“Take Heed That Ye Be Not Deceived.” St. Helena, California December 24, 1905 Portions of this manuscript are published in 7BC 957.
Will the people of God heed the solemn message contained in Christ’s words of warning to His disciples:
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 1)
“And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, He said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And they asked Him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” [Luke 21:5-7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 2)
Now comes the warning: “Take heed that no man deceive you; for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you; and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” [Matthew 24:4-14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 3)
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth; behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Verses 23-27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 4)
The disciples were very anxious to learn the secret time of Christ’s coming. He did not satisfy their curiosity, but bade them take heed to His words, and thus prepare themselves for that great event. They were to perform faithfully their individual duty and give to others the warnings He had given them.
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 5)
“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. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” [Luke 21:34-36.]
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 6)
“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.” [Revelation 2:4, 5, 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 7)
The losing of the first love is specified as a moral fall. The loss of this love is represented as something that will affect the entire religious life. Of those who have lost this love, God says that unless they repent, He will come to them and remove their candlestick out of its place. Hatred of their brethren, if entertained and not repented of, will make men blind. Those who cherish this hatred are ready to catch at words and actions and interpret them as injustice against themselves. Unless they repent, the Lord will come unto them quickly and will remove their candlestick out of its place.
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 8)
God chooses His servants to do His will and places them in positions of responsibility. But when one in such a position loses his first love, he loses his faith in his brethren and can see nothing valuable in their work. Their every act is regarded with suspicion and distrust. God is dishonored, and the truth is trampled in the dust. God’s servants are made to appear in the worst light, when in reality they are working under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 9)
He who loses his first love, which he would cherish if his heart were under the control of God, cannot see things in a correct, reasonable light. He grasps at words and acts to vindicate himself and disparage others, placing his brother as a target for others to fire at, and by his supposition striving to uproot the confidence that his brethren have placed in him. Those who continue this work, refusing to reform, must receive the punishment of heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 10)
Never was there a time when we individually needed the clear light of the Holy Spirit more than we do now. Let us examine our own hearts and repent before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 11)
“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wrethched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; 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. 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.” [Revelation 3:14-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, 12)
Ms 3, 1906
Search the Scriptures NP January 6, 1906 [typed] This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 03/22/1906.
I have a decided message from the Lord for the people who claim to believe the truth for this time. I can but present before them their danger. I look upon so many who are unconverted, and yet members of the church, having lost their first love. No one can stand before God with any excuse for backsliding and continuing in a cold, lifeless condition spiritually. Christ has given every encouragement for His disciples to grow in grace. “Come unto Me,” He says, “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 1)
If you remain servants of sin, the result of the consequence will rest upon you; but you have had the light. We are not to turn from the One mighty in counsel to ask guidance of men and to be their servants. Let those who are inclined to do this read and receive the Bible as the Oracles of God. The Bible is the voice of God to His people. As we study the Living Oracles, we are to remember that God is speaking to His people out of His Word. We are to make this Word the man of our counsel. If we only realized the importance of studying the Scriptures, how much more diligently we would study them. “Search the Scriptures,” Christ said; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.” [John 5:39.] With what awe we would take the inspired Word and with earnest desire search its pages, beginning a new life of genuine experience in the things of God. The Scriptures would be opened and read as the sure evidence of God’s will concerning us.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 2)
The Bible is to be studied with special interest; for it contains the most valuable information that mortal beings can have, pointing out the right way to prepare for the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, to gather to Himself those who have received Him as their Saviour and most determinedly shaped their characters after His likeness, putting away sin and putting on the white robes of character that will give them entrance to the mansions that Christ told His disciples He was going away to prepare for them. “If I go away,” He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 3)
If we do not receive the Word of God as food for the soul, we will miss the greatest treasure that has been prepared for men and women. For the Word is a message to each and every soul. Christ declares that those who make its truths a part of their lives are eating His flesh and drinking His blood. If obeyed, it gives spiritual life and strength. The pure spiritual current that enters the life in a living experience is eternal life to the receiver.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 4)
God’s Word is our light. It is Christ’s message to His heritage, bought with the price of His own blood. It was written for our guidance; and in making this Word our counsellor, we shall never walk in strange paths. Our characters will become like the character of Jesus Christ. Our words, whether we are in the home, or associating with those outside the home, will be kind and affectionate and pure. If we study the Word and make it a part of our lives, as represented by the words “Eating the Word,” we shall have a wholesome experience, which will always speak forth the truth. We shall search our hearts diligently, comparing our daily speech and tenor of work with the Word, that we may make no mistake. With the example of Christ Jesus before us, none need make a failure of the lifework.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 5)
In our daily experience, we shall be safe in criticizing ourselves in the light of the great moral standard of righteousness, which never changes. The law of God is perfect, converting the soul; and when the whole being is brought into harmony with God, it will be seen that we are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. The spiritual life is built up from the food given to the mind; and if we eat the food provided in the Word of God, spiritual and mental and physical health will be the result.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 6)
Eternal interests are involved in this matter. The Bible, diligently studied, its truths eaten, will prove to be the highest education that we can possibly have. It must not be neglected for any other interest. No other food can build up the spiritual life. My brethren and sisters, do not depend upon minister or physician to create your experience for you. The Word of God is to be your counsellor. I am deeply in earnest, because this instruction, in most forcible words, has been given me to give to our church members.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 7)
We are each deciding our eternal destiny, and it rests wholly with us whether we shall gain eternal life. Will we live the lessons given in the Word of God, Christ’s great lesson book? It is the grandest and yet the most simply arranged and easily understood book ever prepared for giving an education in proper behavior, in speech, in manners, in affection. It is the only book that will prepare human beings for the life that measures with the life of God. And those who make this Word their daily study are the only ones who are worthy of receiving a diploma entitling them to educate and train the children for entrance into the higher school, to be crowned as victorious overcomers.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 8)
Christ Jesus is the only Judge of the fitness of human agents to receive eternal life. The gates of the holy city will open to those who have been humble, meek, lowly followers of His, having learned their lessons from Him and received from Him their life insurance policy, forming characters after the divine similitude.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 9)
Last night I was standing before a congregation, calling their attention to the way to obtain the life insurance policy, by living upon the plan of addition. Read the first chapter of Second Peter. I now call upon all who desire to obtain the eternal life insurance policy no longer to listen to the words of ministers or doctors who have never studied the Word with the determined purpose of carrying out the principles of the teaching of Christ, but who have come to suppose that they can be a law unto themselves. If they continue to carry on the same process of character building that they have carried on in the past, they will at last find themselves outside the gates of the city of God with that company who supposed that they could take the city and hold it as their property, though they had no right to it. They are disqualified by disobedience for becoming loyal citizens of the kingdom of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 10)
Let all who shall see these words in print, all who shall read them, all to whose notice they shall come remember that they are truth—a solemn, earnest warning. I know that in the hearts of our people there is a large work to be done. O how grateful I should be if I could see a deep, thorough work accomplished in the hearts of all. Purification of soul is needed. Let us begin at once to take out of our hearts the root of bitterness. Let us consider the time in which we are living, the nearness of the end, and the work that God expects us to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, 11)
Ms 5, 1906
Be Guarded St. Helena, California January 11, 1906 Previously unpublished. +
I have words to speak to our people. We are passing through a very special experience, and it becomes our duty to guard every word written and spoken. It is time for us to search our own hearts and to heed the words of Christ, “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 1)
Let every church now watch unto prayer. Let there be seasons of most earnest prayer. Let every disciple of Christ humble his heart, emptying his mind of all injurious thoughts toward those whom the Lord has used. Let there be encouraged a deep, thorough sense of our individual responsibility as the Lord’s human agencies, through whom He can work and reveal His Spirit. Let us most earnestly seek the Lord for His wisdom and for daily guidance. As difficulties present themselves, Satan is a most willing helper. Be guarded, and let your weapon be the weapon used by Christ, “It is written.”
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 2)
Whatever may be the circumstances, there is need of claiming by faith the Spirit of God. The Spirit will in times of necessity give more grace, planting the truth in mind and heart and soul, controlling the entire mind and all the affections, taking the words of Christ and impressing them upon the soul. The precious words of truth we believe, obeyed by the disobedient, would change his whole life. Therefore we have in our possession the balm for sin—the truth, a working power and efficiency in the wise believer. This truth, lived out in the daily life, will be a savor of life unto life.
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 3)
Let there be among us, a people, deep heartsearching. Let us be solemn, and earnest, and true, and tender of spirit. The world is to perish in sin unless convinced of the truth by the working of the Spirit of God on the hearts of those claiming to be children of God. The truth lived in the daily life—this is the only thing that will convince unbelievers that there is a reality in the profession made by believers. Those who claim to serve Christ are to have the truth planted deep in their own hearts; for they are living epistles, known and read of all men.
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 4)
Let every one search his own heart and be willing to spend and be spent to win souls to Jesus Christ, to save those who are ready to perish. Let us dig deep now and plead for the power of the Holy Spirit to break the snare of Satan upon our brother. Speak kindly, disinterestedly. Let your own hearts be broken by the love of Christ, and you may save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is nigh.
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 5)
Let this be a time when Jesus Christ shall find entrance to the soul. Do not, I beg of you, cause division, if any means can be used to melt and subdue the soul. Let there be a special seeking of the Lord. The heart, the heart is to be cleansed from all unrighteousness. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may experience the healing power of the grace of Christ. Let the heart break before God; and bear in mind that the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King. Let us confess and forsake our sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 6)
The Holy One has given us rules of guidance for every soul. From His law, the standard of character, there can be no sinless swerving. God’s will is the principle of holiness. Let us take time to seek God; for as the matter is presented to me, we need holiness. If we have it not, we must learn the first lessons of how to walk before God with a perfect heart. Seek the Lord, and confess your sins, and let the Holy Spirit soften and subdue the soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 5, 1906, 7)
Ms 7, 1906
Josiah’s Mistake Refiled as Ms 163, 1903.
Ms 9, 1906
Unity in Christ St. Helena, California April 11, 1905 Portions of this manuscript are published in SpTB #7 42-46.
I awoke at twelve o’clock, unable to sleep because my mind was so deeply exercised. In my sleep I was talking earnestly with one to whom I had given message after message from the Lord. These messages had not been received and believed, and yet I could not throw off the burden.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 1)
The Lord still has His hand stretched out to save, and He will save, if Dr. Kellogg will be humble enough to repent and find his true position. Dr. Kellogg has been making, and still continues to make, large human calculations. This is because he does not know the time of his visitation.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 2)
If Elder A. T. Jones had been wise to that extent that he could reason from cause to effect, he would have followed a different course. When he sanctioned the re-opening of the school in Battle Creek, the message that God had given was made of no effect by the tradition of men. Had a different course been followed, provision would have been made to obviate sufficiently the difficulties that would have to be met after years of dallying. But the work and cause of God has been by the unconsecrated elements in the characters of those connected with the work.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 3)
We have a work to do of the highest order to prepare a people to stand in the last days, ready for the issues that will come to Seventh-day Adventists; but we are years behind. Why is it that those who know the truth cannot discern the signs of the times?
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 4)
Christ declared through His prophet, “The Lord God hath given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary; He wakeneth morning by morning; He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” [Isaiah 50:4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 5)
It is of the utmost consequence that we remember that we have a Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. The good Shepherd condescended to pitch His tent amidst human encampments, to teach His followers the way of life. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,” the chosen sheep of His pasture. [John 1:14.] In the prayer recorded in the seventeenth of John, the good Shepherd identifies His interests with those of fallen humanity. Think of Christ, the adored of the angels, in the attitude of a suppliant. He was a mighty petitioner, seeking at the hands of the Father fresh supplies of grace and coming forth invigorated and refreshed to impart His lessons of assurance and hope. Look at His kneeling form, as in the moonlit hours He pours forth His soul to the Father. Behold the angels watching the earnest suppliant. His prayer rises to all heaven in our behalf. He is our Elder Brother, compassed with human infirmities, and in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 6)
The disciples often witnessed Christ kneeling in prayer, their hearts broken and humbled. As their Lord and Saviour arose from His knees, what did they read in His countenance and bearing?—That He was braced for duty and prepared for trial. Prayer was a necessity of His humanity, and His petitions were often accompanied with strong crying and with agony of soul, as He saw the necessities of His disciples, who, not understanding their own dangers, were often, under Satan’s temptations, led away from duty into wrongdoing.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 7)
Christ’s life was pure and undefiled. He refused to yield to the temptations of the enemy. Had He yielded on one point, the human family would have been lost. Who can tell the agony that He endures as He sees Satan playing the game of life for the souls of those who claim to be His disciples and sees them yielding point after point, allowing the soul’s defenses to be broken down? We can form no conception of the agony that He endures at this sight. One soul lost, one soul given up to Satan’s power, means more to Him than the whole world.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 8)
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] He is the Prince of heaven. In our behalf He could say, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.” [Psalm 42:1, 2.] Here is the power that He receives, to impart to whose who receive Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] Will those who claim to be His disciples try to understand this?
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 9)
Read the prayer recorded in the seventeenth of John. “I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.... Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verses 14, 17, 18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 10)
Bear this in mind. The Lord Jesus gave Himself for the world, and His followers must give themselves to the working out of the divine plan. And in giving themselves up as workers together with God, they will have to practice self-denial and sacrifice.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 11)
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all 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. And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one; 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. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou has 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 19-26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 12)
The evidence that Christ’s followers are indeed converted, the evidence that they are standing on the sure foundation, will be found in their faithful performance of the work given them. Their works will reveal that they have experienced the new birth. They will be heavenly minded, not estranged from one another, but united with one another and accepted of God. They are the purchase of the blood of Christ and bear satisfactory fruit in works of righteousness. They do not give to the world evidence that they are selfish, but evidence that they are unselfish. Through the merits of the grace of Christ, daily received, they practice the virtues of Christ. They are consecrated to the ministry of service, not with the blood of bulls and goats, but with the blood of Christ, a better sacrifice.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 13)
Every one who becomes a child of God will reveal genuine holiness. Christ said, I sacrifice Myself, that they may be sacrifice to the glory of God. Self-glory, whenever cherished, spoils the figure. For the church’s good, the members must follow Christ’s example of suffering, whether it means shame, imprisonment, or death. “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God.... Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou has heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” [2 Timothy 1:7, 8, 13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 14)
What an argument of power is the prayer, “That they all may be one; a 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. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one; 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.” [John 17:21-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 15)
I have repeated this wonderful statement; for it contains the very evidence that we are to present to the world—the perfection of unity in the followers of Christ. The members of the church of God must reach this perfection. I cannot do more than urge upon them that this perfection is found in unity in Christ. The Saviour has presented before us how much will be gained in working out the unity that will join one believer to another in the perfection of Christian love.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 16)
This unity is not brought into the practical life as Christ has specified it should be. When professing Christians meet the requirements of this prayer of Christ, there will be true, solid conversions. Self will not be magnified; self will not strive for the highest place. At any cost believers will meet the requirement, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” The desired result is plainly stated, “That the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” [Verse 23.] “The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them, that they may be one, even as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one,” one in the grand, pure truth of the Bible, free from all sophistry. [Verses 22, 23.] This is the oneness that God requires.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 17)
All heaven turns away with sadness at the sight of the dissension caused by differences and obstinacy and the imperfections caused by self-worship. Self is very much alive, and divine grace is obliterated from the soul. The testimony borne in the daily life is not to the honor and glory of God; for self is very much alive. This imperfect representation of Christ given to the world detracts from the power of the gospel message. All might be one in their testimony in behalf of Bible truth. The words of believers might be a power to convict and convert souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 18)
God calls upon ministers and doctors and all believers to be one in Christ, bearing the same precious message of Bible truth. The unselfish, Christlike love of believers for one another is to be a marked evidence that they have learned from Christ the precious gospel politeness of esteeming one another better than themselves. Tender regard for one another, Christian politeness and courtesy, gives beauty and strength to the Word preached. It is a heavenly witness to the soul-saving gospel message.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 19)
The oneness that Christ prayed might exist among His followers is the sign believers are to give to the world that they are obeying the truth that perfects the character. The Lord is very much displeased when ministers, physicians, or lay members do that which works counter to this prayer for unity. The Father and the Son are dishonored by strife in the church. Although believers may be scattered throughout the world, from one end to the other, they are to be one in Christ. The Word of God is to be their rule of action. Widely scattered they may be, but they are to be closely united with the great Teacher who is our Head, our Mediator, our divine Physician. Christ will give His grace to all who will humble themselves and obey the law of God in sincerity and truth. Upon such ones the Father will look as members of the royal family, bearing the seal of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 20)
This message I am given to bear, as the Lord’s messenger. The unity for which Christ prayed is a sacred pledge of discipleship. Those who enter heaven must be one with Christ. Unless they should bear the same perfection of character that He bore while on this earth, they would spoil heaven. The trial and test is to come here in this world. Here we are to be stamped with the image and superscription of God. The virtue of the grace of Christ will perfect the character of every believer who truly accepts Him. All true disciples are made members of the royal family. All have the new heart, and all blend in perfect harmony. They speak the same thing, though in this world their language may differ. Their manner of expression may not be the same, but their one desire is for the highest end in this life—the sanctification of the same Spirit. They love as brethren.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 21)
Christ’s disciples must obey the laws of heaven on this earth, else they will never obey them in the higher world. I call upon every physician, upon every gospel minister, to obey the laws of God in everything. This world is the school in which we are to prepare for graduation into the higher school. We know not who are the chosen of God only as they reveal the education they have received from the Father and the Son, through the Holy Spirit. Christ is their Mediator, their Righteousness, and their unity centers in God. Those who are so stubborn that they will not comply with the prayer of Christ will be lawless, loveless, impolite. They could not be admitted into the family of heaven. The truth cherished in the heart will work out a blessed unity among Christ’s disciples in the lower school of earth. The Lord is dishonored by the contention and strife caused by the unsanctified dispositions of professing Christians.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 22)
I have written out fully the instruction that I was commissioned to give. We are now to take our individual selves in hand and conquer the wicked feelings that rise in our hearts. In allowing the venom of these feelings to flow forth in words, we help Satan in his work. Our church members need a reconversion, a renewal of the Holy Spirit’s power to make them children of God, members of His family. Let every one in our churches now humble his own heart, confess his own sins, and remember that God has a controversy with those who have kept the work from advancing by their crooked characters, which need to be made all over again.
(21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, 23)
Ms 10, 1906
On the Health Food and Restaurant Work NP 1906 [typed July 7, 1910] Portions of this manuscript are published in CD 277; 3MR 342; 8MR 402-403; TSDF 107.
When conducted in such a manner that the gospel of Christ is brought to the attention of the people, the health food work can be profitably engaged in. But I lift my voice in warning against efforts that accomplish nothing more than the production of foods to supply the physical needs. It is a serious mistake to employ so much time, and so much of the talents of men and women, in manufacturing foods, while no special effort is made at the same time to supply the multitudes with the bread of life. Great dangers attend a work that has not for its object the revelation of the way of eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 1)
There are two classes of angels at work in our world. The good angels are constantly seeking to draw souls to Christ; the evil angels are diligently at work sowing seeds of unbelief in the soil of the human heart. Where are the men and the women who are earnestly seeking to counterwork Satan’s efforts to infuse into human minds unholy thoughts? What is being done by those engaged in the food business to warn the people who are led captive by the enemy? Satan is constantly at work to educate minds in unbelief. Where are the workers sowing the seeds of truth that will spring up unto eternal life?
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 2)
Christ has given us His words as a light to those who are in darkness, to lead them to become partakers of the divine nature, to kindle in their hearts a desire for the Bread of eternal life. Christ reveals Himself as the living Bread which came down from heaven. He promises eternal life to those who eat His flesh and drink His blood.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 3)
The heavenly intelligences have been watching our restaurants to see what they are accomplishing in the dissemination of the truth of heavenly origin. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Eternal life is promised to all who will repent and be converted.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 4)
Let the workers in our restaurants secure tracts and papers filled with the precious messages of warning and pure spiritual food. Place these in the hands of those who come to eat at the tables. It is your duty to keep before the people, with whom you are brought in contact, the fact that God rules and reigns, and that the study of His words is important. Every action is passing in review before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 5)
When the importance of the restaurant work has been presented to me, it has not been outlined that hygienic restaurants would be the means of making large sums of money. They are to be places where the truth will be presented by word of mouth and by the distribution of literature treating upon the coming of Christ and of the message for this time. The restaurant work should be made a means in the purpose of God to prepare a people to stand in the day of judgment. The work of satisfying the hunger of the body is to be made only a means to this great end. Evangelistic work is to be done, and literature should be sold and given away. Let the subject of temperance be made prominent. The patrons of our restaurants should be warned that the great day of God’s wrath is near, that it hasteth greatly. As the judgments of God fall upon the cities, let this be sounded as a note of warning.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 6)
Simplicity in habits and practices should be studied. Let no one, in these days of peril, neglect prayer. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] Listen not to the plausible fictions of Satan.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 7)
The Lord Jesus chooses men and calls them to follow Him. He says to all, “If you will obey My words, which are spirit and life, you may be a partaker of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. But if you choose to enter into fellowship with the world, to live as they live, to enter with them into their schemes, and to misrepresent in life practice the truth of God, you may receive warnings. But if these warnings are not heeded, then you have given yourself over to the influence of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” Many who profess to accept the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb refuse to accept the wedding garment. In the gospel according to Matthew, we read:
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 8)
“When the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 9)
“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent out unto Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that Thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest Thou for any man: for Thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest Thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites? Show Me the tribute money. And they brought unto Him a penny. And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto Him, Caesar’s. Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him, and went their way.”Matthew 22:11-22.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 10)
By means of their questioning, the Pharisees thought that they might induce Jesus to say something that would incriminate Him. If He had said that it was not lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, they would have brought accusation against Him before the Romans as an enemy to the civil authority. If, on the other hand, He had taken the position that it was right to pay tribute, they would have accused Him to the elders as one who was opposed to the law of God. But Christ could read their hearts. He read their wicked purposes. He was not deceived by their words of flattery and their effort to commend Him so decidedly.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 11)
So, today, Christ understands the true character of every man. Whatever their profession, Christ will write in His book the true motives of all. No cover of pretentious righteousness can deceive Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 12)
Our ministering brethren must be constant learners of Christ. They need the wisdom that He can give them in meeting the issues that come to them.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 13)
John beheld four angels standing on the corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the winds should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. These symbols are illustrative of the troubles that will come upon the earth, but that the angels of God have been mercifully holding back until the servants of God should be sealed in their foreheads.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 14)
Winds and earthquakes and tempests are not capricious outbreaks of unregulated mechanical forces. All nature is in the fullest sense under the control of physical law. It is the expression of a higher will. “He holdeth the winds in His fists;”“He gathereth the waters in the hollow of His hands;”“He maketh the clouds His chariot;”“the Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth king forever.” [Proverbs 30:4; Isaiah 40:12; Psalm 104:3; 29:10.] Let not human wisdom dethrone and defy the great Sovereign of the universe. “He that made the world, and all things that are therein,” He is the sustainer. [Acts 17:24.] All nature is but the working out of the laws which He has made, a manifestation of His sovereign will.
(21LtMs, Ms 10, 1906, 15)
Ms 11, 1906
Growing in Grace St. Helena, California November 27, 1905 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 274-278.
I have slept until half-past three o’clock this morning. During the night I often have periods of wakefulness, when my soul is continually ascending to God in prayer. It is at these times that I have my best seasons of communion with God; for in the night He always seems very nigh unto me, guiding me.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 1)
It is our privilege to gather strength from the Lord and to be fitting up characters for translation to heaven and to the mansions that He is preparing for us. We should be continually grateful for the power from above that has been promised us. Christ was that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 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 1:9-14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 2)
Why do we not so prepare our hearts that we will take the promise, and, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, receive Christ as an ever-abiding power, to be our sufficiency, our acknowledged power for maintaining our strength, that we may reveal to friend and foe that we have an abiding Christ? It is the privilege of every one to exert an influence, individually, as one who has received Christ and who believes in Him. My brother, my sister, yield your whole mind and soul and body to the Lord. Rest in the arms of your compassionate Saviour. You need not rush hither and thither to obtain relief from human agencies. Christ is nigh, inviting you, “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.] Let no one hear from your lips words of complaint or of judging. The Lord has not placed any of us on the judgment seat. Simply come to Jesus. Lay your burdens at His feet. “I will receive you,” He declares; “I will give you rest.” [2 Corinthians 6:17; Matthew 11:28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 3)
You have a battle to fight, and so have we all. We can make this battle very much more severe by turning away from Christ and from wearing the yoke that He asks every one of us to wear. Does He not tell us the truth when He says, “My yoke is easy”? [Verse 30.] If we manufacture yokes for ourselves, as many are doing, we shall find them extremely galling; but if we take the yoke that Christ has prepared for us, and become meek and lowly in heart, self will be hid with Christ in God. This is the correct position for us to occupy.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 4)
A follower of Jesus refrains from gathering up burdens and responsibilities that he is unable to bear—burdens that crush the life forces and that give no relief. Christ has not given us any such work to do. We must receive Him, believe in Him, and reveal His character, showing by our religious experience that we have been born of God. Then we shall have healthful heartbeats. “Born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” [John 1:13.] The power comes to us through receiving Jesus Christ. “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.” [Verse 14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 5)
The Lord foretells the going forth of deceivers. He cautioned His disciples to be wide-awake regarding the signs of the times. Instead of revealing that which would have tended to arouse their curiosity over matters that they were unprepared to handle or to discuss with profit, He gave them decided instruction as to what they ought to do in order to be prepared for the events that would take place. And this instruction that He gave His disciples has come down through the centuries to our time. The warnings that we find recorded in Holy Writ, regarding the perils which would always surround the Christian church, belong to the people that are especially concerned in all these things. Christ foretold that the going forth of deceivers would be accompanied with more danger to His disciples than would persecution.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 6)
This warning is repeated several times. Seducers, with their scientific problems, were to be guarded against more carefully than any other peril that they would meet; for the entrance of these seductive spirits meant the entrance of the specious errors that Satan has ingeniously prepared to dim the spiritual perceptions of those who have had but little experience in the workings of the Holy Spirit and of those who remain satisfied with a very limited spiritual knowledge. The effort of seducers has been to undermine confidence in the truth of God and to make it impossible to distinguish truth from error. Wonderfully pleasing, fanciful, scientific problems are introduced and urged upon the attention of the unwary; and unless believers are on their guard, the enemy, disguised as an angel of light, will lead them into false paths.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 7)
The Saviour foretold that in the latter days false prophets would appear and draw away disciples after them; and also that those who in this time of peril should stand faithful to the truth that is specified in the book of Revelation would have to meet doctrinal errors so specious that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 8)
God would have every true sentiment prevail. Satan can skilfully play the game of life with many souls, and he acts in a most underhanded, deceptive manner to spoil the faith of the people of God and to discourage them. And when men, who are in positions of responsibility, permit themselves to be led astray, as many do, by the sophistries of Satan, the enemy gains a great victory. He works today as he worked in heaven—to divide the people of God in the very last stage of this earth’s history. He seeks to create dissension, and to arouse contention and discussion, and to remove if possible the old landmarks of truth committed to God’s people. He tries to make it appear as if the Lord contradicts Himself.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 9)
It is when Satan appears as an angel of light that he takes souls in his snare, deceiving them. Men who pretend to have been taught of God will adopt fallacious theories and in their teaching will so adorn these fallacies as to bring in satanic delusions. Thus Satan will be introduced as an angel of light and will have opportunity to present his pleasing fables.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 10)
These false prophets will have to be met. They will make an effort to deceive many, by leading them to accept false theories. Many Scriptures will be misapplied in such a way that deceptive theories will apparently be based upon the words that God has spoken. Precious truth will be appropriated to substantiate and establish error. These false prophets, who claim to be taught of God, will take beautiful Scriptures that have been given to adorn the truth and will use them as a robe of righteousness to cover false and dangerous theories. And even some of those, who in times past the Lord has honored, will depart so far from the truth as to advocate misleading theories regarding many phases of truth, including the sanctuary question.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 11)
Some talk of “principles” that actuate their service and their teachings; but neither in word nor in deed, by strict integrity and by proper dealing, do they reveal that a work of grace has transformed the heart. They are not drawing from Christ the wholesome light and life and grace by which deep impressions are made upon minds, causing them to become more and still more Christlike. Some of those who claim to follow certain well-defined “principles,” walk and talk like unconverted worldlings. To such, the words of Christ are repeated over and over again: “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] This is the message sent to the church at Ephesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 12)
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus” the aged prophet John was bidden to 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. Nevertheless, 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.” [Verses 1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 13)
In this Scripture are outlined the conditions of acceptance with God. The first experience of the Ephesus church led to good works. God took delight in the fact that His church reflected the light of heaven by revealing the Spirit of Christ in tenderness and compassion. The love that dwelt in the heart of Christ; the love that caused him to give Himself a sacrifice for humanity, and to suffer with forbearance the reproach of men, even to the extent of being called a devil; the love that prompted Him to perform mighty works of healing during His ministry—this was the love that was to be revealed in the lives of His disciples. But they neglected to cherish Christ’s compassion and tenderness. Self, as manifested in hereditary traits of character, spoiled the principles of the grand, good works that identified the members of the Ephesus church as Christians. The Lord Jesus must needs show them that they had lost that which was everything to them. The love that constrained the Saviour to die for us was not revealed in its fulness in their lives; and hence they were unable to bring honor to the name of the Redeemer. And as they lost their first love, they increased in a knowledge of scientific theories originated by the father of lies.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 14)
In view of the many virtues enumerated, how striking is the charge brought against the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love!” [Verse 4.] This church had been highly favored. It was planted by the apostle Paul. In the same city was the temple of Diana, which, in point of grandeur, was one of the marvels of the world. The Ephesian church met with great opposition, and some of the early Christians suffered persecution; and yet some of these very ones turned from the truths that had united them with Christ’s followers and adopted, in their stead, the specious errors devised by Satan.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 15)
This change is represented as a spiritual fall. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works”—as outlined in the preceding verses. [Verse 5.] They believers did not sense their spiritual fall. They knew not that a change had taken place in their hearts, and that they would have to repent because of the noncontinuance of their first works. But God in His mercy called for repentance, for a return to their first love and to the works that are always the result of true, Christlike love.
