coming against the Rock of offense. “Man has been placed where God should be,” are the words that have been spoken to me again and again. Christ has made one sufficient sacrifice and has become the only Mediator and sole Priest between God and man. Let every man stand out of the way and occupy his own place as wearing Christ’s yoke.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 10)
Jesus sets no man as an intercessor or to receive confessions of sins. He calls every sinner into communication with Himself, without any mortal man to interpose between God and the sinner. Jesus will accept every soul who believes on His name, and He will cleanse him from all his moral defilement if he believes on Him whom the Father hath sent into the world.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 11)
With reference to names, forms, or ideas, the tampering with revelation has aroused my fears for our people. The words of Christ are sounding in our ears: “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”Revelation 3:17.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 12)
God sent these self-sufficient ones messages of warning, but they would not heed them. He has been appealing to them by His Holy Spirit and by the testimonies, and yet they will not hear. He says to them, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold, ... white raiment, ... and eyesalve.”Verse 18. This is a purchase that will be of the highest advantage. He explains why He has sent earnest appeals, reproofs, warnings. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verses 19, 20.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 13)
God forbid that those who have had great light and knowledge should let their own systems become their standard and say, “If anyone introduces any thing contrary to my ideas, it must be false.” Pretentious human assertions are exalted above the clearest light, and light—heaven-sent light—is pronounced darkness. That which would be to them the power and wisdom of God, they refuse. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.”Psalm 25:14.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 14)
The constant dwelling upon the law in Galatians, and not presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ in distinct lines, is misleading souls. The preaching of Christ crucified has been strangely neglected by our people. Many who claim to believe the truth have no knowledge of faith in Christ by experience. It is this neglected part of the ministry, which will be found the great instrument in the conversion of souls and in leading to the high standard of holiness, which every church needs in order to become a living church.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 15)
We meet instability now in every church. But few members emit light; but few are livings stones. The unconverted need Christ lifted up before them, expressing His love for fallen men by giving His life to save them from eternal ruin. I tell you, those professing to believe the truth must be converted, for men are dead in trespasses and sins.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 16)
There must be a life-giving power in the ministry. Life must be infused into the missionaries in every place, that they may go forth giving the trumpet no uncertain sound, but with heaven-sent, awakening power, such as can be found only in the preaching of Jesus Christ—His love, His forgiveness, His grace. Justification by faith is to be accepted by every soul, not according to some lifeless, dead idea, but according to the truth presented in the gospel. It is Christ that we need. It is Christ that every sinner needs. Let Him be presented in the Spirit and with power—Christ’s humiliation, His meekness, and His lowly life of poverty that every son and daughter of Adam might be made rich. He died our Sacrifice. He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and there intercedes in man’s behalf that he might be brought to believe on Him whom the Father hath sent.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 17)
There have been so many discourses that have not had the fragrance of Christ’s merits and His righteousness that the gospel as it has been preached does not convict and convert souls. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] We may dwell upon the punishing of every sin, and the awfulness of the punishment inflicted on the guilty, but this will not melt and subdue the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 18)
But present in fervent words how punishment for finite man has rested upon the Innocent, even the divine Son of God, in order that man might have a mighty Advocate to plead in the sinner’s behalf. Was this done that man might continue in sin and be saved in sin? Oh, no! Sin is the hideous thing for which there was no remedy. Christ took the penalty that man might, through faith in Him, have life. The sinner’s heart will melt; the soul will be conquered.
(6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, 19)
Ms 56, 1890
Sermon/Lessons From the Vine [Battle Creek, Michigan] February 7, 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1888 561-567. February 7, 1890 Remarks of Mrs. E. G. White at the Bible School
I have been thinking of the lesson that Christ gave to His disciples just prior to His entering the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing it would be His last opportunity to instruct His disciples before His crucifixion. He says to them, as He points to a vine—and the vine is something that the Jews greatly prized and respected and considered very beautiful—“I am the true vine; my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit shall be taken away.” [John 15:1, 2.] Now, here is something for us to study. “Taken away.” We have our opportunities now to bear fruit; we have our opportunities now that we can reveal that we are fruit-bearing branches of the vine. And if we go on now in a careless and indifferent manner, then what will be our position? He tells us He will take us away, for we cannot do anything without Christ; and if we are as a dead branch and do not draw any sap and nourishment from the living Vine, we shall become withered branches. [Verses 4-6.] He says every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it (pruneth it), that it may bring forth more fruit. [Verse 2.] Then He tells them that “It is My Father’s good pleasure that ye bring forth much fruit.” [Verse 8.] Are we the branches of the living Vine? Now, if we are, we are distinct; we are not all blended together; there are a number of branches, but we have one parent stock. If we are in Christ, and Christ is in us, will not our conversation, our words—everything we say—our deportment—everything we do—will it not have reference to Jesus Christ?
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 1)
Well, then, supposing that every branch had a voice—if they are bearing fruit they do have a voice—will they talk to every shrub, every tree, and everything that is around them, and not talk to the parent stock? Now, if we are in that parent stock, shall we not direct our conversation to that stock? Will not Christ be our center? And shall we not refer everything [to Him], and hang everything upon Him?
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 2)
Where we have made a mistake, brethren, is in considering men infallible, no matter what their position, no matter how high a position they may have. It is in considering that men are infallible because the Lord has given them a work to do. Now, if these men were ever abiding in Christ, and Christ ever abiding in them, without [there being] any moment that they were separated from Christ, then we could have more dependence than we can today; but we know that frequently they make mistakes and errors. Then shall we judge them because they may make some mistakes and some errors? There is no more dependence to be placed in those than those you count infallible, because there are not any of us infallible. But I tell you what is infallible—the truth of the living God is infallible. And if we can get hold of the truth, and have the truth in us, abiding in us, we shall be sanctified through the truth, and we shall be drawing nearer and nearer to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 3)
And yet we have the enemy in our world to contend with. We have the powers of darkness to meet. We have to be in this conflict just as long as time shall last. Our Saviour was in the conflict with the powers of darkness, and the powers of darkness were in conflict with Him, ever after He entered our world. Satan was in conflict with Him. And then just as soon as His reasoning powers were exercised, then He was in conflict with the powers of darkness. His very coming—as a babe in Bethlehem—was to set up a standard against the enemy. You can’t take the whole world; you can’t claim it.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 4)
And when He went away, what did He do? Who is to take up the controversy? Who are the visible ones who are to take up the controversy here in this world and carry it through to the very end? They are those who are Christ’s followers, every soul of them. It is not merely the delegated ministers. There is where our people make a grand mistake. They seem to think that day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute in the conflict, the ministers must take care of them. It belongs to every soul of us.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 5)
We do not know what work God has for us to do, we cannot tell, unless we begin with the very talents He has given us. If we have only the one talent and we begin to put that to the exchangers, and then we begin to work with that one talent, and God sees that we are faithful in that which is least, then He will give us another talent. And then as we use that to the glory of God, and we are all the time centering in Christ as the branch is centered in the vine, drawing our sap and our nourishment from Jesus Christ, then we are in a position to bless all who come into connection with us. And thus the talent keeps increasing and growing; and the more we put it to the exchangers, the more talents we have to employ to the glory of God. Now, brethren, we do not half understand the lessons that Christ has given us—the most precious lessons—and we want to understand them more and more. We want to come to Christ and ask Him to enlighten our minds, to give us spiritual eyesight, that we may know more of the truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 6)
Do not any one think that there we have got all the truth we need; we have got the main pillar of the faith, and if we are right there we have no need to trouble ourselves that we may understand the truth ourselves. One minister who has been in the work for years and years, says, “Now, Sister White, have we got to understand ourselves? There are reasons that are from the Bible in regard to the points of our faith; why can’t we take them, as others have prepared them, and then we need not take that time; and we proclaim it. We believe these to be men of God (and there was one man mentioned). Don’t you believe that he was inspired of God?” No, I do not. I do not believe any such thing. I believe that God has given him a work to do. And if there is a man or a woman who is not consecrated and devoted to God every hour, I do not care who they are, the enemy will slip in some of self—weave it right in, his peculiar traits, his peculiar ideas—and the first thing, he is molding others, he is putting his fashion upon those who are around him. It is dangerous business to exalt man, or to lean upon man, to make flesh our arm. What we want is to lean upon the arm that has been stretched out for us to lean upon, and that is the Lord God of Israel, and in Him we may trust.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 7)
Now, there is a power for this people. I know it. God has been revealing it to me for years, and the time has come. We want to know that that living faith should be inspired in our hearts, and that we shall be reaching out for more light and more knowledge. Every individual wants to know the truth for himself.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 8)
Now, here you are in this school. Brother Waggoner may present the truth before you. You may say that the matter that he presents is truth. But then what will you do? You must go to the Scriptures for yourselves. You must search them with humble hearts. If you are just full of prejudice and your own preconceived opinions, and if you entertain the idea that there is nothing for you to know, and that you know all that is worth knowing, you will not get any benefit here. But if you come like children, you want to learn all there is for you—if the God from heaven has sent anything for me, I want it. The Lord of Heaven has led the mind of man to make a speciality of studying the Scriptures, and when those Scriptures are presented, He has given me reasoning powers. I can see the evidence just as well as he can see it; I can find the evidence as he finds it. I can go out and speak the truth because I know it is the truth. And I do know that it is the truth, and therefore I can present it—not as the product of somebody else’s mind, but I can present it as the woman of Samaria, as she bore testimony that she had found the Messiah. They flocked out to hear Him, and they said, We know for ourselves, we have seen Him, we have heard Him for ourselves; and we know that this is the Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 9)
Cannot you question and investigate with one another? Indeed you can. But the great trouble is that self is so large in us all that just as soon as we begin to investigate, we will do it in such an unchristian manner. It has been done here in Battle Creek; it was done in Minneapolis; it has been done in many other places. God is not in any such work as that at all; it is the devil that is in such work as that. We want to come to the Scriptures with humble hearts. If God has a work for us we are ready for it, and we want to know that it is the truth for ourselves, and thus you [will] be driven to your Bibles. You must be driven to them.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 10)
From the light that God has given me, we shall be separated and scattered, many of us. You will have to stand in places alone. You will not have any connection with other leading minds that you can gather strength from them. You will have to stand with your own God by your side and know that He is by your side. We want to know that He is by our side today, that He is right with us when we come together in this house. You should remember that the Master of assemblies is here. God does not leave the ship for an ignorant pilot to steer anywhere; He just stands at the helm, and then we work under orders. Now, we want the orders, and we want the orders from the Captain of our salvation. I believe without a doubt that God has given precious truth at the right time to Brother Jones and Brother Waggoner. Do I place them as infallible? Do I say that they will not make a statement or have an idea that cannot be questioned or that cannot be error? Do I say so? No, I do not say any such thing. Nor do I say that of any man in the world. But I do say God has sent light, and do be careful how you treat it. We want the truth as it is in Jesus. We do not want to go away from the meeting and, if there is a word spoken that we cannot agree with, scatter that where our brethren and sisters are. No. Go to your knees and pray that we may know what is truth. And the teachers in the Sabbath School, they need to know there are minds they are molding. It is no light matter to stand up before the pupils and claim that you have light, when perhaps there is dangerous error mixed in with it.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 11)
I spoke the other morning in regard to some coming to the meeting. That is why I wanted them to come. I mentioned Brother Ballenger’s name, with Brother Smith’s name—Brother Leon and Elder Smith. Now, it was not because I would give you the impression that Brother Ballenger was closing his ears to the truth, for he has been receiving it as he has had opportunity. But I speak of these men that they may know, that they may understand, what is truth; and if they will not hear, if they will keep away, just as the ministers tell the congregations, the stay-away argument: Don’t go to hear. Now, you want to hear everything. If he has got error, we want to know it, we want to understand it, those that are in prominent positions, and then we want to investigate for ourselves. We want to know that it is truth; and if it is truth, brethren, those children in the Sabbath School want it, and every soul of them need it. This is what we want.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 12)
Those that are in responsible positions, I say you are under obligation to God to know what is going on here. And then everything that is said—right “to the law and testimony; if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:20.] If the light is in them, and they have it, why, I beseech you, do not be so full of prejudice.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 13)
This has given me such a sadness and grief to know that there are those who have just had their hearts filled with prejudice. And they listen for every word they can catch. Why there, there it is; they are perfect. Who says they are perfect? Who claims it? We claim God has given us light in the right time. And now we should receive the truth of God—receive it as of heavenly origin. When we come together to examine the Scriptures, let us have the spirit of Christ. When a point is proven, oh, they will not acknowledge a word. Why, they see no light, but pour it in, question after question. Well, not one point is settled. They do not acknowledge they have met that point; but pour in a whole list of questions. Now, brethren, we want to know what it is to examine the Scriptures, as those who want light, and not as those who want to shut out the light. May God give us His Holy Spirit here this morning, and may He give us His spirit day by day. We want to walk humbly with God. We want to stand in the light of His countenance. We want the meekness of Christ. God help us that we may learn in the school of Christ every day.
(6LtMs, Ms 56, 1890, 14)
Ms 57, 1890
Christ’s Humiliation NP 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in 16MR 180-184.
Christ’s humiliation is not understood and not appreciated. Forty days and nights Jesus was subjected to the temptations of the enemy—the one who was once an angel next to Christ in majesty and glory in the heavenly courts. It is stated, Thou wast exalted because of thy beauty, et cetera. But he wanted to have the place of Christ, and Christ was one with the Infinite God; and because this was not accorded him, he became jealous, and he was the originator of sin.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 1)
Satan wished to change the government of God, to fix his own seal to the rules of God’s kingdom. Christ would not be brought into this desire, and here the warfare against Christ commenced and waxed strong. Working in secrecy but known to God, Lucifer became a deceiving character. He told falsehood for truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 2)
He was expelled from heaven, and apparently Christ was alone with him in the wilderness of temptation. Yet He was not alone, for angels were round Him just as angels of God are commissioned to minister unto those who are under the fearful assaults of the enemy. Christ was in the wilderness with the one with whom there was war in heaven, and the one whom He overcame; and Satan was defeated.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 3)
Now Satan meets Him under different circumstances, as the glory that was round about Him is no longer visible. He has humbled Himself, taken upon Himself our nature. And He came into the world to stand at the head of humanity whom Satan had deceived, and to fight His battles in behalf of the race whom Satan has deceived through his lying power. This whole effort was to draw Christ away from His allegiance to God, to undermine in a deceptive way His principles and His allegiance to the Lord God.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 4)
What mental anguish Christ passed through! What grief! What torture of mind! He was face to face not with a hideous monster, as is represented with bat’s wings and cloven feet, but a beautiful angel of light, apparently just from the presence of God. His deceiving power was so great that a third of the heavenly angels were induced to believe him to be right and unite with him against God and His Son Jesus Christ. And now Satan’s personal contact in this world with Christ was of a most determined character, for if he succeeded here in his strong and wily efforts, he was conqueror and the prince of the world. He knew that all his claims to the kingdoms of the world were false and could not be sustained unless he should overcome Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 5)
It is impossible to take in the depth and the force of these temptations unless the Lord shall bring man where He can open these scenes before him by a revelation of the matter, and then it can only be but partially comprehended. Satan’s assaults were prepared for the circumstances in accordance with the exalted character with which he had to deal. If he [could] gain the victory in the first temptation, he would secure Him on all the rest. Satan had never aimed his darts at so strong a mark.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 6)
Our Lord’s trial and test and proving shows that He could yield to these temptations, else the battle was all a farce. But He did not yield to the solicitude of the enemy, thus evidencing that the human nature of man, united with the divine nature by faith, may be strong and withstand Satan’s temptations.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 7)
Christ’s perfect humanity is the same that man may have through connection with Christ. As God, Christ could not be tempted any more than He was not tempted from His allegiance in heaven. But as Christ humbled Himself to the nature of man, He could be tempted. He had not taken on Him even the nature of the angels, but humanity, perfectly identical with our own nature, except without the taint of sin. A human body, a human mind, with all the peculiar properties, He was bone, brain, and muscle. A man of our flesh, He was compassed with the weakness of humanity. The circumstances of His life were of that character that He was exposed to all the inconveniences that belong to men, not in wealth, not in ease, but in poverty and want and humiliation. He breathed the very air man must breathe. He trod our earth as man. He had reason, conscience, memory, will, and affections of the human soul which was united with His divine nature.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 8)
Our Lord was tempted as man is tempted. He was capable of yielding to temptations, as are human beings. His finite nature was pure and spotless, but the divine nature that led Him to say to Philip, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” also [John 14:9], was not humanized; neither was humanity deified by the blending or union of the two natures; each retained its essential character and properties.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 9)
But here we must not become in our ideas common and earthly, and in our perverted ideas we must not think that the liability of Christ to yield to Satan’s temptations degraded His humanity and He possessed the same sinful, corrupt propensities as man.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 10)
The divine nature, combined with the human, made Him capable of yielding to Satan’s temptations. Here the test to Christ was far greater than that of Adam and Eve, for Christ took our nature, fallen but not corrupted, and would not be corrupted unless He received the words of Satan in the place of the words of God. To suppose He was not capable of yielding to temptation places Him where He cannot be a perfect example for man, and the force and the power of this part of Christ’s humiliation, which is the most eventful, is no instruction or help to human beings.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 11)
But the facts of this history are not fable, but a living, acting, experience. [To deny this] would rob Jesus of His greatest glory—allegiance to God—which enshrouded Him as a garment in this world on the field of battle with the relentless foe, and He is not reckoned with the transgressor. He descended in His humiliation to be tempted as man would be tempted, and His nature was that of man, capable of yielding to temptation. His very purity and holiness were assailed by a fallen foe, the very one that became corrupted and then was ejected from heaven. How deeply and keenly must Christ have felt this humiliation.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 12)
How do fallen angels look upon this pure and uncontaminated One, the Prince of Life, through the different stages of His humiliation? They look upon the scene, the Son of the living God humiliated to take upon Himself the nature of man and meet the strong man armed with all his weapons of deception and falsehood to overcome Jesus Christ. And every victory gained, how precious it is in behalf of the human family, exalting, elevating, ennobling the workmanship of God; and Satan has been at work for centuries, degrading, debasing, and prostituting all his powers to do his hellish work.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 13)
The humanity of Christ received the fallen foe and engaged in battle with him. He was sustained in the conflict by divine power just as man will be sustained by his being a partaker of the divine nature. He gained victory after victory as our Champion, the Captain of our salvation, and the divine approval of God and all the universe of heaven flowed into His soul. His nature was shocked almost unto death, but the heavenly angels ministered unto the suffering One.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 14)
All heaven rejoiced because humanity, the workmanship of God, was placed in an elevated scale with God by the signal victory gained. Christ was more than conqueror, leaving the way open that man may be more than conqueror through Christ’s merits, because He loved him. The Son of the infinite God is brought into the tenderest sympathies with the tempted church. He knows how to succor those who shall be tempted, because He was Himself tempted.
(6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, 15)
Ms 58, 1890
General Hygiene NP 1890 See CTBH 96-108; CTr 20, 113. +
Labor a Blessing.
In creating man, God designed that he should be active and useful. Adam and Eve were placed in paradise and surrounded with everything that was pleasant to the eye or good for food. A beautiful garden was planted for them in Eden. In it were stately trees, of every description, all that could serve for use or ornament. Flowers of rare loveliness, and of every tint and hue, perfumed the air. Merry songsters of varied plumage caroled joyous songs in praise of their Creator.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 1)
Paradise delighted the senses of the holy pair; but this was not enough, they must have something to call into play the wonderful human organism. He who formed man knew what would be for his good; and had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his state of holy innocence, would have been left unemployed. But no sooner was he created than God appointed him his work. He was to find employment and happiness in tending the things which God had created, and his wants were to be abundantly supplied from the fruits of the garden.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 2)
Work of brain and muscle is beneficial. Each faculty of the mind and each muscle has its distinctive office, and all require exercise to develop them and give them healthful vigor. Each wheel in the living mechanism must be brought into use. The whole organism needs to be constantly exercised in order to be efficient and meet the object of its creation.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 3)
God has given us precious talents of mental and physical capabilities, and He holds us responsible for the use we make of every one of these powers. It is our duty to so educate the mind that all its faculties shall be developed. Perception, judgment, memory, and the reasoning powers should have equal strength in order that the mind may be well balanced. To some have been given great abilities and excellent opportunities of development, and of them the more is required. The heaviest responsibilities in the world’s work rest upon them, but all have powers of mind which should be used to the glory of God. And every one who does his work conscientiously and well, whether in the shop, the field, or the pulpit, will be rewarded according to the spirit in which he has worked.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 4)
Another precious talent which has been intrusted to men is their capital of strength. This is of more value than any bank deposit and should be more highly prized, for in the possibilities that it affords for leading a useful, happy life, it may be made to yield interest and compound interest. It is a blessing that cannot be purchased with gold or silver, houses or land, and God requires that it be used judiciously. No man has a right to sacrifice this precious talent to the corroding influence of inaction. All are as accountable for their capital of physical strength as for the capital of money.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 5)
Riches and idleness are thought by some to be blessings indeed; but those who are in possession of wealth and leisure, and yet have no purpose in life, are not the most happy. They have little to arouse them to either mental or physical activity, and often their life seems little more than mere existence. Scarcely an instance of disinterested benevolence brightens the life record of many persons. No pleasant memory survives them at their death; for there was no true goodness to leave a loving impress, even on the hearts of their friends. Such a life is a sad failure. It is the life of an unfaithful steward, who forgets that his Creator has claims upon him. Selfish interests attract his mind, and lead to forgetfulness of God and of His purpose in the creation of man.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 6)
Through lack of mental stimulus and physical exertion, many a woman loses her health, and is driven to seek some medical institution for treatment. Here attendants are hired, at great expense, to rub, stretch, and exercise the muscles, which, through inaction, have become powerless. She hires servants, that she may live a life of idleness, and then hires other servants to exercise the muscles enfeebled by disuse. What consummate folly! How much wiser and better for women, young or old, to brave the sneers of fashion’s votaries, and obey the dictates of common sense and the laws of life! By the cheerful performance of domestic or other duties, the idle daughters of wealth might become useful and happy members of society. For many, such labor is a more effective and profitable “movement cure” than the best inventions of the physicians.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 7)
Young men, as well as young women, often manifest a sad lack of earnest purpose and moral independence. To dress, to smoke, to talk nonsense, and to indulge their passion for amusement is the ideal of happiness, even with many who profess to be Christians. They shirk their share of the duties of life, and the indolence of the many occasions the overwork of the few. It is painful to think of the time thus misspent. Hours that should have been given to the study of the Scriptures or to active labor for Christ are worse than wasted.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 8)
Life was given for a true and holy purpose. It is too precious to be thus squandered. I entreat you who have taken the name of Christ, Examine your hearts, and pass sentence upon yourselves. Do you not love pleasure more than you love God or your fellowmen? There is work to be done; there are souls to save; there are battles to fight: there is a heaven to win. The mind, with all its capabilities, must be strengthened and stored with the treasures of divine wisdom. In the strength of God the youth may do noble work for the Master.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 9)
In this busy world there is work enough for willing hands and brains. If our own affairs do not demand all our time, there are many in God’s great family many who need sympathy and aid. There are the sick to be visited, the poor to be helped, the ignorant to be instructed, and the fallen to be uplifted and encouraged. None are excused from effort. No one, whether rich or poor, can glorify God by a life of indolence. A person may as well expect to reap a harvest where he has not sown, as to expect salvation as the outcome of such a life. Even the beasts of burden put to shame the do-nothing, who, although he is endowed with reason and a knowledge of the divine will, refuses to take his part in the world’s work.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 10)
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, and those who are diligent in business may not always be prospered; but it is “the hand of the diligent” that “maketh rich.” And while idleness and drowsiness grieve the Holy Spirit and destroy true godliness, they also tend to poverty and want. “He shall become poor that dealeth with a slack hand.”Proverbs 10:4.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 11)
A life of useful labor is indispensable to man’s physical, mental, and moral well-being. The sentence that he must toil for his daily bread and the promise of future happiness and glory both come from the same throne, and both are blessings. The true glory and joy of life are found only by the working men and women. Those who are always busy and who go cheerfully about their daily tasks are the useful members of society. In the faithful discharge of the various duties that lie in the pathway, they make their lives a blessing to themselves and others. Diligent labor keeps them from many of the snares of Satan, who “finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.” Idleness is one of the greatest of curses, for vice and crime, as well as poverty, follow in its wake. A stagnant pool becomes offensive. A pure, flowing brook spreads health and gladness over the land. The one is a symbol of the idler; the other, of the industrious man.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 12)
Labor brings its own reward in its effects on the physical system. Rest is sweet that is purchased by well-regulated industry, and healthful weariness insures the benefits of refreshing sleep. The workers are the most happy and enjoy the best health.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 13)
But there is a kind of toil which exhausts mind and body and is utterly unsatisfying. It is that which is done for the gratification of unsanctified ambition. The love of possession or pride of appearance leads thousands to carry to excess that which in itself is lawful—to devote all the strength of mind and body to that which should occupy but a small portion of their time. They bend every energy to the acquisition of wealth or honor, making all other objects secondary; they toil unflinchingly for years to accomplish their purpose, yet when the goal is reached, and the coveted reward secured, it turns to ashes in their grasp; it is a shadow. They have given their life for that which profiteth not.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 14)
Yet all the lawful pursuits of life may be safely followed if the spirit is kept free from selfish hopes and the contamination of deceit and envy. The industrial and business life of the Christian should be marked with the same pure principles that held sway in the workshop of the holy Nazarene. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens, but toiled daily with patient hands. By occupying a humble position, Christ dignified the menial employments of life. Honest industry has received the sanction of Heaven.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 15)
But the essential lesson of contented industry in the necessary duties of daily life is yet to be learned by the greater portion of Christ’s followers.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 16)
Those who divide religion from their business are reproved by the example of Jesus. And besides, when He choose His co-laborers in the work of salvation, He selected sturdy toilers from among the fishermen of Galilee and the tent-makers of Corinth. From these humble men went forth a power that will be felt through all eternity. It is the working men and women—those who are willing to bear responsibilities with faith and hope—who find that which is great and good in life.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 17)
The angels are workers; they are ministers of God to the children of men. Those slothful servants who look forward to a heaven of inaction have false ideas of what constitutes heaven. The Creator has prepared no place for the gratification of indolence. Heaven is a place of interested activity; yet to the weary and heavy laden, those who have fought the good fight of faith, it will be a glorious rest; for the youth and vigor of immortality will be theirs, and they will no longer have to contend against sin and Satan. To these energetic workers a state of eternal indolence would be irksome. It would be no heaven to them. The path of toil appointed to the Christian on earth may be hard and wearisome, but it is honored by the footprints of the Redeemer, and he is safe who follows in that sacred way.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 18)
Exercise Conducive to Health.
The do-nothing system is a dangerous on in any case. The idea that those who have overtaxed their mental or physical powers, or who have broken down in body or mind, must suspend activity in order to regain health is a great error. In a few cases, entire rest for a time may be necessary; but such instances are rare. In most cases the change would be too great to be beneficial.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 19)
Those who have broken down by intense mental labor, should have rest from wearing thought; yet to teach them that it is wrong, or even dangerous, for them to exercise their mental powers at all, leads them to think their condition worse than it really is. They are nervous and are in danger of becoming a burden to themselves, as well as to those who care for them. In this state of mind their recovery is doubtful indeed.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 20)
Those who have overtaxed their physical powers should not be advised to forego labor entirely. To shut them away from all exercise would in many cases prevent their restoration to health. The will goes with the labor of the hands; and when the will power is dormant, the imagination becomes abnormal, so that it is impossible for the sufferer to resist disease. Inactivity is the greatest curse that could come upon one in such a condition.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 21)
In the case of the invalid, physical exercise in the direction of useful labor has a happy influence upon the mind. It strengthens the muscles, improves the circulation, and gives him the satisfaction of knowing that he is not wholly useless in this busy world; but if he has nothing to occupy his time and attention, his thoughts will be centered upon himself, and he will be in constant danger of exaggerating his difficulties.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 22)
If invalids would engage in some well-directed physical exercise, using their strength, but not abusing it, they would find it an effective agent in their recovery; in the case of many whose minds and imaginations are diseased, such exertion is indispensable to health. They may be able to do but little at first, but they will soon find their strength increasing, and they can increase the task they set themselves accordingly. Physicians often advise invalids to take an ocean voyage, to go to some mineral spring, or to visit foreign countries in order to regain health, when in nine cases out of ten, if they would eat temperately and take cheerful, healthful exercise, they would become well, and would save time and money.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 23)
Exercise aids the dyspeptic by giving the digestive organs a healthy tone. To engage in deep study or violent exercise immediately after eating, hinders the digestive process, for the vital force, which is needed to carry on the work of digestion, is called away to other parts. But a short walk after a meal, with the head erect and the shoulders back, exercising moderately, is a great benefit. The mind is diverted from self to the beauties of nature. The less the attention is called to the stomach, the better. If you are in constant fear that your food will hurt you, it most assuredly will. Forget your troubles; think of something cheerful.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 24)
More people die for want of exercise than from overwork; very many more rust out than wear out. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation. In idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in the vital fluid, so necessary to health and life, do not take place. The little mouths in the skin, through which the body breathes, become clogged, thus making it impossible to eliminate impurities through that channel. This throws a double burden upon the other excretory organs, and disease is soon produced. Those who accustom themselves to working in the open air generally have a vigorous circulation. Men or women, young or old, who desire health and would enjoy life, should remember that they cannot have these blessings without a good circulation. Whatever their business or inclinations, they should feel it a religious duty to take as much exercise in the open air as possible.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 25)
Many have suffered from severe mental taxation, unrelieved by physical exercise. Ministers, teachers, students, and other brain workers do not become as intelligent as they should in regard to the necessity of physical exercise in the open air. They neglect this duty, a duty which is most essential to the preservation of health, and while closely applying their minds to study, they eat enough for a laboring man. The result is a deterioration of their powers, and they are inclined to shun responsibilities.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 26)
This is not true simply of the aged; men young in years have fallen into the same state. Some grow corpulent because the system is clogged. Others become thin and feeble because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of food. The liver is burdened in its efforts to throw off the impurities of the blood, and sickness is the result.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 27)
When the mind is continually taxed with study and the body is allowed to be inactive, the nerves of emotion are excited, while those of motion are not called into exercise. The mental organs are enfeebled through overwork and the muscles through lack of employment. There is no inclination to exercise; exertion seems to be irksome.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 28)
What these persons need is a more active life. Physical exercise, a diversion from mental effort, would draw the blood from the brain. Strictly temperate habits, combined with proper exercise, would preserve both mental and physical vigor, and give power of endurance to all brain workers.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 29)
Those whose habits are sedentary, should, when the weather will permit, walk out in the open air every day, summer and winter. The clothing should be suitable and the feet well protected. Walking is often more beneficial to health than all the medicine that can be prescribed. For those who can endure it, walking is preferable to riding, for it brings more of the muscles into exercise. The lungs also are forced into healthy action, since it is impossible to walk briskly without inflating them.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 30)
Importance of Pure Air.