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 16)
“Repent, and do the first works,” the Saviour pleads; “or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verse 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, 17)
Ms 13, 1906
Israel’s Apostasy at Sinai St. Helena, California December 11, 1905 Portions of this manuscript are published in 1BC 1113-1114; 6MR 6-7. +
This morning my heart is full of gratitude to my Saviour for His healing power. Yesterday I suffered all day with heartache as I thought of how Satan is working to gain entrance to every mind that is open to his devisings. He will use his artifice, as he used it among the heavenly angels, presenting his scientific problems to deceive, sowing seed that would bear the fruit of rebellion, and yet working with such apparent innocence that when the seed that he himself had sown had taken root, he drew from the angels expressions of disaffection and then reported the result of his own seedsowing as sentiments held by certain of the angels. This work could not be dealt with until the results of his artful suggestions had fully developed.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 1)
Today Satan is doing the same work. For years he has been seeking to bring false theories into our churches. How to meet this work is a problem that God alone can help us to solve.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 2)
Satan sought to produce the same results among the people of Israel as they journeyed from Egypt to Canaan. God took Israel from the bondage of slavery, and under His own guidance brought them into the promised land. Moses, their visible leader, received instruction directly from God. But in spite of the wonderful evidences which the people received that God was working in their behalf, they continually murmured and rebelled. God gave positive evidence that He rules in the heavens, and rebellion was punished with death. Only two of those, who as adults left Egypt, saw the promised land. The wanderings of the people were extended until the rest were buried in the wilderness.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 3)
Today Satan is using the same devising to introduce the same evils, and his efforts are followed by the same results that in the days of Israel laid so many in their graves. Let us study the record of how Israel, in the sight of the mount on which they had shortly before seen so wonderful a display of God’s power, were led into idolatry. While Moses was in the mount with God, the people turned aside to idolatry. They worshiped a golden calf, while their leading men proclaimed the sacrilegious message, “These be thy gods, O Israel, that brought us out of bondage.” [Exodus 32:4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 4)
Read the history. Aaron, left in charge of the camp, betrayed his trust. When the people demanded that he make them a god, he called for their ornaments and made them a molten calf.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 5)
“When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf; and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.” [Verses 1-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 6)
And the Lord said unto Moses, “Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” [Verses 7, 8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 7)
At the foot of the mount, while Moses was receiving the sacred oracles, the people, in the charge of Aaron, were worshiping a golden calf. Aaron was not true to the charge entrusted to him. He united with the idolaters, acting the part of an unfaithful leader.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 8)
From this record we may learn how little dependence can be placed in men who trust in men and do not make God their dependence. Those who are living in these last days are in the greatest danger of placing their confidence in men rather than in the true and living God. The Lord has given instruction that the history of the apostasy of Israel is now to be presented, because men who in the past have had great light have become self-sufficient, and are looking to men, trusting in human leaders, who are themselves practicing evil. Men who ought to stand as firm as a rock to principle are treading in the same path that the Israelites followed. “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1.] This is the snare that has come into our ranks. There are wrong sentiments that have to be met. There are men who are acting the part of Aaron at the very time when every soul should be working to seal the law among God’s disciples. They are building up the very things that God has specified should not be built up. A great deal of time and labor and anxiety are required to counterwork the ingenuity of satanic agencies that are pressing their way among those who are ready to accept wrong philosophy, and to cause confusion and division, when every jot of influence is needed to discern the great evils of Satan’s division, and to keep souls from being drawn into the net of the modern Aarons, who are saying, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 9)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people; now therefore let me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them; and that I may consume them; and I will make of thee a great nation.” [Exodus 32:7-10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 10)
God declared that He would disown the people. He gives them their true character—a stiffnecked people, who would not respect His law or come under His rule. He said to Moses, “Let me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of thee a great nation.” [Verse 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 11)
Moses was tested with the promise of great honor. The Lord declared that He would place him at the head of a great nation. But Moses would not listen to this promise of preferment. Had he possessed a narrow, selfish spirit, how quickly he would have responded to such an offer. But he continues to plead for the erring people. His one great desire is that the glory of God shall be maintained. He desires above all else the salvation of the people for whom the Lord has worked so wondrously. Their remarkable experience in escaping from slavery, the flight from Egypt, the passage through the Red Sea—these are stamped on his mind as if graven in a rock, and he will not let Israel go.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 12)
O the power of prayer! Moses fills his mouth with arguments which express his own faith, and the Lord, who was testing and trying him, was not angry with him because of his importunity. God had said, “Thy people, which thou broughtest up out of the land of Egypt.” [Verse 7.] But in his prayer Moses denies this honor. In humble, but determined assurance, he turns the people back upon God. “They are Thy people,” he says. “Thou art their God and Owner. Thou broughtest them forth out of the land of Egypt. I did only what Thou commandest me. I was but Thine instrument, obeying the orders Thou gavest me. Thou and Thou only couldest do this work. The eyes of all the nations are upon Israel, a people so strongly saved. Oh, do not permit the throne of Thy glory to be disgraced. Wherefore should the people say, ‘For mischief did He bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from Thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against Thy people.’ [Verse 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 13)
“Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth Thy wrath wax hot against Thy people, which Thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak and say, For mischief did He bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from Thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against Thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Thy servants, to whom Thou swarest by Thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it forever.” [Verses 11-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 14)
Long before, the Lord could have told Moses of what was taking place. He could have told him that Aaron was not to be depended on. But for wise and holy purposes, He suffered this shameful representation to come to its height. Then when the leading men had done all that it was in their power to do, He told Moses, and sent him down to punish the transgressors. He permitted the evil to develop. He sees what is in the hearts of men. He sees beneath the surface, and He permits evils to take place to prevent still greater evils that would appear unless He permitted the design hidden in human hearts to work out. The leading men of Israel were suffered to develop that which took place in the very sight of Sinai.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 15)
Mark God’s words to Moses concerning this apostasy. They have “corrupted themselves,” He said; “they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them.” [Verses 7, 8.] Every man is tempted when he is drawn aside by his own lust. The Lord had marked out the right way, and the leaders of Israel had pledged themselves to obey His directions and to follow the way that He had marked out. “In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.... And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine; and ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 16)
“And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.” [Exodus 19:1, 3-8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 17)
After the children of Israel had so shamefully broken their promise by returning to idolatry, Moses stood in the gap, to turn away the wrath of God. He earnestly interceded with God in their behalf. He besought the Lord to pardon their transgression. When the Lord responded, “Let Me alone,” Moses understood that the Lord would not move in His threatened punishment. [Exodus 32:10.] He could not if Moses’s faith took hold upon His strength to make peace for Israel.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 18)
The record shows the power that prayers of faith, thought offered by frail human beings, have with God. The earnest cry “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me” has saved many a soul. [Genesis 32:26.] If there were far more urgent intercessions for perishing souls, there would be far more souls saved. Of Christ it is written, “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.” [Isaiah 59:16.] He wondered that there was no man who would lay hold by living faith of his fellow men, and save them with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted by the flesh. “He put on righteousness as a breastplate.” He was not covering up the sins of the transgressor, but was making the most determined effort to bring the sinner to a sense of the sinfulness of sin. His own hatred of sin, His own integrity brought salvation to the sinner. “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for Me, this is My covenant with them, saith the Lord: My Spirit that is upon thee, and My words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.” [Verses 17-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 19)
What kind of an interest have you at the throne of grace? Make the most of it, for the sake of the church. Improve every particle of your advantage, for the sake of the erring ones. Call sin by its right name. Do not help the sinner to cloak his sin under a deceptive garment of righteousness. Many today are doing this. The sinner is not saved by smooth words, which palm off sin as righteousness. The teachers of truth are to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 20)
“And Moses turned and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand; the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 21)
“And when Joshua heard the noise of the people, as they shouted, he said, There is a noise of war in the camp. And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome; but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 22)
“And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing; and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 23)
“And Moses said unto Aaron, What didst this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great sin upon them?” [Exodus 32:15-21.] The sin of idolatry is a fearful sin, and Aaron, as a magistrate, should have faithfully discharged his duty, instead of engaging with the people in sin. It was Moses who interceded with God to spare his life. Aaron was saved by the prayer of Moses. Aaron did repent, or the Lord would not have pardoned his transgression. He did not stand out in rebellion, but took his stand with Moses, and notwithstanding that he had taken sides with the idolaters, he was saved.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 24)
And all the people had the opportunity of demonstrating their repentance, and thus saving their lives. “Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” [Verse 26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 25)
Each one was given the opportunity to be loyal to God. And who humbled themselves before God, showing that they desired to obey Him, would be pardoned, while those who would not yield would condemn themselves as rebels. There would be no excuse for them. All were given the opportunity of denominating themselves as on the Lord’s side, and not on the side of rebellion. All were given the opportunity of placing themselves on the side of right, of showing their determination to be loyal and true, of repudiating their past idolatrous behavior. But in the very presence of God many refused to repent. They were stubborn in their rebellion.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 26)
To the sons of Levi, who had taken their stand with him, Moses said, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses; and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.” [Verses 27-29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 27)
Thus was the word of testimony to be borne to distinguish between him that serveth the Lord and him that serveth Him not. The crisis had come. “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.” [Verse 29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 28)
Moses faithfully discharged his duty before that large congregation. He was acting as God’s representative.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 29)
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” [1 Corinthians 10:11.] We call upon all to take their stand for the right. We feel deeply for souls. We pray for them and plead with God in their behalf. We are living in perilous times. All who will stand true and faithful will be counted as God’s representatives.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 30)
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, ye have sinned a great sin; and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin; and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book. Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee; behold, Mine Angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them.” [Exodus 32:30-34.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 31)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it; and I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; unto a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people; lest I consume thee in the way.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 32)
“And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned, and no man did put on him his ornaments. For the Lord had said unto Moses, Ye are a stiffnecked people; I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee; therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 33)
“And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door; and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 34)
“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp; but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 35)
“And Moses said unto the Lord, See, Thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people; and Thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me. Yet Thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in My sight. Now therefore, I pray Thee, if I have found grace in Thy sight, show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee, that I may find grace in Thy sight; and consider that this nation is Thy people.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 36)
“And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 37)
“And he said, If Thy presence go not up with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and Thy people have found grace in Thy sight? is it not in that Thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and Thy people from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 38)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in My sight, and I know thee by name.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 39)
“And he said, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 40)
“And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. And He said, Thou canst not see My face; for there shall no man see Me and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock; and it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by. And I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts; but My face shall not be seen.” [Exodus 33:1-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 41)
Moses knelt before the Lord, a humble and importunate suppliant for two very great favors, and as a prince he had power with God and prevailed. Moses was a type of Christ, the great Intercessor, whom the Father heareth always. How earnest he is as he pleads for God’s presence with him in his work. His experience has led him to place little confidence in human fidelity. His entreaties for the pledge of God’s presence with him during the remainder of the journey to Canaan prevailed.
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 42)
“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 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 to the fourth generation.” [Exodus 34:5-7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, 43)
Ms 15, 1906
It is Time for Thee, Lord, to Work St. Helena, California January 18, 1904 Portions of this manuscript are published in 3BC 1153.
“Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments; and madest known unto them Thy holy Sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses Thy servant; and gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which Thou hadst sworn to give them. But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to Thy commandments, and refused to obey, neither were mindful of Thy wonders, that Thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage; but Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 1)
“Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; yet Thou in Thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness; the pillar of cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 2)
“Thou gavest them also Thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not Thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst Thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 3)
“Moreover Thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners; so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Their children also multipliedst Thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which Thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. So the children went in and possessed the land, and Thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would. And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance; so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in great goodness.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 4)
“Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against Thee, and cast Thy law behind their backs, and slew Thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to Thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore Thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them; and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto Thee, Thou heardest them from heaven; and according to Thy manifold mercies Thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. But after they had rest, they did evil again before Thee; therefore leftest Thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them; yet when they returned, and cried unto Thee, Thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst Thou deliver them according to Thy mercies; and testifiedst against them, that Thou mightest bring them again unto Thy law; yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto Thy commandments, but sinned against Thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 5)
“Yet many years didst Thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by Thy spirit in Thy prophets; yet would they not give ear; therefore gavest Thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. Nevertheless for Thy great mercies’ sake Thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for Thou art a gracious and merciful God.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 6)
“Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before Thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, and on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all Thy people, since the times of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit Thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for Thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly; neither have our kings, our princes, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto Thy commandments and Thy testimonies wherewith Thou didst testify against them. For they have not served Thee in their kingdom, and in Thy great goodness that Thou gavest them and in the large and fat land which Thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 7)
“Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it; and it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom Thou hast set over us because of our sins; also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And because of all this, we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.” [Nehemiah 9:13-38.]
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 8)
This representation I was instructed to present to the people as occasion required, and to stand boldly in defense of the truth, which will be perverted more and more into strong representations of evil unless there is a decided reformation among those who are in positions of influence.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 9)
To Seventh-day Adventists, more than to any other people, the Lord has manifested His great and glorious truths. He has led His people in simplicity in paths of truth and righteousness. Their history is similar to the history presented in the foregoing pages. The people to whom the Lord has been very gracious have not appreciated His favors. When He wrought for them in giving them most precious evidences of His favor, they did not return to Him the glory due unto His name. Yet He did not forsake them altogether. All heaven enlisted in their favor to bear the medical missionary work and the ministry of the Word, blended in one, to all parts of the world. All the facilities of heaven were waiting their demand. Had the will of God been done, the glory of the last message would have been seen, and the last trump would have called forth the righteous dead, who would have been conducted to the mansions Christ has gone to prepare for their reception.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 10)
The stronghold that Satan has obtained is the result of a lack of devoted, self-sacrificing principle. Truth is to be proclaimed with all the importance that God designed it to have. The light is to shine forth to all peoples, and tongues, and nations, preparing them for the hour of God’s judgment. The Lord has given line upon line, precept upon precept, after the divine similitude; but many who know the truth have not practiced the principles given in the law of God, but have brought in their own inventions, exalting themselves. Conniving, selfishness, and self-exaltation have leavened the hearts of many with pride, self-importance, and self-glorification; the spread of the gospel message has been obstructed, and God has been dishonored.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 11)
The Lord is slow to anger. He has visited with His judgments two of our largest institutions, and even this warning has been misunderstood and disregarded. But the Lord, slow to anger, is great in power, and will not at all acquit the evil working that has been revealed. The wickedness of the wicked is coming to a fearful pass. Many are set to carry out their own perverted ideas. They have closed their ears and hearts to the Lord’s warnings, and they are to be dealt with in the Lord’s own time.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 12)
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power. The longsuffering of God with the perversity of fallen human beings has been wonderfully revealed. But had families who know the truth been wholly consecrated to God, the children in these families would have been educated, disciplined, molded, and fashioned by the Holy Spirit. The influence of this consecration would have been felt in the church, and from this fold would have gone forth many men and women imbued with the spirit of the message, to proclaim the truth for these last days.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 13)
If the Omnipotent God had not put constraint upon his attributes, if Omnipotence had not been under the stern control of Omnipotence, the wrath of the Lord would have been more decidedly manifest as He viewed the undermining of the influence of the truth, because the very men and women who ought to have been sanctifying themselves through the truth were many of them far below the standard of godliness.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 14)
We thank God that He is still giving His testimony from His Word through the few who are walking in the path of life. But instead of the testimonies of a few, there should be multiplied testimonies.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 15)
“Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” [Jeremiah 21:8.] Their ways shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness. They have caused My people to err with falsehoods and with deceptive fables, with false science and false tests. Many have become strangers to the covenant of promise. I the Lord have become wearied with their perversities, but I would not have My holy truth brought into disrepute and contempt by their departure from My law. I have put constraint upon Myself, but I will punish this thing when I shall have every case before Me. I have forborne to cut them down, to disown them; but I will visit their transgression with a rod.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 16)
How is it that men and women, in the place of being softened by the long patience of God, repeat and repeat their transgressions of God’s law and encourage in their characters increased resistance? They dishonor God by covering up their evil work and refusing to repent.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 17)
But there will be faithful testimonies borne. “And He said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with My words unto them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; not to many people of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their forehead. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead; fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 18)
“Moreover He said unto me, Son of man, all My words that I shall speak unto thee, receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 19)
“Then the Spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the Lord from His place. I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures, that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing. So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me....
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 20)
“And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 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 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 sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” [Ezekiel 3:4-14, 16-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 21)
The times in which we live are times of extraordinary depravity. Perverted principles have been brought into our churches and our institutions. In the psalms of David there are expressions that mean much. “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void Thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” [Psalm 119:126, 127.] Religious principles are discarded, not by all church members, but by many. By many the law of God is made void. They have the Word of God, but they refuse to obey. The divine precepts have become to them a dead letter. They have refused to obey the law of God, refused to make this law their rule of life. Those who have heard the message of mercy, and have a knowledge of the truth, but have not practiced the truth, become more and still more hardened in rebellion, more determined to follow their own way.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 22)
When David in his day saw the departing from the law of God, he expected that a manifestation of divine displeasure would be seen. He looked for the Lord to show forth His righteous indignation. “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work,” he exclaimed; “for they have made void Thy law.” [Verse 126.] He supposed that in their lawlessness men had exceeded the bounds of God’s forbearance, and that the Lord would not longer restrain Himself.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 23)
Today we see in the world the same condition of lawlessness that existed in Noah’s day. Then the earth was filled with violence. The Lord told him to build an ark for the saving of the souls of those who would hear the message of warning. During the one hundred and twenty years while the ark was building, Noah gave the warning; but the probation granted resulted in the saving of only eight souls. Those years of probation were not appreciated.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 24)
It is possible for men to go so far in wickedness, under continual remonstrance, that God sees that He must arise and vindicate His honor. Thus it is at the present period of this earth’s history. Crime of every degree is becoming more and more strikingly manifest. The earth is filled with violence of men against their fellow men.
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 25)
What position will the church take? Will those who in the past have had respect for the law of God be drawn into the current of evil? Will the almost universal transgression and contempt of the law of God darken the spiritual atmosphere of the souls of all alike? Will the disrespect of the law of God sweep away the protecting barriers? Because wickedness and lawlessness prevail, is the law of God to be less highly esteemed? Because it is made void by the great majority of those living on the earth, shall the few loyal ones become like all the disloyal and act as the wicked act? Shall they not rather offer up the prayer of David, “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void Thy law”? Shall the law be less esteemed because the larger number is disloyal? No! “They have made void Thy law. Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” [Verses 126, 127.]
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 26)
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they that keep His testimonies,
And that seek Him with the whole heart.
They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently.
O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes!
Then shall I not be ashamed,
When I have respect unto all Thy commandments.
I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart,
When I shall have learned Thy righteous judgments.
I will keep Thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to Thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought Thee;
O let me not wander from Thy commandments....
Thy testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore doth my soul keep them.
The entrance of Thy words giveth light;
It giveth understanding unto the simple.”
(21LtMs, Ms 15, 1906, 27)
The United States as an Asylum for Religious Liberty NP January 1904 Portions of this manuscript are published in Mar 193; 4BC 1171; 7BC 975; 9MR 1-4.
The Lord has done more for the United States than for any other country upon which the sun shines. Here He provided an asylum for His people, where they could worship Him according to the dictates of conscience. Here Christianity has progressed in its purity. The life-giving doctrine of the one Mediator between God and man has been freely taught. God designed that this country should ever remain free for all people to worship Him in accordance with the dictates of conscience. He designed that its civil institutions, in their expansive productions, should represent the freedom of gospel privileges.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 1)
But the enemy of all righteousness has designs upon God’s purpose for this country. He will bring in enterprises that will lead men to forget that there is a God. Worldliness and covetousness, which is idolatry, will prevail through the working of the archdeceiver, till the law of God, in all its bearings, shall be made void.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 2)
If men had studied the Bible, if they had read the book of Exodus, they would have seen that in the proclamation of God’s law, the seventh day was specified as the day that is to be observed as the memorial of creation. In the fourth commandment, the true and living God is shown to be the one who created the world in six days; and the seventh day is pointed out as the day on which God rested, blessing and hallowing it.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 3)
In the second chapter of Genesis, we read, “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” [Verses 1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 4)
Christ the Great Healer
Jan. 25, 1904
I look at my watch and see that it is three o’clock. My heart is drawn out in prayer to God, that my head may be clear and my eyes healed, that I may continue to write by lamplight. I have the burden of writing on my soul. I need my eyesight. My left eye has been a source of anxiety to me for a long time. At times it pains me severely and causes me great trouble. I am this morning offering my prayer to the greatest Physician the world has ever known, asking Him to strengthen my eyesight. He is the physician of the soul and of the body. He has wrought wonderful cures. When one came to Him, saying, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me whole,” Christ responded, “I will, be thou whole.” [See Matthew 8:2, 3.] These words He repeated many times a day as suffering human beings pressed round Him for help, asking to be made whole. And this morning, in my great necessity, I say, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me whole.”
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 5)
What is my work in this world?—To flash into the darkness of error, by pen and voice, the truth for this time. God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path. My work is to let God’s Word shine forth in all the simplicity of its brightness into the minds and hearts of others. Christ prayed for His disciples, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 6)
The apostle Paul, giving Timothy instruction that he would need in his work, said:
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 7)
“The love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 8)
“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen nor can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting.” [1 Timothy 6:10-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 9)
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things 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 on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called; which some professing have erred concerning the faith.” [Verses 17-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 10)
Jan. 26, 1904
I awoke at one o’clock. I am praying most earnestly that the Lord will be merciful to me, and restore my left eye, removing the pain and weakness that is affecting my whole head. I must do all that I can to co-operate with Him, giving the afflicted eye as much rest as possible. I have decided not to write so largely by lamplight. For sometime after I awoke this morning, I lay still in bed, pleading the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] I went to sleep, and when I again awoke, it was half-past three. I did not leave my bed till fifteen minutes of four. I praise the Lord that He gave me rest in sleep.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 11)
The Lord seems sacredly near to me. I seem to be in His presence. I long to say to every family of believers, Let us show Christian politeness to God. Ask Him to abide with you, teaching you how to become obedient children, so that you can teach others to be truly courteous to Christ. Speak gently to the members of the church in your home; for Christ is your Guest. Express your gratitude for all his Gifts. They are more than can be numbered. We are daily to show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 12)
God’s Purpose for His People
Jan. 27, 1904
My mind is so exercised that I have had but imperfect sleep during the past night. I retired at eight o’clock and woke several times during the night.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 13)
I am pleading with God that His people may know by experience the meaning of Christ’s words, “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth. 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 might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [John 17:15-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 14)
Will not those who preach the Word to others cherish a sense of the responsibility resting upon them, as the appointed messengers of God, to sanctify themselves, that in their consecration they shall represent Christ, endeavoring to do Him special honor as His representatives, and to carry out in their own families the genuine principles of Christianity. Thus they will be indeed co-operating with Christ, revealing the fruit of righteousness and sanctification, not only through their profession, but in their practice. They are to show to the world what the truth, if lived day by day, will do for the receiver.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 15)
When the truth is manifested in the daily life, the fruit will be unto righteousness and true holiness. In the life that He lived on this earth, Christ has given us an example of what the lives of those who believe on Him should be. God calls for a depth of piety that many have not yet known.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 16)
Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water through the Word. His prayer for the believers is:
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 17)
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all 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. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one, 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.” [Verses 20-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 18)
This high standard Christ has made it possible for us to reach. He will be present in His grace and strength, to help every striving soul not to fall short of His high calling. Our expectations need to be elevated far above that which is seen in the piety of many professing Christians. God calls upon us to reveal the Saviour to the world in works of righteousness. He calls upon us to remember that we are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 19)
Of Christ it is written:
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 20)
“Verily, He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” [Hebrews 2:16-18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 21)
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:14-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 22)
My brethren and sisters, study this instruction, given to be understood by you, and be wise enough to consider that silence is eloquence in reference to what will be in heaven. This human beings are not required to know; they would make a wrong use of such knowledge. Christ’s word to us is, “Teaching them all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” [Matthew 28:20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 23)
*****
There is an unerring register kept of all sins committed. All man’s impiety, all his disobedience to heaven’s commands, are written in the books of heaven with unerring accuracy. The figures of guilt rapidly accumulate, yet the judgments of God are tempered with mercy, until the figures have reached their appointed limit. God bears long with the transgression of human beings and continues through His appointed agencies to present the gospel message until the set time has come. God bears with divine patience with the perversity of the wicked; but He declares that He will visit their transgressions with a rod. He will at last permit the destructive agencies of Satan to bear sway to destroy.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 24)
*****
The United States is a land that has been under the special shield of the Omnipotent One. God has done great things for this country; but in the transgression of His law, men have been doing a work originated by the man of sin. Satan is working out his designs to involve the human family in disloyalty.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 25)
The Divine Rest-day
The fourth commandment of the Decalogue defines who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. And in Genesis God declares:
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 26)
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it; because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” [Genesis 2:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 27)
It was not the first day of the week that the Lord sanctified, but the seventh day, the day on which God rested and was refreshed. When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, the seventh day was set apart as the divine rest-day. Thus the day of God’s appointment was celebrated.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 28)
“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 29)
“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 30)
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 31)
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 32)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 33)
“Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land that the Lord thy God giveth thee.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 34)
“Thou shalt not kill.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 35)
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 36)
“Thou shalt not steal.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 37)
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 38)
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.” [Exodus 20:1-17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 39)
The first four of the ten commandments, which define our duty to God, are called the first table. God is to be placed high above all things in heaven and in earth. It should be distinctly understood that the Sovereign of the universe is above all. He is to be exalted as omnipotent.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 40)
“Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted Him, saying, 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 neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 41)
Our duty to God comes first. To worship and love and serve God with the whole being will prepare man to love his neighbor as himself. Those who love God supremely will love and appreciate those for whom Christ has died.
(21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, 42)
Ms 19, 1906
Ahab—A Wicked King NP February 7, 1906 [typed] Portions of this manuscript are published in 2BC 1033.
Ahab’s sins were great in the sight of the Lord. His wife was a wicked woman, controlled by the power of Satan. Her influence over Ahab was used to lead him from God, to remove the fear of God from his mind. Through her influence he was led into idolatry; he served and worshiped the gods of the heathen. The record says, “There was none like Ahab, which did set himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols.” [1 Kings 21:25, 26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 1)
Ahab sanctioned the building up of Jericho, which God in His wrath had caused to be torn down, declaring through His prophet that it should never be rebuilt, that the curse of heaven would surely rest upon the one who should venture to rebuild the city that God designed should remain unbuilt as a monument of His displeasure.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 2)
The grievous sins into which Ahab led the people called down upon the land the wrath of God. For three years the Lord withheld both dew and rain, and there was a great famine. Deceived by Satan, Ahab thought that Elijah was the one who had brought this calamity; and if God had not in a special manner preserved his servant, Ahab would have put him to death. Instead of searching in his own life and in the lives of the people for the cause of the famine, Ahab charged Elijah with being the cause of the trouble.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 3)
When at the end of the three years’ drought, Ahab saw Elijah, he said, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” [1 Kings 18:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 4)
Mark the answer, “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. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.” [Verses 18, 19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 5)
“So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 6)
“Then said Elijah unto the people, I even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under; and call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God that answereth by fire, let Him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 7)
“And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 8)
“And it came to pass at noon that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for he is a god, either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 9)
“And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name; and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time....
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 10)
“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the Lord, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 11)
“Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 12)
“And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 13)
“And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 14)
“And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees.” [Verses 20-42.] Strong and earnest was the prayer of the servant of God for rain. His faith was sorely tried, but he continued in earnest prayer, bowed in a most painful, humiliating position. At last his faith was rewarded by tokens of rain.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 15)
“And it came to pass ... that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.” [Verses 44, 45.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 16)
What effect did this have upon Ahab? He was convinced that a wonderful miracle had been wrought. How long did he keep this in mind? Until he had related the particulars to his wife.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 17)
“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a message unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” [1 Kings 19:1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 18)
The influence of Jezebel over Ahab was greater than the influence of the Spirit of God, however powerful and convincing the evidence from heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 19)
A Deed of Shame
Ahab was covetous. He had followed the dictates of his own evil heart, strengthened and sustained in every evil work by Jezebel, until he was controlled by selfishness. He wished to gain possession of a piece of land belonging to his neighbor, Naboth the Jezreelite. Naboth valued this piece of land very highly because it had belonged to his fathers. But Ahab had set his heart on it, and he proposed to buy it or exchange it for another piece of land. But the owner refused to part with it. His refusal made the selfish monarch sick. His will had been crossed.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 20)
His wicked wife, a medium of Satan, soon learned the particulars. She was indignant and assured Ahab that he governed the kingdom of Israel and that he need be no longer sad. “Let thine heart be merry,” she said, “I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” [1 Kings 21:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 21)
The wicked king, caring not in what manner his wife accomplished the desired object, agreed to her arrangement. This God-forsaken woman had a most fiendish plan to carry out. She had great power over the king, and she wrote letters in his name to the elders and nobles of the city where Naboth dwelt, saying, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people; and set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 22)
“And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 23)
“They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him; and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king.