Pure, fresh air is one of Heaven’s precious boons. Its influence tends to invigorate the system and soothe the nerves. It purifies the blood and promotes a good circulation; it gives a healthful stimulus to the appetite and renders the digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep. The pure, sweet air does its part toward making the body strong and healthy, and its influence is no less decidedly beneficial upon the mind, imparting to it tone and clearness, as well as a degree of composure and serenity.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 31)
Living in close, ill-ventilated rooms, where the air is dead and vitiated, weakens the entire system. The skin becomes sallow, the mind clouded and gloomy. The blood moves sluggishly, digestion is retarded, and the whole system—enervated, languid, and dormant—becomes peculiarly sensitive to disease.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 32)
Some invalids refuse to be convinced of the great importance of having a constant supply of pure air. For fear of taking cold, they wilfully persist in living from year to year in an atmosphere almost destitute of vitality. It is impossible for such persons to have a healthy circulation. The skin is debilitated, and they become sensitive to any change in the atmosphere. The first suggestion of cold brings out additional clothing, and the heat of the room is increased. The next day they require a little more heat and a little more clothing, in order to feel perfectly warm, and thus they humor every changing feeling until they have but little vitality left. If those who can, would engage in some active employment, instead of adding to their clothing or raising the temperature of an already overheated room, they would generally forget their chilly sensations and would receive no harm. For feeble lungs, an overheated atmosphere is very injurious.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 33)
Winter is a season to be dreaded by those who are obliged to be with these invalids. It is not only winter out-of-doors, but dreary indoors. Under the plea that the air affects the lungs and head, these victims of a diseased imagination shut themselves up in the house and close the windows. They expect to take cold from the least exposure, and they do. “Have we not proved it?” they will argue, and no amount of reasoning will make them believe that they do not understand the philosophy of the whole matter. It is true that they do take cold when exposed; but it is because their course has made them as tender as babies, and they cannot endure anything. Yet they live on with windows and doors closed, hovering over the stove and enjoying their misery. Why will not these persons try the effect of judicious outdoor exercise?
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 34)
Many have been taught that night air is positively injurious to health and therefore must be excluded from their rooms. One autumn evening I was traveling in a crowded railway carriage. The exhalations from so many lungs and bodies rendered the atmosphere very impure and gave me a sickening sensation. I raised my window and was enjoying the fresh air, when a lady, in earnest, imploring tones, cried out, “Do put down that window! You will take cold and be sick; the night air is so unhealthful!” I replied, “Madam, we have no other air than night air, in this carriage or out of it. If you refuse to breathe the night air, you must stop breathing.”
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 35)
In the cool of the evening it may be necessary to guard against chilliness by extra clothing, and one should be careful not to sit in a draught or in a cold room when weary or when in a perspiration. But all should so accustom themselves to fresh, pure air that they will not be affected by slight changes of temperature; there should be a free circulation of pure air through the room during sleeping hours and at all other times. The free air of heaven, by day or night, is one of the richest blessings we can enjoy.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 36)
Many labor under the mistaken idea that if they have taken cold they must carefully exclude the outside air and increase the temperature of the room until it is excessively hot. But the system of one suffering with cold is deranged, the pores are closed by waste matter, and there is more or less inflammation of the internal organs, because the blood has been chilled back from the surface and thrown upon them. At this time, of all others, the lungs should not be deprived of pure air. Judicious exercise would induce the blood to the surface and thus relieve the internal organs. The power of the will is a great help in resisting cold and giving energy to the nervous system. To deprive the lungs of air is like depriving the stomach of food. Air is the food that God has provided for the lungs; but it must be kept in circulation to be pure. Let it freely enter your homes, welcome it; cultivate a love for it, as a precious boon of heaven, and it will bring healing and blessing.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 37)
Cleanliness and Order.
Incorrect personal habits are among the most prolific causes of disease. Order and cleanliness are laws of heaven. The directions given to Moses, when the Lord was about to declare His law upon Mount Sinai, were very strict in this respect: “And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.”Exodus 19:10. They were directed to do this, lest there should be impurity about them as they should come before God. He is a God of order, and He requires order and cleanliness in His people.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 38)
On no occasion were the children of Israel to allow impurities to remain upon their clothing or their persons. Those who had any uncleanness were to be shut out of the camp until the evening and then were required to cleanse themselves and their clothing before they could return. They were also commanded to carry all their refuse to a distance from the camp. This was a sanitary measure, as well as a religious regulation.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 39)
The Lord requires no less of His people now than He did anciently. If cleanliness was so necessary to those journeying in the wilderness, who were in the open air nearly all the time, it is not less necessary to us, who live in close houses, where impurities are more observable and have a more unhealthful influence.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 40)
The moral law, spoken from Sinai, cannot live in the hearts of persons of disorderly, filthy habits. If the children of Israel could not so much as listen to the proclamation of that holy law without cleanliness of person and clothing, how can its pure precepts be written upon the hearts of those who are untidy in their persons and their homes?
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 41)
A neglect of cleanliness will induce disease. Sickness does not come without a cause. Violent epidemics of fever have occurred in villages and cities that were considered perfectly healthful, and these have resulted in death or broken constitutions. In many instances the premises of the very ones who fell victims to these epidemics contained the agents of destruction, which sent forth deadly poison into the atmosphere to be inhaled by the family and the neighborhood. It is astonishing to witness the prevailing ignorance relative to the effects which slackness and recklessness produce upon health.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 42)
When Lord Palmerston was premier of England, he was at one time petitioned by the Scottish clergy to appoint a day of fasting and prayer to avert the cholera. He replied, “Cleanse and disinfect your streets and houses, promote cleanliness and health among the poor, and see that they are plentifully supplied with good food and raiment, and employ right sanitarium measures generally, and you will have no occasion to fast and pray. Nor will the Lord hear your prayers while these, His preventives, remain unheeded.”
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 43)
Upon rising in the morning, most persons would be benefited by taking a sponge or hand bath. This will remove impurities from the skin and keep it moist and supple, thereby aiding the circulation. Persons in health should on no account neglect frequent bathing. Whether a person is sick or well, respiration is rendered more free and full by bathing. The mind and body are alike invigorated. The muscles become more flexible, every faculty of the intellect is made brighter. The bath is a soother of the nerves. Instead of increasing the liability of taking cold, it fortifies against cold, because it improves the circulation; the blood is brought to the surface and a more easy and regular flow of the vital fluid is obtained.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 44)
It is not God who has brought upon us the many woes which mortals now inherit. Our own folly has led us to deprive ourselves of things that are precious, of the blessings which, if properly used, are of inestimable value in the maintenance of health. Exercise, sunlight, and air are the blessings which Heaven has provided to make the sick well and to keep in health those who are not sick. God deprives no one of their benefits; but the people close their doors against these things which are among Nature’s most healing agents.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 45)
Many houses are furnished expensively, more to gratify pride than for the comfort, convenience, or health of the family. The best rooms are kept closed and dark, lest the light injure the rich furniture or fade the carpets, or tarnish the picture frames. When visitors are permitted to be seated in these spare rooms, they are in danger of taking cold because of the damp atmosphere pervading them. Spare bedrooms are kept closed for the same reasons.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 46)
Sleepingrooms should be large and so arranged as to have a free circulation of air day and night. Those who have slept in an ill-ventilated room awake feeling feverish and exhausted. This is because the vitalizing air was excluded, and the whole system suffers in consequence. Whoever occupies beds which have not been freely exposed to the air and sunlight does so at the risk of health, and often, even, of life itself. There should be a circulation of air and an abundance of light in every apartment of the house for several hours each day.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 47)
If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, the abodes of health and happiness, make them bright with air and sunshine. Remove the heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the pure air and the rich sunlight. It may fade your carpets, but it will give a healthy color to the cheeks of your children. A humble home, made bright with air and sunlight and cheerful with earnest, loving hearts and the presence of God, will be a heaven below for your family, and for all who may share your generous hospitality.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 48)
A yard adorned with flowers, and some trees and shrubbery at a proper distance from the house has a happy influence upon the family, promoting health and cheerfulness. God is a lover of the beautiful. He has given us unmistakable evidence of this in the work of His hands. He who made the Eden home for our first parents so beautiful has surrounded us with the lovely things of nature for our happiness. He has implanted in our hearts a love of the beautiful; and He has caused the noble trees to grow and has set the flowers in the field like gems, to beautify the earth, that through these tokens of His love we may have correct views of His character.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 49)
The charms of nature are restful to eye and mind. But with the fragrance of flowers in the garden, the God-given air and sunlight should be granted free ingress into our homes. Shade trees and shrubbery, if sufficiently scattered and properly taken care of, will prove no injury to the health. But the great quantities of fallen leaves, if not immediately removed, decay, and poison the atmosphere. And if the trees and shrubs are close and dense around a house, they make it unhealthful, for they prevent the free circulation of air and shut out the rays of the sun. In consequence, a dampness gathers in the house, especially in wet seasons, and those who occupy the sleeping rooms are liable to be troubled with rheumatism, neuralgia and lung complaints.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 50)
Dwellings should, if possible, be built on high ground. If a house is built where the water will settle around it, remaining for a time and slowly drying away, there is a poisonous miasma continually rising from the damp ground which breeds sore throats, fevers, ague, or lung diseases.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 51)
Many expect that God will keep them from sickness merely because they ask Him to do so; but the prayers of those who do not regard the laws of life, God cannot answer, because their faith is not made perfect by works. When we do all we can on our part to insure health, then we may expect that good results will follow, and we can ask in faith that God will bless our efforts. And He will answer our prayer, if His name can be glorified thereby. But let all understand that they have something to do. God will not work in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of persons who are, by their careless inattention to the laws of health, taking a sure course to make themselves sick.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 52)
Recreation.
Many labor too hard, without allowing themselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those who engage in physical labor and is still more essential for those whose work is principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation nor for the glory of God to keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively, even upon religious themes. There are amusements, such as card-playing, dancing, theatre-going, etc., which we cannot approve, because heaven condemns them. They open the door to great evils. By their exciting tendency, they produce in some minds a passion for gambling and dissipation. All such amusements should be condemned by Christians, and something perfectly harmless should be substituted in their place. There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for entertainment and diversion from sources not only innocent but instructive.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 53)
Recreation in the open air and the contemplation of the works of God in nature will be of the highest benefit. The Master Artist has painted upon heaven’s shifting, changing canvas the glories of the setting sun. He has tinted and gilded the heavens with gold, silver, and crimson, as if the portals of high heaven were thrown open that we might view its gleamings and our imagination take hold of the glory within. Shall we turn carelessly from this heaven-wrought picture? Shall we fail to trace the hand of God in His works?
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 54)
God has surrounded us with His perfect work in field and forest, hill and valley, plain and river, to attract and interest the mind. And if we faithfully study Him in the book of nature, we shall find it full of His infinite love and power.
(6LtMs, Ms 58, 1890, 55)
Ms 59, 1890
Hygienic Reform: Our Present Work NP 1890 Formerly Undated Ms 9. Portions of this manuscript are published in 3SM 292; Te 169; CTBH 117-122. +
Let it ever be borne in mind that the great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body. Its aim is not merely physical health, but perfection of the whole being, including holiness of the spirit, a condition which cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds. All the laws of nature which God has planted in our being are divine and are designed for our good. Obedience to them is a part of true godliness; it not only promotes health, peace, and happiness, but aids in a preparation for the future life. But to every transgression is affixed a penalty, which must sooner or later be realized.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 1)
When God led the children of Israel out of Egypt, it was His purpose to establish them in the land of Canaan a pure, happy, healthy as well as righteous, people. Let us look at the means by which He would accomplish this. He subjected them to a course of discipline, which, had it been cheerfully followed, would have resulted in good, both to themselves and to their posterity. He removed flesh food from them in a great measure. He had granted them flesh in answer to their clamors, just before reaching Sinai, but it was furnished for only one day. God might have provided flesh as easily as manna, but a restriction was placed upon the people for their good. It was His purpose to supply them with food better suited to their wants than the feverish diet to which many of them had been accustomed in Egypt. The perverted appetite was to be brought into a more healthy state, that they might enjoy the food given to Adam and Eve in Eden.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 2)
Had they been willing to deny appetite in obedience to His restrictions, feebleness and disease would have been unknown among them. Their descendants would have possessed physical and mental strength. They would have had clear perceptions of truth and duty, keen discrimination, and sound judgment. But they were unwilling to submit to God’s requirements, and they failed to reach the standard He had set for them and to receive the blessings that might have been theirs. They murmured at God’s restrictions, and lusted after the flesh-pots of Egypt. God let them have flesh, but it proved a curse to them. “With many of them God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”1 Corinthians 10:5.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 3)
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”“And they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.”1 Corinthians 10:6, 11.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 4)
As we approach the close of this earth’s history, selfishness, violence, and crime prevail, as in the days of Noah. And the cause is the same—the excessive indulgence of the appetites and passions. A reform in the habits of life is especially needed at this time, in order to fit a people for the coming of Christ. The Saviour Himself warns the church: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” [Luke 21:34.]