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 24)
“And they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.” [Verses 9-14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 25)
“Arise, and take possession of the vineyard,” Jezebel said to Ahab; “for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” [Verse 15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 26)
As Ahab went down to take possession of the vineyard, Elijah, who had fled for his life from the death with which Jezebel had threatened him, was sent by God to meet the wicked king with the stern rebuke, “Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? ... In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.... Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.” [Verses 19, 24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 19, 1906, 27)
Ms 20, 1906
Preach the Word NP February 7, 1906 [typed] This manuscript is published in entirety in 20MR 64-69. +
I am instructed that we are not to enter into any controversy over the spiritualistic representations that are fast coming in from every quarter. Further than this, I am to give those in charge of our papers instruction not to publish in the columns of the Review and Herald, the Signs of the Times, or any other papers published by Seventh-day Adventists, articles attempting to explain these sophistries. We are in danger whenever we discuss the sophistries of the enemy. The publication of articles dealing with these sophistries is a snare for souls. Let these theories alone, and warn all not to read them. Your explanations will amount to nothing. Let the theories alone. Do not try to show the inconsistency or fallacy of them. Let them alone.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 1)
Do not perpetuate evil by talking of these theories in sermons or by publishing in our papers articles regarding them. The Lord says, Let them be unexplained. Present the affirmative of truth plainly, clearly, and decidedly. You cannot afford to study or combat these false theories. Present the truth, “It is written.” The time spent in dealing with these fallacies is so much time lost. Our papers are not published for the purpose of dealing with such subjects. Articles on Bible subjects, full of practical truth, and written in so simple a style that the children and the common people cannot misunderstand them, are to fill our papers.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 2)
The writers who are quoted in articles discussing these subjects are much pleased to have their views thus introduced to our people. But this is sowing tares. Our ministers are not given the work of discussing these subjects of spiritualistic science. They are to keep strictly to Bible truth, “It is written.” They are to present the reasons of our faith and never reproduce the seductive heresies that will continually appear. No time or study is to be given to these seducing theories. The enemy stands close beside those who proclaim his sentiments.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 3)
Let Bible truth be presented in our papers. Give the reasons of our faith. In the most cheerful, hopeful, encouraging articles, recommend the diligent searching of the Scriptures. Urge our people to become familiar with the Word of God. In their study, the students in our schools should commit to memory portions of the Word. The time will come when many will be deprived of the written Word. But if this Word is printed in the memory, no one can take it from us; and it is a talisman that will meet the worst forms of error and evil.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 4)
Evil doctrines will be accumulated by the publication of seductive fallacies. To make these fallacies the subject of discourse is to put into the minds of many, thoughts that would never have been there had not these errors been brought out before them. Let the youth be taught to shun publications dealing with this subject. Do not print one article dealing with it; for you cannot without loss enter into these things. Thus seed is sown that will spring up and bring forth tares.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 5)
What we need is truth, present truth. Let the truth shine forth in its unmeasured superiority, in all the dignity and purity that distinguish true religion. An acquaintance with the Word of God will strengthen us to resist evil. Hold up the cross of Calvary. This will rebuke heathen philosophy and pagan idolatry. Lift up the cross of Calvary higher and still higher, as the identified reality of Christianity. Let all our works, our every enterprise, show forth the sacred principles of the gospel.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 6)
Bible truth is to be presented in short articles made intensely interesting. “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” [John 5:39.] I have sometimes thought that text strangely worded, but it is all clear now. “Think on what you read; for in the Scriptures ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.”
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 7)
We are now to make diligent work for eternity. Only for a very short time longer will the Lord bear with the gross wickedness that fills the world. O how suddenly will the end come, surprising the world in their increasing iniquity.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 8)
I have to say to our people in Battle Creek, The seeds of unbelief have been sown by one in whom I have always had an intense . I have prayed that he shall be entirely changed and made a new man in Christ Jesus. I have seen the seeds he has been sowing in other countries, and his heart is set to do this work. Letters come to me that the work is being made hard because of the influence of -----, and the ministers are working under great discouragement because of the reports that have been circulated. This will compel me to make every effort possible to prevent him from taking captive poor souls that are easily deceived.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 9)
In the night season I am instructed that issues will arise that will have to be met from now on more decidedly, because of the large sanitarium that has been erected in Battle Creek. Can I hold my peace and allow our people to be exposed to the influences exerted by the leading men in the medical work there? No, no! Those who accept the theories held by some will surely be led astray. Dr. ------- and his associates are already diseased with a species of spiritualistic sentiments; and unless they change, they will in the near future be swayed into accord with the wonderful miracle-working power that the Word of God has said will be seen in these last days. “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1.] Those who have been feeding their minds on the supposedly excellent but spiritualistic theories of Living Temple are in a very dangerous place.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 10)
For the past fifty years I have been receiving intelligence regarding heavenly things. But the instruction given me has now been used by others to justify and endorse theories in Living Temple that are of a character to mislead. May the Lord teach me how to meet such things. If necessary I can charge all such work as coming directly from Satan to make the words God has given me testify to a lie.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 11)
Nashville, July 4, [1904]. We are very sorry to read the article written by Elder Tenney in the Medical Missionary on the Sanctuary question. The enemy has obtained the victory over one minister. If this minister had remained away from the seducing influences that Satan is exerting at the present time, in Battle Creek, he might yet be standing on vantage ground.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 12)
We are very sorry to see the result of gathering a large number to Battle Creek. Ministers who have been believers in the foundation truths that have made us what we are—Seventh-day Adventists; ministers who went to Battle Creek to teach and strengthen the truths of the Bible are now, when old and grey-headed, turning from the grand truths of the Bible and accepting infidel sentiments. This means that the next step will be a denial of a personal God, pulling down the bulwarks of the faith that is plainly revealed in the Scriptures. The sanctuary question is the foundation of our faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 13)
The warning is given in the Word, “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” [Verse 1.] We now repeat: Parents, keep your children away from Battle Creek. Some of our medical missionary workers are becoming leavened with infidelity. Specious heresy has been taking hold of minds, and its threads have been woven into the pattern of the figure. Who is responsible for giving young men and women an education that has left a seducing influence upon their minds? One father writes that of his two children who were sent to Battle Creek, one is now an infidel and the other has given up the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 14)
Letters such as this have been coming from different ones. The warning is given me to give to parents: If your children are in Battle Creek, call them away without delay. Satan has come down with great power to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. The sentiment is prevailing that the testimonies of warning and reproof given for the past half a century are not reliable, because they may be the product of a human mind and not of divine origin. The same argument might be used that the words and works of Christ are not reliable; therefore the whole Christian religion is a something upon which there is no dependence to be placed.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 15)
After His ascension, Christ came from heaven with a very important message to give through John to the churches. This message was to be written in a book, and sent to all the churches, that they might heed the warnings, believing their divine origin.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 16)
Those who take the position that God condemns may gather up statements from my writings that please them and agree with their human judgment, while they entirely refuse the messages that come to correct their errors. This is the theory that has come in among the students at Battle Creek. The men who are opposed to being interfered with in the presumptuous positions of wrongdoing may rise up and declare that any testimony that does not commend their wrong course of action is human.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 17)
I thank the Lord that the only true and living God still lives. Jesus Christ took humanity upon Himself, to make it possible for human beings, through faith, to be partakers of the divine nature and thus escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 18)
The end is so near that it will come unexpectedly, as a thief in the night, and if we do not watch, we shall be found unready, with our lamps going out, unprepared to meet the Bridegroom.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 19)
I was instructed to write to some these words: “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit.... A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 20)
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name have cast out devils, and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” [Matthew 7:13-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 21)
Here is the test that shows the difference between the genuine believer and the unbeliever. The principles of the lifework testify to the character.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 22)
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 24-27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 23)
Sending His disciples forth on their first missionary tour, Christ gave them this instruction: “And when ye come into an house, salute it; ... but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house, or city, shake the dust off your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.” [Matthew 10:12-15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 24)
Those who refuse to heed the warnings sent by God may say, It is only man who is rebuking us. They may decide to follow their own sinful way, flattering themselves that in the reproofs sent the divine and the human are commingled. They may declare that they will not be instructed, that they will do as they please. Thus said the Jews in the days of Christ. Those who claimed to be pious, the priests and rulers, said of Christ: He hath a devil; therefore we need not pay the least attention to His words. He is only a human being.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 25)
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: 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. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 26)
Chorazin and Bethsaida, which had been exalted to heaven in point of privilege were to be brought down to hell, because they had had great light, but had refused to be benefited by this light. Was this reproof given by the human nature of Christ? If so, all are at liberty to be unmindful of the advantages they have received. These denunciations fall from the lips of Christ as heaven-sent warnings to those who heard them, sternly rebuking their indifference and their determination to continue in their sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 27)
Who would dare present the case in such a way as to remove the objection to sin because Christ clothed His divinity with humanity? Christ spoke in human nature. The divine and the human were united. Those who are following the will of Christ will have messages condemning sin and exalting righteousness, but always condemning sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 28)
The Lord Jesus is not willing that any should perish; therefore He sends warnings and reproofs. If in coming to this world He had not clothed His divinity with humanity, His divinity would have quenched the life of sinners.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 29)
*****
What is the test of true religion? Knowing and doing the will of God, in accordance with every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. There is a sanctuary, and in that sanctuary is the ark: and in the ark are the tables of stone, [on] which are written the law spoken from Sinai amidst scenes of awful grandeur. These tables of stone are in the heavens, and they will be brought forth in that day when the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and men shall be judged according to the things written in the books. They will be judged by the law written by the finger of God and given to Moses to be deposited in the ark. A record is kept of the deeds of all men, and according to his works will every man receive sentence, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 30)
*****
The Holy Spirit always leads to the written Word. The Holy Spirit is a person; for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. When this witness is borne, it carries with it its own evidence. At such times we believe and are sure that we are the children of God. What strong evidence of the power of truth we can give to believers and unbelievers when we can voice the words of John, “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” [1 John 4:16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 31)
The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God. “For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man, which is in him; even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, 32)
Ms 21, 1906
Come Out and Be Separate St. Helena, California November 1905 Portions of this manuscript are published in SpTB #7 60-64; BTS 03/1906. +
I have not been able to sleep during the past night. Letters have come to me with statements made by men who claimed to have asked Dr. Kellogg if he believes the statements that Sister White bears. He declares that he does, but he does not. He sent a sensible letter to me while I was at Melrose, Massachusetts, saying, “I have surrendered.” I responded to it, but not another line has he written. He has not spoken or acted as a man who has surrendered. He has felt bitterness of soul against the Lord’s appointed agencies who have occupied the position of president of the General Conference. He has hated them. Has he surrendered that gall of bitterness? The Lord will not accept anything that he affirms which is false.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 1)
The whole of the matter is not revealed. I have been waiting to see the least evidence of surrender. The word of the Lord to me is, “He is only gathering his forces for another display to magnify himself. The ministers of God are being drawn in and deceived by his science. He is doing all in his power to create a division between the medical work and the ministry of the Word. He has his messenger going forth to test the pulse of God’s people and please him by disparaging the strength of the ministerial force.”
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 2)
This large work and its sure results are plainly presented to me. I am so sorry that sensible men do not discern the trail of the serpent. I call it thus; for thus the Lord pronounces it. Wherein are those who are designated as departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, departing from the faith which they have held sacred for the past fifty years? I leave that for the ones to answer who sustain those who develop such acuteness in their plans for spoiling and hindering the work of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 3)
If ________ had come into line, the work of God would have been years in advance of what it now is. He would have connected himself with the Lord, and Christ would have worked through him.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 4)
The Lord would now have a straightforward, decided testimony borne regarding every point of present truth. We are a denominated people, and we are not to yield up our faith to the science of human sophistry.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 5)
*****
Nov. 1905. I slept well during the past night, from seven o’clock until half-past two. It is the Sabbath of the Lord, and I shall speak in the church at St. Helena this morning. My health is very good. I attend to my writings continuously, that everything may be in readiness if I should be taken away at a moment’s notice. I do not regard that time with any fear or distrust. I am heeding to the best of my knowledge the message that Christ came from heaven to give John, as recorded in the first, second, and third chapters of Revelation.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 6)
“But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not known this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye already have hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:24-29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 7)
I am instructed to say, The sentiments of those who are searching for advanced scientific ideas are not to be trusted. Such representations as the following are made: “The Father is as the light invisible; the Son is as the light embodied; the Spirit as the light shed abroad.”“The Father is like the dew, invisible vapor; the Son is like the dew gathered in beauteous form; the Spirit is like the dew fallen to the seat of life.” Another representation: “The Father is like the invisible vapor. The Son is like the leaden cloud. The Spirit is rain fallen and working in refreshing power.”
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 8)
All these spiritualistic representations are simply nothingness. They are imperfect, untrue. They weaken and diminish the Majesty which no earthly likeness can be compared to. God cannot be compared with the things His hands have made. These are mere earthly things, suffering under the curse of God because of the sins of man. The Father cannot be described by the things of earth. The Father is all the fulness of the Godhead bodily and is invisible to mortal sight.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 9)
The Son is all the fulness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be “the express image of His person.” [Hebrews 1:3.] “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.] Here is shown the personality of the Father.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 10)
The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit in all the fulness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 11)
What is the sinner to do? Believe in Christ. He is Christ’s property, bought with the blood of the Son of God. Through test and trial the Saviour redeemed human beings from the slavery of sin. What then must we do to be saved from sin?—Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. He who confesses his sin and humbles his heart will receive forgiveness. Jesus is the sin-pardoning Saviour as well as the only begotten Son of the infinite God. The pardoned sinner is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ our Deliverer from sin. Keeping in the path of holiness, he is a subject of the grace of God. There is brought to him full salvation, joy, and peace, and the true wisdom that comes from God.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 12)
Faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ is the assurance of pardon. Christ can cleanse away all sin. Simple reliance on that power day by day will give the human agent keen wisdom to discern what will keep the soul in these last days from the bondage of sin. By faith and prayer, through the knowledge of Christ, he is to work out his own salvation.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 13)
The Holy Spirit recognizes and guides us into all truth. God has given His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Christ is the sinner’s Saviour. Christ’s death has redeemed the sinner. This is our only hope. If we make a full surrender of self, and practice the virtues of Christ, we shall gain the prize of eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 14)
“He that believeth in the Son, hath the Father also.” [1 John 2:23.] He who has continual faith in the Father and the Son has the Spirit also. The Holy Spirit is his Comforter, and he never departs from the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 15)
There is a power in the science of human philosophy to influence minds to believe the great deceiver’s words and bind souls to his side. Satan does this work. Through his devising he controls the minds that Christ sacrificed His life to redeem. Satan is doing this very work in our midst; and sensible men, unless they watch, will become sinful, dishonest men, who falsify and deceive. Judges and lawyers are employed, and have done and will continue to do a work that makes evil appear as righteousness. This work will go on until the Lord of heaven shall quench these scientific sophistries by His authorized power, and Christ shall open men’s eyes, enabling them to see what constitutes sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 16)
There will have to be a second conversion in the hearts of some of our leading medical fraternity, and a cutting away from the men who are trying to guide the medical ship into the harbor, else they themselves will never reach the haven of rest. Christ calls, Come out from among them, and be ye separate. [2 Corinthians 6:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 17)
I write this because any moment my life may be ended. Unless there is a breaking away from the influence that Satan has prepared, and a reviving of the testimonies that God has given, souls will perish in their delusion. They will accept fallacy after fallacy and will thus keep up a disunion that will always exist until those who have been deceived take their stand on the right platform. All this higher education that is being planned will be extinguished; for it is spurious. The more simple the education of our workers, the less connection they have with the men whom God is not leading, the more will be accomplished. Work will be done in the simplicity of true godliness, and the old, old times will be back when, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, thousands were converted in a day. When the truth in its simplicity is lived in every place, then God will work through His angels as He worked on the day of Pentecost, and hearts will be changed so decidedly that there will be a manifestation of the influence of genuine truth, as is represented in the descent of the Holy Spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 18)
The Holy Spirit never has and never will in the future divorce the medical missionary work from the gospel ministry. They cannot be divorced. Bound up with Jesus Christ, the ministry of the Word and the healing of the sick are one.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 19)
The fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah contains instruction for today. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin.” [Verse 1.] God does not accept Dr. Kellogg as His laborer, unless he will now break with Satan. The work would not have been hindered, as it has been for the past several years, if Dr. Kellogg were a converted man. “Come,” I call, “come ye out and be separate from him and his associates whom he has leavened.” I am now giving the message God has given me, to give to all who claim to believe the truth, “Come ye out from among them, and be separate,” else their sin in justifying wrongs and framing deceits will continue to be the ruin of souls. [2 Corinthians 6:17.] We cannot afford to be on the wrong side. We cannot afford to cover the truth with scientific problems. We urge that decided changes be made and no more stumbling blocks be placed before the feet of the people of God. Let every soul put on the gospel shoes. Let every soul pray and work, placing their feet upon the foundation Christ laid in giving His life for the life of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, 20)
Ms 23, 1906
A God of Knowledge by Whom Actions are Weighed NP February 8, 1906 [typed] This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 03/08/1906.
The Lord is a God of knowledge. In His Word, He is represented as weighing men, their development of character, and all their motives, whether they be good or evil. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, the child granted her by God in answer to her earnest entreaty, said, “The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.” [1 Samuel 2:3.] David declared, “Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.” [Psalm 62:9.] Isaiah says, “Thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.” [Isaiah 26:7.] Solomon writes, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” [Proverbs 16:2.] It is for the eternal interest of everyone to search his own heart and to improve every God-given faculty.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 1)
There are many important lessons for each to learn. Let all remember that there is not a motive in the heart of any man that the Lord does not clearly see. The motives of each one are weighed as carefully as if the destiny of the human agent depended upon this one result. We need a connection with divine power, that we may have an increase of clear light and an understanding of how to reason from cause to effect. We need to have the powers of the understanding cultivated by our being partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Let us each one consider carefully the solemn truth: God in heaven is true, and there is not a design however intricate, not a motive however carefully hidden, that He does not clearly understand. He reads the secret devising of every heart. Men may plan out crooked actions for the future, thinking that God does not understand; but in that great day when the books are opened, and every man is judged by the things written in the books, those actions will appear as they are.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 2)
David in the Psalms writes, “O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, and Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me before and behind, and laid Thine hand upon me.” [Psalm 139:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 3)
“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.” [Verses 11, 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 4)
The Lord sees and understands all dishonesty in planning, all unlawful appropriation in any degree of property or means, all injustice in man’s dealing with his fellow men.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 5)
There are many who need now to consider the words, “TEKEL: Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.] God’s holy, everlasting, immutable law is the standard by which man is to be tried. This defines what we shall do and what we shall not do, saying, Thou shalt, and, Thou shalt not. This law is summed up in the two great principles, 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, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 6)
This means just what it says. O how few will be prepared to meet the law of God in the great day of judgment. If the work of individual preparation for which the Lord calls were carried on in the home circle and in the church, how much suffering, how much sin would be avoided.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 7)
“TEKEL: Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” [Verse 27.] My brethren, day and night, and especially in the night season, this matter is presented to me: “TEKEL: Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 8)
How do we stand before God at this time? We may be sincere, and yet greatly deceived. Saul of Tarsus was sincere when he was persecuting the church of Christ. “I verily thought,” he declares, “that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus.” [Acts 26:9.] He was sincere in his ignorance. But after Christ had revealed Himself to him, he declared, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” [Philippians 3:7, 8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 9)
If we are uncleansed by the blood of Christ, we are altogether wanting. We know that there is no one, however earnestly he may be striving to do his best, who can say, “I have no sin.” He who would say this would be under a dangerous deception. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [1 John 1:8.] How then can we escape the charge, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting”? [Daniel 5:27.] We are to look to Christ. At infinite cost He has covenanted to be our representative in the heavenly courts, our Advocate before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 10)
Weighed in the balance and found wanting. Man, weighed against God’s holy law, is found wanting. We are enlightened by the precepts of the law, but no man can by them be justified. Weighed and found wanting is our inscription by nature. But Christ is our Mediator, and accepting Him as our Saviour, we may claim the promise, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Romans 5:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 11)
“My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 12)
“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye had from the beginning.... Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you; because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 13)
“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 14)
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 15)
“Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” [1 John 2:1-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 16)
How important that we, living as we are at the very close of this earth’s history, shall be very careful to put away our own individual sins, so that we shall not grieve the heart of Christ. Let each one, old or young, be faithful in dealing with himself, lest he shall stumble along in darkness, making grievous mistakes and thus helping others to make mistakes.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 17)
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ. He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 18)
“And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” [Verses 22-29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 19)
A liar is one that presents false theories and doctrines. He who denies the personality of God and of His Son Jesus Christ is denying God and Christ. “If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father.” [Verse 24.] If you continue to believe and obey the truths you first embraced regarding the personality of the Father and the Son, you will be joined together with them in love. There will be seen that union for which Christ prayed just before His trial and crucifixion:
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 20)
“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one; 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.” [John 17:21-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 21)
Christ is glorified in His saints. He, the propitiation for their sins, will be glorified in all who believe in Him as their Saviour, all who will commit themselves and their interests to His guidance. They are on Christ’s side, known by the manifestation that Christ makes through them of His power to save. They obtain victory after victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. They are made perfect in their victory through Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 22)
“This is My commandment, that ye love one another.... 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. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father, I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go, and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 23)
“These things I command you, that ye love one another. 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. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.” [John 15:12-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 24)
“These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]
(21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, 25)
Ms 25, 1906
It is Required in Stewards That a Man be Found Faithful NP February 14, 1906 [typed] Previously unpublished.
“It is Required in Stewards That a Man be Found Faithful”
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 1)
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment; yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 2)
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you should be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Now ye are full; now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us; and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death; for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat; we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” [1 Corinthians 4:1-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 3)
Ministers of Christ, and physicians, here is the Word of God, clearly defining the position of a steward. Make the instruction contained in this chapter you diligent study, and ask yourselves where you stand in these things. The Master’s goods in means or in property are placed in the hands of human beings. They are to keep everything in order. The position of steward is one of great accountability. How few realize the responsibility resting upon them in the matter of stewardship. He who is a faithful steward will have a conscience void of offense toward God and his fellow men. He will realize that it is his Master’s property that he is handling. His position will not be tarnished by mean actions in his dealing with other stewards. He will not try to make his own course appear as possessing great wisdom.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 4)
He who is placed in the important position of a steward is to guard his master’s goods, but he is never in a single transaction to treat others in a close, selfish way. It may be that a steward may enter into selfish dealing to gain advantage, not for himself, but for his master; but he is none the less making such a record that unless he shall change, when in the heavenly courts the inventions and the various means he has employed shall be investigated, a wisdom that cannot err will write opposite his name the words, “TEKEL: Thou art weighted in the balances, and art found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 5)
Those who gain advantage by sharp practice make as they suppose an excellent gain. But every incident connected with their dealings with believers or unbelievers, which is not in strict accordance with the law of God, has been developing in them characteristics that will not bear the revelation of heaven; and in the great examination day, they will wish that they had their lives to live over again. But they have spoiled their record. They have taken advantage of their fellow men, showing that they have not loved their neighbor as they loved themselves. They have not kept the law of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 6)
The steward is to identify his interests with those of his Master, who has trusted him. He is to deal justly and love mercy. Every case is to be brought before the great Ruler of the universe, who employs human beings. The one against whose name TEKEL is found written in the day when actions are weighed, the one whose business dealings have hurt and wronged others, and who has not repented, will not be allowed to pass through the gates of the city of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 7)
I have been viewing a scene. It was called a parable of transactions. I cannot at this time describe the transactions, because of the anguish that I passed through as I viewed scene after scene. Such distress came upon me that I could scarcely live under the presentation of the parable. I do not wish to dwell upon it now, but I wish to present before you all the necessity of taking particular pains to read the law that God gave to Moses. In the ten commandments the divine rule of conduct is so plainly defined that no one need blunder or make a mistake.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 8)
There is but one path to heaven, but one gate leading to this path. Christ came to our world, and took humanity upon him, to live the life of a poor man, to battle with poverty, to meet and conquer temptation, to show us how we may become partakers of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 9)
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 10)
“Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” [Verses 7-12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 11)
This instruction should be studied by every physician and every minister of the gospel. It contains the genuine science of the higher education.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 12)
“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life; and few there be which find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 13)
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils, and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I confess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” [Verses 13-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 14)
The Sermon on the Mount is a most wonderful discourse. In it Christ shows most clearly the way, the truth, and the life. The law of God is presented in its divine fulness as the way of excellence, usefulness, and happiness. The dangers of deception are pointed out, with the way to escape the perils to which human agents are subject.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 15)
Christ told His hearers that their only safety was in being faithful in their stewardship, working out their own salvation, that the Lord Jesus might qualify them to lead others in the way of truth and happiness and obedience.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 16)
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 24-27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 17)
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” [Verses 28, 29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 18)
Shall we not make thorough work for repentance? Shall we not repent and be converted, that our sins may be blotted out? It is those who make through work in repentance who will be most thoroughly successful in their efforts to help souls that are out of the way.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 19)
There will be some who will have to speak straight things. They must not avoid delivering the plain reproofs that the Lord lays upon them to give to those who are in responsible positions; for there are those who are not fulfilling their entrusted stewardship, but are permitting the truth to be dishonored by things that should be plainly dealt with. They are sinning against their own souls and against God. Those upon whom the duty is laid are to reprove wrongs in a proper way; they are not to suffer sin upon a brother to go unrebuked.
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 20)
Says Paul, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. But now is made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel; whereunto I am appointed a preacher; and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” [2 Timothy 1:7-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, 21)
Ms 27, 1906
Sermon/Instruction to Sanitarium and Restaurant Workers Los Angeles, California September 9, 1905 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1SAT 349-359. +
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of Me the ordinance of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” [Isaiah 58:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 1)
The people here mentioned are represented as bringing a charge against God. They have been active in observing the outward forms of worship, and they complain because God does not acknowledge their works, and because He does not answer their prayers. But the Lord charges them with neglecting His work and refusing to follow His way.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 2)
“Behold,” He says, “in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness; ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” [Verses 3, 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 3)
It is possible for us to be deceived in regard to our relation to God. We are not to reproach our Maker if we do not see everything worked out just as we desire. Let us rather examine ourselves, to see if we are keeping His words.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 4)
In contrast with the worship offered Him by this people, God places the work that He desires them to perform. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verse 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 5)
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Verses 6, 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 6)
Here is a work for every individual. Christ’s followers are to relieve the necessities of humanity wherever they see suffering or oppression. They are ever to be ready to speak a word in season to him that is weary.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 7)
We have a work to do for others. We cannot afford to live merely for ourselves. We are to represent the great Medical Missionary, who came to our world to seek and save that which was lost. When we do the work to which God calls us, we are assured of His blessing.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 8)
A Divine Prescription
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” The great Physician will care for those who carry on the work that He did when He was in our world. Are you sick? Here is a prescription that will restore you to health. As you forget yourself, and take an unselfish interest in those around you, the mighty Healer will acknowledge your work and give you strength beyond your expectations. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Verse 8.] Who is our righteousness?—The Lord Jesus Christ. Let us study the record of His life on this earth. Let us carry out the principles that He has given for us to follow. Then His righteousness will go before us, and His glory will be our rearward.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 9)
“What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” asked the lawyer of Christ. “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” the Saviour said. The lawyer answered, “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 neighbor as thyself;” and Christ replied, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Those who will obey these two great principles will have the constant blessing of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 10)
How to Receive an Answer to Our Prayers
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.] Do you feel that your prayers are unanswered? Then do as Christ directs you. In His Word He has declared it; by His Spirit He testifies to it. Will you follow the directions? Will you relieve the necessities of those around you. Will you work in behalf of the oppressed? In such work you will have the comfort of the grace of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 11)
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and 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 noonday; 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.” [Verses 9-11.] I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice for this assurance. When in trouble you may not always feel the assurance of help, but you can always say, The Lord has said it, and I will trust in Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 12)
“And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations; and thou shalt be called, the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verse 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 13)
These words outline our work. We are to repair the breach that has been made in the law of God, to exalt the downtrodden fourth commandment. We are to point out the right path, which has been lost sight of. A false sabbath has been exalted in the place of the Sabbath of Jehovah, and many have lost their bearings. By vigilance and faithfulness in following the true path, we are to direct them aright.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 14)
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” [Verses 13, 14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 15)
“Not finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” [Verse 13.] Then whose words will you speak? The very words that Christ has given to comfort, to encourage, to bless, to lift up those that are bowed down. God has given you a mind, that you may speak words to help others. Do not feed it with trash. Do not injure it by the use of tobacco or alcohol. None of us have any too much mind, and we should do our utmost to improve that which we have. We cannot afford to allow the mind to be dominated by evil for one moment; for thus we might lose an opportunity to speak a word in season to some soul ready to perish. The responsibility of winning souls to Christ rests upon us, and we must work for their salvation. We are not to speak our own words, working for our own personal benefit; we are to study how best to relieve the suffering and the oppressed, how best to help the needy and distressed.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 16)
“Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” [Verse 14.] He is your power, your health, your life, and your salvation. Trust in Him every moment. Pray to Him, and ask Him to keep you in your going out and your coming in. Ask Him to preserve your soul that it shall not be beguiled by the enemy.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 17)
Light Reading
I ask you to put away from your homes all light reading. Do not fill the house with magazines, so that when one comes in, the first thing he picks up is a magazine. The Lord has nothing to do with such reading. It fills the mind with trash. Those who indulge in it are bringing to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble. It is a sin in the sight of God to give the mind to such reading; for He claims our thoughts. We are to serve Him with the mind. In the Bible you will find reading that will be food to the soul. We have no time to spend in light reading. Let us study what saith the Word of God. Let us find out from the Scriptures what are the conditions of salvation.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 18)
Have you become acquainted with your neighbors, that you may tell them of the truth? Take your Bible and call on them. Read them some of those passages of Scripture that are the most comforting. Show them that you have an interest in their eternal welfare. God wants you to help them to place their minds in a right channel.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 19)
In the Word of God the truth in regard to the observance of the Lord’s Sabbath is plainly stated. But the world is in ignorance of God’s requirements. Shall it be that when you meet your neighbors in the day of judgment, they will charge you with neglect, saying, you knew of these things? Why did you not tell us?
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 20)
May God help us to realize that our words are a talent, more precious than gold and silver. May He help us to speak only words of comfort and consolation.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 21)
Remember that a large number of angels were cast out of heaven because of rebellion. These angels are continually striving to turn into wrong channels the minds of those who are seeking to obey the Lord. But if you will walk in the path of obedience to God’s requirements, He will watch over you and guard you from evil. He will strengthen you and cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 22)
Light on Health Reform
Nearly forty years ago the Lord opened up before us the principles of health reform. At that time I was very weak physically. Sometimes I would faint away two or three times at day, and I thought, as many today think, that flesh meat was the only food that would keep up my strength. But in mercy the Lord showed me that flesh meat is not necessary to maintain strength, and that it is not the best food.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 23)
Since that time, increased light upon health reform has been given. In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found all the food elements that we need. If we will come to the Lord in simplicity of mind, He will teach us how to prepare wholesome food free from the taint of flesh meat.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 24)
One time Dr. Trall said to me, “I must tell you that you put forth too much strength when you stand before the people. If you continue to do as you are doing, you cannot live over three years, and I do not know that you can live three months.” I had with me a copy of the book How to Live, and I asked Dr. Trall if he would read the book. He replied that he would, and I let him take it. A few days afterward he said to me, “Mrs. White, where did you get your instruction in medical science?” I replied that I had received it by revelation from God. As he handed the book back to me, he said, “That book is filled with truth; I hope it may have a wide circulation.” Dr. Trall was an unbeliever, and he used often to speak against our ministers, but he would never say one word against Mrs. White. He is now dead, and I, whom he thought could live only a short time, have been preserved all these years. I shall soon be seventy-eight years old. I have placed myself in the hands of God, and He has sustained me, enabling me to bear my testimony in many parts of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 25)
Early Experiences
When the state fair was held in Battle Creek, our people took with them on to the grounds three or four cooking stoves and demonstrated how good meals might be prepared without the use of flesh meat. We were told that we set the best table on the ground. Whenever large gatherings are held, it is your privilege to devise plans whereby you can provide those who attend with wholesome food, and you are to make your efforts educational.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 26)
The Lord gave us favor with the people, and we had many wonderful opportunities to demonstrate what could be done through the principles of health reform to restore to health those whose cases had been pronounced hopeless. At one time the wife of the high school teacher in Battle Creek was thrown from a sleigh and seriously injured. We took her into our house, which was close by, and cared for her. The doctor called; and when he saw what we were doing, he said, “You are doing the very best that can be done. I leave the case with you.” She recovered. Some years afterward, she came to my house, bringing her husband and her little girl. She said to the child, “This is Mrs. White. You would not be here today if she had not saved my life several years ago.” We knelt down together and thanked the Lord for His mercy.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 27)
The light on the subject of health reform was given by the Lord, and we are not to depart from it. The Lord has put into the minds of some a knowledge of how to prepare wholesome articles of food. But it is not His design that this knowledge shall be confined to a few. In every family there should be those who understand the science of healthful cooking.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 28)
Restaurant Work
Light was also given that in the cities there would be opportunity to do a work similar to that which we did on the Battle Creek fair grounds. In harmony with this light, hygienic restaurants have been established. But there is grave danger that our restaurant workers will become so imbued with the spirit of commercialism that they will fail to impart the light which the people need. Our restaurants bring us in contact with many people; but if we allow our minds to be engrossed with the thought of financial profit, we shall fail to fulfil the purpose of God. He would have us take advantage of every opportunity to present the truth that is to save men and women from eternal death.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 29)
I have tried to ascertain how many souls have been converted to the truth as a result of the restaurant work here in Los Angeles. Some may have been saved, but many more might be converted to God if every effort were made to conduct the work in God’s order and to let light shine into the pathway of others.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 30)
I would say to the workers connected with the restaurant, Do not continue to work as you have been working. Seek to make the restaurant a means of communicating to others the light of present truth. For this purpose only have our restaurants been established.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 31)
The food work must not be so enlarged that it will call for the talent that should be put to use in the ministry, or in other lines of evangelistic work. There is danger that the restaurant work will employ those who are needed to take an active part in house-to-house labor and in various lines of missionary work. Some who have been held in the restaurant should have been engaged in helping Elder Simpson in his efforts to present the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 32)
The workers in the Los Angeles restaurant and the members of the Los Angeles church need to be thoroughly converted. To everyone has been given the talent of intellect. Have you received power to prevail with God? “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 33)
We should put forth greater efforts to teach the people the truths of health reform. At every camp-meeting an effort should be made to demonstrate what can be done in providing an appetizing, wholesome diet from grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In every place where new companies are brought into the truth, instruction should be given in the science of preparing wholesome food. Workers should be chosen who can labor from house to house in an educational campaign.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 34)
You prepare food for those who come to the restaurant for meals, but what efforts are you putting forth to teach them the commandments of God and point them to the path of life? The restaurant should be a place where a holy influence is exerted. Do not give your patrons merely the newspapers to read. Let them have the publications that are filled with truth. Endeavor to become acquainted with those with whom you are brought in contact. Lead them on to inquire in regard to the truth, and then have ready some tract or book that will answer their question. In this way seeds of truth may be sown, and the time will come when some of it will spring up unto life eternal.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 35)
Heavenly angels are waiting to co-operate with those who work on the side of truth and righteousness. The enemy of souls is working diligently to bring in his so-called science that will make of God and of Christ a nonentity. His delusions are flooding the world, but we cannot conceive of what will be in the future.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 36)
Sanitarium Work in Southern California
We are so thankful that God has opened the way for us to secure such favorable locations for our institutions in Southern California. He brought first to our notice the buildings now occupied by the Fernando School. When some one wrote and told me of the buildings that were offered for sale at such reasonable prices, I replied, “Lose no time in securing the property.” The instruction given was obeyed, and for two or three years a school has been conducted there. God calls upon you to take a greater interest in this school than you have taken in the past.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 37)
The Lord has wonderfully opened up the way for us to establish sanitariums. These institutions should be centers of education. They should be conducted by men and women who have the fear of God in their hearts, and who can speak words in season, bringing to troubled souls the comfort of the grace of God. This is the work that should be done in every sanitarium.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 38)
For a long time we have desired to see a work begun in Redlands. Now, in the providence of God we have come into possession of Loma Linda. This will give us an influence in Redlands and Riverside, enabling us to find openings for the proclamation of present truth. This beautiful property was offered to us at a very low price. It is completely furnished. We have only to take possession. We trust that our people will rally to the support of this institution, that it may not be burdened with a large interest-bearing debt.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 39)
A Reform Needed
At this time, when Satan is rallying his forces, shall the people of God lay off the armor and go to sleep? Shall we do nothing, or shall we remember that there is One who says, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 40)
Many have so little faith in God that He is unable to work for them. Elder Simpson has labored diligently and faithfully in Los Angeles, and the Lord has given him success. But his success would have been far greater had the church rallied to his support, had every member been consecrated to God. Some have thought that Elder Simpson should labor for the church. The church members should rather have assisted Elder Simpson by going to their neighbors and telling them of the truth, inviting them to attend the meetings.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 41)
There is now a large number of believers in Los Angeles. Many of these should be fitting themselves to work for the Master, that the truth may go forth as a lamp that burneth. Read the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Read it over many times, and you will receive a deeper impression each time.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 42)
I have always felt a deep interest in the work in Southern California. For more than twenty years this part of the state has been represented to me as an important field. Our people should be ready to meet those who come and go, and speak to them the words of life. They should scatter the publications containing present truth. The Lord will do great things for those who co-operate with Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, 43)
Ms 29, 1906
“That They All May Be One” St. Helena, California March 8, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 5BC 1145; 7ABC 477-478, 480; 8MR 292. + Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Last night I was standing before a company assembled in Nashville. I was reading the seventeenth chapter of John. This chapter contains the intercessory prayer offered by Christ to His Father just before His trial and crucifixion. This prayer is a lesson regarding the intercession that the Saviour would carry on within the veil, when His great sacrifice in behalf of man, the offering of Himself, should have been completed. Our Mediator gave His disciples this illustration of His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary in behalf of all who will come to Him in meekness and humility, emptied of all selfishness, and believing in His power to save.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 1)
Christ died to make an atoning sacrifice for our sins. At the Father’s right hand He is interceding for us as our High Priest. By the sacrifice of His life He purchased redemption for us. His atonement is effectual for every one who will humble himself and receive Christ as his example in all things. If the Saviour had not given His life as a propitiation for our sins, the whole human family would have perished. They would have had no right to heaven. It is through His intercession that we, through faith, repentance, and conversion are enabled to become partakers of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 2)
Christ died for us, and receiving His perfection, we are entitled to heaven. To all who believe in Him, He gives power to become the sons of God. Because He lives, we shall live also. He is our Advocate in the courts above. This is our only hope. It is through daily representing Christ in character here in this world that we become fitted for the world to come. We are to be continually striving for faultlessness of character. We are ever to be humble, cherishing a sense of our dependence on the Life-giver; for He alone can pardon our transgressions and keep us from falling. His merits of character must appear in every soul who with exceeding joy will be presented faultless before His presence and before the sinless universe.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 3)
This prayer of Christ was not for the self-aggrandizement of His followers. It relates to spiritual blessings in heavenly places. Christ does not pray that His disciples may be rich, that they may seek preferment from men; He prays that they may be kept from sin, kept loyal as faithful subjects of the Majesty of heaven. If we faithfully perform every duty, we may be assured that this prayer will be answered in our behalf.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 4)
Let us dwell for a time on Christ’s intercessory prayer for us:
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 5)
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.” [Verse 1.] No human being could utter such a prayer. The members of the sinful human race need constantly to cultivate humility. This expression, “Glorify Thy Son,” teaches every mortal that their dependence is wholly upon Jesus Christ. “As thou hast given Him power over all flesh”—jurisdiction as the One supreme—“that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him.”“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [Verses 2, 3.] Eternal life is inseparably connected with the knowledge of God and of His Son Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 6)
“I have glorified Thee on the earth.” [Verse 4.] Can any human being say this? Oh, if we were cleansed from all self-exaltation, if we practiced the pure principles of obedience to Christ, we could. If we were wholly sanctified, we could represent the faith that we profess, showing to the world what it means to be true followers of Jesus Christ. We shall never be translated, we shall never see the Lord Jesus Christ, unless a most decided change takes place in our characters.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 7)
“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.” [Verses 4, 5.] Here two personages are brought to view, the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 8)
“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. I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world; but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” [Verses 6-11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 9)
Shall we individually answer this prayer? Christ prayed that believers might be one with Him as He is one with the Father. In the place of keeping ourselves separate and distinct from one another, shall we not be united with one another and with Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 10)
I am commissioned to call upon our people to come out from the world and be separate. But unity must exist amongst those who claim to believe the truth. We are not to hang our helpless souls upon human beings, but we are to be as closely united with one another as Christ and the Father are united.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 11)
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name; those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Verses 12-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 12)
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all 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. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one; 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.” [Verses 20-23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 13)
The prayer of Christ is for all who acknowledge that they are His people, denominated to be loyal and true to all the light that Christ has given them. He first prays for their purity, and next He prays for their unity. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, then easy to be entreated by the invitation of the Holy Spirit, which Christ’s true disciples shall receive in large measure, because they are assimilated to His image, partakers of the divine nature.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 14)
Christ’s prayer to the Father was for your oneness. Then meet the request of the Saviour; make this oneness possible by acting your part to cleanse yourself from every evil work and by becoming converted. Who are included in this prayer?—Not only those then numbered and acknowledge as disciples, but “them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verse 20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 15)
After His resurrection, Christ made an appointment with His disciples to meet Him in a certain place in Galilee. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:16-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 16)
Christ was intensely interested in His disciples. He greatly desired that by their unity, by speaking the same things, they should give evidence that they were connected with Him through the sanctification of the truth, all striving together, putting their trust in their Redeemer, believing that to those who believe in Him He will give power to become the sons of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 17)
Christ assures them that those who believe in Him will receive power; for He has all authority and all power. He told them that their work was a specially appointed work, to be carried on for the world, to give light to all nations. And this is the work of every disciple of Jesus. Christ has authority over all who receive Him. He will give them power as they advance in their work, in union with Him and with one another. Their unity is to be the convincing argument that God has sent His Son into the world to save all who will receive the words of truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 18)
Christ’s disciples are to labor as He labored, giving the world an example of unity and love, striving together, each according to his line of work, increasing in wisdom and ability, growing in Christlikeness, bringing their varied gifts and talents into the work. There is to be seen a perfect unity. Each worker is to take an unselfish interest in his fellow workers. All the laborers are to unite in their different lines of work, laboring in perfect harmony, not putting their trust in man, but in the Lord Jesus Christ. True workers will not carry on their work independently, doing what will suit their own ideas, irrespective of that oneness for which Christ calls in the great plan that He, the divine Teacher, has laid down.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 19)
The gospel was written out to be taught “to every creature” [Mark 16:15], to be translated into all languages, and brought understandingly in various lines before the world. And Christ with His divine aid will supply all the necessities of His workers. “I in them, and Thou in Me,” He says, “that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may believe 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. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; 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.” [John 17:23-26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 20)
By their oneness, the workers for Christ are to show that they bear the divine credentials. Their work is to be carried on harmoniously. The union for which Christ calls will perfect Christian character. This is shown in the words, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” [Verse 23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 21)
This plea for unity is the last great lesson that Christ gave to His disciples before His crucifixion. It was given also to all who shall believe on Him. Satan is working with all his ingenuity to prevent this unity from existing. It is his plan to lead those who claim to believe the truth to forget the solemn obligation resting upon them to live this prayer of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 22)
But shall not this prayer be answered by those who claim to believe the truth? Those who are truly joined to the Lord are controlled by one Spirit. They are stamped with the same image and superscription, and they give evidence that they are influenced by the same power, because they are joined to the Lord by the infinite sacrifice made by Christ that they might be knit together, through the sanctification of the truth, in the bonds of love—perfect, heavenborn love. They have exchanged the heart of selfishness and sin for the heart that God gives. They are partakers of the divine nature. They may differ in speech and attitude, but they are guided by the same Spirit. No vain glory, no independent “I,” comes in to take possession. The quarrelsome spirit ceases, and the world is given evidence of the power of true conversion.
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 23)
This Christ insists upon. Believers are to preserve close unity with the Saviour. Consider the words, “I in them, and Thou in Me.” [Verse 23.] Here is the power that is to convince the world. Christ dwelling in the heart is the life of the “new man.” [Ephesians 4:24.] Shall we not be converted? Shall we not say, “We will become one with Christ as He is one with the Father”?
(21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, 24)
Ms 31, 1906
Be Vigilant St. Helena, California April 2, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 04/19/1906. + To the Watchmen:
I have a positive message from the Lord to those who are standing as watchmen in the Lord’s cause. There must be an earnest contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. If you weaken your presentation of evidence in regard to the dangers of the present time, you will lose an advantage that should be maintained. Hold fast to the One who has given you power to become the children of God. Let your life be hid with Christ in God. Satan is not dead. He is not indifferent or careless. He is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, striving to lead men and women to deny the faith and enter the path where he leads the way.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 1)
Many who profess godliness are asleep. They do not discern between righteousness and unrighteousness. Some have cherished unconsecrated traits of character till they are spiritually blind. O that every one would believe and live the truth as it is in Jesus. “Learn of Me,” said the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] The lesson that every soul needs to learn is to copy the perfect Pattern. The lessons of the King of peace, when practiced, reveal that Christ’s ways are ways of pleasantness and all His paths are peace.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 2)
Many who suppose that they are fitted to give counsel and instruction to others need first to learn from the great Teacher what is truth. Many who think that they are wise enough to teach others are building upon a sandy foundation. Such need to offer to the Lord Jesus Christ the prayer, “Lord, teach me Thy way.” [See Psalm 27:11.] Obedience to the truth will sanctify the soul, making men and women Christlike in thought, word, and deed. The Lord calls for earnest, wholehearted, sensible men and women, whose habits and practices and ideas are brought into conformity to the Word, and who are ever ready to stand in defense of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 3)
“I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but ... by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf; but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Now unto Him that is of power to stablish you according to My gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations, for the obedience of faith; to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ forever.”Romans 16:17-27.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 4)
No Change in the Message
I have been instructed that the messages given in the past are to be revived, and that it is essential that as brethren and sisters, we be joined together in the bonds of sacred union in the accomplishment of the work before us. The world knows very little of the truths that we believe, and in clear, straight lines the message for this time must be given to all the world. The message comes to me, “Wake up the watchmen. Let every one now come into working order.”
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 5)
Certain ones are presented before me, with a representation of their words and works and influence. I am not to retract one word of the message I have borne. My message is, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” [Galatians 6:7.] In the near future all will be judged. Very soon every hidden thing will be brought to light. O how untiringly the mystery of iniquity has worked! How many souls there are who will be lost as the result of the evil working of human agencies.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 6)
I am instructed that by pen and voice I must bear a straight, clear testimony, and that I must never call sin righteousness. The apostle declares, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 7)
The Lord permits the present condition of things to exist in order that those who have had an experience in proclaiming the truth may now rehearse the past experience of God’s servants and bring to the front the testimonies that are more valuable than gold.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 8)
“Be Strong in the Lord”
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 9)
We are to do as we are instructed in the following Scriptures:
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 10)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 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; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”Ephesians 6:10-17.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 11)
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife and vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Philippians 2:1-11.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 12)
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”Verses 12-15.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 13)
Presenting the Evidences Received
My brethren, the value of the evidences of truth that we have received during the past half century is above estimate. These evidences are as treasure hidden in a field. Search for them. Study the Bible truths that for fifty years have been calling us out from the world. Present this evidence in clear, plain lines. Those who have been long in the truth and those who have recently received the truth must now dig for the buried heavenly treasure. Let every man work to the point. Study the Word of God. Revive the evidences given in the past. “Search the Scriptures,” Christ said; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.” [John 5:39.]
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 14)
Those who stand before the people as teachers of truth are to grapple with great themes. They are not to occupy precious time in talking of trivial subjects. Let them study the Word and preach the Word. Let the Word be in their hands as a sharp, two-edged sword. Let it testify to past truths and show what is to be in the future.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 15)
Christ came from heaven to give to John the great, wonderful truths that are to shape our lives and that by us are to be proclaimed to the world. We are to keep abreast of the times, bearing a clear, intelligent testimony guided by the unction of the Holy Spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 16)
A Plea for Unity
One thing we must not do: We must not draw away from our brethren, ministers or physicians, who have been following the Lord and who have demonstrated that the Lord is with them. To those standing at the head of the work, I would say, Come close to your brethren. Do not pick up suppositions and make them facts. We need to use tenderness and true courtesy in our dealings with one another. We are to strive earnestly to win souls and to remove the difficulties that are causing division. The Lord forbid that we should neglect this part of the work. We are not to repel men, but to draw them to Christ. I bear this message to everyone, Come close to the ones who are tempted, and try to remove the impressions made by the enemy.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 17)
The true work of grace in the heart will unite believers to Christ and to one another. They become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. They are one with Christ in God. And as He loves His Son, the Father loves the members of the fallen human race who are changed from sin to holiness.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 18)
It is with this wonderful representation [that] the prayer [is] recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. It is the privilege of men and women to have an enduring union with Christ, a union that opens to them the source of rich and eternal happiness, which outlives all earthly, sinful enjoyment.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 19)
Those who become one with Christ in God are under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Their lives blend with the life of Christ. True believers in Christ, His servants, chosen of God and precious, will speak and act in such a way as to reflect light to the saving of many souls. They will receive power from God to become His children, accepted in the Beloved, acknowledged and rewarded as the purchase of the blood of Christ. They will receive their reward in the great day when every one is judged by the things written in the book.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 20)
I am instructed to say that we are to continue to stand on affirmative ground. Strong, decided testimonies in favor of the truth are to be borne, but we are to give no occasion for any one to charge us with being inconsiderate or unjust. We are to do all we possibly can to win souls to Christ. He went through the shame and agony of the death on the cross to save souls to whom Satan was holding out every inducement to allure them to his side. The Lord’s standard-bearers are to carry the work forward with power, yet in Christlike love for souls. They are to show a decided care for those who are being drawn away. They are to urge them to face about. They are to fight for the souls of those for whom Christ has died. Too often there is shown an inclination to stand apart from those who need to be helped. Let us remember that every soul that is led to return to the first love is a soul gained for Christ. Let us not pass on in indifference, leaving the tempted ones to become the prey of the enemy. We are to watch for souls as they that must give an account.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 21)
I say to all, Press together, press together. Be very critical in regard to yourselves, but exercise all the tenderness of Christ toward your brethren. I entreat the Lord’s people to cease to criticize one another and to give themselves to the proclamation of the truth for this time. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth, and drunkenness, insanity, revelry, and crime are rapidly increasing. There is before us a terrible crisis. The lives of many will go out in darkness. We need now to bow before God in true humility of soul; for the day of clouds and thick darkness is fast approaching.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 22)
The last great conflict is before us; but help is to come to all who love God and obey His law; and the earth, the whole earth, is to be lighted with the glory of God. “Another angel” is to come down from heaven. This angel represents the giving of the loud cry, which is to come from those who are preparing to cry mightily, with a strong voice, “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 23)
We have a testing message to give, and I am instructed to say to our people, Unify, unify. But we are not to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. With our hearts sweet and kind and true, we are to go forth to proclaim the message, giving no heed to those who lead away from the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 24)
Let those who shall read these lines wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. We are to go forth under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, studying how to save souls. We are to put our entire trust in the Lord Jesus, and pray and talk and work in faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, 25)
Ms 33, 1906
The Chicago Work St. Helena, California March 20, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in PC 49-52.
During the general meetings held here in June, 1902, I attended three meetings in the sanitarium chapel. I had a decided message to bear to the people. A heavy burden rested upon me to make a clear statement of the principles that should be followed in our medical missionary work. I was very thankful that Judge Arthur was present to hear the message that the Lord had given me. I asked the Lord for help and was assured of His presence.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 1)
On the third morning Judge Arthur came in a little late. After I had finished speaking, he rose and bore his testimony. He said that he had felt very tired that morning and had told his wife that he would not attend the morning meeting. But afterward he felt impressed that he must attend, and he did. During his remarks, he said, “I could not rest till I had come to this meeting, and I am so thankful that I did not miss it. This message will be a great blessing to me. I have heard the very things I needed to hear.” He bore an excellent testimony, and we were all very much pleased with the words spoken.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 2)
Shortly after the meetings closed, Judge Arthur and his wife spent part of a day at my home. We had much pleasant and profitable conversation. Among other things discussed was the matter of the representation that had been given me of an expensive building in the city of Chicago, used for various lines of medical missionary work. I related how that when I was in Australia, I was shown a large building in Chicago, which, in its erection and equipment, cost a large amount of money. And I was shown the error of investing means in any such buildings in our cities.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 3)
At the time that I saw this representation, scenes that would soon take place in Chicago, and other large cities also, passed before me. As wickedness increased, and the protecting power of God was withdrawn, there were destructive winds and tempests; buildings were destroyed by fire and shaken down by earthquakes. I saw the expensive building, above referred to, fall, with many others.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 4)
As I related some of these matters, and described the building that had been shown me, Judge Arthur said: I can tell you something in regard to that building. A plan was drawn up for the erection of just such a building in Chicago. It seemed to be necessary to our work. It would have cost considerable money. Brother William Loughborough, of Battle Creek, drew up the plans, and several men occupying responsible positions in the medical work met together to consider the matter. Various locations were considered. One of the plans discussed was very similar to what you have described.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 5)
Some time after this, I was shown that the vision of buildings in Chicago, and the draft upon the means of our people to erect them, and their destruction, was an object lesson for our people, warning them not to invest largely of their means in property in Chicago, or any other city, unless the providence of God should positively open the way and plainly point out duty to build or buy as necessary in giving the note of warning. A similar caution was given in regard to building in Los Angeles. Repeatedly I have been instructed that we must not invest means in the erection of expensive buildings in cities.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 6)
In a letter that I wrote to Dr. Kellogg, dated Oct. 28, 1903, I spoke of this matter as follows:
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 7)
“Repeatedly it has been shown me that in many cases you have worked upon minds to undermine confidence in the testimonies. The evil leaven that you have placed in these minds has destroyed their faith in the principles of the truth and in the testimonies. Since the re-opening of the sanitarium, you have placed this leaven in many minds, and it will do its work. One thing that can now be done to undo this work is for me to present to our people the testimonies as they have been given me, that others may not go on undermining the faith of their associates. They must not be left to retain impressions that have been made on their minds, as, after receiving a testimony of reproof from me, you have said, ‘Somebody has told her these things, but they are not so.’
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 8)
“Over and over again you have told others how I once sent you a testimony reproving you for erecting a large building in Chicago, before any such building had been erected there. In the visions of the night a view of a large building was presented to me. I thought that it had been erected and wrote you immediately in regard to the matter. I learned afterward that the building which I saw had not been put up.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 9)
“When you received my letter, you were perplexed, and you said, ‘Some one has misinformed Sister White regarding our work.’ But no mortal man had ever written to me or told me that this building had been put up. It was presented to me in vision. If this view had not been given me, and if I had not written to you about the matter, an effort would have been made to erect such a building in Chicago, a place in which the Lord has said that we are not to put up large buildings. At the time when the vision was given, influences were working for the erection of such a building. The message was received in time to prevent the development of the plans and the carrying out of the project.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 10)
“You should have had discernment to see that the Lord worked in this matter. The very feature of the message that perplexed you should have been received as an evidence that my information came from a higher source than human lips. But instead, you have over and over again related your version of the matter, saying that some one must have told me a falsehood.”
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 11)
When Dr. Paulson showed me the location that had been secured for sanitarium work at Hinsdale, I was thoroughly pleased; for this place answered to the representations that had been given me of places that would be obtained by our people for sanitarium work outside of the large cities. Time will show that such properties as this can be used to far greater advantage than buildings in Chicago; for the wickedness of Chicago is as the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was also represented to me that there were other places near Chicago, but away from the city, which the Lord would have His people secure. There are souls to be reached. The message must be proclaimed. This is the light that has been given to me.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 12)
I have been given a representation of the preaching of the Word of truth with clearness and power in many places where it has never yet been heard. The Lord would have the people warned; for a great work will be done in a short time. I have heard the Word of God proclaimed in many localities outside the city of Chicago. There were many voices proclaiming the truth with great power. That which they proclaimed was not fanciful theories, but the warning message. While the solid truth of the Bible came from the lips of men who had no fanciful theories or misleading science to present, there were others who labored with all their power to bring in false theories regarding God and Christ. And miracles were wrought, to deceive, if possible, the very elect.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 13)
I heard the message proclaimed in power by men who had not been educated in Battle Creek. Among those who were engaged in the work were young men taken from the plow and from the fields and sent forth to preach the truth as it is in Jesus. Unquestioning faith in the Lord God of heaven was imparted to those who were called and chosen. “All this,” said my Instructor, “is a parable of what should be and what will be.”
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 14)
For the present, some will be obliged to labor in Chicago; but these should be preparing working centers in rural districts, from which to work the city. The Lord would have His people looking about them and securing humble, inexpensive places as centers for their work. And from time to time, larger places will come to their notice, which they will be able to secure at a surprisingly low price.
(21LtMs, Ms 33, 1906, 15)
Ms 34, 1906
A Message to A. T. Jones and Others in Battle Creek St. Helena, California March 23, 1906 Previously unpublished.
These are my testimonials in the sight of heaven and the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 1)
The many books that I have written are the same testimony I now bear to the churches and the world, and shall ever continue to bear, of the great working of the Holy Spirit of God upon my mind and upon my heart. All the counter working to make of none effect these precious evidences of what is truth for this time will, while I live, be the same as it has been.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 2)
When any person comes with some new theory of that which he calls new light, I tell him I know he has not the truth. I refuse to go into an argument with those who oppose the truth, but call their attention to the publication of the truth given me, which has been written under the Holy Spirit’s representation. If they will carefully read Great Controversy, the Testimonies for the Church, Patriarchs and Prophets, Desire of Ages, and all the many books that are in circulation, that bear testimony to the truth given at varied times and in varied places over a period of half a century, they would not be entering into temptation and walking in false paths where some are today.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 3)
The Lord has given the testimonies of truth, and these publications have been given to me under the power of the Holy Spirit, which I acknowledge; and I would do despite to the Holy Spirit, should I accept any of the theories that have been brought in by various ones to try to deny the truthfulness of these testimonies. It would be a denial of the Holy Spirit of God which has been my Instructor for more than fifty years.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 4)
In these books that I have been called in the visions of the night to write, I am presenting the things I have seen and have been instructed of God to write. These writings are immortalized. They are to be borne to all parts of the world in books translated into all languages. The power of the Holy Spirit has opened before me the wonderful things of God’s Word, and many souls that have been imbedded under the thick layers of darkness and scientific sophistries have received the light and been converted and borne their testimonies as the Holy Spirit emancipated their minds and made them free from the fetters and bondage of erroneous science and theories of mind working upon mind. I have seen the angels of God breaking the fetters from human minds. The lightning flashes of the Holy Spirit have indicated what is truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 5)
The experience of both saints and sinners has testified to the power of the Holy Spirit’s instruction seen and known upon me. I know that for half a century there have been borne the varied testimonies concerning erroneous theories which have taken souls from the truth into strange paths. Souls have departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of the archdeceiver. But not one jot or tittle of the light God has given me, that has been published, has been proven by the Word to be error.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 6)
Many have been grieving the Holy Spirit of God by refusing to accept the light given; and by walking contrary to the distinct, plain testimonies God has sent them—to reform and to give heed to the warnings—they have refused to give heed to the warnings that have been coming to them for years. If they perish in their sins, it will not be because the light has not come to them in clear, distinct rays, but because their minds choose to accept falsehoods rather than truth. They will frame up what they call contradictions, but there are no contradictions except those which their darkened minds frame.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 7)
Elder Canright has been at this work for many years. Will you do the same work and share with him his future reward? No one falls at once away from plain, appointed, defined, straight paths. It takes years of resistance of evidence, of fixing their own clouded interpretations and refusing to humble the soul and accept the appeals coming to them in reproofs and warnings to save them. All dishonesty, all deceptions have been clearly called by their right name. The Word of God has plainly defined truth in contrast with error and laid before them the truth. The Holy Spirit has spoken and shown that we are in that period of time when Satan will come down with great power to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, and will turn souls from the truth to the receiving of false theories.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 8)
God has given me message after message to give to them, but it did not reform them any more than the messages that were given to the parties in heaven that created the first rebellion. Satan’s power of seduction has been continually a school of education in deception, fraud, and all unrighteousness. All this is given in the printed volumes that I have sent out to our people, and they are being scattered all through the world. The pope has called for one of these books, Great Controversy, that he may condemn the heresies that are in it.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 9)
But all who apostatize in Battle Creek have had the light, have had the warnings. They sin in acting as the Jews sinned and acted under the light shining in Old Testament times. I would rather a man would come out in his true character and reveal his apostasy, than to pretend to believe when he is working in decided insinuations and actions to betray and rob the cause of God, but claiming to believe. This is the very course represented to me that Satan pursued in the heavenly courts, and the angels were deceived by his sophistries which he put into their minds in so subtle a manner that only he himself understood what he was trying to do. He would take the insinuations he had put into the minds of the angels, and then call them, after a time, to specify their objections. The loyal and true would discern the insidious working of disloyalty. This work was carried on until a large number were deceived, and then the war began in heaven in earnest. Which party would prevail?