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 5)
Hygienic reform is a subject that we need to understand in order to be prepared for the events that are close upon us. It is a branch of the Lord’s work which has not received the attention it deserves, and much has been lost through neglect. It should have a prominent place; it is not a matter to be trifled with, to be passed over as non-essential, or to be treated as a jest. If the church would manifest a greater interest in this reform, their influence for good would be greatly increased.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 6)
For those who are looking for the coming of the Lord, for those who are called to be laborers in His vineyard—for all who are fitting themselves for a place in the everlasting kingdom—how important that the brain be clear and the body as free as possible from disease.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 7)
The Word of God declares: “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other.” [Galatians 5:17.] We are on the battlefield today, where the two great forces of vice and virtue are contending for the mastery. The discordant elements of the one and the pure principles of the other are at work, striving for the conquest of every human soul. Satan approaches each one with some form of temptation on the point of appetite. As Bible believers, we need to take a position for righteousness and truth on this subject as well as on all others.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 8)
The tendency in dietetic reform is to bring us back, step by step, to God’s original design that men should subsist on the natural products of the earth. But some do not understand the true principles of reform. Their knowledge is partial, and their views are distorted. They think that it consists in abandoning the use of injurious articles and subsisting on a diet which is really meager and insufficient.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 9)
There is another class who do not realize the importance of health principles. They have had abundance of opportunities for becoming acquainted with these principles. They understand the necessity of eating and dressing with simplicity, in obedience to moral and physical laws; but they do not appreciate the privilege of knowledge, and they shrink from the self-denial that a right course involves. I have heard such persons say, I know that I have wrong habits that are injuring my health; but my habits have been formed, and it is next thing to impossible to change and do even as well as I know. These persons are working against their own interest and happiness in this life and are disqualifying themselves to obtain the future life. They are enlightened transgressors of natural law, and God is not responsible for the suffering which they bring upon themselves. Such persons will shun duty in other things. By refusing to practice self-denial in these every-day matters, they blunt the conscience. They cannot, they will not, be susceptible to the sanctifying influence of Bible truth and of the Spirit of God; and to avoid reproach they will violate God’s moral law.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 10)
There are many others who are lamentably ignorant on health subjects. Among these are not a few whose profession of Christ requires them to be “temperate in all things.” [1 Corinthians 9:25.] There are also educated men, who can explore the depths of the earth with the geologist, or traverse the heavens with the astronomer, but who take not the slightest interest in the wonderful mechanism of their own bodies. There are yet others who can name and describe the bones and organs of the human body, but are as ignorant of the laws of health and the cure of disease as if life were controlled by blind fate instead of definite and unvarying laws.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 11)
Because the principles of health and temperance are so important and are so often misunderstood, neglected, or unknown, we should educate ourselves that we may not only bring our own lives into harmony with these principles, but teach them to others. The people need to be educated, line upon line, precept upon precept. The matter must be kept fresh before them. Nearly every family needs to be stirred up. The mind must be enlightened and the conscience aroused to the duty of practicing the principles of true reform.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 12)
Ministers, especially, should become intelligent on this question. As shepherds of the flock, they will be held accountable for willing ignorance and disregard of nature’s laws. Let them find out what constitutes true hygienic reform and teach its principles, both by precept and by a quiet, consistent example. They should not ignore their duty in this matter nor be turned aside because some may call them extremists. At conventions, institutes, and other large and important meetings, instruction should be given upon health and temperance. Bring into service all the talent at command, and follow up the work with publications on the subject. “Educate, educate, educate,” should be the watchword.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 13)
In all health institutions instruction in regard to the laws of nature should be made a special feature. The principles of hygienic reform should be carefully and thoroughly set before all, both patients and helpers. The conscientious physician will not fail to talk to his patients plainly of the ruinous effects of self-indulgence in eating, drinking, and dressing, and of the overtaxation of their vital forces—things which have destroyed their health. He will not increase the evil by administering drugs till exhausted nature gives up the struggle, but will aid nature in her work of restoration by a wise use of her own simple remedies.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 14)
A great amount of good may be done by teaching the sick how to prevent suffering and disease in the future by the formation of correct habits. This will often be up-hill work, and requires moral courage, for while many will be profited by such efforts, others will be offended. But the God-fearing physician or nurse will not shrink from this work. He will seek to lead the mind away from the prevailing and fashionable errors, and to reform the practice.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 15)
One reason why many have become discouraged in practicing health reform is that they have not learned how to cook so that proper food, simply prepared, would supply the place of the diet to which they have been accustomed. They become disgusted with the poorly prepared dishes, and next we hear them say that they have tried health reform and cannot live that way. Many attempt to follow out meager instruction in health reform and make such sad work that it results in injury to digestion and to discouragement to all concerned in the attempt. If you adopt the reform, you should become good cooks. Those who can avail themselves of the advantages of properly conducted hygienic cooking schools, will find it a great benefit, both in their own practice and in teaching others.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 16)
In all missions, both home and foreign, women of intelligence should have charge of the domestic arrangements—women who are practical cooks and know how to prepare food palatably and healthfully. The table should be abundantly supplied with food of the best quality. If any have a perverted taste that craves tea, coffee, condiments, and unhealthful dishes, enlighten them. Seek to arouse the conscience. Set before them the principles of the Bible upon hygiene.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 17)
This work will require the most delicate tact, the most thoughtful consideration, the most earnest prayer that heavenly wisdom may be imparted. There are many who try to correct the lives of others by attacking what they regard as wrong habits. They go to those whom they think in error and point out their defects, but do not seek to direct the mind to true principles. Such a course often comes far short of securing the desired results. When we make it evident that we are trying to correct others, we too often arouse their combativeness and do more harm than good. And there is danger to the reprover also. He who takes upon himself to correct others, is likely to cultivate a habit of fault-finding, and soon his whole interest will be in picking flaws and finding defects.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 18)
Do not watch others to pick at their faults or expose their errors. Do not catch hold of isolated ideas and make them a test, criticizing others whose practice may not agree with your opinion; but study the subject broadly and deeply, and seek to bring your own ideas and practices into harmony with the principles of Christian temperance. Educate others to better habits by the power of your own example. If we move from principle in these things, if as Christian reformers we educate our own taste and bring our diet into harmony with the original plan, we shall not only be benefitted ourselves, but we shall exert an influence upon others by which God will be pleased and honored.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 19)
There is something better to talk about than the faults and weaknesses of others. Talk of God and His wonderful works. Study into the manifestations of His love and wisdom in all the works of nature. Study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidence of God’s love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of His laws and the blessings that result from obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view from that of a hard duty. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, an inestimable blessing.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 20)
There is work to be done in the cause of reform—stern, earnest work. Those who engage in it heartily will meet perplexities and difficulties. Yet none should be discouraged because of this or cease their efforts. The prophet says of one characteristic of Christ, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth.”Isaiah 42:4. Then let not His followers talk of failure or discouragement, but persevere, remembering the price paid to rescue man, that he might not perish, but have eternal life.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 21)
We cannot be too earnest in seeking to raise the fallen and to shield the weak from temptation. Our human hands are feeble; but we have an unfailing Helper. We must not forget that the arm of Christ can reach to the very depths of human woe and degradation. He can enable us to conquer even the terrible demon of appetite.
(6LtMs, Ms 59, 1890, 22)
Ms 60, 1890
Our Institutions NP 1890 Previously unpublished.
How shall they be treated? I purchased on the hillside seven acres and a half of land. I have been solicited to sell. I always told them no. I was bound by a written agreement not to sell without the consent of the board. I saw that which made me sad. Families crowding in about the institution who fell out under the least obligation to sustain the institution. If they could receive benefit themselves, then that was all right in their eyes.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 1)
If the institution was brought into a strait place, and was under the necessity of employing those who professed to believe the truth to do something in their great need, there are those who would make the most of their need and would demand a much larger price for their labor than was just because they could get it, thus taking advantage of the circumstances. This is registered in the books of heaven as unjust in deal, dishonest before God. And these men show that they are not worthy to have any connection with this instrumentality of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 2)
If these are not personally favored, then they reported they were ill treated. There has [been] great sin committed by these families. They have weighed persons and things in their own imperfect balances and then pronounced their sentence accordingly. There have been talkers, watchers, to pass their comments upon everything that came before them.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 3)
Now, these persons should not have been on the hill at all. Not a foot of land should have been sold to these families, although they may assure you that they wanted to help the institution. Some have moved just as their feelings have been moved. They have done little less than multiply obstacles to future success. They have strengthened prejudice and encouraged by their talk and movements strong suspicions and awakened opposing influences.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 4)
Brother M. J. Church has arrayed himself against the Health Retreat strongly. A condition of things existed in the Health Retreat which was sad indeed. Elder Rice entered largely into the matter. He did not consult the board. He followed his own strong will and thought himself fully competent to financier, and the result has involved the institute thousands of dollars in debt. But knowing what he has done, he has made no restitution. His influence was of that character to bring reproach upon the sanitarium.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 5)
Dr. Maxson and wife strengthened and sustained Elder Rice. They were fully united, and both disconnected from the institute at the same time because they had not discernment and were not standing or walking in the counsel of God. God sees all these difficulties the institute has had to labor under. All this was the working of Satan. But after the most painstaking effort the institution was again set in order.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 6)
Then came the movement of Brother M. J. Church, united with Dr. Maxson and wife, to build an institution in Fresno to be run by M. J. Church and Dr. Maxson. This threw a burden upon me and required of me most earnest labor to show the inconsistency of the thing. But the words and influence of M. J. Church have been to demerit the institution in St. Helena, to talk of the curse of God lying on the institution. Did he expect to convert the institution or its managers by his harsh denunciations and expressed contempt? Is this the way that those who claim to have superior wisdom are enlisting their powers to make more success of that institution which the Lord has signified should live and be sustained in California?
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 7)
It is the fruit of a Christian to come close to our brother’s heart, touched as was our merciful Saviour with the feelings of his infirmities. If the piety of God’s professed children is sound and heathy, it has nothing to fear. They will not take the plague because the impression is kept alive that the region at St. Helena is infected. If Jesus be with these who claim to be His children, their work is not to tear down and demolish, but following the orders of the great Master Worker to build up.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 8)
Oh, the littleness of the faith of these who ought to be laborers together with God. Men feel competent to steer their own bark. There is but a faint personal piety and a large stock of self-sufficiency. Therefore, there is not a wise and unreserved cooperation with the principles and movements of the divine overtures and agencies the Lord proffers us. But all who are truly workers together with God have many fellow laborers to unite with them to exert an important and beneficial influence on these instrumentalities which God has appointed. The success of these institutions depends largely upon the union and the love for brethren in cooperation, and this is the ruling element to exist in the church insuring peace and harmonious action of its members. This is the Christ-like moral force which is the efficacy and power of the gospel.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 9)
Such selfishness, such bigotry, such unsanctified tongues and actions, I never met in my experience as at the present time, simply because the church members have not the love of Jesus in their hearts but love and esteem and honor themselves. The truth we claim to believe Satan sees as faith and power, and he works with all his devices to make church members unsanctified, unholy in thoughts, unholy in plans, unholy in words and their actions. They have professedly an eye single to the glory of God, when their eye [actually] is single to their selfish purposes and aggrandizement. Glorify God? No indeed. Glorify self, and they forfeit the Christian character. Here are institutions of learning, colleges, publishing houses, and [institutions] for health in our midst. Shall we abandon all these because the mischief-makers talk, because the murmurers exist as among ancient Israel? There are talkers, there are accusers, there are those who break the law of God in lying and bearing false witness and recrimination. There have stood on the boarder of the field the watchers, the spies all in armor, saying, Report and we will report it. They are ready to sally forth from their watch towers and engage in strife of tongues. By their fruits ye shall know them. It is time that these parties were ready to learn the mind of the Spirit of God, not one part run to another part full of important discoveries of things which never existed or took place.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 10)
How are all these professed commandmentkeepers to live in harmony in the family of heaven? All the preparation of that place must take place here. I have been shown that the seat of the difficulty is [that] men consider their ideas wiser than God’s plans. They want to improve upon God’s ideas, considering their own ideas perfection. The wisdom of men is foolishness with God. The Israelites substituted a golden calf for Jehovah. Men in our day substitute for God things that only degrade and belittle their conceptions of God. The transforming energies of the Holy Spirit will make the heart of man right and keep him right. Man has been made to take the place of God. I tell you in the fear of God, the eye that seeth in secret, the heart that heareth what is spoken in the bed chamber, will bring to light some startling revelations. It is by our works we shall be justified or condemned.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 11)
But there must be church discipline exercised toward its members who bear false witness and all who loveth and maketh a lie. This wickedness is permeating the churches and unless the Spirit of God is entertained, unless there is close communion with God, the want of this is supplied by the communion with Satan. The Christless state of many churches is due to their wicked practices to tear and rend each other. If the devil can keep members of the church murmuring, complaining, contending, [he] is ruining their souls. He is educating them that they will possess that troublesome, selfish, loveless character that Satan possessed, and they will be with him outside of the city of God. If we are meek and lowly of heart Jesus knows that and will abide with us.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 12)
While Satan is occupying the minds of Christ’s followers with dissension, souls are being lost, for there is not labor put forth for them in the spirit of love for Christ and earnest efforts to win them to Christ. It is terrible to contemplate what victories Satan has gained while the members of the church have been divided, so engrossed with their own unsanctified, unholy bickering that sinners have been deceived, the religion of Jesus Christ misinterpreted, Christ denied in words, in spirit, in life and character.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 13)
The agencies, divine and human, are placed at the disposal of many of those who claim to be children of God who have the Word of God, who have the testimony of His Spirit. He saith, “I have stretched out my hand all the day long to a gainsaying, disobedient people.” [Romans 10:21.] God is working, all heaven is working, to prepare a people for the day of God’s preparation. The churches are far from Christ, lukewarm, destitute of every grace. And to these who are such, Jesus says, “Knowest not they are full of Pharisaism and spiritual pride, saying I am rich and increased with goods.” And Brother Church, the message to the Laodicean church means you apply it to yourself and work diligently. “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore and repent. Beloved, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:19, 20.] Write it on your soul. Engrave it on your doorposts. No more flattery. He must increase, I must decrease.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 14)
It was the seeking of supremacy that caused the fall of Satan, and he took a portion of heaven with him because no one falls alone who claims infallibility. There is found in churches the unsettling of confidence in their ministers, the questions, the laying bare their supposed mistakes, expatiating on their weaknesses, and when you have done this phase of the devil’s work, what has it done for you or for them? Has it made you any more Christlike? Has it strengthened your faith? Has it brought spiritual vigor to those who are ready to die? Where are the peacemakers? The stirrers-up of strife are to be found easily enough. Where are the peacemakers? The loving Christians’s strength is the grace of Christ, cherishing the tender heart of love and confidence and fidelity to each other and to the church. [He] who possesses the unselfish spirit of true laborers, being sincere, earnest, devoted to Christ and to the saving of souls, would be in every sense a light to the world. They would be of more value in God’s army as faithful soldiers than the largest churches in number.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 15)
Christ represents the condition of the church members. Five of them were wise and five of them were foolish. The foolish took no oil (grace) in their vessels with their lamps. How will this state of things so alarming continue? Will the one-half of the majority ever remain in ignorance and bondage to doubts and to fear and to temptations, ever confessing their bad habits and continue [in their] sins but never forsaking them? Wasting their own precious probationary time and keeping the minds of others in uncertainty, squandering their moral forces upon picking flaws in them, doing mischief, spoiling souls and churches by their talking of the inefficiency of laborers. But when their own field is examined, notwithstanding, they obtained their own wisdom as superior to any other. There are found tares, cockles, and poisonous weeds. They are tearing to pieces, sowing seeds of doubts, but contributing nothing of spiritual gospel work to strengthen the things that remain. They are Satan’s right-hand managers, and they flatter themselves because of propensities to find out and condemn, calling it spiritual eyesight. It is exactly of the quality the devil has possessed since he was expelled from Eden. They have changed captains and do not know it.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 16)
What have those men and women done to build up the Health Retreat? Manifold and dear-bought experience has demonstrated that while members of our churches are climbing on the judgment seat to condemn and expose the weaknesses of one another, God has spoken to you in California. Will you hear His voice? Some will, some will not. While they are so fully occupied in weeding others’ gardens, the precious graces are dying in their own churches and the church becomes a body of darkness and death. How many scenes have angels looked upon where children of God have mingled with the strife of tongues in the war of human unholy passions, prejudices and criminations.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 17)
The church in Fresno especially has been engaged in enterprises which have nothing [more] to do with missionary work or with the promotion of piety than has the work of Satan. And the tact, the grace, the fervency, the sympathies of men and women, are training away from the proper objects that are first and dear to our Redeemer. We must bring every jot of ability back to their proper channel and the rays of light that have been shining upon our pathway in clear and steady rays shall reflect light. The measure of our influence will extend far and be effective in just that measure of internal godliness and external manifestation of an indwelling Saviour. The Lord God cooperates with the human agency that He may be represented to the world in sanctified human character. The eye must be placed upon God. By beholding Jesus Christ we become more like Him until copying His virtues we become complete in Him.