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 10)
The Lord understood every phase of the turnings and twistings of Satan’s work. In order to save the loyal from eternal ruin, He let the matter for a time be acted out. Satan’s secrecy and complete denial of his own secret, hidden actions made it appear that he was misjudged and cast reflections upon God. Then there was war in heaven. Those who stood with the archdeceiver misstated the words of Christ and put an entirely false meaning to His words. They would repeat the words that the Lord said and misstate them and give a false version to all truthful statements made.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 11)
Then there was the council in heaven—warfare, it is called. Satan was expelled from the heavenly courts; and all that placed themselves on Satan’s side of the question, all who would not yield their rebellion were expelled with Satan. Every one who participated with him could in no case be received as safe to remain in the heavenly courts. Here were two parties, and we see now two parties, and one will be on Satan’s side and the other on the side of Christ and God. Thus the contending parties have existed all through this earth’s history.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 12)
Read Great Controversy, and advise all to read Patriarchs and Prophets and Desire of Ages. I entreat of all to read the books I have written which have stood the test of more than half a century. Those books are truth expressed. I speak to all, Take your position decidedly. Give yourselves no rest. Ministers and teachers, as you read do not divide your mind with men who are being taught by one who led to the fall of the heavenly angels, but keep away from the men who will draw you by false statements.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 13)
If A. T. Jones has contradictions in my testimonies, why has he not, like an honest, faithful man, first come to me and presented these objections to me? Have I not acted, A. T. Jones, in your behalf? What about that meeting in Fresno? Was it the Lord working upon your mind to give you this last special evidence you would ever have, when it was expected you were to be removed from your responsible position as president of the California Conference? No one had said a word to me of the matter, but what if they had talked? Men have had the liberty of speech the last half century, and many complaints had been urged against A. T. Jones, and the conference decided that there must be no more entrusting the work to his hands. He did not explain his position, but I had testimonies several times to correct his course of action. In the night season a vision was given me and words that I must speak to A. T. Jones and Elder Corliss and to all present; and A. T. Jones confessed to the testimonies, and he walked forward and humbled himself before God, and all present at that meeting recognized the deep moving of the Spirit of God. The atmosphere in that meeting was changed, and A. T. Jones humbly and broken-heartedly acknowledged the strong influence of the Spirit of God and there pledged himself before God and his brethren that he would walk in the light and humble himself before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 14)
Testimonies had come to him from time to time to show him where he was making a mistake in not understanding correctly the work that was devolving upon him. He would come to decisions upon various lines that would certainly destroy the confidence of his brethren in him as a leader. He did not have clear ideas of what constituted true discipline and management in church matters, and the fundamental truths of the Scriptures were being misunderstood; and yet he would stand independently and unwisely in some things, to cause confidence in his course of action to be shaken. I was so sorry for Brother A. T. Jones, and sorry for our brethren. But a message was given me for him, and he received it; and I had a message for him that his family and his wife needed all the attention that was frequently drawn away upon other women. Let women bear the burden of women, and let men be sure and give the wife all the attention possible. He needed to give his wife affection and encouragement and not to be so much interested in other women. Here was his danger.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 15)
I am so sorry that confidence was shaken in Elder A. T. Jones in regard to his influence as being a wise and discerning man. But when the Lord did work with his Holy Spirit in Fresno, and Brother Jones dedicated himself as a converted man to God, we hoped that past matters would never be repeated.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 16)
That movement that A. T. Jones made in Battle Creek was presented to me in the visions of the night, that he and Brother Magan urged that the school should come back to Battle Creek. I had told Brother Jones and Brother Magan that it was a voice not from God but from the enemy, and the result would be deleterious. A. T. Jones declared it was to be only for a few months. But the result has been as the Lord revealed to me in vision it would be. [This took place], notwithstanding that precious meeting in Fresno, and the working of the Holy Spirit of God in Fresno upon A. T. Jones when he humbled his heart before God and made confession to God, and all present received the testimony of the Spirit of God. Brethren Jones and Corliss fell upon each other’s necks and with weeping confessed their errors, and A. T. Jones was again accepted of the conference. That meeting was a decided victory toward unity, and Elder Jones said he had made all things right between him and his wife, that everything was cleared away, and that now she was the happiest woman. “You need not worry about us any more, for we will prove ourselves as decidedly changed.”
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 17)
I was really hoping that Brother A. T. Jones was a converted man. But again this course of action in regard to properties, and his voice in the action, is a work that he and those united with him will have to meet in that day when every action and every secret thing that has been carried out in accordance with the spirit and promptings of the evil one will be brought into review before God. All will receive as their works shall be, and this unjust course will stand in the books of heaven, testifying against him and all who united with him as depriving the cause of God of advantages that were its right.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 18)
A. T. Jones, God’s eye is upon you. He is taking the temperature of your religious life, and the deeds are passing in review before God. I am to bear a testimony that all this scheming and planning and devising will decide what would be your character if you were permitted to enter the heavenly courts. There would be a second rebellion. All these unjust, cunning workings will not seem to you so pleasant in the near future as now. All who enter the pearly gates of the city of God will give themselves no rest until they purify their souls by obeying the truth, believing the truth with all their hearts.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 19)
Now, just now, God calls upon all who have had testimonies borne to them to consider that it is not the instrument that the Lord has chosen to communicate His words to the erring that you are resisting and refusing, but the Lord Jesus Christ, who has for the last fifty years been speaking the fundamental truths to His people. Passages of Scripture will be as pure as crystal, polished by no human hand, but reflecting the light of God. And any man who has changed his convictions for sophistries has departed from the faith and given heed to seducing spirits. He has taken a position to falsify and is destroying his power as a leader in the great work before us. It is not the office to which God has appointed A. T. Jones, or any other man, to give the trumpet an uncertain sound.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 20)
I again call upon all who are deluded by the power of satanic sophistries, for your souls’ sake, do not stand before the people to express your doubts of the truth which we need to understand. All need now to prepare for what is before us. Christ sends the word of warning along the line, Beware what you believe and from what source it shall come. Christ is your model. He spoke the truth as One who had authority. It was positive in its character.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 21)
The doctrine of the divinity of Christ is to be definitely believed and proclaimed. Men who will stand in the trial before us can overcome and reform those who will be reformed by drawing their inspiration from the Lord Jesus Christ. The great test will come to every soul. It is on the steadfast confession of Christ’s divinity that the promise is given that His church shall stand.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 22)
When many of Christ’s disciples forsook Him, when He declared Himself to be the bread of life, Christ asked His twelve disciples their opinion of His character. Said Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”Matthew 16:16. Christ’s reply was, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”Verse 18. It was not Peter that was specified as the Rock, but Christ. “And upon this rock I will build My church.”
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 23)
The human heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; and when the time shall come when the deceptions shall be torn away, then will men see and understand that satanic agencies have come in and have wrought miracles and performed every conceivable deception to carry the impression that they are Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 24)
The injunction of the apostle to Timothy was, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”1 Timothy 4:16. Again Paul urges upon Timothy, “Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”2 Timothy 4:2-4. This is being fulfilled in this very time, and will those who believe now be ensnared?
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 25)
It is best for us to be sensible now in these last days and understand whether we are worked by the seducing party or united with Christ and His angels. God has limited the power of Satan’s working to this world. And it is this world that has been engaged in the warfare of expelling Satan, coming out from his seducing methods, and calling sin, sin, and righteousness—the element of heaven—by its right name. The only hope for the sinful race is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is the promise, Genesis 3:15.
(21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, 26)
Ms 35, 1906
The Judgments of God NP April 27, 1906 [typed] This manuscript is published in entirety in 21MR 64-69. +
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 1)
There is wickedness that is being made strong through making void the law of Jehovah. Many have regarded the divine precepts as a dead letter; they have not accepted God’s law as the rule of their life in all business transactions. And in their disregard of this law, they give expression to a disregard for the authority of the Governor of the universe of heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 2)
All the earthly kingdoms are now under God’s supervision. He who made the heavens and the earth is Supreme Ruler. In the whole territory of the world which He has created, there is not a kingdom that is independent of God. And when men and women in an earthly kingdom or community understand the laws made to govern the subjects of the Ruler of the universe, but still refuse obedience, they bring themselves under condemnation of the law that God, our Supreme Ruler, has established from the foundation of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 3)
It was while there was a disregard of His holy precepts that God called His people from Egyptian bondage, away from the influence of human authority, to be set free from their life of slavery. The dignitaries of heaven had ordained that God’s people, as a nation, should be delivered from slavery and become a separate and peculiar people who served the Lord God of heaven. Because of the stubbornness of Pharaoh, it was decided that the voice of God, in words of command, must demand that the Israelites be set free from their life of slavery. Pharaoh refused, and the Lord punished the kingdom because the earthly ruler would not let God’s people go to become a kingdom under divine rulership. Pharaoh’s refusal brought many plagues upon Egypt, until the stubborn king was impelled to concede to God’s plan. And then he again hardened his heart in rebellion against God and sent his immense army to bring the Israelites back to continual service for the Egyptian ruler.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 4)
The Lord wrought wonderfully for the salvation of His people. He made a way of escape in the midst of the Red Sea. The waters were piled up as a strong wall, and a path of deliverance was made for the hosts of Israel following the leadership of Moses.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 5)
The vast armies of Egypt ventured to traverse the sea by the same path, in pursuit of Israel. A dark cloud was before them, and yet they pressed on. When the whole army—“all Pharaoh’s army, his horses, his chariots, and his horsemen”—were in the very bed of the sea, the Lord said unto Moses, “Stretch out thy rod over the sea.” [See Exodus 14:23, 26.] Israel had passed over on dry land, but they heard the shouting of the armies in pursuit. As Moses stretched out his rod over the sea, the embanked waters that had stood as a great wall rolled on in their natural course. Of all the men of Egypt in that vast army, not one escaped. All perished in their determination to have their own way and to refuse God’s way. That occasion was the end of their probation.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 6)
Thus it will be with every class who chooses to refuse the light God gives and persists in following a course of action that makes void the law of Him who is Supreme Ruler over all kings, over all human powers that oppose themselves to the law of the Supreme Ruler of the universe and set themselves in array against the expressed will of the great I AM.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 7)
“And beside Me there is none else.” [See Isaiah 45:21.] In the destruction of the old world by a flood of waters, God gave evidence that men had exceeded the bounds prescribed through His long-sufferance. And whenever a people, with a “thus saith the Lord” to guide them, presume upon His mercy and go decidedly counter to His will, despising all His warnings, they finally exceed the limits of grace. Then God interferes and vindicates the honor of His law. He represses the increase of unrighteousness by blotting out the race who become indifferent to His law, which had been made known to the inhabitants of the Noachian . Thus the Lord reveals to the whole human family that it is possible to go so far in sin and disgraceful transgression of His law that it becomes necessary for Him to limit human life and interpose in His wrath to prevent their spoiling one another in continual disobedience and defiance of His law.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 8)
In the antediluvian world, man refused to obey. There was an extraordinary prevalence of feeling of self-importance. Sinful man, with swelling pride, continued in deeds of unrighteousness. The Lord bore long with transgressors and in mercy gave man a probation of one hundred and twenty years. If the evildoers repented not, they were to be swept from the face of the earth by a flood of waters. Noah and his helpers were constantly at work, preparing an immense boat. Many of the believing ones kept the faith and died triumphant. Finally the long period of probation was about to close. By the standard of God’s law, the obedient were distinguished from the disobedient. The time was a most critical one. Will Noah become tempted by the universal scorn which he sees thrown upon God’s law and upon himself and his helpers; and will he have less reverence and love for this law?—No; for Noah, and those who died in the faith, preached all the more earnestly, in proportion to the ridicule and scorn heaped upon them for building that immense ark—a boat on dry land.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 9)
When the ark was finished and the goods were stored, another sign was given. Approaching the ark were seen cattle, and all other living creatures, two and two.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 10)
These having been housed, there came a period of testing. No rain fell for one week. What revilings there were on the part of the unbelieving mockers about the ark! But after six days—the one week’s trial following the shutting in of the believers by an invisible hand, a week during which the fruit of belief, in words and acts of mockery, had been fully revealed—a steady rain set in and continued until the whole of the unbelievers who were outside of the ark were perishing in their sins. Not a living being or a dumb animal, outside the ark, was left alive.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 11)
Said Christ, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.” [Luke 17:26.] Let all read and understand the warnings given by the Saviour.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 12)
“And as He went out of the temple, one of the disciples saith unto Him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” [Mark 13:1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 13)
Men will continue to erect expensive buildings, costing millions of money; special attention will be called to their architectural beauty and the firmness and solidity with which they are constructed; but the Lord has instructed me that despite the unusual firmness and expensive display, these buildings will share the fate of the temple in Jerusalem. That magnificent structure fell. Angels of God were sent to do the work of destruction, so that one stone was not left one upon another that was not thrown down.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 14)
“And as He sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be, and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 15)
“And Jesus answering began to say, take heed lest any man deceive you: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 16)
“But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 17)
“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains: and let him that is on the house top not go down into the house: neither enter therein, to take anything out of his house: and let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 18)
“For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened these days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 19)
“And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ, or, Lo, He is there; believe him not: for false Christs and false prophets shall arise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 20)
“But in those days, after the tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall He send His angels, and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 21)
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: so ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 22)
“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not even the angels that are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” [Verses 3-37.]
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 23)
I am bidden to declare the message that cities full of transgression, and sinful in the extreme, will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood. All the world will be warned that there is a God who will display His authority as God. His unseen agencies will cause destruction, devastation, and death. All the accumulated riches will be as nothingness. Notwithstanding the scientific care with which men safeguard buildings from destruction, one touch of the great and rightful Ruler will bring to nothingness the idolatrous possessions that have been laid up in a sightly and magnificent display. The devices of men will come to naught.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 24)
The injustice in our world, the masterly power man has taken unto himself, the oppressive, manmade unions that bring confusion and violence and strife, and the manipulation of a power to rule men and to acquire means through underhand deceptions—these conditions God cannot pass by with silence. Those who are under the influence and teaching of the great deceiver will find that although God has borne long with their deceptive acuteness, He has not been deceived, and He will reward every transgressor according to his works. He keeps a strict account of every lie framed; and when He takes matters in His hand, He will deal in accordance with every man’s secret and hidden devising.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 25)
Bible history is to be repeated. Calamities will come, calamities most awful, most unexpected; and these destructions will follow one after another. If there will be a heeding of the warnings that God has given, and if churches will repent, returning to their allegiance, then other cities may be spared for a time. But if men who have been deceived continue in the same way in which they have been walking, disregarding the law of God and presenting falsehoods before the people, God allows them to suffer calamity, that their senses may be awakened.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 26)
It is in the exercise of His long-sufferance, that God gives man opportunity to come to his senses. A time of probation is granted; but if they go on making gold and silver their god, erecting their expensive buildings and accumulating iniquity by false dealings, they may expect nothing but an outbreak of the Lord’s indignation to extinguish the sinner. And those who have been deceived by satanic agencies have often deceived others to their eternal ruin.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 27)
The Lord calls upon men everywhere to repent of their transgression of His law. Those who are so foolish as to trust in man, making flesh their arm, will be deceived and deluded, to their certain ruin.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 28)
The Lord’s terrible denunciations of sinful practices are made the more awful because of the restraint He has placed upon His own prerogatives and power. He who was reviled, and reviled not again, declared before multitudes that the blood of all the prophets that had been shed from the foundation of the world should be required of the nation He addressed. The Lord will show before a world transgressing his holy law that He is God, and beside Him there is none else. He has borne long with the deceptions of men claiming piety. While He has been provoked by their impieties, He has inflicted less punishment than they deserved.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 29)
The Lord will not suddenly cast off all transgressors or destroy entire nations, but He will punish cities and places where men have given themselves up to the possession of satanic agencies. Strictly will the cities of the nations be dealt with; and yet they will not be visited in the extreme of God’s indignation, because some souls will yet break away from the delusions of the enemy and will repent and be converted, while the mass will be treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 30)
The Lord bids the abandoned of this our day to fill up the cup of their iniquity to its full measure. God will arise speedily in His authoritative power and will pour out His wrath on those who have been working through Satan’s science to deceive if possible the very elect.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 31)
Those who are deceiving souls will find that it is a most serious matter to have worn out divine patience. God’s wrath will fall upon them signally, unexpectedly, fiercely. Though they may then humble themselves ever so much, there will be no further opportunity for repentance. They have persisted in leading souls to ruin. God’s law has repeatedly been made void.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 32)
Will God’s people be aroused? He has been calling, calling, after certain ones who have defied him; and the figures have been accumulating against them, while their ingenuity has been increasing in the work of deceiving if possible the very elect. With satanic cunning they have striven to gain control of minds and of property. They have spurned many overtures of mercy upon condition of repentance; the list of their evil deeds has been swelling. The wrath of God’s signal displeasure is hanging over them; and they will not always be permitted to continue practicing their deceptive methods to draw souls into masked nets. Finally the word will go forth that divine patience has been exhausted.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 33)
We have now reached a time when souls must be saved from becoming completely deceived by falsehoods in the lips of Satan’s followers. Long has God’s law been made void. The necessity of divine interference will soon be manifest. Incorrect conceptions of our God have been formed by many who ought to have known better, and would have known better had they heeded the warnings that God has given.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 34)
I must now leave this subject and continue it again when my soul shall have rested awhile. I am weak under the pressure upon me. May the Lord give me grace to conclude this matter, is my prayer, in order that some souls shall refuse to be spoiled through the various turnings and twistings of falsehood.
(21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, 35)
Ms 36, 1906
A Solemn Warning and Appeal St. Helena, California March 24, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 3SM 427; UL 97; 6Bio 78.
The past night many things in reference to the past experience given me of the Lord were vividly reviewed—the rise and progress of Seventh-day Adventists, and the part that I had been called to act in this matter. Scenes of the richest blessings that no tongue can describe were presented when the evidence of the truths was substantiated to us beyond any doubt.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 1)
The health reform principles were presented to me, affecting the lives of all with whom we labored who would receive the message which concerned their physical and mental and moral well-being. As I received light on these subjects, I spoke to large crowds; and I know the Holy Spirit was upon me to develop the remarkable truths upon health reform. It was the Lord who gave me the light and the words to express the light. I carried out in my example the teachings given me, and the Lord prepared the way before me. The blessing of God came in such a marked manner upon me that the people witnessed it, as they recognized the voice of the Lord through the human agency.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 2)
I am instructed to reproduce and bring before the people the light that the Holy Spirit has given me, and in no case to withhold it. God has permitted me, His messenger, to live and repeat the messages of the past.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 3)
“Christ now has a work for you to do. When the shepherds of the flock, who have believed the truth, are led into forbidden paths through deceptive, false testimonies, meet it with all the decision that the Holy Spirit will impart. Not a pin, not a pillar is to be moved. Not one step is to be taken in commingling worldly science and the bringing in of ‘new light.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 4)
We cannot do this. This is why the Lord has instructed that the truth that has been revealed should be brought out in clear, simple, instructive style, that high and low will be impressed that the Spirit of God is in the printed pages. Angels of God will impress all minds that will be prepared to receive the light. Men who are under the sway of a spirit, not pure, not true, must not be allowed to deceive to their ruin, if possible, the very chosen of God. I testify in the name of the Lord that step by step erring, unsanctified, unholy influences will be exercised to deceive those who suppose that these men are true and loyal, when they are working to deceive if possible the very elect. And through the deceptive influences, through the way they present the testimonies God has given, they seek to destroy those souls who will listen to their satanic sophistries.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 5)
In the name of the Lord I will meet it, and I will call things by their right name. The devising, the planning, the underhanded work God pronounces [to be] the work of satanic agencies upon human minds. Human minds are deceived and led, as were the angels, to receive the words spoken by the ones whom Satan has succeeded in misleading. God is not asleep. God is not dead. He has permitted light to come to men to keep them from ruining their own souls. If they trust to their own judgment to discern what is good or what is evil, after the Lord has sent warnings, they are left without excuse.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 6)
One thing is certain, in that which I have written in the books published, and under the same dictation of God in the thousands of pages that are to be published, I am to devote no time to enter into controversy. I have been warned that time would be thus consumed, as it has been for the many years, retarding the work of God. Go forward. Hold firmly the banner, “The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Revelation 12:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 7)
There will soon be a new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. The Lord has instructed me that our physical and mental and moral powers will, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, be trained to carry on the work in all purity, in all goodness, without one thread of Satan’s science brought in to spoil the pattern Christ has given us. The powers and faculties that have been sanctified in righteousness will be employed, strengthened, and prepared to do the works of heaven’s appointment.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 8)
He that used the two talents entrusted in this life will, in the future life, show that his talents have not been corrupted. They will be used on a wider and nobler plan in the future life. There is appointed to every man his certain work. Those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions which are in the world through lust, will reveal a purified life in this time of preparation for the higher life. They commence to live the life of the heavenly order here below and carry the divine nature with them into every line of work. No swindlers have a place in the heavenly courts. No falsifiers, no liars, no adulterers, no cruel-minded persons will be there. They will never see His face.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 9)
When Christ comes, He takes those who have purified their souls by obeying the truth. Some will go into the grave who are now in active life, and some will be alive and be changed when Christ shall come. This mortal shall put on immortality, and these corruptible bodies, subject to disease, will be changed from mortal to immortal. We shall then be gifted with a higher nature. The bodies of all who purify their souls by obeying the truth shall be glorified. They will have fully received and believed in Jesus Christ. To all who follow His example in His life in this world, He has given power to become the sons of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 10)
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 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, 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. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”Colossians 3:1-25.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 11)
Heaven is full of the glory of God. What can I say that will awaken the almost spiritually paralyzed sensibilities of many young and those of mature age; that will break the spell of the artful deceiver that is upon you, that you will see what losses you are sustaining in not employing all the powers of your mind, soul, and strength to do the commandments of God in sincerely using all the gifts you may attain in sanctified, spiritual action; that you may be prepared to become members of the royal family, perfecting your Christian character for the noble use above. So many were presented before me who have lost the image of God and are assimilating the likeness of evil angels, working out their ways and carrying out their science, just according to their designs; they will be in their lot and receive of their fate.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 12)
Oh, my soul cries out for the Lord Jesus to come, and come quickly. Let the wicked science of Satan end speedily. God calls upon every church to arouse and give to the world the evidence that we are the denominated people of God to represent the truth in practical lines. You are a light shining in a dark place.
(21LtMs, Ms 36, 1906, 13)
Ms 37, 1906
To Ministers and Physicians Loma Linda, California May 1, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in PC 214. +
I am now charged to write out the straight testimony which was given me Monday night. I am to withhold none of it. I am to say to ministers and physicians, We must have a work done among us who bear the gospel message. We need the power of the truth in the soul. The close of this earth’s history is drawing near, and our work has not extended into the highways and byways as it should have done. In very many places the gospel message must be given in all its power, and in such a way that souls will be aroused. A spirit of self-sacrifice must take possession of ministers and physicians; every one must do a self-denying work. Souls are perishing in their sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, 1)
Sanitariums must be established in various places away from the cities. Schools must be established in connection with the sanitariums. As far as possible, these organizations must be blended, each helping the other, and yet each doing its special work.
(21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, 2)
No longer should our people go to Battle Creek as they have been doing. Infidelity has been sown there in words, in false statements, in unsanctified influence of mind over mind. God is dishonored, and we are to prepare to accept the situations God may prepare for us. Never before did the matter appear as the Lord presents it today. False theories, repeated again and again, appear as falsely inviting today as did the fruit of the forbidden tree in the garden of Eden. The fruit was very beautiful and apparently desirable for food. Through false doctrines many souls have already been destroyed. Some will never see the light and come to their senses. The Lord God of Israel now declares, “If the Lord be God, serve Him: and if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.] “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, 3)
The light of truth must be held up in Battle Creek. Faithful watchmen must be stationed there. The truth must go forth by the exposition of the Word to saints and to sinners. Laborers are now needed there who will distinguish the difference between eating of the fruit of the forbidden tree and the eating of the fruit of the tree bearing the gospel message.
(21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, 4)
I am instructed to say, Prepare places where will be given true education free from deceptive theories. Let the plain words of Christ, uncontaminated by false science, be taught. It will require no elaborate preparations to engage sincerely, humbly, prayerfully in this work.
(21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, 5)
Will we now make thorough work for eternity? We have no time to criticize another soul. Do not consider it your duty to chastise another. See that your own soul is right with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, 6)
Ms 39, 1906
The Law of God NP May 1, 1906 [typed] This manuscript is published in entirety in 20MR 14-15.
I cannot express upon paper how deeply my heart is stirred as I realize that time is so short. Let no one read the Bible indifferently. The fulness of iniquity will be reached when piety and the truth of the Word of God are ignored, and then the words of David are appropriate: “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void Thy law.” [Psalm 119:126.]
(21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, 1)
Any fallacy is likely to be received by a people who make void the law of God. There is a crisis just ahead of those who are acting on a short-sighted policy. The rulers of the land will take their position above the great Creator of the world. The claims of a false Sabbath will be brought to the front, and the rulers and the people will act upon the principle of a short-sighted policy. The false Sabbath, the first day of the week, will be accepted, and the rulers will unite with the man of sin to restore his lost ascendancy. Laws enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath, will bring about a national apostasy from the principles of republicanism upon which the government has been founded. The religion of the Papacy will be accepted by the rulers, and the law of God will be made void.
(21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, 2)
When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from Babylon. “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. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” [Verses 1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, 3)
Shall we turn from every commercial inducement that hinders us from giving the testing message for this time to the poor souls who are under the very influences described in this scripture? The Lord has plainly stated their danger; but they have rejected the Word of the Lord to follow after the deceptive influences of human and satanic agencies combined, and they have fallen into Satan’s snare.
(21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, 4)
I am sorry for A. T. Jones, who has been warned over and over again. Notwithstanding these warnings, he has allowed the enemy to fill his mind with thoughts of self-importance. Heed not his words, for he has rejected the plainest light and has chosen darkness instead. The Holy One hath given us messages clear and distinct, but some poor souls have been blinded by the falsehoods and the deceptive influences of satanic agencies and have turned from truth and righteousness to follow these fallacies of satanic origin.
(21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, 5)
Let the true-hearted youth come out from under the influence of every man who has refused the light of truth and who has accepted fables instead. The Holy One has given us rules for the guidance of all who will keep the way of the Lord. The law is God’s standard, from which there can be no swerving without sin. Where God’s will and way are not paramount, the first principles of holiness have yet to be learned. The rule of heaven, which must be observed with unswerving obedience, is, “They shall keep the way of the Lord.” [Genesis 18:19.] Every other path is that of the destroyer. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked. Some whose eyes are now blinded by Satan seem to be proud of their smartness and keenness, as revealed in their deceptive, fraudulent, underhand dealings. But a day will come when the Word of God, as summed up in His law, will be vindicated.