(6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, 18)
Ms 61, 1890
Danger in Adopting Worldly Policy in the Work of God NP 1890 This manuscript is published in entirety in PH133. +
November 3, 1890, while laboring at Salamanca, N. Y., as I was in communion with God in the night season, I was taken out of and away from myself to assemblies in different states, where I bore a decided testimony of warning and reproof. In Battle Creek a council of ministers and responsible men from the publishing house and other institutions was convened, and I heard those assembled, in no gentle spirit, advance sentiments and urge measures for adoption that filled me with apprehension and distress.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 1)
Years before, I had been called to pass through a similar experience, and the Lord then revealed to me many things of vital importance and gave me warnings that must be delivered to those in danger. On the night of November 3, these warnings were brought to my mind, and I was commanded to present them before those in responsible offices of trust, and to fail not, nor be discouraged.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 2)
There were laid out before me some things which I could not comprehend; but the assurance was given me that the Lord would not allow His people to be enshrouded in the fogs of worldly skepticism and infidelity, bound up in bundles with the world; but if they would only hear and follow His voice, rendering obedience to His commandments, He would lead them above the mists of skepticism and unbelief, and place their feet upon the solid Rock, where they might breathe the atmosphere of security and triumph.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 3)
While in earnest prayer, I was lost to everything around me; the room was filled with light, and I was bearing a message to an assembly that seemed to be the General Conference. I was moved by the Spirit of God to make a most earnest appeal, for I was impressed that great danger was before us at the heart of the work. I had been, and still was, bowed down with distress of mind and body, burdened with the thought that I must bear a message to our people at Battle Creek to warn them against a line of action that would separate God from the publishing house.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 4)
The eyes of the Lord were bent upon the people in sorrow mingled with displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence that art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 5)
He who wept over impenitent Israel, noting their ignorance of God, and of Christ their Redeemer, looked upon the heart of the work at Battle Creek Great peril was about the people, but knew it not. Unbelief and impenitence blinded their eyes, and they trusted to human wisdom in the guidance of the most important interests of the publishing In the weakness of human judgment, men were gathering into their finite hands the lines of control, while God’s will, God’s way and counsel were not sought as indispensable. Men of stubborn, iron-like will, both in and out of the office, were confederating together, determined to drive certain measures through in accordance with their own judgment. said to them, You cannot do this. The control of these large interests cannot be vested wholly in those who have not spiritual discernment,
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 6)
The people of God throughout our ranks must not because of mismanagement on the part of erring men, have their confidence shaken in the important interests at the great heart of the work which have a decided influence upon our churches in the United States and in foreign lands. If you lay your hand upon the great instrumentality of God, to place your mold and superscription upon it, you will find that it will be dangerous to your own souls and disastrous to the work of God. It will be as great a sin in the sight of God as was the sin of Uzzah when he put forth his hand to steady the ark.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 7)
There are those who have entered into other men’s labors, and all that God requires of them is to do their duty humbly, to deal justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with God, to labor conscientiously as men employed by the people to do the work entrusted to their hands. Some have failed to do this, as their works testify. Whatever may be their position, whatever their responsibility, if they have as much authority even as had Ahab, they will find that God is above them, that His sovereignty is supreme. Let none of the workers exalt themselves and work to carry through their ideas without the sanction and cooperation of the people of God. They will not succeed, for God will not permit it.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 8)
The foundations of the institutions among us were laid in sacrifice. They belong to the people, and all who have denied self, and made sacrifices great or small according to their ability, to bring these instrumentalities into existence should feel that they have a special interest in them. They should not lose their interest or become despondent in regard to the success of the work. As the perils of the last days thicken about us, they should pray more earnestly that the work may prosper.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 9)
Those who have lifted burdens when the work went hard should have a part in important councils, for they acted a part when counseling together was considered a far more solemn and sacred matter than it is now. No confederacy should be formed with unbelievers, neither should you call together a certain chosen number who think as you do and say “Amen” to all you propose, I was shown that there was great danger of doing this.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 10)
“For the Lord spake thus unto me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.... To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:11-13, 20.] The world is not to be our criterion. Let the Lord work, let the Lord’s voice be heard.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 11)
Those employed in any department of the work whereby the world may be transformed, must not enter into alliance with those who know not the truth. The world know not the Father or the Son, and they have no spiritual discernment as to the character of our work, as to what we shall do or shall not do. We must obey the orders that come from above. We are not to hear the counsel or follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. Suggestions made by those who know not the work that God is doing for this time will be such as to weaken the power of the instrumentalities of God. By accepting such suggestions, the counsel of Christ is set at naught.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 12)
There is altogether too little fear, love, and reverence for the God of heaven. There is far too little faith in the workings of His providence in matters concerning His cause with those who are connected with the active management of the publishing house. Why is this? Because they are not spiritually wise.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 13)
The great peril is in the fact that men live so far apart from Jesus, that they fail to discern His voice, receive His counsel, keep His way, and honor His name; they become self-exalted, and walk in the sparks of their own kindling. Because of this they fail to understand the devices of Satan and are led to adopt measures that appear right, although they are instigated by the artful enemy of God and man, to place a human mold upon the work, dishonoring the name of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 14)
As far back as <1882,> testimonies of the deepest interest on points of vital importance were presented to our people in regard to the work and the spirit that should characterize the workers. Satan is wide awake, and while men sleep, he sows his tares. In completing the work of rebellion, Satan is represented as a roaring lion, going about seeking whom he may devour. Those who are self-sufficient, who do not feel the necessity of constant prayer and watchfulness, will be ensnared.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 15)
Through living faith and earnest prayer the sentinels of God must become partakers of the divine nature or they will be found professedly working for God, but in reality giving their service to the prince of darkness. Because their eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, their understanding will be blinded, and they will be ignorant of the wonderfully specious devices of the enemy. Their vision will be perverted through their dependence of human wisdom, which is foolishness in the sight of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 16)
The eye of the Lord is upon all the work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind; He sees beneath the surface of things, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. There is not a deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imagination of the heart, not a thought of the mind, but that He reads it as an open book. Every act, every word, every motive is faithfully chronicled in the records by the Great Heartsearcher, who said, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 17)
I was shown that the follies of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated among the people of God today, unless there is greater humility, less confidence in self, and more trust in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of the people. It is only as divine power is combined with human effort that the work will abide the test. When men lean no longer on men or on their own judgment, but make God their trust, It will be made manifest in every instance by meekness of spirit, by the exercise of caution in their plans and movements. Such men will reveal the fact that their dependence is in God, that they have the mind of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 18)
A king was given to Israel after the desire of their hearts for worldly plans and worldly policy. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, their chosen ruler, and he became a converted man. The record plainly declares that, “when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, the Lord gave him another heart.” [1 Samuel 10:9.] God is ready to do this for any of his workers; and if Saul had obeyed the Lord in all things, he would have kept the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and he would have been a blessing to Israel. Through him Israel might have been led to firmer allegiance to the King of heaven. But he withheld his service from God and proved a curse to the chosen people.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 19)
All this history is written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. Will we be admonished not to act over the sins of Israel?
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 20)
Again and again I have been shown that the people of God in these last days could not be safe in trusting in men and making flesh their arm. The mighty cleaver of truth has taken them out of the world as rough stones that are to be hewed and squared and polished for the heavenly building. They must be hewed by the prophets with reproof, warning, admonition, and advice, that they may be fashioned after the divine Pattern. This is the specified work of the Comforter, to transform heart and character that men may keep the way of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 21)
I now raise my voice in warning, for you are in danger. The people are to know when peril is threatening them; they are not to be left in darkness. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him no warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 22)
“Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man that the righteous man sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” [Ezekiel 3:17-21.]
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 23)
Since 1845, the dangers of the people of God have been laid open before me, and I have been shown the perils that would thicken about the remnant in the last days of time. These perils have been revealed to me down to the present time. Great scenes are soon to open before us. The Lord is coming with power and great glory. And Satan knows that his usurped authority will soon be forever at an end. His last opportunity to gain control of the world is now before him, and he will make most decided efforts to accomplish the destruction of the inhabitants of the earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 24)
Those who believe the truth must be as faithful sentinels on the watch tower, or Satan will suggest specious reasonings to them, and they will give utterance to opinions that will betray sacred, holy trusts. The enmity of Satan against good, will be manifested more and more, as he brings his forces into activity in his last work of rebellion, and every soul that is not fully surrendered to God, and kept by divine power, will form an alliance with Satan against heaven, and join in battle against the Ruler of the universe.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 25)
In a vision given in 1880 I asked, “Where is the security for the people of God in these days of peril?” The answer was, “Jesus maketh intercession for His people, though Satan standeth at His right hand to resist Him.”“And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” [Zechariah 3:2.] As man’s Intercessor and Advocate, Jesus will lead all who are willing to be led, saying “Follow me upward, step by step, where the clear light of the Sun of Righteousness shines.”
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 26)
But not all are following the light. Some are moving away form the safe path, which at every step is a path of humility. God has committed to His servants a message for this time; but this message does not, in every particular, coincide with the ideas of all the leading men, and some criticize the message and the messengers. They dare even to reject the words of reproof sent to them from God through His Holy Spirit.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 27)
What reserve power has the Lord with which to reach those who have cast aside His warnings and reproofs and have accredited the testimonies of the Spirit of God to no higher source than human wisdom? In the judgment, what can you who have done this offer to God as an excuse for turning from the evidences He has given you that God was in the work? “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] I would not rehearse before you the evidences given in the past two years of the dealings of God by His chosen servants; but the present evidence of His working is revealed to you, and you are now under obligation to believe. You cannot neglect God’s messages of warning, you cannot reject them or treat them lightly, but at the peril of infinite loss. Caviling, ridicule, and misrepresentation can be indulged in only at the expense of the debasement of your own souls. The use of such weapons does not gain precious victories for you, but rather cheapens the mind, and separates the soul from God. Sacred things are brought down to the level of the common, and a condition of things is created that pleases the prince of darkness, and grieves away the Spirit of God. Caviling and criticism leaves the soul as devoid of the dew of grace as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of rain. Confidence cannot be placed in the judgment of those who indulge in ridicule and misrepresentation. No weight can be attached to their advice or resolutions. You must bear the divine credentials before you make decided movements to shape the working of God’s cause.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 28)
To accuse and criticize those whom God is using is to accuse and criticize the Lord, who has sent them. need to cultivate religious faculties, that may have a right discernment of religious things. have failed to distinguish between pure gold and mere glitter, between the substance and the shadow.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 29)
The prejudices and opinions that prevailed at Minneapolis are not dead by any means; the seeds sown there in some hearts are ready to spring into life and bear a like harvest. The tops have been cut down, but the roots have never been eradicated, and they still bear their unholy fruit to poison the judgment, pervert the perceptions, and blind the understanding of those with whom you connect, in regard to the message and the messengers. When by thorough confession you destroy the root of bitterness, you will see light in God’s light. Without this thorough work you will never clear your souls. You need to study the Word of God with a purpose, not to confirm your own ideas, but to bring them to be trimmed, to be condemned or approved, as they are or are not in harmony with the Word of God. The Bible should be your constant companion. You should study the testimonies, not to pick out certain sentences to use as you see fit, to strengthen you assertions, while you disregard the plainest statements given to correct your course of action.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 30)
There has been a departure from God among us, and the zealous work of repentance and return to our first love, essential to restoration to God and regeneration of heart, has not yet been done. Infidelity has been making its inroads into our ranks, for it is the fashion to depart from Christ, and give place to skepticism. the cry of the heart has been, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” [Luke 19:14.] Baal, Baal, is the choice. The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way, and forsake the way of the Lord.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 31)
The true religion, the only religion of the Bible, that teaches forgiveness only through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, that advocates righteousness by the faith of the Son of God, has been slighted, spoken against, ridiculed, It has been denounced as leading to enthusiasm and fanaticism. But it is the life of Jesus Christ in the soul, it is the active principle of love imparted by the Holy Spirit, that alone will make the soul fruitful unto good works. The love of Christ is the force and power of every message that ever fell from human lips. What kind of a future is before us, if we shall fail to come into the unity of the faith?