(21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, 6)
Ms 41, 1906
Universal Guilt During the Time of the End NP 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in RH 10/11/1906. +
There is coming, very soon, an almost universal guilt upon the cities that are increasing in determined wickedness. God has given life to the creature man in order that, through a knowledge of the Word and by practicing its principles, the human agent may become one with God, obedient to the divine will. But Satan has been working constantly by many devisings to bring man into disfavor with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 1)
In the antediluvian world, human agencies brought in all manner of devisings and ingenious practices to make of none effect the law of Jehovah. They cast aside His authority, because it interfered with their schemes. As in the days before the flood, so now the time is right upon us when the Lord God must reveal His omnipotent power. Even many of those who claim to believe the truth do not practice the truth. They have the Word, but they do not live in accordance with its precepts. Their business affairs are not conducted in harmony with its teachings. The devising of men, in executing their own purposes, reveals the masterly hand of the enemy. Satan is working with skill and with deceptive power to counterwork the express will of God, made plain in His Word. For years Satan has been taking control of many human minds.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 2)
The rightdoers who would fear and glorify God will use the words of David, “It is time for Thee, O Lord, to work; for they have made void Thy law.” [Psalm 119:126.] And it is only when men reach this point, in towns and in cities, that the universal perversion of the law of Jehovah becomes a destructive, determined evil. Through His prophet Zephaniah, the Lord specifies the things that He will bring upon evildoers:
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 3)
“I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the Lord. I will also stretch out Mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, ... and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham; and them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor inquired for Him. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, He hath bid His guests.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 4)
“And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord’s sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their master’s houses with violence and deceit.” [Zephaniah 1:2-9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 5)
This is being literally fulfilled, and has been fulfilled for years in the course of some who have had great light and many opportunities to know and understand the ways and works of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 6)
“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and a howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills. Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off. And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. Therefore, their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 7)
“The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 8)
“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 9)
“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.... Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the Lord is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.” [Zephaniah 1:10-18; 2:1-3, 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 10)
These conditions are to exist; and as a messenger whom God hath sent, I write these words of warning:
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 11)
“Therefore wait ye upon Me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them Mine indignation, even all My fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My suppliants, even the daughter of My dispersed, shall bring Mine offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against Me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of My holy mountain. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 12)
“The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” [Zephaniah 3:8-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 13)
In this our time, some whose tongues are deceitful have been representing many things that they themselves have formed and testified to—as if the law of truth were in their heart and coming from their lips. But the Lord will surely punish every deceitful, lying tongue that has caused His people to err and to turn from the righteousness of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 14)
“Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, He hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 15)
“At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all the people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.” [Verses 14-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 16)
I have instruction to give from the Lord. The condition of things in Battle Creek is to be clearly marked out and understood. Those who have brought about this condition are sadly deceived. But the Lord will be glorified. All those who have taken counsel of God will walk very humbly before Him. In no case are they to be diverted from the light that God has given to His people. They are not to believe falsehoods—published lies. Spiritual transformations are to take place.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 17)
A voice is to be heard in the Tabernacle giving the Word of God in clear notes of warning for this time. God has His human instrumentalities that shall not hold their peace. They are to advocate the Word and work and way of the Lord, to be accomplished through His human instrumentalities. In a clear, decided manner they are to proclaim the truth in distinct lines. None of the dangerous sophistries devised by Satan are to be introduced; for these lead to skepticism of the fundamental truths that the Lord has substantiated by many miraculous evidences during the past half century. A voice is to be heard in clear affirmation of the truth, in contradistinction to the skepticism and fallacies that have been coming in from the enemy of truth. Spiritual transformations will take place, and the working out of the principles of divine truth will reveal the change of character; for the divine agencies are efficient to address the human understanding. “So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” [1 Corinthians 3:7.] Oh, let us win souls to Christ. Let us labor as those who have experienced the virtue of truth as it is in Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 18)
There is to be, at this period, a series of events which will reveal that God is the master of the situation. The truth will be proclaimed in clear, unmistakable language. Those who preach the truth will strive to demonstrate the truth by a well-ordered life and godly conversation. And as they do this, they will become powerful in advocating the truth and in giving it the sure application that God has given it.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 19)
The truth as it is in Jesus, as it was proclaimed by Him when He was enshrouded in the pillar cloud, is verity and truth in this our day and will just as surely renovate the mind of the receiver as it has renovated minds in the past. Christ has declared, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” [Luke 16:31.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 20)
As a people, we must prepare the way of the Lord, under the overruling guidance of the Holy Spirit, for the spread of the gospel in its purity. The stream of living water is to deepen and widen on its course. In all fields, nigh and afar off, men will be called from the plow and from the more common commercial business vocations, that largely occupy the mind, and will become educated in connection with men who have had experience—men who understand the truth. Through most wonderful workings of God, mountains of difficulties will be removed and cast into the sea.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 21)
When the men who have known and taught the truth turn aside unto their own human understanding and meet out to deceived minds their own dish of fables, it is high time for those who have been drawn away into the management of restaurants to come into line, study their Bibles diligently, and with the Word of God in their hand, let there be created a restaurant from whence may be served Bible food, rich and immortalized by the co-operation of heavenly angels with the human agencies. This kind of work now calls for the workmen of divine appointment. Omnipotence will then say to the mountains of difficulty, Be thou removed and cast into the sea. The message that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth will be seen and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward, and still onward, is the work to advance. The most marked events of Providence will be seen and recognized, and it will be seen that the truth bears away the victory.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 22)
To all students we would say, In the name of the Lord do not permit yourselves to be held where the spiritual atmosphere is poisoned with skepticism and falsehood, as it is today in some places. Those who have had the evidence of truth, but who for days, weeks, months, and years have had about them a subtle influence that gives a false representation to the truth of God, are not fit teachers for our youth. Where falsehoods are reported as truths is no place for students who are preparing for the future, immortal life. We are seeking heaven, wherein can enter none who have changed the truth of God into a lie.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 23)
Let every soul who shall read these words understand that any and every large and stupendous event connected with the providences of God that have established the truth is charged with great results. Truth has a spiritual influence. It enters the mind, direct and uncorrupted, from One who is truth. The reception of truth in the inward parts is charged with the greatest results. Truth is to be received into the heart and developed and expressed in the character.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 24)
No lie is of the truth. On every occasion possible, Satan is on hand to introduce the leaven of his deceptive fallacies. Listen not a moment to the interpretations that would loosen one pin, remove one pillar, from the structure of truth. Human interpretations, the reception of fables, will spoil your faith, confuse your understanding, and make of none effect the truth, which means everything to those who have an understanding of the Word and who have held fast the form of doctrine that they have received and learned, as represented in the third of Revelation. Read this chapter. Herein is pointed out the danger of losing your hold upon the things that you have heard and learned from the Source of all light, for something new. “Hold fast,” saith the Great Teacher. Let those who have been deceived come into line and hold fast the truth. Let it not be taken away from you. Read particularly the first three verses of the third of Revelation. Study the words carefully. Take in their full meaning. “Remember ... how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verse 3.] Why repent?—Because there have come in faults in the form of theories so subtle that by the influence of mind upon mind—through the agency of those who have departed from the faith and have given heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils—the wily foe will cause you imperceptibly to become imbued with the spirit actuating the ones who have beguiled you from the faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 25)
There are many who are in a perilous position spiritually—many who are “ready to die.” The revelator was bidden to write to the church in Sardis: “These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verses 1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 26)
There is a censure resting upon those who have heard the truth, received the truth, and then have acted as men spiritually dead. “Remember therefore.” In our work, we are not to be drawn into any plausible theories that will lead us to deny our past faith in the truth we have heard and advocated. “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Verse 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 27)
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set up my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” [Ezekiel 37:26, 27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 28)
This last scripture carries our minds forward to the triumph of Israel and Judah. The accomplishment of the work will be through human instrumentalities charged with divine power. All the glory is ascribed to the great power of God, but it is through unity and co-operation of the human with the divine that the result is made possible. Humanity, blended with divinity, grasps the divine efficiency, and the work is complete.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 29)
We have been filled with pain of heart, which language cannot describe, as we have seen the work that should have been conducted in the purest channels, as a means of bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth, [but] has proved a snare to capture talents of influence that might have been used in feeding souls with the bread of life. Souls are perishing without a knowledge of the truth. They have not the bread of life to feed upon. God calls for a great work to be done. Shall our hygienic restaurants prove a snare, a mere commercial advantage, and their influence end here?
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 30)
God has not been glorified in any special manner by the hygienic restaurants as ordinarily conducted. It was supposed that much good would be done by preparing food for worldlings, that thereby many would be brought to a knowledge of the truth; but talent has been bound up in enterprises that are run largely on a commercial basis for the temporal advantages to be gained. This has become a snare, as it were, to hold talent that is to be trained by study and diligent working with souls. God calls upon His servants to take up the work that has been committed to every one who believes his Bible. The end of all things is at hand. Let no one delay. The leaven of evil has been introduced. We must learn to fulfil God’s purposes.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 31)
Those who once were teachers of righteousness, but who have turned from the truth, are wandering in the mists of error. Satan with much persistency is striving for the mastery. Christ calls upon those who are still at Battle Creek to obtain a class of education of a character altogether different from the education that they have been receiving there. Students, the Lord Jesus calls upon you to fulfil His commission given just before His ascension to meet the heavenly armies that escorted Him to the city of God, there to be glorified with that most precious company of saints that were resurrected when gloom came about the crucified Redeemer, when awful darkness covered the dying Sufferer, and the rocks rent, and men were terrified and exclaimed, “This was the Son of God that was crucified!” [Matthew 27:52-54.] That resurrected company represented those who would come forth from their graves after the time of trouble that is to come upon our world. Those who came forth from their graves appeared before their believing relatives and bore their testimony before them.
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 32)
We have the battle of tribulation before us, but our commission is, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:19, 20.] Who will pass this by and continue in commercial business that will not bring souls to Christ? Shall this condition change? Will you give the last note of warning to the world?
(21LtMs, Ms 41, 1906, 33)
Ms 43, 1906
Gratitude to God for His Goodness and Mercy San Diego, California September 11, 1905 Previously unpublished.
I am grieved at heart when I see the amount of labor expended in the more and more extensive pastorates. If there was comparatively as much labor put forth in calling attention to the words of truth, the Bible, which must judge every one in that great day when every case must stand in grand review, it would be well.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 1)
The Lord calls for His entrusted gifts to be brought into exercise in doing the very work that He has appointed every one. Let every soul gather the divine light from heaven, and allow it to shine forth to the world, pure and free from every phase of Satan’s scientific delusions.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 2)
There will be, not long hence, some demonstrations from the Lord God of heaven, greater than the burning of a sanitarium or a publishing establishment. Wicked cities will be visited. They will have an expression from the God of heaven as to how He regards the works and ways of those who have made void His law. They may be called to a realization of the offense they have been guilty of before God, the great Ruler of all worlds.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 3)
In a decided manner, God has favored the land. For the benefit of men and women, He by His providences has been bountifully pouring out of the treasure house of heaven the products of the earth. Deep gratitude should have been expressed for these mercies. But, instead, there has been a departure from the way of the Lord and a departure from obedience to His law given at Sinai. Truth and righteousness have fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. The Lord calls for justice, for kindness, for mercy to be exercised by man toward his fellow man. The Lord, the Great I AM, He who controls the whole universe of heaven, will not suffer His law to be discarded. Those who obey not make themselves a prey.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 4)
Let all read the law as given in the twentieth of Exodus. God has specified, in His law, the day that is to be observed as a memorial of creation. He who created the world and made man gave to man the laws of His kingdom. After He had created the world in six days and finished His work, He rested on the seventh day, and was refreshed, and sanctified the day on which He rested.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 5)
“And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness.” Whom did He address?—The Lord Jesus Christ, who declares Himself to have been with the Father from the beginning. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.... And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” [Genesis 1:26, 27, 31; 2:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 6)
*****
The Lord has certainly been manifesting Himself in great mercy and in unlimited love toward those who serve Him through obedience to His law.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 7)
I have been called upon to speak and pray with the sanitarium workers during the five o’clock early morning service, held in the dining room. We read a short lesson from the Bible; and then I generally read miscellaneous “scraps”—important matter that has been gathered from my writings, containing various experiences, throwing light upon the Christian pathway of many individuals. These extracts from the testimonies benefit and bless the truth and the humble-minded. Souls have been blessed during our morning services; but the Lord is waiting to be gracious to a still greater extent.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 8)
Our prayers have ascended to heaven in earnest supplications for the Lord to bless this sanitarium in Paradise Valley and for His healing grace to be revealed in power to those that come to the institution for help. The patients should receive not only the benefits to be derived for skilful application of many natural agencies for the combating of disease, but the heavenly gifts as well. No haphazard work is to be done. The workers are to labor with diligence in bringing the truths of God’s Word to bear upon human hearts, in order that many may be turned unto the Lord in confidence. He is the truth personified. Let your patients hear you read verses one to three of the forty-second of Isaiah. These words make my heart glad:
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 9)
“Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street”—in self-exaltation. In His humanity He was our example in all His words and works. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law.” [Verses 1-4.] This is the work to be accomplished.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 10)
“Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house. I am the Lord; that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 11)
“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare His praise in the islands.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 12)
“The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies. I have long time holden My peace; I have been still, and refrained Myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once. I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools. And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 13)
“They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Who is blind, but My servant? or deaf, as My messenger that I sent? Who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not. The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable.” [Verses 5-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 14)
I wish to present before our people, in writing, that our cities are soon to feel the great displeasure of God because many have departed from the faith and, while professing to be children of God, have been doing a work contrary to the work that God has specified should be done.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 15)
I see much interest manifested on the part of the patients, as they listen to the words of God that are read from the Scriptures. In our sanitariums, every opportunity should be improved to dwell upon the most encouraging features of our faith. Our sanitariums are to be places where God’s honor shall love to dwell.
(21LtMs, Ms 43, 1906, 16)
Ms 45, 1906
A Visit to Mountain View, California Mountain View, California May 6, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 5MR 110.
When we reached Los Angeles, April 17, I was about sick from studying the presentations that had been shown me during the night past. And the next morning, we heard the newsboys on the streets, crying, “San Francisco is destroyed by an earthquake!” We read the first hastily printed news early in the forenoon of the eighteenth.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 1)
*****
Wednesday, May 2, we left Loma Linda for our journey homeward. We spent two or three hours pleasantly at the Los Angeles treatment rooms and then took a tourist sleeper on the Coast Line for the north. That night the peace of heaven rested upon me, and I slept quietly until about three o’clock.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 2)
As we approached San Jose Thursday morning, we began to notice some of the effects of the earthquake. San Jose has suffered considerably. Some of the principal buildings collapsed; others are seriously damaged. Several people were killed.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 3)
At San Jose we changed cars and went on to Mountain View, ten miles farther north. There we were met at the station by Brethren C. H. Jones and W. T. Knox and driven past the principal street to the office building of the Pacific Press. The new post office and some of the largest stores in town had been leveled to the ground—totally destroyed. Other buildings were badly wrecked. And when we saw the fallen walls of the Pacific Press, we were sad at heart; but we could not help rejoicing over the fact that no lives were lost. The Lord mercifully spared His children.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 4)
How glad I am to report, also, that in San Francisco none of our people have lost their lives, so far as we have been able to learn. The church on Laguna Street is damaged, but escaped the fire. Our restaurant, sanitarium treatment rooms, and health food store, all on Market Street, are in ashes. The home for restaurant workers was also burned. In Loma Linda I asked Brother Fulton, who for many years has faithfully conducted the San Francisco Vegetarian Restaurant, and who was in the city at the time of the earthquake, “What did you lose, Brother Fulton?”“All but the clothes I stand in,” he replied; “but of all our helpers, no lives were lost.” This is a cause for thanksgiving to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 5)
Our brethren are planning to present before our church members throughout America the situation of our institutions on the Pacific Coast and invite every one to contribute something toward a fund for the relief of the Pacific Press and the San Francisco medical institutions. We feel certain that it is unnecessary for us to do more than simply to express a wish that our people shall consider the present necessities of this devastated district. We feel an assurance that they will respond quickly and heartily, in order that the Pacific Press office may be properly repaired and the medical institutions helped. We have no idea of urging our people to help the Signs office meet this heavy loss. Our people need no urging. They will respond with gifts and with thanksgiving to God for His protecting care over His people. We leave the particulars of the loss for others to give. The Lord be thanked that we have the truth, which makes us free in more ways than one. Precious truth! It sanctifies the soul and leads us to press together.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 6)
The machinery was not seriously injured, with the exception of the two linotype machines. Our brethren at the Pacific Press have been able to issue a special edition of the Signs of the Times, containing an account of the earthquake and some articles regarding the meaning of such disasters. A great effort is now being made to give this special number a large circulation and to accompany its distribution with many books and pamphlets. Just now, when people are thinking seriously, literature on the meaning of the signs of the times, wisely circulated, will have a telling effect in behalf of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 45, 1906, 7)
Ms 47, 1906
The San Francisco Earthquake NP 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 05/24/1906.
While at Loma Linda, the second night after the dedication of the sanitarium, there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings great and small were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 1)
The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings so thoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger quickly became heaps of rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in any place. I did not feel in any special peril, but the awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had come.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 2)
The angel that stood by my side then instructed me that but few have any conception of the wickedness existing in our world today, and especially the wickedness in the large cities. He declared that the Lord has appointed a time when He will visit transgressors in wrath for persistent disregard of His law.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 3)
At about one o’clock I awoke, and was impressed to write out some things regarding the supreme rulership of God and the sacredness of His law. When I met my secretary early in the morning, I told her that wonderful representations had been passing before me in the night season. After breakfast, we received a message asking us to go to Los Angeles by the afternoon train; but I was unable to take any part in preparing for the journey. I was as one dazed by the awful scenes that had passed before me.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 4)
We went to Glendale, near Los Angeles, and the following night, April 17, further representations passed before me. I seemed to be in an assembly, setting before the people the requirements of God’s law. I read the Scriptures regarding the institution of the Sabbath in Eden at the close of the creation week, and regarding the giving of the law at Sinai; and then I showed that the Sabbath was to be observed “for a perpetual covenant,” as a sign between God and His people forever, that they may know that they are sanctified by the Lord, their Creator. [Exodus 31:16, 17, 13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 5)
Then I dwelt upon the supreme rulership of God above all earthly rulers. His law is to be the standard of action. None are to pervert their senses by intemperance or by yielding their minds to satanic influences, for this makes impossible the keeping of God’s law. While the Divine Ruler bears long with perversity, He is not deceived and will not always keep silence. His supremacy, His authority as Ruler of the universe, must finally be acknowledged and the just claims of His law vindicated.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 6)
Much more instruction regarding the long-sufferance of God, and the necessity of arousing transgressors to a realization of their perilous position in His sight, was repeated to the people, as received from my Instructor.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 7)
Wednesday morning, April 18, I was to speak in the Carr Street church, where the Southern California Conference was assembled. As we neared the church, we heard the newsboys crying, “San Francisco destroyed by an earthquake!” With a heavy heart I read the first hastily printed news of the terrible disaster.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 8)
Two weeks later, on our homeward journey, we went by the way of San Jose, Mountain View, and San Francisco. As we traveled northward, we saw some of the effects of the earthquake; and when we entered San Jose, we could see that large buildings had collapsed, and that others had been seriously damaged.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 9)
At Mountain View, the new post office and some of the largest stores in the town had been leveled to the ground. Other buildings had partially collapsed and were badly wrecked. When we saw the fallen walls of the Pacific Press, we were sad at heart; but we could not help rejoicing over the fact that no lives were lost. Here, as also in San Francisco, the Lord mercifully spared His children.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 10)
We were glad to learn that the proposal of our brethren in Washington—that the situation of our institutions at Mountain View and in San Francisco should be presented in all our churches—met with general favor, and that all will be invited to contribute something toward a fund for their relief. We believe that our people will respond liberally in offerings to meet the present necessities of our institutions that have suffered. There is no necessity of urging our people to help these institutions; for we believe that all will respond with gifts and with a tribute of thanksgiving to God for His protecting care over His children.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 11)
In this their hour of need, the managers of the Pacific Press are not idle. They have enclosed their building and are now repairing the damaged rooms inside. The machinery was injured but little, and very soon the presses were at work. The office is now busy with the publication of a special edition of the Signs of the Times, containing an account of the earthquake and some articles regarding the meaning of such disasters. A commendable effort is being made to give this “earthquake special” a large circulation and to accompany its distribution with many books and tracts.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 12)
Just now, when people are thinking seriously, literature on the meaning of the signs of the times, wisely circulated, will have a telling effect in behalf of the truth. At this time, when awful calamities are sweeping away the most costly structures as if by a breath of fire from heaven, many sinners are afraid and stand trembling before God. Now is our opportunity to make known the truth to them.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 13)
Brethren and sisters, will you put on the Christian armor? “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” you will be prepared to walk from house to house, carrying the truth to the people. [Ephesians 6:15.] Sometimes you will find it trying to do this kind of work; but if you go forth in faith, the Lord will go before you and will let His light shine upon your pathway. Entering the homes of your neighbors to sell or to give away our literature, and in humility to teach them the truth, you will be accompanied by the light of heaven, which will abide in these homes.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 14)
God’s judgments are abroad in the land. Shall we allow these things to come upon the world without telling the people the meaning of these terrible calamities and how every one may escape from the wrath to come? Shall we let our neighbors remain in darkness without a preparation for the future life? Unless we ourselves realize where we stand, the day of God will come upon us as a thief.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 15)
Time is precious. The destiny of souls is in the balance. At infinite cost a way of salvation has been provided. Shall Christ’s great sacrifice be in vain? Shall the earth be entirely controlled by satanic agencies? The salvation of souls is dependent on the consecration and activity of God’s church. The Lord calls upon all who believe in Him to be workers together with Him. While their life shall last, they are not to feel that their work is done. Until the time comes when Christ shall say, “It is finished,” His work for the saving of souls will not decrease, but will grow in importance and be far-reaching. [Revelation 16:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 16)
On our way home from Mountain View, we passed through San Francisco and for an hour and a half viewed the destruction wrought in that great city. Buildings that were supposed to be proof against disaster are lying in ruins. In some instances buildings were partially sunken into the ground. The city presents a most dreadful picture of the inefficiency of human ingenuity to frame fire-proof and earthquake-proof structures.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 17)
San Francisco has been laid low, but other cities still remain standing. The mercy of God is shown by His long forbearance. He is holding back His judgments, waiting for the message of warning to be sounded to all. There are many who have not yet heard the testing truths for this time. The last call of mercy is to be given more fully to our world. The Word of God portrays the wickedness and corruption that will exist in the world in the last days. As we see the fulfilment of prophecy, our faith in the final triumph of Christ’s kingdom should be increased. We should go forth with courage to do our appointed work.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 18)
The Lord is soon to come. In fire and flood and earthquake, He is warning the inhabitants of this earth of His soon approach. Oh, that the people may know the time of their visitation! We have no time to lose. We must make more determined efforts to lead the people of the world to see that the day of judgment is near at hand. Carefully prepared literature on the significance of the scenes we are now witnessing is to be circulated everywhere. Our understanding is to be quickened by the Holy Spirit. Oh, if our people would feel as they should the responsibility resting upon them to give the last message of mercy to the world, what a wonderful work would be done! A thousand times more work for God might be accomplished if all His children would fully consecrate themselves to Him, using their talents aright.
(21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, 19)
Ms 49, 1906
Sermon/Lessons From the First Chapter of Second Peter Loma Linda, California April 14, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in RH 06/14/1906.
(Sermon, Mrs. E. G. White, Loma Linda Sanitarium Parlor, Loma Linda, Calif., Sabbath, April 14, 1906, 11 A.M.)
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 1)
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 2)
Here are brought to view the Father and the Son, in their distinct personalities, with all the power that we need if we will only ask for it.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 3)
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through (not the ignorance, but) the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verses 2, 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 4)
These words are addressed to those that claim to be Christ’s; and so, whatever may be our profession, whatever may be our mission, whatever may be our calling, this instruction is appropriate to every one of us. And in thus grasping the opportunities, the privileges, that are ours, we are preparing for the future, higher school. In this preparatory work we need to have our hearts open and susceptible to heavenly influences, in order that we may develop the character that God has made it possible for us to develop through the gift of His beloved Son. “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 5)
In view of God’s promises, it is our privilege always to be hopeful. We are to mark the example that is given us in the character of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, perfection of Christian character. Abundant provision has been made for us. Christ laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe, clothed His divinity with humanity, and left the courts of heaven to come to this earth to save mankind. He did not lay aside His divinity, but clothed divinity with humanity, that, as a divine-human Saviour, He might stand by the side of humanity. In heaven He was attended by myriads of angels that delighted to do His will; but when He came to this earth, He was accompanied by no choirs of angels; He came as a helpless babe, born of humble parentage. In poverty and obscurity He obtained an education and training for His lifework.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 6)
Those who are poor and needy, and whose lives are filled with hardships and distress, may be sustained and comforted by the thought that their Saviour can sympathize with their sorrows. In all points He was tempted like as we are, and yet without sin. In His humanity, perfected by a life of holiness, He revealed that through co-operation with divinity, humanity may in this world attain unto perfection of character.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 7)
Within the reach of every person in our world God has placed “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, 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; and to brotherly kindness charity.” [2 Peter 1:3-7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 8)
This is the instruction we should heed. In this scripture is set forth the perfection that we are all to reach. We are to live on the plan of addition; and if we do this, there will be granted us the grace spoken of in the second verse: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you”—multiplied “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.] And so if we live on the plan of addition, Christ will work in our behalf on the plan of multiplication.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 9)
“For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 10)
Here is the possibility, here is the assurance; and it is our privilege to lay right hold upon every advantage of encouragement that is provided for us, that we may place ourselves in right relation to Christ, and thus perfect Christian character.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 11)
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and can not see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 8, 9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 12)
How? Here was the great purging sacrifice that Christ made on the cross of Calvary. His life alone could pay the penalty of the transgression and redeem every human being who would consent to receive Christ. But there is placed upon them the burden of laying right hold upon the promises. Will they take advantage of the opportunity that is theirs?
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 13)
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” [Verses 9, 10.] It depends on you to take advantage of every promise that is given you, that you may perfect a Christian character, in order that the gates of the city of God may be thrown open to you, and that you may enter into those gates.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 14)
“Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] There is a work resting upon every one of us. We must co-operate with Christ Jesus. We must lay right hold of every advantage He has given us and show that we receive it; for “to as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believed on His name.” [John 1:12.] “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:11.] Precious, precious assurance!
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 15)
On every hand we see men anxious to insure their lives by taking out a life insurance policy. Here is your life insurance policy—an eternal life insurance policy offered to all who carry out the conditions outlined in this chapter. Jesus Christ is standing by your side, to co-operate with you in complying with the conditions of receiving eternal life. As laborers together with God, all may follow Christ’s example of faith and obedience. Unto every one who lays hold of the hope, the encouragement, the light, the grace, the peace set before him in the gospel will be ministered an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 16)
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verse 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 17)
Every one of us may have living faith in the power of Christ to keep our feet from walking in false paths. The provisions of grace in our behalf are so ample that we are constrained, with the apostle John, to exclaim:
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 18)
“Behold, 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. 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.” [1 John 3:1, 2.] What a promise!
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 19)
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verse 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 20)
When we come into trial, let us think of these things. O how often I have thought of them! And when in the night season I have seen those who claim to represent the truth, trying in every way to undermine my influence, I have been in distress and agony—to think that many accept as truth the words of sophistry spoken. Because of the high position of some ministers and physicians who speak these words of unbelief and worldly wisdom, many are turned away from the truth by these influences.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 21)
Night after night, scenes are passing before me. Often I do not sleep later than two o’clock, and sometimes no later than eleven or twelve o’clock. It is presented to me that notwithstanding all the discouragements that come, there is with us, and accompanying our labors, a character, a power of influence, which no living man can thwart. This influence will tell. God desires us to give the warning with no uncertain sound.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 22)
There are two spirits in our world—a spirit of belief and a spirit of unbelief. In the latter days some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We expect that those who will not harmonize with Christ will develop into a warring element; but we should not think that this will do us harm. We must remember that they that are for us are more than they that can be against us. This is my hope and strength and power with the people. I believe in God. I know in whom I believe. I believe the testimonies that God has given us. From childhood I have had many, many experiences that have strengthened my faith in the work that God has given me to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 23)
Early in my public labors, I was bidden by the Lord, “Write, write the things that are revealed to you.” At the time this message came to me, I could not hold my hand steady. My physical condition made it impossible for me to write. But again came the word, “Write the things that are revealed to you.” I obeyed; and as the result, I wrote page after page, page after page with comparative ease. Who told me what to write? Who steadied that right hand and made it possible for me to use a pen?—Why, it was the Lord. When we come into right relation with the Lord, and give ourselves wholly to Him, we shall see the miracle-working power of God in our words and in our deeds.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 24)
In the early days of the message, when our numbers were few, we studied diligently to understand the meaning of many Scriptures. At times it seemed as if no explanation could be given. My mind seemed to be locked to an understanding of the Word; but when our brethren who had assembled to study together came to a point where they could go no further, and had recourse to earnest prayer, the Spirit of God would rest upon me, and I would be taken off in vision and instructed in regard to the relation of Scripture to Scripture. These experiences were repeated over and over and over again. Thus the truths of the third angel’s message were revealed, point by point. Think you that my faith in this message will ever waver? Think you that I can remain silent, when I see an effort being made to sweep away the foundation pillars of our faith? I am as thoroughly established in those truths as it is possible for a person to be. I can never forget the experience I have passed through. God has confirmed my belief by many evidences of His power.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 25)
The light that I have received I have written out, and much of it is now shining through my printed books—Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, Desire of Ages, and many other works. When I visited Battle Creek in the summer of 1904, we had to meet opposition from those who ought to have sustained me; and one day, before speaking in the tabernacle, I asked that a copy of each of my books be brought into the tabernacle and placed on the rostrum. And then, while speaking, I appealed to the great congregation, among whom there were some who used to listen to my husband and myself years in the past at Battle Creek. “You desire to hear what Sister White believes,” I said. “She believes that Jesus Christ is a personal Saviour, just as she has ever believed. She does not try to do away with His personality, and put Him into a leaf or a flower or anything else that He has created.” These natural things are the works of His creation. Our heavenly Father is the God of the universe, and Christ is the divine Son, the One equal with the Father. And now here are the books I have written, in which is contained the light given me. I have been unable to attend school since an early age, and the teachings in these books originate from a source higher than that of man. For thirty-six years my husband and myself labored side by side. Time and again we had to meet all phases of error and apostasy, and at such times special light would shine forth with beauty and clearness from the Word of God; and thus light has come. I can no more question the work that God has given me to do than I can question the fact that I am living today.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 26)
These books that have been published are now immortalized in print. And there is throughout the whole a harmony with my present teaching. Some of the writings on these pages were given under circumstances so remarkable as to evidence the wonder-working power of God in behalf of His truth. Sometimes while I was in vision, my friends would approach me and exclaim, “Why, she does not breathe!” Placing a mirror before my lips, they found that no moisture gathered on the glass. And it was while there was no sign of any breathing that I kept talking of the things that were being presented before me.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 27)
These things were thus given to substantiate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the Spirit of prophecy. I thank God that He has preserved my life thus far, and that He has preserved my voice, which in my early youth physicians and friends declared would be silent in three months. The God of heaven saw that I needed to pass through an experience in order to be prepared for the work He had for me to do. For the past half century my faith in the ultimate triumph of the third angel’s message, and everything connected with it, has been substantiated by the wonderful experiences through which I have passed. This is why I am willing to do anything and everything to publish books and to donate books. I know that the light contained in these books is the light of heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 28)
One of my books I gave outright to the educational work. All the profits go toward the payment of debts on our schools. Already about two hundred thousand dollars of debts have been paid in this way. And I have just given another of my books, Ministry of Healing, for the benefit of our sanitarium work. The sale of this book will help pay the debts on our Southern California sanitariums, including Loma Linda, as well as the debts on many other sanitariums in all parts of the world. I thank the Lord with heart and voice for His great goodness to me in permitting me to labor for Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 29)
I ask you to study the things that are written in these books. To John, the aged apostle, came the message, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:19.] The Lord has bidden me write that which has been revealed to me. I have written thousands of pages that are now in printed form.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 30)
The Lord has given us the Loma Linda Sanitarium, because He desires to help the sick and to surround them with every advantage possible for recovery of health. He desires to bring hope to the hopeless and courage to the desponding. He desires to lift the afflicted and the suffering out of their weakness and give them a strength that is beyond expression. All He asks in return is that they believe. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.] It is our privilege to believe in a mighty power that is out of and beyond ourselves. When we, as little children, take Christ at His word, when we grasp His promises by faith, we shall have a power that is greater than human power—a power that will unite us with the strength of heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 31)
Let us give our hearts to God; for we have only a little time remaining. We are living in the last days. On every hand are signs of the end. Life is becoming more and still more uncertain. We hear of numerous wrecks and other disasters; we hear of many who are killed in an instant, without a moment’s warning. Let us determine not to wait until a more convenient season before preparing to meet the Lord in peace when He comes. Let us give ourselves wholly to Him, and then work for the salvation of other souls, from house to house, and wherever we may be. I am expending all the means that I have in the work of advancing the third angel’s message. We should be planning to win souls to Christ, and now is our time to do this work. The harvest is ready, but the reapers are few. From all parts of the world we are receiving letters telling us that the light is shining in clear rays in distant lands, and that the honest in heart are accepting the evidences of the truth for this time.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 32)
Amid the error that is overspreading the whole earth, let us strive to stand firm on the platform of eternal truth. Let us put on the whole armor of God; for we are told that in this time Satan himself will work miracles before the people; and as we see these things, we must be prepared to withstand their deceptive influence. Whatever is presented by the enemy as truth ought not to influence us; for we should be under the instruction of the great Author of all truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 33)
I feel an intense interest in the future work and prosperity of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. God has not given us these buildings for naught. He has not given them for us simply to take pride and comfort in. We know that this beautiful property has been given us as an indication of a great work that is to be done in Southern California for the Lord. We are to help every soul in need of help. We desire to see souls converted, that finally they may enter in through the gates into the city of our God. We desire to see these souls receive the crown of life and a golden harp and a palm branch of victory. We desire that they shall have life, eternal life, in the kingdom of glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 34)
This is why I am willing, so long as my life is spared, to bear the testimony that God may give me. Pray, pray, I beseech of you who are here in this sanitarium. And you who have no hope, do not wait; do not, I beg of you, wait a moment. Get hold of it, oh, get hold of it; for you can have hope. It is offered all who believe in Christ Jesus, and you can have it. If you will work on the plan of addition, God will work on the plan of multiplication, and you will have peace and joy and assurance—a foundation that can never fail. Then you will be prepared to meet the King in His beauty and will hear Him say:
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 35)
“Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 49, 1906, 36)
Ms 51, 1906
Conversion NP 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 4MR 92.