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 32)
When we are united in the unity for which Christ prayed, this long controversy that has been kept up through Satanic agency will end, and we shall not see men framing plans after the order of the world because they have not spiritual eyesight to discern spiritual things. They now see men as trees walking, and they need the divine touch, that they may see as God sees, and work as Christ worked. Then will Zion’s watchmen sound the trumpet in clearer, louder notes, for they will see the sword coming and realize the danger in which the people of God are placed.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 33)
You will need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are surrounded by the lame and halting in the faith, and you are to help them, not by halting yourselves, but by standing, like men who have been tried and proven, in principle firm as a rock. I know that a work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with His glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness. The frown of God will certainly be upon every soul who cherishes and nurtures these roots of dissension, and possesses a spirit so unlike the Spirit of Christ.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 34)
As the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, I seemed to be present in one of your councils. One of your number rose; his manner was very decided and earnest as he held up a paper before you. I could read plainly the heading of the paper; it was the American Sentinel. Criticisms were then passed upon the paper and the character of the articles therein published. Those in council pointed to certain passages, declaring that this must be cut out, and that must be changed. Strong words were uttered in criticism of the methods of the paper, and a strong, un-Christlike spirit prevailed. Voices were decided and defiant.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 35)
My guide gave me words of warning and reproof to speak to those who took part in this proceeding, who were not slow to utter their accusations and condemnations. In substance this was the reproof given: The Lord has not presided at this council, and there is a spirit of strife among the counsellors. The minds and hearts of these men are not under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 36)
Let the adversaries of our faith be the ones to suggest and develop such plans as you are now discussing. From the world’s point of view some of these plans are not objectionable; but they are not to be adopted by those who have had the light of heaven. The light which God has given should be respected, not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the church of God. The steps now being taken by the few cannot be followed by the remnant people of God. Your course cannot be sustained by the Lord, for He will bring to naught the counsels of the prudent.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 37)
It is made evident by your course of action that you have laid your plans without the aid of Him who is mighty in counsel; but the Lord will work. Those who have criticized the work of God need to have their eyes anointed, for they have felt mighty in their own strength; but there is One who can bind the arm of the mighty and bring to naught the counsels of the prudent. Have these men, so ready to express their human ideas, seen their error? Have they made right the wrong?
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 38)
The message we have to bear is not a message that men need cringe to declare. They are not to seek to cover it, to conceal its origin and purpose. Its advocates must be men who will not hold their peace day nor night. As those who have made solemn vows to God, and who have been commissioned as the messengers of Christ, as stewards of the mysteries of the grace of God, we are under obligation to declare faithfully the whole counsel of God. We are not to make less prominent the special truths that have separated us from the world and made us what we are, for they are fraught with eternal interests.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 39)
God has given us light in regard to the things that are now taking place in the last remnant of time, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the world, not in a tame, spiritless way, but in demonstration of the power of God. The mightiest conflicts are involved in the furtherance of the message, and the results of its promulgation are of moment to both heaven and earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 40)
The controversy between the two great powers of good and evil is soon to be ended, but to the time of its close there will be continual and sharp contests. We should now purpose, as did Daniel and his fellows in Babylon, that we will be true to principle, come what may. The flaming fiery furnace, heated seven times hotter than it was wont to be heated, did not cause these faithful servants of God to turn aside from allegiance to the truth. They stood firm in the time of trial and were cast into the furnace; and they were not forsaken of God. The form of the Fourth was seen walking with them in the flames, and they came forth not having even the smell of fire upon their garments.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 41)
The gaping den of lions did not deter Daniel from a steady adherence to duty. He did not hide his purpose or lower his colors because death threatened him if he stood faithful to his God. Three times a day, in the face of the king’s decree, he sought his Lord in his chamber, with his window open toward Jerusalem. He was cast into the den of lions, but God delivered him.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 42)
Let us look at the case of Elijah. The time has come when he must meet his mortal enemy, the cruel Ahab, the despot of Israel, the apostate from the religion of his fathers. In anger the king inquires, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” [1 Kings 18:17.] Does Elijah weaken before the king? Does he cringe and cower, and resort to flattery in order to mollify the feelings of the enraged ruler? Israel has perverted her way, and forsaken the path of allegiance to God, and now shall the prophet, to preserve his life, betray sacred, holy trusts? Does he prophesy smooth things to please the king, and to obtain his favor? Will he evade the issue? Will he conceal from the king the true reason why the judgments of God are falling upon the land of Israel? No. As the messenger of God he must proclaim the truth, just such truth as the occasion demands. He carries a great weight of sorrow on account of the apostasy of Israel. He must hold up before them their defection, that they may humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, that His fierce anger may be turned away from them. Elijah faces the enraged king, and answers, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” [Verse 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 43)
Today the world is full of flatterers and dissemblers; but God forbid that those who claim to be guardians of sacred trusts shall betray the interests of God’s cause through the insinuating suggestions and devices of the enemy of all righteousness.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 44)
There is no time now to range ourselves on the side of the transgressors of God’s law, to see with their eyes, to hear with their ears, and to understand with their perverted senses. We must press together. We must labor to become a unit, to be holy in life and pure in character. Let those who profess to be servants of the living God no longer bow down to the idol of men’s opinions, no longer be slaves to any shameful lusts, no longer bring a polluted offering to the Lord, a sin-stained soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, 45)
Ms 62, 1890
Devotion to God Needed in the Publishing House Salamanca, New York November 3, 1890 Portions similar to Ms 6, 1890 and Ms 40, 1890. Previously unpublished. +
There is great danger that our institutions will lose the elevated spiritual character which they should possess, which from their very establishment God has mentioned as that which should distinguish them. The Review and Herald Publishing House is not in a right condition before God. The atmosphere in the office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible, they fail to practice its teachings. They are hearers, but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not found in the heart or woven into the character.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 1)
Jesus says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Christ must be first, and the world second. If men possessed the truth as it is in Jesus, they would not engage in the sacred work in carelessness of spirit, but would most earnestly seek for heavenly direction. They would realize the truth of the Saviour’s words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] I have been instructed of the Lord that those who are bearing responsibilities in the work need now the anointing of the Spirit of God, to quicken their perceptions, clear their vision, that they may no longer fail to discern sacred and eternal realities. The relative importance of eternal and temporal matters should be better understood. Then the workers will not make an atom of a world, and a world of an atom.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 2)
Men who bear responsibilities in the publishing house need divine enlightenment, that their business transactions may meet the approval of God. In the different departments of our work there is great danger that the workmen will separate from Christ, and that a worldly mold will be given to the business of our institutions. Satan is working to this end constantly. The Lord is against all this. Let every one who is handling sacred things remember that the gospel stands in sharp antagonism to the spirit of the world; for the whole world lieth in wickedness.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 3)
Unless the workmen daily walk with God, they will exert an influence that will bring the displeasure of God upon them. Noble integrity is not always manifested in your business transactions, and every sharp transaction in deal, every bargain made to advantage yourselves to the disadvantage of others, is breaking God’s holy law. You prove by this that you do not love your neighbor as yourselves; and you, even you that handle sacred things, are registered as transgressors of the commandments of Jehovah. Those who do the work of God can dishonor God’s name most decidedly by being sharp and grasping in deal. You may not call these transactions dishonest, but God looks upon them in this light.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 4)
Everything that relates to the work of God must be done in accordance with the principles of strictest integrity. Not only in dealings with those of our own faith, but with unbelievers also, the principle of honesty must be made manifest. Angels of God are watching all the workers, ready to help those who need help, whose hearts are drawn out in desire to honor God and benefit man. Your business transactions must be characterized by the purest equity. Partiality must not be indulged. One man is not to be highly favored, and another put down as a footstool; God declares that He will judge for all these things.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 5)
Success will attend your efforts in proportion to your consecration, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. I was instructed that the Lord’s will was not fulfilled when the chief workers in the office were willing to take such large wages, for this was greatly at variance with the principles upon which the publishing house was established. It is not in harmony with the spirit and character of the work of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 6)
If the men in the office would pray more, if they would not neglect the means of grace, but be in earnest to feed the soul on heavenly manna, and if they had to neglect anything, rather let it be their business than the nourishment of their spiritual nature, they would grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. Those required to bear responsibilities are not to take so many trusts that they can find no time to seek the wisdom which God alone can bestow. The Spirit of the Lord can do more for you in your work in a short time, than you could do by your unaided efforts through a life-time of endeavor.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 7)
Suppose Jesus does not preside in your business councils, suppose business matters are allowed to be all engrossing—and they have absorbed you in the past—and the things which belong to your eternal interests are neglected, then there is sin against God; you commit robbery, deal dishonestly with Him whose property you are. You defraud your own souls, and neglect to be doers of the Word.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 8)
No one can lade himself down with business cares, until he feels obliged to neglect things of a spiritual nature and loses his fervor in serving the Lord, without making grievous mistakes, because he trusts his own finite wisdom. He does not feel his dependence upon God for every breath he draws, but becomes self-important, self-exalted, because he loses sight of Jesus. Here is where thousands in all ages have made the greatest possible mistake, and have made shipwreck of faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 9)
This excessive interest in business matters has been manifest in the office, and God is not pleased. We see family and home religion neglected, altars broken down, first love abandoned, and the religion of Christ expelled from the soul, to give place to speculation and business enterprises; and these things are constantly multiplying. Men are leaving God and heaven out of their calculations, and the time that should be spent in searching the heart is considered wasted. The Bible is neglected, and a multitude of cares choke the growth of the good seed in the heart, and there is no fruit to the glory of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 10)
The tenderness of spirit, the kindness, the courtesy, the refinement of feeling that characterizes those who are learning in the school of Christ has passed out of the heart and life of many who think that God is using them. The plain commands of God in regard to mercy and tender compassion for the widow and the fatherless, the poor and oppressed, are ignored. A harsh, dictatorial spirit has been developed, and God has seen it all.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 11)
Every transaction between man and man has been written in His books of record, and will be revealed in the judgment. Jesus has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] Christ identifies His interest with that of suffering humanity; and if, in pride of spirit, a brother bruises the soul of his fellowman, the Lord writes it as if done unto Himself.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 12)
If every one of you could realize the effect of your sharp words; if you could see the discouragement that comes upon the soul; if you could see Jesus wounded and bruised because of your harsh criticisms and denunciations, you would manifest great carefulness in dealing with those about you, because they have been purchased by the blood of Christ and are accounted precious with God. You would treat them as you desire to be treated. You would not dare to exhibit your objectionable traits of character.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 13)
Your hearts would be melted to obey the words of the apostle Paul: “Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ also forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” [Colossians 3:12-17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 14)
O that all in the office, from the highest to the lowest, would practice the teachings of Christ! O that they would “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man.” [Colossians 4:2, 6.] “Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” [James 3:13.] Here will be the character of the tree by the fruit it bears.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 15)
In order to carry out the instruction we find in the Word of God, we need an indwelling Saviour. The Lord Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.] The cold, critical, sarcastic spirit that has found place in the hearts of the workers has driven out the love of Jesus. Expel this spirit, which is so unlike Christ, and let Jesus supply the vacuum with His own spirit of tenderness and compassion. Then you will be vessels unto honor, workmen for God, who need not to be ashamed.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 16)
You can never gain respect as Christians unless you represent Christ in spirit, in temper, in deportment, in every business transaction. In order to do good to those who are connected with you, you must inspire them with confidence in your piety, with admiration for your principles. If they see that you are stern, iron-hearted, cold, unloving, they know you have no connection with Christ. Christ has commanded us to love one another as He has loved us. Have men in responsible positions cultivated this love?
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 17)
God proclaims His own character as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] He says again, “I am the Lord, which exerciseth loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight.” [Jeremiah 9:24.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:8.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 18)
The Lord requires that a different spirit shall be manifested in the lives of the leading men in the Office. Then they will have wisdom to teach others also. In all their councils they need altogether another spirit, a spirit of meekness, not of pomposity, not a strong, hard, exacting spirit. Their light is not to flash forth in sparks of their own kindling, but they are to receive light from the Sun of Righteousness, and reflect it upon others. They must hold fast the beginning of their confidence in God and in His truth, even unto the end. There must be a life-long, persevering, untiring effort on their part. They must fight the good fight of faith, for the struggle is life-long, but the victory is certain.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 19)
Every soul who has Christ abiding in him will receive grace for grace. As you add the graces of the Spirit of God, God will abundantly multiply the adornments of His nature; He will beautify the meek with salvation. Those who manifest a noble spirit, walking in the holy footsteps of Christ, will represent the character of their Redeemer, not fitfully, but will reveal Christ constantly, maintaining integrity, uprightness, and holiness. “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” [2 Peter 3:17.] Neglect no means of grace; in this matter. You should feel that you have an important part to act in union with the church. You are to be an example to all with whom you are connected.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 20)
In His prayer to His Father, Christ said, “I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified.” [John 17:19.] By your example you are to make it manifest that there is much need of attending the means of grace. You who profess to be Christians, put away your levity, your criticism, for it is an offense to God. There are men upon whom God is laying the burden of the work, that they may connect with our institutions, and you may greatly mar their experience by your own lack of piety, by your want of respect for sacred things.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 21)
God calls upon you to yield yourselves to the control of His divine Spirit, that you may be able to guide the youth heavenward. In order to do this, you need Jesus at every step. Pray that He will give you a heart of flesh, a heart that can feel the sorrows of others, that can be touched with human woe. Pray that He will give you a heart that will not permit you to turn a deaf ear to the widow or the fatherless. Pray that you may have bowels of mercy for the poor, the infirm, and the oppressed.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 22)
Pray that you may love justice and hate robbery, and make no difference in the bestowal of your favors, except to consider the cases of the needy and the unfortunate. Then the promises recorded in (Isaiah 58) will be fulfilled to you! “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.”
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 23)
Through neglecting to seek counsel of God, men connected with our institutions will form themselves into a ring to echo the sentiments of him whom they consider most influential. But the purpose of God is not to be turned aside according to their ideas. My guide spoke slowly and solemnly: “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear all ye far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand: For God is with us.” [Isaiah 8:9, 10.]
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 24)
But while their counsels will in the end come to confusion, those leading men are exerting an influence that will result in the loss of many souls. come from other States and from foreign countries to Battle Creek, the place where the message of truth is published, and our large institutions are established, must be next to heaven. How great their disappointment when those who have had every spiritual advantage show respect for the light given them, and make it of no effect. the message of God is made the subject of criticism, and the messenger of ridicule, what impressions are made upon the minds of those newcomers?