What does conversion mean? Can we comprehend it? He who is truly converted is imbued with the Spirit of Christ. He is ready to make any sacrifice for the service of the Master. He has been bought with a price, and he is to withhold no power of his being from this service. All that he has and is belongs to the Lord. “Ye are not your own; for ye have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are His.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Reason, knowledge, property, time—all belong to the Lord. He who refuses to give all to God is robbing his Creator and making himself a rebel. Every Christian is to regard himself as part of the cross. He is to throw his influence on the side of Christ, doing all in his power to carry forward the great plan instituted as the only hope for the salvation of human beings. His character is to be a reproduction of the character of the Redeemer.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 1)
With his reason quickened, purified, sanctified, the one who accepts Christ is to bear a heart-stirring message. In spirit, in word, in deed, he is to represent the Saviour. Whatever his work, he is to be under the control of the Governor of the universe. However high his position, he is to remember that there is One under whose jurisdiction all earthly rulers must come.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 2)
Those who consent to be controlled by the will of God, those who yield to the influences of His Spirit, are preparing to make known to the world the power of His grace, to demonstrate the excellence of His law. The gospel of Christ is above all human philosophy. Under its influence selfishness is seen to be a disease that kills spirituality. Conversions need to take place among those who have received great light, and they will take place among them when the King’s highway is cleared. Let no human plans be followed. The Lord God omnipotent must have a much larger place in the lives of His people than has been given Him in the past. He is the wonderful Counsellor, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 3)
The message comes to me: “Say to My people, Let God have room to work. My people need to be aroused to the true situation. They have developed traits of character that make it impossible for God to work through them.”
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 4)
He who has been transformed into the likeness of Christ, he who cherishes the spirit of the great missionary Worker is filled with a desire to bear the tidings of salvation to the regions beyond, to those who know not the Saviour. To the work of soul-saving, he consecrates time and strength, means and influence. He uses every jot of his ability in an effort to win souls to Christ. The sacrifice made on the cross of Calvary is the motive that inspires him to put forth untiring efforts and to show unflagging zeal. His determination is: “I will not fail nor become discouraged.” [See Isaiah 42:4.] By his consistent life he draws those around him to the Saviour, showing that man may become a partaker of the divine nature. When man becomes a co-worker with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, the human mold fades before the divine resemblance. He of whom this is true does a work which God can approve in the highest terms, saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] His work is not an uncertain one, but a work that will abide through the eternal ages. It results bear the divine test.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 5)
A Call to Loyalty
Let the rulers of the world remember that there is a God who ruleth in the heavens and who doeth according to His own will. Let them remember that it is the light shining from the cross of Calvary that gives them opportunity to repent and be converted. Let them remember that God is the source of all true wisdom, and that it is for their present and eternal good to learn of Him who gave His only begotten Son to die, in order that human beings might have everlasting life. Let them remember that for man to make laws contrary to the laws of heaven, and to try to compel his fellow men to obey these laws, is an insult that God cannot pass over. He who chooses to place himself in opposition to the God who rules in the heavens, and to disregard the word spoken by Jehovah, must meet God over His broken law. He will be called upon to answer for the souls he has deceived; for he had his Bible, and he could have known that he was acting the part of a traitor.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 6)
Today men are trampling upon the fourth commandment, the only precept in the Decalogue which points out who the true and living God is. They are placing Jehovah below the man of sin, who has instituted a rival sabbath and is seeking to compel its observance. The Lord will punish men for their disloyalty. They have caused others to feel at ease in transgression. They have believed and taught a lie, and they will receive punishment with the first great rebel, who is the originator of all the wickedness and violence that have cursed the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 7)
Men may hide their evil purposes, but cause will always be followed by effect. God’s laws, obeyed, would bring men into harmony with the principles of heaven. The light of the world would shine forth amidst the moral darkness. Truth would triumph; the glory of God would be revealed.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 8)
A disregard of God’s law brings discord, violence, crime, war, and bloodshed. It has made the world a vast lazar house. It has led men to defy God, to take leave of reason, to try to control the minds of their fellow men.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 9)
The unions that are being formed all over the world will never qualify men for the rule of the Prince of peace; for in them every one is striving for the mastery, seeking for the highest place. History is being repeated. Men have a burning desire to rule men. But they are not willing to be ruled by the Governor of the universe. They have never laid aside their quarrelsome traits of character, their desire to be first. The enemy takes possession of their minds and works out through them his own purposes.
(21LtMs, Ms 51, 1906, 10)
Ms 53, 1906
The Reward of Fidelity NP 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in LDE 219.
Each one is rewarded according to his fidelity. The fidelity shown is the standard by which the work done is measured. Proportionate to the faithfulness with which the gifts entrusted are used will be the reward bestowed when our Lord comes to reckon with His stewards. It is not the amount entrusted that decides the reward of the worker, but the measure of consecration with which he devotes his gifts to the Master’s service. The widow gave only two mites, but she gave all she had; and her fidelity was rewarded by the Saviour’s commendation. Christ declared that she gave more than those who had made much larger gifts. He who knows the heart thus judges of the sacrifice. A whole-hearted interest in the work of soul-saving is accounted by God as of great value.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 1)
The reward bestowed is proportionate to the devotion shown in the work for which Christ gave His life. It is the self-denial endured for the Lord’s sake that determines the place which men and women shall occupy in the heavenly courts.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 2)
When church members make the work and service of God supreme, the day of rewards will be hastened. And in that day those who have unselfishly used their powers to promote the work of God will receive a reward that will astonish them by its greatness.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 3)
Selfishness, worldly ambition, and self-gratification are to be laid in the dust. Covetousness eats away the manliness and nobility of the man who cherishes it. He loses heaven because he gave his life up to selfish scheming. In this life he refused to put away covetousness, and he will have no second trial. To love God with a supreme devotion is the greatest height of excellence to which human beings can attain.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 4)
When the one who has sought advantages for himself appears before the judgment seat of God, the Lord will say to him, “Depart from me.... For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye clothed Me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not.... Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.” [Matthew 25:41-43, 45.]
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 5)
To the indolent, those who are careless and indifferent in their performance of duty, He declares, “He that is not with Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.]
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 6)
Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not gained by any merit of our own. When we take eternal life, we shall take it not as a reward, but as a gift, bestowed on us through the grace of Him who gave His life for us. Pardon for sin was purchased by Christ with His blood. And we in turn are to impart to others the blessings bestowed on us, appropriating as faithful financiers the Lord’s entrusted capital.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 7)
An occasional good deed, a fitful moment of benevolence—will this satisfy the requirements of God? No, no. In the day of judgment some will plead this good deed and that as a reason why they should receive consideration. They will say, I set young men up in business. I gave money to found hospitals. I relieved the necessities of widows and took the poor into my home. Yes, but your motives were so defiled by selfishness that the deed was not acceptable in the sight of the Lord. In all that you did, self was brought prominently to view.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 8)
There are those who spend money to make a great display. At the last day Christ will say to them: “I know you not. You have wasted my property, misled the youth, and caused infidelity to increase.”
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 9)
Christ is the glory of the whole plan of redemption. The promises made to us are in and through Him. Those who with sincere repentance come to Christ confessing their sins will find pardon. Oh, there are human beings who are preparing for the brightness of heaven’s glory. These may be unknown by the world, but in the courts above they receive abundant recognition.
(21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, 10)
Ms 57, 1906
Talk/The Work at Mountain View Mountain View, California May 3, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in PM 165-166; 5MR 193.
(Talk by Mrs. E. G. White in a meeting of leading workers at Mountain View.)
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 1)
We came to Mountain View expecting to remain only a few hours and then go on to St. Helena, but our time here would have been so limited that I decided we ought not to rush away in such a hurry, because by staying I might be able to bear my testimony to the brethren in Mountain View.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 2)
While at St. Helena, again and again it has been revealed to me that there was not a correct state of things at Mountain View; that there were present the very conditions that made it essential for the publishing work to be removed from Oakland. I saw that in the working out of human ideas and plans there was a disregarding of the light God had given in the past to correct existing evils. There is danger that the experience of the past will be repeated. The men who are serving in the management of the work can just as surely swerve the work into lines of commercialism as in the past.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 3)
My Instructor said: “This in no case must be. They have had warnings in the past over and over again, for eighteen or twenty years, but have not fully heeded these warnings. There are those who have had no heart in the matter of moving out of Oakland, but have been opposing their resistance to the instructions that have been given; and their unbelief has strengthened with the spirit of opposition to the movement.” The Lord’s message was: “Out of the cities; break up the continual temptation to engage in commercial business, which has been such a great injury to the work.” A failure to heed the messages given, and repeated for years, has been a decided injury to the souls of many.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 4)
Of those connected with the Pacific Press, there are some who continue in the spirit of opposition that has caused them to carry things their own way, to carry out their own personal preferences as to the business management in the work connected with the publications that should go forth from the press. They have thought that commercial business should be accepted, and means would come in, and higher wages would be given to the workers. God has had His eye upon the unconsecrated ones who have been opposed to the moving of the publishing house. These have not experienced genuine conversion; but there will be an effort to bring them in and entrust them with responsibilities. Were they entrusted with these responsibilities, they would reveal the same spirit and the same mind and the same kind of influence as worldlings; the influence exerted would be worse, because they profess to be Christians. They are no more with God than those who make no profession of godliness. There are worldlings who would scorn to do many things that those who claim to be Christians are doing.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 5)
The Lord calls for a halt, for a different order of religious faith. The spirit that is antagonistic to pure truth is plainly stated in the teachings of the law of God. We are warned to avoid every form of error. At this time when we have light and evidence of what is the truth, we are to show our true position. Are we on the side of Christ Jesus?
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 6)
It has been revealed to me that not all the families who have a knowledge of the truth have brought the truth into their practice. Every talent of influence is to be sacredly cherished for the purpose of gathering souls to Christ’s side. Young men and young women, do not consider that your musical entertainments, conducted as they are in Mountain View, are doing acceptable missionary work. A spirit has come into them that is of a different order. We had this same spirit to meet thirty years ago, and we bore decided testimony against it in Battle Creek. A decided religious feature should be encouraged in all our gatherings. Light has been given me decidedly again and again. Thirty years ago, when certain ones would assemble together for an evening of singing exercises, the spirit of courting was allowed to come in, and great injury was done to souls, some of whom never recovered.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 7)
The same danger is being encouraged in Mountain View. If these young people would assemble to read and understand the Scriptures, asking, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” and then place themselves unitedly upon the side of truth, the Lord Jesus would let His blessing come into their hearts.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 8)
The lawyer said to Christ, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” The Lord Jesus turned to him, and said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all mind, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 9)
The Lord Jesus has thus immortalized the terms upon which human beings may enter into possession of the life that measures with the life of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 10)
Through the ages, from the beginning of the world, human beings have had the Word of the living God, the sure evidence regarding the result of obedience and disobedience. Therefore we are to go forward with implicit confidence and faith and reliance in the sure Word of prophecy. We are to gather up the hope of past ages and look forward to the reward that accompanies obedience. From the beginning until the present time, man’s only hope has been to take upon the sure Word of God that truth is eternal and omnipotent, and no deception or falsifying is of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 11)
I am instructed that there needs to be an altogether different spiritual atmosphere in every family if you are to grow upward.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 12)
I want to say that from things that have been shown me, I know that there must be a different mold upon the church here if you expect the surrounding neighborhood, and the people in one place and another, to be benefited. I have not felt anxious to be here in Mountain View. I have not felt that I could do any good, because the light has already been given. It has in the past been given plainly. I have stood right here in this building and borne the plain, clear testimony from the Lord: Unify, unify, unify. It is not for one to do the whole work of unifying. We are every one to take part in this work. As the light has come to me on many points, I thought perhaps if I could write it out and send it, it would have the same result as for me to stand before you in person. But I am weary of bearing testimonies when I do not see that it brings anything to pass.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 13)
No one of us should measure another man and refuse to have confidence in him or to harmonize with him because he does not come up to us step by step. You no more come up to God step by step than he does. I know it; and therefore for you to take the position “We cannot harmonize with you” and to stand off and let him stand alone is not right. God is not in it at all; yet this spirit has been shown here, and I am sick at heart because of the manifestation of the disposition on the part of some to criticize another, when things just as offensive in the sight of God can be criticized in themselves.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 14)
The Lord wants every man of you to come to his senses. We have come to the point where we must know that we have the right hold upon God. Christ has stated the same thought, “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 neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.] Now, when we come into this position, there will be a different mold on the church from that which is now seen.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 15)
The danger is right here—it may not have already taken place—that the very ones who would not concede to the decision to move into the country, but drew themselves off, will now offer to come back. And there are those who have not that high standard that they should have who would accept them. Whether they have done this or not, or are going to do it, I cannot tell; because sometimes things are presented to me as done that are not yet done.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 16)
*****
Brother C. H. Jones has needed altogether different treatment from that which he has received from some who have been connected with him in the work. The burdens resting upon him were heavy enough; but some, instead of helping him to carry them, have made them heavier. Just as they have dealt with him, so God will certainly deal with them unless they rid themselves of their hard-hearted spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 17)
To my brethren who have taken a course to dishearten, discourage, and drive out of the work men whom the Lord loves, and who are fighting hard battles, which their brethren have helped to make hard, I am bidden to say, You need to change decidedly. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Soften your spirit before God. Examine your own works and your own ways. When you open your hearts to the tenderness of Christ, you will be ready to build up, not to tear down, ready to do true missionary work.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 18)
*****
One pointed me to that building with two ends out as a representation of how it would be if you dropped Brother Jones out of the work, thinking that it could be carried on just as well without him. The light that has come to me is that in dropping experienced men out of the work, you do not know what you are about.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 19)
I have expected that Brother Jones would be separated from the work. But in the night season his case was presented to me just as it was presented before—that we have no one of his experience to take his place in the work.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 20)
Brother Jones has made mistakes, but he means to do the will of God. He may make mistakes and failures, but no worse than others would make if they were in the same position. We are apt to forget the mistakes that we have made, to forget that we are erring, that we are not perfect.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 21)
The Lord wants that Brother Jones should have courage; that he should walk strictly with God; that his faith should be revived; that he should take hold to help in the publication of the books and pamphlets and the other matter that you are getting out. You need his advice and counsel. You know the understanding that he has in these things, and God wants us to act intelligently in regard to the lack of sympathy shown in the treatment Brother Jones has received. Those who have treated him thus will be placed in circumstances similar to those in which he has been placed, and they will then know how it is, will understand it. God want us to stand in a position where we can take into consideration all these things and be faithful and courteous. He wants every one of us to acknowledge ourselves as His little children, to be taught of Him. He does not want us to climb upon the judgment seat and deal out sentence this way and that way. He wants us to know what it means to take hold and grow, but not to destroy.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 22)
There is only one source from which we can draw nourishment and strength and intelligence, and that is from God. He wants every man to humble his soul before Him; for we are all dependant upon God. He wants us to lean heavily upon Him. When we come to God as little children, we shall know what it is to have the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We shall know what it means, as we used to know in days past. The Spirit of God will come upon us, and we shall have light and understanding. The Spirit of God will be with us and will shine into our hearts and through our words and acts, and we shall know that the Lord is the best friend we have in all the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, 23)
Ms 59, 1906
Visit to Paradise Valley Loma Linda, California April 27, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in LHU 181; 3MR 349.
The Lord gave me strength to speak nearly an hour in San Diego. The church was full on Sabbath, and I had great freedom in speaking from the first chapter of Second Peter. I am thankful to the Lord that He sustained me. The people listened with interest, and I felt the Holy Spirit resting upon me. I was blessed with the assurance that I was sustained. We had to drive nearly seven miles each way to and from the meeting.
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 1)
The dedication of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium took place on Tuesday afternoon, April 24. A large number of people gathered to attend the exercises. We had a precious season. Improvements had been made, including the construction of new bathrooms. Everything seemed to be in excellent order. The building when purchased by us was well designed, but we needed a larger kitchen, and bathrooms. Now everything is nicely arranged, and every convenience for giving treatment is provided.
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 2)
We had a meeting in the evening also, after the friends had looked over the building, to see what had to be done to perfect the facilities of the institution. Mrs. Potts, the lady from whom we purchased the property, was present with us. She is a missionary worker. She expressed great satisfaction that we have this place and that the house had been designed for the accomplishing of the very work we are doing. She was much pleased that her property is being put to the use that it is. She wold have made an appropriation of the building; but on account of losses sustained by her, she was unable to do this. I had a precious visit with Mrs. Potts. I am glad to have met her. She is just one year younger than I am, and, like myself, is engaged in public speaking. She is a talented lady.
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 3)
I am informed that all who attended the dedicatory exercises were highly gratified. We were well pleased to see that the fitting up of the place has been well planned, and that the managers are now able to accommodate the patients who come to them. The helpers are doing their work well. The matron is well fitted for her position. We were pleased to learn that the old friends who have given years to the service of God are still helping with their means. The Lord is their stay; and He blesses them. Brother Robert Sawyer and his sister Hannah are both there. May the Lord bless and keep them.
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 4)
*****
The Long-Sufferance of God
The wickedness of the world has reached a point where the Lord will certainly interfere. Psalms 119, 126, 127 were presented and read in the assembly. The voice speaking was earnest. The assembly was large. The Lord will certainly arise to punish the wickedness that is so bold and defiant against His holy law. The forbearance of God has been very great—so great that when we consider the continuous insult to the Lord’s holy commandments, we marvel. These words were repeated: “The Lord is slow to anger, and of great power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and in the bowels of the earth, and the clouds wherewith He hides Himself.” [See Nahum 1:3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 5)
The long-suffering of God is remarkable, for it indicates that He is putting constraint upon His own attributes. It is His omnipotence exerted over Himself. Why has the Lord borne with the continual increase of defiance against His laws, given to govern the human agencies He has created? He has borne long with their perversity, and at the same time He has been giving continual light to those who remain obedient. He sees that life is becoming intolerable because of cruelty. This is because men have changed His laws.
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 6)
*****
Finding the Treasures of Truth
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are those that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways”—not in human ways. [Psalm 119:1-3.] “Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy commandments....
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 7)
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments.... Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.... I have stuck unto Thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.... Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight.... Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even Thy salvation, according to Thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in Thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments. So shall I keep Thy law continually forever and ever.” [Verses 4-6, 9, 10, 18, 31, 32, 34, 35, 41-44.]
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 8)
Revelation is not the creation or invention of something new, but the manifestation of that which, until revealed, was unknown to human beings. The great and eternal truths contained in the gospel are revealed through diligent searching and humbling of ourselves before God. We have a divine Teacher who leads the mind of the humble searcher for truth; and by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the truths of the Word are revealed to him. And there can be no more certain and efficient knowledge of the truth than to be thus guided into all truth. Through the impartation of the Holy Spirit, we are to understand God’s Word. We are admonished to seek the truth as if searching for hidden treasure. The Lord opens the understanding of the true seeker. The Holy Spirit enables the human mind to grasp the facts of revelation, and divine light communicates with the soul. This is the opening of the eyes to behold the genuine treasure, and the mind lays hold upon the glories of a better world. The soul pants after the excellence of Christ Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, 9)
Ms 61, 1906
Hold Fast the Beginning of Your Confidence St. Helena, California June 3, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in PC 66-68.
For many months I have been troubled as I have seen that some of our brethren whom God has used in His cause are now perplexed over the scientific theology which has come in to lead man away from a true faith in God. Sabbath night, a week ago, after I had been prayerfully studying over these things, I had a vision in which I was speaking before a large company, where many questions were asked concerning my work and writings.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 1)
I was directed by a messenger from heaven not to take the burden of picking up and answering all the sayings and doubts that are being put into many minds. “Stand as the messenger of God anywhere, in any place,” I was bidden, “and bear the testimony I shall give you. Be free. Bear the testimonies that the Lord has for you to bear in reproof, in rebuke, in the work of encouraging and lifting up the soul; ‘teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’” [Matthew 28:20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 2)
After the vision I prayed aloud with great fervor and earnestness. My soul was strengthened; for the words had been spoken: “Be strong, yea, be strong. Let none of the misleading words of ministers or physicians distress your mind. Tell them to take the light given them in publications. Truth will always bear away the victory. Go straight forward with your work.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 3)
“If the Holy Spirit is rejected, all My words will not help to remove, even for the time being, the false representations that have been made; and Satan stands ready to invent more. If the evidence already given is rejected, all other evidence will be useless until there is seen the converting power of God upon minds. If the convincing impressions of the Holy Spirit made in the past will not be accepted as trustworthy evidence, nothing that can be presented hereafter will reach them, because the bewitching guile of Satan has perverted their discernment.”
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 4)
To those who have been convinced again and again, as the Holy Spirit has borne witness, all the words that can now be said cannot be as forcible as the impression made by the Holy Spirit of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 5)
To my brethren, I say, Go forward. Be of good courage. Whenever the Spirit of God is entertained in the place of the underworking of evil influences on mind and heart, those who have been working against God will come to their right bearings. A great work is to be done now in convicting souls. The message must in no case be changed from what it has been. As has been foretold in the Scriptures, there will be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils in the midst of the church, and these evil influences will increase; but hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 6)
Let not souls be drawn into Battle Creek. Warnings are to be given. A message similar to that borne by John the Baptist is to be heard. But beware of men; for they will seek to divert the mind from the necessity of heeding the true issues for this time. Carry on the work now for those who need the truth and who have not resisted evidences of the truth for fallacies and scientific imaginations.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 7)
The time is at hand when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is God. All the people of God are now to stand on the platform of truth as it has been given in the third angel’s message. All the pleasant pictures, all the miracles wrought will be presented in order that if possible the very elect shall be deceived. The only hope for any one is to hold fast the evidences that have confirmed the truth in righteousness. Let these be proclaimed over and over again, until the close of this earth’s history.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 8)
The perils of the last days are upon us. Devote not precious time in trying to convince those who would change the truth of God into a lie. Proclaim the third angel’s message. Bear a straightforward, clear-cut message.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 9)
Thus I was speaking before a perplexed company just before I called them to take their stand on the right side. If some choose another position, let them alone. Labor for those who have never had the evidence of truth. So long as men hold fast to men, and believe men in the place of the Word of God, you can do little to help them. You are working against principalities and powers, as is represented in Ephesians 6:12.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 10)
We are to revive the truth; to stand in the truth. Whoever is determined to depart from the faith cannot be helped by you. All your reasoning will be as idle tales.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 11)
Take the banner of truth and hold it aloft, higher and still higher. The Lord calls for faithful minute men. Go into the cities that need the message of a soon-coming Saviour. Thousands of unbelievers in our cities need to hear the last message of warning.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 12)
It is Satan’s plan to produce these variances, to keep our minds on dissensions and unprofitable problems until the last woe shall come upon the world. Time now is too precious to be lost through confusion. Proclaim to the world that Christ is soon coming.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 13)
Gather not at Battle Creek; spoil not the minds of youth, physicians, and ministers. Set at work in the cause of God every soul who has heeded the words of warning given.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 14)
I have been instructed that it is not extravagant display which is now required in giving the last message of mercy to our world. We must go forth in the simplicity of true godliness. Our sanitariums, our schools, our publishing houses are to be God’s instrumentalities to represent the humble manner of Christ’s teaching. In a marked manner the Lord will be the strength and power of His people. Maintain simplicity; and pray in faith, constantly. Wherever you are, your only safety is in prayer. Hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 15)
Beware of the leaven of evil. Talk less; criticize less. Let every one remember that he is now on test and trial for life, eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 16)
God now calls for all who choose to serve Him to stand firmly on the platform of eternal truth. Let those who have brought about the present state of confusion, by making the division that exists, stop to consider seriously before going any further. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “If the Lord be God, serve Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, 17)
Ms 61a, 1906
God’s Judgments on the Cities NP June 3, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 279-284.
The judgments of God will certainly fall upon all transgressors. The terrible earthquake that has visited San Francisco will be followed by other manifestations of the power of God. His law has been transgressed. Cities have become polluted with sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 1)
Study the history of Nineveh. God sent a special message by Jonah to that wicked city. “Arise,” He bade Jonah, “go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me.” [Jonah 1:2.] Jonah was to “cry against” the city, but he was averse to bearing any such message. Instead of obeying, he “rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” [Verse 3.] Read the history.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 2)
“The word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 3)
“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we perish not?