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 25)
Men may be selected by the conference to connect with the Office of Publication, but unless these men thus intrusted with weighty responsibilities look to God, unless they realize that eternal vigilance is the price of safety, unless they seek counsel of God in all things connected with His sacred work, they will be turned from the safe path. They will become spiritually blind, for Satan is an ever-vigilant worker to make of none effect the work of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 26)
Unless these men associated together are daily converted men, and educate themselves to realize the sacredness of the work of God for these last days, unless they are sober-minded, and daily obtaining a deeper experience in the things of God, they will imperil the work. It is not enough that they assent to the truth; the question is, Do they know for themselves what is truth, and are they sanctified through the truth? Has the truth been brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul, working daily its transformation of character? The present and future will plainly reveal whether they receive Christ and become meek and lowly in heart. Without Christ abiding in the soul, they are lost. “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] They must have a growing faith, an increasing knowledge of God and His will,
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 27)
When Brother Chadwick became connected with the publishing house, he had much to learn; and it was hoped that under the responsibility, he would not allow his hold on God to weaken, but would become a man of deeper piety, growing in grace and the knowledge of Christ, But the atmosphere that has surrounded him, the spirit, the words and example of strong minds and firm wills, sometimes set in the wrong way, have had an influence to transform him. His natural traits of character have overcome him. He has injured his own soul, and injured the work. He has become sick at heart and desperate when opposed, and he is now another man. Saul became another man because the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him, and he had another heart given him. But in the case of Brother Chadwick, the change is of a different character, and from a different source.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 28)
I have no words to speak individually to the men from whom this influence has come; my words must be spoken to them as a whole. It is not to be left to them to repeat my words to others, or to trample them under their feet and make of none effect the warning. I present the matter to them as God has presented it to me. How long will these men walk in darkness, when they have evidence piled on evidence that the testimonies given them are indicted by the Spirit of God to warn and to save His people? How long shall men in positions of trust fail to discern where and in what manner God is working? Eyes have they, but they see not. Ears have they, but they hear not. Understanding have they, but they understand not the things of God. Reproofs and warnings should not harden you, for “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth, therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty; for he maketh sore, and he bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” [Job 5:17, 18.]
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 29)
Many of the old, experienced workers have fallen in death. Those who led out in the work of God, had seen how the Lord guided and worked at every step, have nearly all passed from the scene of action. In every branch of the work, men have been connected with it who have departed from the principles laid down by the Lord Jehovah to control the working of His cause. Inexperienced hands and unsanctified minds have been placing their mold upon the work, and the footprints of the Lord Jesus have been almost obliterated. They follow another leader.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 30)
In the antediluvian world there were talented men, men who possessed skill and knowledge, who could have made the name of God a praise in the earth; but they became lifted up in their own imagination, exalted themselves as gods, and because they left God out of their plans and councils, they became wise to do evil. Their wisdom would have worked destruction to all who came after them, had not the Lord taken the matter in hand, and cut them off from the earth. The probation given them in mercy, they devoted to ridiculing him whom God had sent to warn them. They criticized and caricatured him; but their boasted wisdom could not save them from the waters of the flood. Men who believe themselves to be wise in our day will do well to recognize the fact that there is an unsanctified wisdom which cometh not from above but from beneath, and has been in the world ever since the fall.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 31)
It is because of the great want of personal piety among the workers in the office that they are so easily molded by this unsanctified wisdom. It results from the lack of connection with God. They take very little time to seek God’s counsel with contrition of soul, with earnest searching of heart. The spiritual atmosphere that surrounds their souls makes it manifest that they have not a constant reliance upon God. The most sacred truths are fast losing their preciousness and sanctity to them. They have but little respect for those who have stood under the direction of God, seeking counsel from Him who is mighty in wisdom, in founding and building up His work in the earth.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 32)
The consecration, the vital piety, the humility which God required of those who led out in the work, the Lord requires now, in carrying it forward to completion; but it exists among them. Jesus, the blessed and only Potentate between God and man, is not working with them Unless the converting power of God shall be felt upon the hearts of men in positions of trust, they will not, cannot, be one with Christ, keeping the way of the Lord; but like the Pharisees in the days of Christ, they will teach for doctrines the commandments of men, and the Lord will have no more use for them. They cannot be trusted to be laborers together with God, while they cannot discern the spirit that characterizes the work from its commencement.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 33)
The True Witness says, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candle stick out of thy place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] If there was far more repentance, and less self-sufficiency, less self-boasting, we should see spiritual things more clearly. God desires that you come into vital connection with Himself, and then Christ will abide in the heart, and a flame of pure devotion will be kindled in the soul.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 34)
Just as surely as the Lord places men in positions of holy trust He will qualify them for their responsibilities and give them His Holy Spirit, if they are contrite of heart and seek Him earnestly that they may do the sacred, important work committed to them day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. But they must maintain their consecration to God and study His Word with faithfulness and prayer. If men entrusted with sacred responsibilities will give themselves unreservedly to God and will become Bible Christians, the Lord will work upon their hearts, that they may be transformed in character.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 35)
Some say, “I have done the best I can.” And in your own strength perhaps you have, because of yourself you can do no good thing. But in order to work the works of Christ, you must depend upon Him with living, persevering faith. You can take yourself away from the channel of light, you can breathe the worldly atmosphere and become mere business men. But will this pay? You cannot think so with eternity in view. Will separation from the work of God take you away from temptation? By no means.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 36)
Those engaged in any line of the Master’s work are liable to make mistakes, but should they drop the work in order to avoid mistakes, they would make a still more perilous mistake. In choosing easier and less responsible positions, will they be more likely to maintain their consecration to God?
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 37)
Will they not rather repeat the history of the man who buried his talent in the earth because his Lord’s requirements were thought to be too severe? This unfaithful man professed to know God, and yet he charged the Lord with fraud; he had a false conception of the character of God. The accusation of the slothful and wicked servant was not an excuse framed for the moment, but an expression of the true sentiments of his heart. The selfish churl regarded the Lord as the possessor of a character like his own. He did not have the simplicity of heart which genuine religion, an experimental knowledge of God, can give, and therefore did not believe in God’s free mercy, in the rich gift of His grace.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 38)
To know God is to trust Him fully, to believe that He will do His work through His human instruments. O, what misapprehension there is in the world today concerning the character of God! Men need to be restored to God and to themselves. It is so hard for men to see their motives, to judge of the temper of their spirit. It is so hard for them to acknowledge frankly from the heart, as did David, “I have sinned; I have a spirit unlike Christ.” The men who have had the greatest power in the world have lived in the light reflected from the cross of Calvary. With hearts filled with sorrow because of their errors and wrongs, they have poured out their confession; they have not paraded their goodness before God; but in humility and contrition they have said,
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 39)
“In my hands no price I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling.”
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 40)
I saw the Lord Jesus looking with grieved countenance upon men who are handling sacred things, because they did not discern the sacred character of their work. He said, “Human nature cannot be trusted.” Unless Christ is in the character, it is valueless. Unless human nature is regenerated and transformed, there is no hope for man.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 41)
No soul is safe except as he is found standing on the elevated platform close beside our Advocate and Surety, where light shines from the throne of God, illuminating the pathway, and preventing the wily foe from stealing a march upon the servants of Christ. The only hope of a perishing world is found in the union that can be formed between humanity and divinity. Humanity is perfect only as it is united with divinity.
(6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, 42)
Ms 63, 1890
Comments Concerning Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4. NP 1890 [?] Previously unpublished.
Page 67. Coworkers With Christ. This matter is appropriate for now, to be heeded and brought before the church as circumstances shall demand. Ministers need this instruction. I think some of these matters should be revised and published in Signs and Review. Supposing this matter is in print; the attention should be called to the same when it meets the condition of things existing. There is matter sometimes placed in the papers of far less consequence.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 1)
Page 83. Testing Process. In regard to the government of children, let the parents read the Testimonies and practice the light God has in mercy sent them. Would it not be well to call the attention to these things and advise their reading them diligently? The same books that compose the Office libraries could be in the home library selection. Let every family be co-laborers with God, using their God given faculties in behalf of religious home reading. That which the Lord has given in the past is just as precious for the present and the future. The words of instruction oft repeated in our papers will not be out of place or in vain. The word of the Lord is the word of the Lord still. Time has not lessened or changed its importance, and if the fathers and mothers desire to know the will of God, in the place of writing to Sister White, let them take the instruction already in print in the Testimonies God has given them.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 2)
The Bible studied diligently would, if brought as lessons into the practical life, be a continual counselor. Will our youth and those who are now seeking the Lord read to a purpose that which the Lord has favored them with in the Testimonies? These are a voice on the right hand and on the left, saying to them, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” [Isaiah 30:21.] When the Lord had fed the five thousand, multiplying the meager supply in the hands of His disciples, He might have created a fresh quantity of food; but He said to His disciples, who had been His helping hands, “Gather up the fragments; let nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.] Let the light that the Lord has graciously given His people in His Word be heeded. Said Christ, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.]
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 3)
The Testimonies are not a new creation of truth, but are given to the church to draw their minds to the Word, which all are in danger of forgetting. Old, old truths He makes as fresh and important as when they were first given and that He would have all practice. And having done all, to stand, and as the apostle has vividly presented the equipment we should put on as our safeguard—“put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” [Ephesians 6:11.] And having done all, to stand.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 4)
There is a work for every soul individually to engage in. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” [Verses 14, 15.] There is the most definite preparedness given. With this instruction before not only young men and women whose names are inscribed upon the church books, but for ministers of the gospel who are, as messengers of truth, to set before all who are connected with the truth by precept and example, the Word of God in truth and righteousness is to be obeyed.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 5)
The great apostle Paul has given in his charge to Timothy—his charge in his dying testimony—a most solemn charge to all who have any connection with the Word of God, to teach to others that Word in pureness, in knowledge, in faith unfeigned: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:1, 2.) This is the solemn charge given to all who have a part to act as Christ’s ambassadors.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 6)
The Lord would have His people qualified to represent the truth. He would have His Word, which is spirit and life, not only read but studied. Put to the stretch every spiritual sinew and muscle and become exercised therein to understand what saith the Scripture. It is as represented in (John 6)—the bread of life is to be eaten, taken into the mind, understood, practiced. The whole life is exercised thereby. “These things command and teach.” [1 Timothy 4:11.]
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 7)
(John 6:35) plainly defines the essential life-eternal principles, which families and churches are not careful to read: “I am the bread of life.”“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verse 51.] “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verse 54.]
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 8)
This chapter is of intense value to all who can appreciate the sacred truths of the Word of God. The eating means the spiritual things in the Word of God are to be studied comprehensively and enjoyed. And a practical, holy, sacred experience in a healthful, religious example is to be given to the world as heaven’s light shining in amid the moral darkness of this corrupt, sinful age.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 9)
The appetite of very many church members has been perverted by reading that gives them a sickly, constantly feeble spirituality.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 10)
The Lord has recently opened before me how very many of the large number of workers in our institutions—such as the Pacific Press and others—know little of the meaning of practicality in bringing the Word into a life study by obedience to the requirements of God. There will now need to be a most determined change of the mind appetite because of feeding upon the fictitious reading. The mind becomes excited to a high tension and the nerve brain-power is tensed and there is a tiredness of the brain. The habitual reading of this kind of matter is destroying the power of discrimination.
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 11)
The mind God has given whereby we should serve Him understandingly is enfeebled and the senses are perverted and many are, as the result, inmates of insane asylums, hopelessly insane. The mind wherewith we should serve God by understanding His Word has been put to a wrong use and the imagination is diseased. The hours that should be given to rest and sleep are occupied in this infatuating story reading, and normal things are not discerned. The abused brain nerves are finally perverted beyond remedy, and the life work of many is spoiled—forever spoiled. I call upon all to now come to a decision that the brain nerve-power ... [remainder missing.]
(6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, 12)
Ms 64, 1890
Diary Fragments NP Circa 1890 Previously unpublished.
There will surely be the greatest perplexities. There will be unruly men pressing in to cause confusion. And near the close of time we shall have fallen angels uniting with unruly church members.
(6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, 1)
*****
Many are in danger of being deceived as were the Jews. They expected Christ would appear to our world with the glory of Deity to confirm the fact that He was the Messiah. Then there would be no faith required. But Jesus clothed His divinity with humanity. He walked the earth as a man. His works bore the living testimony that in Him was invested the prerogatives prophets had given to the world's Redeemer.
(6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, 2)
He identified Himself with humanity and said to His disciples, “He that receiveth you receiveth Me,” their Redeemer. [Matthew 10:40.] “He that rejecteth you, rejecteth Me.” [Luke 10:16.] Jesus has purchased man by an infinite price and owns the perishing souls the world over. He sends men as agents to work in behalf of man, giving them messages of mercy to bear to the sinful race. Humanity touches humanity. Many make serious blunders now, as in former times when Christ came to our world in the garments of humanity. He works with human instrumentalities and gives to His messengers a message from Himself to bear to perishing souls.
(6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, 3)
We think the Jews are inexcusable because they refused and rejected Christ because He did not come as they planned, boasting He would come in great glory as a Prince, when prophecies had plainly declared He would come as a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He represents Himself as hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison. We must see Christ in everyone with whom we are dealing or with whom we are brought in contact. We must not be confused in our perception of truth.
(6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, 4)
*****
How few Christians live up to their privileges! How few improve their God-given opportunities to improve physical and mental powers! They do not tax their powers to understand them, yet they are clearly revealed in the Word of God. Young men and women have a work to do in this world that they do not care to think about. Our Sabbath schools are not what they might be.
(6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, 5)
***** Children
Jesus’ great heart of love was drawn out to children. Children are quick to find out who is interested in them and loves them. How many were attracted to Christ to catch His eye and His smile. He had a word of comfort and love for everyone. His face attracted them, and the same spirit that drew the child to Jesus draws older persons who must become children in order to be saved. What the child is we older ones have to become [in order] to [be] sheep of Christ's fold. Christ folded little children in His arms as lambs of His fold.
(6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, 6)
Ms 65, 1890
Diary/Education of the Highest Value NP Circa 1890 Previously unpublished.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31. There is a great and important matter here to be considered. God who is infinite in wisdom, who knoweth all things, the end even from the beginning, has given us in His Holy Word His decision in regard to education without a practical knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent: “And this is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent.” [John 17:3.] There is an education that is of more value than gold and silver and precious stones, more to be desired than worldly honor, than the empty applause of frivolous mortals.
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 1)
“I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.”“I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.”“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” [Psalm 119:96-106, 112, 130.]
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 2)
This Word of the living God is of infinite value if it finds entrance into the heart—the heart receiving it as the Word of God—and this means that its truths are applicable to the soul. The revealed truths, with their convincing power finding entrance to the understanding and heart, become the power of God in the transformation of character [of believers], because they are not only hearers but doers of the Word. All their conversation and course of action are in harmony with the education received from the Word. Living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, they have a Divine Instructor and are practical doers of the lessons received.
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 3)
The sure result is the same as in the case of Daniel. They possess a stronger and clearer understanding than before the entrance of the Word into their understanding. With a purpose to obey, Daniel contemplated the Word of God while a captive in the king's courts in Babylon, and he purposed in his heart he would form a character such as God should approve. He knew not what the result would be in his case and that of his companions if he went contrary to the king's decree. But as Daniel and his companions firmly purposed they would be true to God, they honored God in their steadfast purpose. The Lord had pledged His word: “Them that honor me will I” the God of heaven “honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.]
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 4)
The word of inspiration testifies: “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” [Daniel 1:17.]
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 5)
At the end of the days of their education and training they were brought in for examination, and among all the youth who were on trial and test the Word declares there “was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.... And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” [Verses 17, 19, 21.]
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 6)
Here is an education that is of highest value. [For] those who are laboring to secure an education, the very first step is to give their hearts to God and make the Bible their chief study. Let all the other branches come under this—[as] secondary. As in the case of Daniel, in opening the heart to the entrance of the Word, they have light, heaven's light, shining from the throne of God, and that Word treasured in the heart gives understanding of the highest value to the simple. They who are simple of heart prize the Word of God as above rubies. They make that Word their guide and form their character of honesty and truthfulness, of temperance, integrity, uprightness, and perfection of character, according to its high, elevating, ennobling principles.
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 7)
Those whose hearts are open to the instruction of the Word become intelligent in regard to the Source of wisdom and pure, solid knowledge. We have the pledged word of God, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth him not” because he is ignorant; “and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is as the wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” [James 1:5-8.]
(6LtMs, Ms 65, 1890, 8)
Ms 66, 1890
Diary/“Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself.” NP Circa 1890 Previously unpublished.
[First pages missing.] ... of the man estimates his value with God. [Neither] property nor title is of any value in the sight of God if his heart is corrupt. God created all men equal and God is no respecter of persons. Love to God will just as surely be revealed in tender sympathy and love to one's neighbor, because Christ gave His life to purchase man and bring him back to God.
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 1)
The question was asked Christ by the lawyer, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.] Christ answered, “This do, and thou shalt live. And he, willing to justify himself [his Phariseeism], said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Verses 28, 29.] Then we have the subject forcibly illustrated by the parable of the Good Samaritan.
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 2)
The poor man is presented wounded, bruised, and in need of sympathy from man. He is looked upon by the priest, one in sacred office. He looked at him and saw him in his suffering, [but] it was too much trouble to do his duty to suffering humanity. He was in a suffering condition, but [the priest] rendered him no help but crossed over on the other side. Help should have been given even to a suffering animal, but he thought, Why should I take this charge upon me? and [he] passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, one who, in God's arrangement, had been highly favored to have special charge of such cases. He passed that way, he looked [at the wounded man] and when [he] saw his helpless, suffering condition, he passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him he had compassion on him. He looked on him to some purpose. He administered to his wants. This figure is [used] in the parable to teach man his obligation to his fellow man, to feel sympathy for him.
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 3)
Again, Christ puts the burden upon those present, especially the lawyer, to pronounce, himself, who was the true neighbor to his fellow man [who was] suffering under misfortune. The lawyer thought to ensnare Christ in his question in regard to the law, and lead Him to say something that he could use as charges against Him to confirm the decisions of the priests and rulers that He was a dangerous man. Jesus read his purposes and arranged the matter [so] that the inquirer, His tempter, should answer the question himself and bring before the artful priests and rulers the Old Testament principles of truth contained in the far-reaching principles of the law of God. Thus Jesus overruled the artful desires of His enemies [in order] to explain the essential truths of the Gospel. The lawyer listened with bated breath to hear the question from Christ, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” And the lawyer said, “He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 4)
The whole gospel is a continuous explanation of misunderstandings and clearing up of difficulties which Satan manages to create to perplex minds. Jesus gave answers to these questions that are more valuable than gold. How precious to all who wish to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus clothed the truth in such clearness of language and gave freshness to truth by [using] illustrations that come to the notice of all in their everyday life. It is just as valuable to be taken in and practiced as if Jesus were in our midst speaking to us now, in simple yet forcible language, as never man spake.
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 5)
The truth had been perverted, mystified, [and] mingled with superstition and tradition, [so] that in many minds it had lost its original purity and determined importance. Jesus words swept away the false interpretations, made plain the perversions of truth, and by simple illustrations of the necessity of human kindness, compassion, and love showed the true, soul-reforming principles of the commandments of God. Thus every effort made to mystify and cover up the truth with a mass of rubbish necessitated the more clear and decided explanations of the binding claims of the Father's law and the righteousness of Christ. [He] made the truth sharper and more forcible, and laid God's precepts out in the simplest, clearest illustrations in contrast to erroneous opinions, [so] that the lesson would be immortalized in the minds of those who had ears to hear and hearts to understand. Thus God is constantly at work, laying a firm foundation of principles that will stand fast forever, for He lifts up the standard of religion in broad relief, and presents the precious truth in [the] new framework of the gospel.
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 6)
The very errors and misconceptions of darkened minds call forth lessons that [make it] essential for the church to practice godliness in every circumstance, not merely to those who belong to our sect, but to all who need mercy and relief. Jesus showed that none are saved by being members of a particular church, [but] as individual believers in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. There are many who belong to a church but [who] do not belong to Christ. The gospel is the saving knowledge of a personal Saviour, Jesus Christ. The question is, Are we united with Christ and growing up to the full stature of Jesus Christ? Are we learning an intelligent knowledge of our responsibility, first to the members of our own families as a blessing, [and then] to our fellow men? Are [we] learning at home first, and at the same time are we acting out the loving of our neighbors as ourselves? Are we striving daily not to be selfish and self-centered? Are we cultivating the attributes of Jesus, which are the attributes of God? Let us read Leviticus, chapter 19, [verses] 1-18. As God is holy, so must we be holy in order to be accepted and approved of God.
(6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, 7)
Ms 67, 1890
Diary/“Search the Scriptures.” NP August 26, 1890 Previously unpublished.
“Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which do testify of Me.” [John 5:39.] These are the words, addressed to the disciples, to be sounded down along the line to our time, and to reach to the end of the world. This charge is not given alone for those ministers who have been ordained, but for all those who would secure the precious boon of eternal life. My mind has been largely exercised upon this subject. I have been unable to sleep since two o'clock. I arise and commit to this, my journal, the things which have impressed my mind.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 1)
The young should not have placed before them the temptation of reading all kinds of books. Fictitious stories are not the food to give healthy tone to the mind. It is like the use of tea—while it stimulates and excites the mind, it gives no real vigor to the mind. It cultivates the appetite for exciting stories. There is an appetite created for this certainly objectionable class of reading. The mind becomes just what we make it by the food we give it. The words of Christ are: “Search the Scriptures.” [Verse 39.]
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 2)
The inspired apostle has left his charge: “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 3:18.] Where shall we find this intelligence? Not in paper-covered novels, not in storybooks, not in the magazines that are so abundant, not in the fictitious stories in newspapers. The time thus employed should be devoted to securing a knowledge of Jesus Christ. Through study of His Word [we are] to become acquainted with Jesus Christ, and to study the lessons He has given us, which we must practice or lose eternal life.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 3)
We need to know God and His Son Jesus Christ. Read John 17:2, 3. Have we become satisfied with the things we already know of Jesus? Who can comprehend the capabilities of the human mind? Who can measure its power to obtain a knowledge of divine things, to grasp unseen realities? We do not eat and drink the flesh and blood of the world's Redeemer. The mind should be [used] for perfection of character. The mind destitute of cultivation, of proper training and discipline, will be perverted. It will become demoralized. It reaches only a low worldly, earthly standard. It becomes overgrown with weeds that disqualify [it] for usefulness and [for] earnest, solemn work for time and for eternity.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 4)
In the Word of God we will find the fruitful treasures of knowledge which are essential for our usefulness in this life and which have their sanctifying, refining influence upon us, to fit us for the immortal life. [Uncultivated minds are] precious, sickly plants, as if death-struck but struggling for an existence. They are dying of consumption. The mind is composed of what it feeds upon. It cannot give space to the common storybooks of the time, and to the popular fictitious reading which is flooding the world, without being injured and unfitted for the great, grand work the Lord has given it to do. A mass of rubbish should not be thrown into the mind. The thistles and briars will bear fruit and will choke out the precious seeds that should germinate, spring up, and grow.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 5)
The more powerful the capabilities of the mind, the greater is the evil if it is perverted. God cannot leave His own impress upon it, for the thoughts have become captivated and are directed in a wrong channel. When He would leave the suggestions of heavenly thoughts upon the intellect, the field is preoccupied and the channel is obstructed, [so] that the Lord cannot find soil prepared for the heavenly seeds of the precious plants of truth. The Word will give themes for thought and meditation upon eternal realities. The mind that is open to have everything emptied into it from fictitious reading or from storybooks is unprepared for the impressions that God would make upon it.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 6)
The soil of the mind must be properly prepared for the impressions of the Holy Spirit [in order] to be enlightened and refreshed and invigorated. The seeds of the weeds and brambles from all kinds of reading must not be sown, then the hard work of weeding out the corrupting, poisonous plants will not have to be done. When the seeds have germinated and spring into vigorous life, there must be a weeding out. This is not at all easy work. If ever there was need of diligent watchfulness, it is now.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 7)
The end is near and the trying scenes of the day of the Lord are before us. The seeds of knowledge of the truth must be sown. The Scriptures must be searched as a lesson book, and we must grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. If we want valuable wisdom, if we want pure and holy meditations, [we must] guard the mind and keep it pure and clean for the Lord to put into it the precious seeds. These impressions of the Spirit of God need to be cultivated and cherished. The Lord is to be in all our thoughts. The truth is to become truth to each of us, actually receiving the Word. We [are] to know what we believe, and why we believe the doctrines we have accepted.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 8)
The mind does not remain inactive. If its energies are not summoned to lay hold upon spiritual and eternal realities, it will be turned into another channel and kept occupied. [It will] not be gathering that useful knowledge which is essential for present purity, refinement, and elevation, preparatory for the Lord to operate upon the intellect and to control its powers for His own glory. The intellect is weakened if the food given the mind is of a quality to make distasteful the rich and precious food God is prepared to give it. It is not desired. It is not at all appetizing.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 9)
God requires men and women to cultivate the intellect by obtaining knowledge that will fit them to do His will here in this life, that their time, and the thoughts and capabilities of the mind, shall produce precious fruit, and that evil propensities may be overcome. They [will] go forward intelligently in the growth of virtue and the Christian graces and [will] have an experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ, [for] they have cultivated faith.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 10)
The time devoted to exciting storybooks and fictitious reading, and the sayings of men, is a great deal worse than lost. The mind runs riot. It is too full of things of no profit to appreciate the better things, and Satan makes his impress upon the mind. He is ready, and urges upon the soul dark and erroneous conceptions of truth and of God's requirements. Weak and aimless, the mind wanders about in darkness, brought down to a level with common things—just in harmony with the things given it to dwell upon and digest.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 11)
I appeal not only to our youth but to those of mature age to be careful how you indulge in reading everything you can get hold of. In this kind of reading you may fancy you are cultivating the mind, but you are degrading its powers. As the mind cannot be more than full, be careful what food you give it. It is not seen and felt that time given to reading which cannot be in any way appropriated to do the soul good—to fit it [to] be pure and holy and prepare it to do useful work and qualify it for heaven—is time lost, time squandered.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 12)
You have intoxicated the mind, its powers are perverted, and an appetite is created for the stimulus of a cheap order. The thoughts do not flow in the channel of the lessons of Christ, [for] the soul is separated from God, and there is not one inclination to harbor spiritual thoughts. The Bible—how little known! How little understood! How little appreciated! And yet above every other book it is to be studied; and in its study true knowledge will be obtained. In searching the Scriptures impressions are received that are abiding. Truth is brought into contact with the mind and the practical life. The mind loves the truth if it loves the Bible. The intellect is being formed, the habits and customs taking shape, and the whole future course of life is determined.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 13)
It is a positive necessity for everyone who has a desire to enter heaven [to] know the terms of salvation. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”John 17:3. Government is a rule of action which is formed by the governor and which is, or may be, intelligently known by the governed. If eternal life depends on man knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ, how patiently, earnestly, and perseveringly should be the efforts of all who have charge of the youth in our schools to obtain this knowledge themselves, that they may communicate it to the students.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 14)
If the will of God is to be understood and obeyed by men and women, then it is necessary that parents know God and Jesus Christ by experimental knowledge, that they may make Him known to their children [so] that their children may grow up, not only to the full stature of men and women physically, but that they may grow up spiritually to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. They must have a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ in order to fulfill their duties. Then let every soul inquire, Is the will of God to be known? Where is it to be found? The will of God is to be understood and the word of inspiration is to define to them the will of God. The Scriptures are their guidebook, precisely adapted to meet the wants of every human mind.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 15)
The will of God is to be known and the rule of our faith is to be found in the Scriptures. Then why is the Bible so little studied in our schools? To read the precious Book is not enough. It must be searched with a prayerful mind. Therein is found the pure truth. We must make this the most important, essential study in our families. Teachers must lift up the Bible and teach the Bible. We must bring our ideas to the Scriptures, not the Scriptures to our ideas. Compare everything with the Scriptures. We are to search for the truth in the Word of God as for hidden treasures.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 16)
There are jots and tittles of truth to be found in books that are of no benefit to us. The very glimmerings of light make them to be regarded as harmless when they are injurious, a poison to the mind. [Although they are] sprinkled with jots and tittles of truth, this does not make them safe. Detached parts of the Word are picked out as truth, while other portions are rejected as uninspired. The Scriptures must be received [as] a whole, no part rejected. They are to stand forth acknowledged as the Lord's voice in His Word, as a revelation from God. Every mind should be enlightened from childhood to manhood and womanhood to know the Scriptures, to search for truth as for hidden treasure. To all who receive the truth, the Gospel is to them the power and wisdom of God unto salvation. “The secret of the Lord is with them who fear Him.” [Psalm 25:14.] There can be no slack, haphazard work in the securing of a character that God shall approve.
(6LtMs, Ms 67, 1890, 17)