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 4)
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 5)
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray Thee, O Lord, was not this my saying when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest Thee of the evil. Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech Thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 6)
“Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 7)
“Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not labored, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: and should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?” [Jonah 3:1-10; 4:1-11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 8)
Jonah seemed to suppose that his reputation as a prophet was injured. Many such messages as his would be given in our age, if the wicked cities would repent as did Nineveh.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 9)
Where are the watchmen? The Lord declares that unless the cities shall change their characteristics, the saloons will be replaced. In the calamity that befell San Francisco, the Lord designed to wipe out the saloons that have been the source of great evils; and yet the officiating guardians, the men who are placed in responsible positions, prove unfaithful to their trust by legalizing the sale of liquor. Poisonous drugs are mingled with the liquor. Men form the habit of using these drugs, and the appetite for such things is very powerful. Oh, that our cities might reform! Those who are placed in responsibility as guardians of the welfare of the people should realize the responsibility of their position and govern in accordance with the orders of God in His Word. God hath spoken plainly—“Thou shalt” and “Thou shalt not”—regarding our reasonable service. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” [Romans 12:1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 10)
We have a God who is our Ruler. How can the great Governor of the world behold with any satisfaction these wicked cities full of violence and every type and stripe of crime? Our Creator has given in His Word a law to be obeyed. No one should lightly regard this law. Our courts of justice are perverted and in the heavenly courts are condemned. Even eating, drinking, and dressing are carried to such excess as to become crimes. They are specified as last-day signs by our world’s Redeemer, who gave His life a sacrifice to save the fallen race.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 11)
These men who are in office need the counsel and judgment of One who cannot err. How many seek this wisdom and place themselves under the control of God? The extravagance seen in the erection of buildings, in selfish gratification, in market places, in unfair managing creates poverty and distress. The guardians of the marts of trade will have a fearful account to render to God when the Judge of the highest court will take every individual case in hand.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 12)
Time, money, and strength that belong to God are wasted in superfluities. High and God-given capabilities are placed under the dominating influence of satanic agencies who are playing a game of life for souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 13)
How many who are called wealthy are using their wealth to alleviate the necessities of suffering humanity? Oh, if human agencies could feel the need of placing themselves under the guidance of the Most High God as obedient sons and daughters of His! Then they could carry forward His purpose for them in this world. Shunning pride and extravagance, they would be able to form solid Christian characters and would become laborers together with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 14)
Just before His ascension, the great Medical Missionary gave to His followers, who believe on Him, the gospel commission. This was after He had endured the agonies of the cross and died to open a way for every soul, that none need perish, but have everlasting life through believing on Him. “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 15)
As the crucified Saviour lay in the tomb, guarded by the Roman soldiers, “Behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”Matthew 28:2-4.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 16)
“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.”Verse 1. As they approached, they saw that the great stone was rolled away and that a light was shining about the tomb. The body of jesus was not there, but soon they saw an angel. “And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy, and did run to bring His disciples word.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 17)
“And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail! And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 18)
“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples come by night, and stole Him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 19)
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 20)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”Verses 5-20.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 21)
I present this wonderful evidence we have of a power that is not created by ourselves, but that is out of and beyond ourselves. To as many as receive Christ will be granted the privilege of becoming the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. And those who are His children will be given the power that is vested in Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 22)
The risen Saviour was with His disciples forty days, instructing them “of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”Acts 1:3. Just before His ascension He declared: “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. And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.”Verses 8-11.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 23)
For many months I have been troubled as I have seen how some of our sensible men whom God has used in His cause are perplexed over the scientific arguments of satanic agencies. I have not known what to do. While I was studying over these things Sabbath night a week ago, I had a vision of speaking before a large company, where many questions were asked concerning my work and writings.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 24)
I was directed by a messenger from heaven not to take the burden of picking up the sayings and doubts that Satan is putting into minds. “Stand as the messenger of God anywhere, in any place,” I was bidden, “and bear the testimony I shall give you. If the Holy Spirit is not received, but rejected, all your words will be as idle tales. Be free. Bear the testimonies that the Lord Jesus has for you to bear in reproof, in rebuke, in the work of encouraging and lifting up the soul; ‘teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’” [Matthew 28:20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 25)
When I awakened from the vision, I was praying with great fervor and earnestness and could not cease praying. My soul was strengthened; for the words had been spoken: “Be strong, yea, be strong. Let none of the seducing words of ministers or physicians distress your mind. Tell them to take the light given them in publications. Truth will always bear away the victory. Go straight forward. Do not take up the unbelief of any one in order to try to convince him.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 26)
“If the Holy Spirit is turned from, all your words will not help remove, for the time being, the false presentations. Satan stands ready to invent more. If the evidence that has been given is rejected and falsified, all other evidence will be useless until there is seen the converting power of God upon the minds of those in error. If the convincing representations and impressions of the Holy Spirit evidenced for the past half century will not be accepted as trustworthy evidence, nothing will hereafter bring them to their senses, because the bewitching guile of Satan has perverted their discernment.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 27)
“They have been convinced again and again as the Holy Spirit has borne witness, and all that words can say will not be as forcible as the impression made by the Holy Spirit of God.”
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 28)
Go forward. Be of good courage. If the Spirit of God be entertained in the place of the underworking of evil spirits on mind and heart, all who have been working against God will come to their right bearings. A great work is to be done now in convicting souls. The message must in no case be changed from that which has been. As has been foretold in the Scriptures, there will be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils in the midst of the church, and these evil influences will increase; but hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 29)
Let not souls be drawn into Battle Creek. Warnings are to be given. A message similar to that borne by John the Baptist is to be heard. But beware of men; for they will seek to divert the mind from the necessity of heeding the true issues for this time. Carry on the work now for those who need the truth and who have not exchanged evidences of the truth for fallacies and scientific presentations of satanic origin.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 30)
The time has about come when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is God. All the people of God are now to stand on the platform of truth as has been given in the third angel’s message. All the pleasant pictures, all the miracles wrought are presented by the enemy in order that if possible the very elect shall be deceived. The only hope for any one is to hold fast the evidences that have confirmed the truth in righteousness. Let these be proclaimed over and over again, until the close of this earth’s history.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 31)
The perils of the last days are upon us. Devote not precious time in trying to convince those who would change the truth of God into a lie. Proclaim the third angel’s message. Bear a straightforward, clear-cut message.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 32)
These words I was speaking before a perplexed company just before I called upon them to take their stand on the right side. If some one chooses another position, let him alone. Labor for the class of people who have never had the evidences of truth. So long as men hold fast to men, and believe men in the place of the Word of God, you cannot help them. You are working against principalities and powers, as is represented in Ephesians.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 33)
Revive the truth; stand in the truth. Whoever choose to pursue the course marked out in the Scriptures regarding those who shall depart from the faith cannot be helped by you. All your reasoning will be as idle tales. They have been warned, and further words are useless, for you are meeting Satan through human agencies.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 34)
Take the banner of truth and hold it aloft, higher and still higher. The Lord calls for faithful minute men. Go into the cities that need the truth as we have taught it for years. Not one feature of our faith is changed, and the unbelievers in our cities need to hear the last message of warning.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 35)
It is Satan’s plan to produce these variances to keep the mind on dissensions and satanic problems until the last woe shall have come upon the world. Our time is too precious now to be lost through confusion. Every step we have taken is recorded in the past messages given. Repeat these things to the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 36)
Gather not at Battle Creek; spoil not the minds of youth, physicians, and ministers. Set at work in the cause of God every soul who has heeded the words of warning given. Trust not the men who for years have been denying their faith and giving heed to seducing spirits.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 37)
I have been instructed that it is not extravagant display which is now to be regarded as one of the best means of giving the last message of mercy to our world. We must go forth in the simplicity of true godliness. Our sanitarium, our schools, our publishing houses are to be God’s instrumentalities to represent the humble manner of Christ’s teaching. In a marked manner the Lord will be the strength and power and verity of the truth for this time. Maintain simplicity; and pray in faith constantly. Wherever you are, your only safety is prayer. In living faith, claim the promises. Hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 38)
Some souls may never see the truth as it is; for Satan has skilful workers who understand how to lead astray and to deceive. Tares are mixed in with the wheat. Beware of the leaven of evil. Let every one remember that he is now on test and trial for life, eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 39)
God now calls upon all who choose to serve Him to stand on the platform of eternal truth. Let those who have brought about the present state of things, by making the division that exists, stop to consider seriously before going any further. Change your course of action. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 40)
Unto all I am commissioned to say, Talk less, criticize less.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 41)
*****
There is no time to be indifferent now. Should not this terrible earthquake, which has caused almost complete destruction in one of the largest cities of America, awaken a most earnest (spiritual) interest to seek the Lord while He may be found? Call upon Him while He is near.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 42)
Let not our ministers dwell upon commonplace matters in their discourses. Now is a time when there should be a humbling of the heart before God. Seek Him while He is to be found on the pardoning side, and not on the judgment side. Wake up, my brethren and sisters in Australia. You have no time to lose. Call upon the Lord while He may be found.
(21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, 43)
Ms 63, 1906
A Messenger St. Helena, California May 26, 1906 See variant Ms 63a, 1906. This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 07/26/1906.
Last night, in vision, I was standing before an assembly of our people, bearing a decided testimony regarding present truth and present duty. After the discourse, many gathered about me, asking questions. They desired so many explanations about this point, and that point, and another point, that I said, “One at a time, if you please, lest you confuse me.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 1)
And then I appealed to them, saying: “For years you have had many evidences that the Lord has given me a work to do. These evidences could scarcely have been greater than they are. Will you brush away all these evidences as a cobweb, at the suggestion of a man’s unbelief? That which makes my heart ache is the fact that many who are now perplexed and tempted are those who have had abundance of evidence and opportunity to consider and pray and understand; and yet they do not discern the nature of the sophistries that are presented to influence them to reject the warnings God has given to save them from the delusions of these last days.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 2)
Some have stumbled over the fact that I said I did not claim to be a prophet; and they have asked, Why is this?
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 3)
I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 4)
Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger. “Your work,” He instructed me, “is to bear My word. Strange things will arise, and in your youth I set you apart to bear the message to the erring ones, to carry the word before unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not right. Exhort from the Word. I will make My Word open to you. It shall not be as a strange language. In the true eloquence of simplicity, with voice and pen, the messages that I give shall be heard from one who has never learned in the schools. My Spirit and My power shall be with you.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 5)
“Be not afraid of man, for My shield shall protect you. It is not you that speaketh; it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for these last days shall be written in books and shall stand immortalized, to testify against those who have once rejoiced in the light, but who have been led to give it up because of the seductive influences of evil.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 6)
Why have I not claimed to be a prophet? Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ, and because my work includes much more than the word “prophet” signifies.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 7)
When this work was first given me, I begged the Lord to lay the burden on some one else. The work was so large and broad and deep that I feared I could not do it. But by His Holy Spirit the Lord has enabled me to perform the work which He gave me to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 8)
God has made plain to me the various ways in which He would use me to carry forward a special work. Visions have been given me, with the promise, “If you deliver the messages faithfully and endure to the end, you shall eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and drink of the water of the river of life.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 9)
The Lord gave me great light on health reform. In connection with my husband, I was to be a medical missionary worker. I was to set an example to the church by taking the sick to my home and caring for them. This I have done, giving the women and children vigorous treatment. I was also to speak on the subject of Christian Temperance, as the Lord’s appointed messenger. I engaged heartily in this work and spoke to large assemblies on temperance in its broadest and truest sense.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 10)
I was instructed that I must ever urge upon those who profess to believe the truth the necessity of practicing the truth. This means sanctification, and sanctification means the culture and training of every capability for the Lord’s service.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 11)
I was charged not to neglect or pass by those who were being wronged. I was especially charged to protest against any arbitrary or overbearing action toward the ministers of the gospel by those having official authority. Disagreeable though the duty may be, I am to reprove the oppressor and plead for justice. I am to present the necessity of maintaining justice and equity in all our institutions.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 12)
If I see those in positions of trust neglecting aged ministers, I am to present the matter to those whose duty it is to care for them. Ministers who have faithfully done their work are not to be forgotten or neglected when they have become feeble in health. Our conferences are not to disregard the needs of those who have borne the burdens of the work. It was after John had grown old in the service of the Lord that he was exiled to Patmos. And on that lonely isle he received more communications from heaven than he had received during the rest of his lifetime.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 13)
After my marriage I was instructed that I must show a special interest in motherless and fatherless children, taking some under my own charge for a time, and then finding homes for them. Thus I would be giving others an example of what they could do.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 14)
Although called to travel often, and heaving much writing to do, I have taken children of three and five years of age and have cared for them, educated them, and trained them for responsible positions. I have taken into my home from time to time boys from ten to sixteen years of age, giving them motherly care and a training for service. I have felt it my duty to bring before our people that work for which those in every church should feel a responsibility.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 15)
While in Australia I carried on this same line of work, taking into my home orphan children, who were in danger of being exposed to temptations that might cause the loss of their souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 16)
In Australia we also worked as Christian medical missionaries. At times I made my home in Cooranbong an asylum for the sick and afflicted. My secretary, who had received a training in the Battle Creek Sanitarium, stood by my side and did the work of a missionary nurse. No charge was made for her services, and we won the confidence of the people by the interest that we manifested in the sick and suffering. After a time the health retreat at Cooranbong was built, and then we were relieved of this burden.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 17)
To claim to be a prophetess is something that I have never done. If others call me by that name, I have no controversy with them. But my work has covered so many lines that I cannot call myself other than a messenger, sent to bear a message from the Lord to His people and to take up work in any line that He points out.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 18)
When I was last in Battle Creek, I said before a large congregation that I did not claim to be a prophetess. Twice I referred to this matter, intending each time to make the statement, “I do not claim to be a prophetess.” If I spoke otherwise than this, let all now understand that what I had in mind to say was that I do not claim the title of prophet or prophetess.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 19)
I understood that some were anxious to know if Mrs. White still held the same views as she did years ago when they had heard her speak in the sanitarium grove, in the tabernacle, and at the camp-meetings held in the suburbs of Battle Creek. I assured them that the message she bears today is the same that she has borne during the sixty years of her public ministry. She has the same service to do for the Master that was laid upon her in her girlhood. She receives lessons from the same Instructor. The directions given her are, “Make known to others what I have revealed to you. Write out the messages that I give you, that the people may have them.” This is what she has endeavored to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 20)
I have written many books, and they have been given a wide circulation. Of myself I could not have brought out the truth in these books, but the Lord has given me the help of His Holy Spirit. These books, giving the instruction that the Lord has given me during the past sixty years, contain light from heaven and will bear the test of investigation.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 21)
At the age of seventy-eight, I am still toiling. We are all in the hands of the Lord. I trust in Him; for I know that He will never leave nor forsake those who put their trust in Him. I have committed myself to His keeping.
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 22)
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” [1 Timothy 1:12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 63, 1906, 23)
Ms 63a, 1906
God’s Messenger NP May 26, 1906 Variant of Ms 63, 1906.
Night before last I slept only three hours. But I have cast my burden on the Lord. Since the Berrien Springs meeting, I have no hope that even the strongest evidence, which the Lord may present before some, will change their minds. Nevertheless, the party that resisted the light will have the light again.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 1)
I thank the Lord that although yesterday, Friday, was a day of weakness and affliction, yet I have hope of getting through this severe attack. It rained all Thursday night, softly yet steadily. It was not windy. The rain continued until midafternoon Friday. At seven o’clock Sabbath evening, while the family were at prayers, I had a slight chill and thought I would better undress and get into bed. But the chilliness seemed to increase, and I was a long time trying to get warm. Sara came up and got me a hot water bag and wrapped me up with flannels, and so I became warm and slept until two A.M.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 2)
In the night season, I was bearing a decided testimony to an assembly; and afterward there was a gathering of many about me, asking so many questions regarding the explanation of this point and that point, that I felt compelled to say, “One at a time, if you please, lest you confuse me.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 3)
And then I appealed to them: For years you have had many evidences that the Lord has a work for me to do. These evidences could scarcely have been greater than they are. Will you brush away all these evidences as a cobweb, at the suggestion of one man’s unbelief? That which makes my heart almost despair is the fact that many who have been tempted have had a long time to consider and pray and understand; and yet they do not discern the nature of satanic sophistries and refuse to heed the warnings God has given. I have tried to hang my helpless soul on Christ Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 4)
Some have stumbled over the fact that I said I did not claim to be a prophet; and they have asked, Why is this?
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 5)
I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; that He has raised me up from sickness nigh unto death to become His messenger, to receive His word, and, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that should be imparted to me, to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 6)
Why have I not claimed to be a prophet? Early in my work I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I knew many called me a prophet, but I made no such claim, because my Saviour declared me to be His messenger. “Your work,” He instructed me, “is to bear My word. Strange things will arise, and in your youth I set you apart to bear My message to the erring ones, to carry the Word before unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not right. Exhort from the Word. I will make My Word open to you, as no strange language. In the true eloquence of simplicity, with voice and with pen, the messages shall be repeated from one who has never learned in the schools. My Spirit and power shall be with you. Be not afraid of men in your youth; for My shield shall protect you. It is not you that speaketh; it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for these last days shall be written in books and shall stand immortalized, unchangeable, eternal, to testify against those who have rejoiced in the light given, but who have since been affected by seducing spirits.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 7)
Those who are charmed with the scientific sophistries of Satan do not know that they are deceived. They are working after the order of the enemy to seduce souls from the sure word of Christ, which is the Spirit of Prophecy. The Lord declares: “The men whom I have honored greatly as My physicians, giving them skill and understanding and the presence of angel helpers, have believed lies in the place of truth that shall endure as long as the heavens endure.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 8)
Those who have refused the warnings given are not to be looked upon as safe guardians. Those who have engaged with Satan in playing a game of life for their souls will, as men, yield themselves to be worked by seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. I am instructed to have no controversy with them; for anything I might say would be taken up by satanic agencies, and they would warp and twist and falsify the words spoken.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 9)
If the one who claimed so much in connection with the medical missionary work had given God the glory in the place of receiving the glory himself, and exalting himself and following his own judgment, the salvation of God would have gone forth as a lamp that burneth. Had Dr. Kellogg walked humbly with God, the Lord would have given him skill and understanding and would still recognize him as His chosen physician. But his course of management was often directly contrary to the expressed will of heaven, and thus he dishonored God.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 10)
“I have not led him in this way,” the Lord declares. “He was chosen as My physician. I own him no longer as such; for he greatly dishonors My name before the world, before angels, and before men. And those who have honored and glorified him, I have not honored. Unless they change their attitude toward him, they will depart from My guidance more and more.”
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 11)
Truth, eternal truth, will bear away the victory. May God deliver His people from the scientific sophistries and underworkings of Dr. Kellogg. He has no respect for the truth for this time and is deceived, deluded, enslaved. The work to be done will not be advanced by the help of any such spirits. The work of God will not be entrusted to his hands. God does not acknowledge the need of scientific theories of Satan to forward His sacred work.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 12)
Men are in need of being learners as well as workers. He who is calm, truthful, and loving will handle difficult problems after Christ’s order and bear no signs of Satan’s intrigue and deceptive, disguised working. Often prompt, determined measures, under Christ’s leadership, will bear away the victory. All who have been truly converted will advance as Christ leads the way. But when men think that through false movements and through the aid of lawyers’ documents they can carry their own way, the Lord Jesus saith to them, as He said to the lawyers when upon this earth, “Woe unto you, lawyers!” [Luke 11:52.]
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 13)
While Christ wept over the impenitent nation that claimed to be His people, He showed that ungodliness could have no part in the kingdom of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 14)
To act out scientific problems of satanic devising, under a form or pretense of rightdoing, is to bring a standing reproach upon the cause of God. Christ has not given the least encouragement to underhand dealing in any line, or to any system of robbery whereby the church will be deprived of her rights. The books of heaven will astonish men in the day of judgment, in the revelations of deception and intrigue and injustice therein recorded.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 15)
God weighs actions. Christ exposed the scribes and Pharisees who took advantage by binding heavy burdens on the people. They perverted the truth. He stated that condemnation would be visited upon all transgressors of the law of God, upon all who depart from the right.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 16)
While Elder Dan T. Jones was dying, scenes were presented that are too painful for me to record.
(21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, 17)
Ms 65, 1906
Teachers as Examples of Christian Integrity NP July 4, 1906 [typed] Portions of this manuscript are published in CS 271-272; 1BC 1088, 1092.
I have a message for those standing at the head of our educational institutions. I am instructed to call the attention of every one occupying a position of responsibility to the divine law as the basis of all right conduct. I am to begin by calling attention to the law given in Eden and to the reward of obedience and the penalty of disobedience.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 1)
In consequence of Adam’s transgression, sin was introduced into the fair world that God had created, and men and women became more and still more bold in disobeying His law. The Lord looked down upon the impenitent world and decided that He must give transgressors an exhibition of His power. He caused Noah to know His purpose and instructed him to warn the people while building an ark in which the obedient could find shelter until God’s indignation was overpast. For one hundred and twenty years Noah proclaimed the message of warning to the antediluvian world, but only a few repented. Some of the carpenters he employed in building the ark believed the message, but died before the flood; others of Noah’s converts backslid. The righteous on the earth were but few, and only eight lived to enter the ark. These were Noah and his family.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 2)
The rebellious race were swept away by the flood. Death was their portion. By the fulfilment of the prophetic warning that all who would not keep the commandments of heaven should drink the waters of the flood, the truth of God’s word was exemplified.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 3)
After the flood the people once more increased on the earth, and wickedness also increased. Idolatry became well-nigh universal; and the Lord finally left the hardened transgressors to follow their evil ways, while He chose Abraham, of the line of Shem, and made him the keeper of His law for future generations. To him the message came, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.” [Genesis 12:1.] And by faith Abraham obeyed. “He went out, not knowing whither he went.” [Hebrews 11:8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 4)
Abraham’s seed multiplied, and at length Jacob and his sons and their families went down into Egypt. Here they and their descendants sojourned for many years, till at last the Lord called them out, to lead them into the land of Canaan. It was His purpose to make of this nation of slaves a people who would reveal His character to the idolatrous nations of the world. Had they been obedient to His word, they would soon have entered the promised land. But they were disobedient and rebellious, and for forty years they journeyed in the wilderness. Only two of the adults who left Egypt entered Canaan.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 5)
It was during the wilderness wandering of the Israelites that God gave them His law. He led them to Sinai and there, amid scenes of awful grandeur, proclaimed the ten commandments.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 6)
We may with profit study the record of the preparation made by the congregation of Israel for the hearing of the law. “In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine.” [Exodus 19:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 7)
Who, then, is to be regarded as the Ruler of the nations? The Lord God Omnipotent. All kings, all rulers, all nations are His, under His rule and government.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 8)
“And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.” [Verse 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 9)
What was the response of the congregation, numbering more than a million people?
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 10)
“And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.” [Verse 8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 11)
Thus the children of Israel were denominated as a special people. By a most solemn covenant they were pledged to be true to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 12)
Then the people were bidden to prepare themselves to hear the law. On the morning of the third day the voice of God was heard. Speaking out of the thick darkness that enshrouded Him, as He stood upon the mount, surrounded by a retinue of angels, the Lord made known His law.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 13)
God accompanied the proclamation of His law with manifestations of His power and glory, that His people might be impressed with a profound veneration for the Author of the law, the Creator of heaven and earth. He would also show to all men the sacredness, the importance, and the permanence of His law.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 14)
The people of Israel were overwhelmed with terror. They shrank away from the mountain in fear and awe. The multitude cried out to Moses, “Speak thou with us, ... but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 15)
The minds of the people, blinded and debased by slavery, were not prepared to appreciate fully the far-reaching principles of God’s ten precepts. That the obligations of the decalogue might be more fully understood and enforced, additional precepts were given, illustrating and applying the precepts of the ten commandments. Unlike the decalogue, these were delivered privately to Moses, who was to communicate them to the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 16)
Upon descending from the mountain, Moses “came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.” [Exodus 24:3-8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 17)
Thus by a most solemn service the children of Israel were once more set apart as a peculiar people. The sprinkling of the blood represented the shedding of the blood of Jesus, by which human beings are cleansed from sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 18)
Once more the Lord has special words to speak to His people. In the thirty-first chapter of Exodus we read:
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 19)
“The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed. And He gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communicating with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” [Verses 12, 13, 16-18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 20)
Many other Scriptures on the sacredness of God’s law have been presented before me. Scene after scene, reaching down to the present time, passed before me. The word spoken by God to Israel was verified. The people disobeyed, and only two of the adults who left Egypt entered Canaan. The rest died in the wilderness. Will not the Lord today vindicate His word if the leaders of His people depart from His commandments?
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 21)
I was referred to the fourth chapter of Deuteronomy. The whole of this chapter is to be studied. Notice particularly the statement: “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath; there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, forever.” [Verses 39, 40.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 22)
The eighth and eleventh chapters of Deuteronomy also mean much to us. The lessons that they contain are of the greatest importance and are given to us as verily as to the Israelites. In the eleventh chapter God says:
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 23)
“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day; and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.” [Verses 26-28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 24)
I have been instructed, as God’s messenger, to dwell particularly upon the record of Moses’ sin and its sad result, as a solemn lesson to those in positions of responsibility in our schools, and especially to those acting as presidents of these institutions.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 25)
Of Moses, God’s Word declares: “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all men which were upon the face of the earth.” [Numbers 12:3.] Long had he borne with the rebellion and obstinacy of Israel. But at last his patience gave way. They were on the borders of the promised land. But before they entered Canaan, they must show that they believed God’s promise. The supply of water ceased. Here was an opportunity for them to walk by faith instead of by sight. But they forgot the hand that for so many years had supplied their wants; and instead of turning to God for help, they murmured against Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 26)
Their cries were directed against Moses and Aaron: “Why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into the wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us unto this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.” [Numbers 20:4, 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 27)
The two brothers went before the multitude. But instead of speaking to the rock, as God had directed, Moses smote the rock angrily, crying, “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of the rock?” [Verse 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 28)
Bitter and deeply humiliating was the judgment immediately pronounced. “The Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying, Because ye believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” [Verse 12.] With rebellious Israel they must die before crossing the Jordan.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 29)
From the experience of Moses the Lord would have His people learn that when they do that which gives prominence to self, His work is neglected, and He is dishonored. The Lord will work counter to those who work counter to Him. His name, and His alone, is to be magnified on the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 30)
For more than twenty years strange things have at different times been coming in among us. Those who have become unfaithful, who have not exalted the principles of righteousness, need now to seek the Lord with deep humiliation of soul, and be converted, that God may heal their transgressions.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 31)
The one standing at the head of a school is to put his undivided interests into the work of making the school just what the Lord designed it to be. If he is ambitious to climb higher and still higher; if he gets above the real virtues of his work, and above its simplicity, and disregards the holy principles of heaven, let him learn from the experience of Moses that the Lord will surely manifest His displeasure because of his failure to reach the standard set before him.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 32)
Especially should the president of a school look carefully after the finances of the institution. He should understand the underlying principles of bookkeeping. He is faithfully to report the use of all monies passing through his hands for the use of the school. The funds of the school are not to be overdrawn, but every effort is to be made to increase the usefulness of the school. Those entrusted with the financial management of our educational institutions must allow no carelessness in the expenditure of means. Everything connected with the finances of our schools should be perfectly straight. The Lord’s way must be strictly followed, though this may not be in harmony with the ways of man.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 33)
To those in charge of our schools, I would say, Are you making God and His law your delight? Are the principles that you follow, sound and pure and unadulterated? Are you keeping yourselves, in the life practice, under the control of God? Do you see the necessity of obeying Him in every particular? If you are tempted to appropriate the money coming into the school, in ways that bring no special benefit to the school, your standard of principle needs to be carefully criticized, that the time may not come when you will have to be criticized and found wanting. Who is your bookkeeper? Who is your treasurer? Who is your business manager? Are they careful and competent? Look to this. It is possible for money to be misappropriated, without any one’s understanding clearly how it came about; and it is possible for a school to be losing continually because of unwise expenditures. Those in charge may feel this loss keenly, and yet suppose they have done their best. But why do they permit debts to accumulate? Let those in charge of a school find out each month the true financial standing of the school.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 34)
My brethren in responsibility, exalt the law of Christ’s kingdom by giving to it willing obedience. If you are not yourselves under the control of the Ruler of the universe, how can you obey His law, as required in His Word? Those who are placed in positions of authority are the very ones who need most fully to realize their amenability to God’s law and the importance of obeying all His requirements.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 35)
In some respects, many of those connected with our schools should be standing on a higher platform. We know that it is the determined purpose of some to be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Such men and women will be given power of intellect to discern the difference between righteousness and unrighteousness. They have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, and they reveal God to the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 36)
We all need to gain a much deeper experience in the things of God than we have gained. Self is to die, and Christ is to take possession of the soul-temple. Physicians, ministers, teachers, and all others in responsible positions must learn the humility of Christ before He can be revealed in them. Too often self is so important an agency in the life of a man that the Lord is not able to mold and fashion him. Self rules on the right hand and on the left, and the man presses his way forward as he pleases. Christ says to self, Stand out of My path. Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Then I can accept him as My disciple. In order to serve Me acceptably, he must do the work I have given him in harmony with My instructions.
(21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, 37)
Ms 67, 1906
The Work in Oakland St. Helena, California August 6, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 1MR 258; 8MR 353; 9MR 38-39. +
I am instructed that we have an important work to do in Oakland at the present time. In the planning of this work, wise counselors are needed. The Lord calls for workers, earnest, prayerful, faithful workers, to undertake that which needs to be done. We need many consecrated laborers to carry on missionary work in Oakland. In the surrounding settlements are also interests that should be cared for, where a call should be given to those in the highways and those in the byways.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 1)
Strong men should be set to work in Oakland; men and women of experience should be brought in as educators, and workers should be trained, that the work may be carried forward in strong, even lines. Let no one seek to discourage a fellow worker. There should be ten in the field where now there is one. Such instruction as has been given by Brother and Sister Haskell in Southern California should be given in many places.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 2)
We have no time to lose. Now is our opportunity to follow up the interest that has been aroused by the camp-meeting. In the past we have held camp-meetings in Oakland, and we have neglected properly to follow up the interest which the meetings had created. Calls have been made to send young men and young women, at great expense, to heathen countries. This was right; and yet there are many in San Francisco and Oakland who are just as ignorant of true religion as are the heathen.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 3)
A church building must be provided for the believers in Oakland. It is not to be a large, expensive building. It is not to absorb all the means on hand, while the brethren in Mountain View are in such need of help.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 4)
Facilities for a school should also be provided, where the children of our brethren and sisters may receive thorough lessons in Bible truth. Our children are to be thoroughly educated, but they must not be allowed to be brought in contact with the corruption that is to be found among many of the children in the public schools. The Lord calls for His people to come out from the world and be separate.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 5)
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.” [Deuteronomy 4:1-4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 6)
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love upon you nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved you, and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 7)
“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God; the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate Him to their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him that hateth Him, He will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.” [Deuteronomy 7:6-11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 8)
I have a message to bear to the Conference Committee. Our people are not to make of Mountain View a center for all branches of the work. San Francisco, Oakland, and the surrounding places should not be deprived of the influence of our workers, while many lines of work are carried to Mountain View. Let some of our workers be located where they can be a light in the centers of population and influence, and let the lines of missionary work be multiplied. The Lord does not desire a large number of workers in various lines to be gathered into any one place.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 9)
Many should be set to work in Oakland and the surrounding cities, and Brother and Sister Rice should heartily unite with them in labor. Let all put their trust in the Lord and exercise a sanctified judgment in planning for the work. We must put every capability in working order. God has blessed some with a special wisdom and an experience that has given them a knowledge of how the work of the Lord should be conducted. The workers should often meet together to seek the Lord. In these meetings there should be a thorough heart-searching and a humbling of self before God. Let the door of the heart be opened and all pride, all fault-finding, and evil speaking be put away. Seek the Lord with the whole heart.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 10)
Our mission field is as broad as the world. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 11)
There has in the past been a strange neglect of our appointed work, but I am encouraged by the knowledge that the Spirit of the Lord is raising up laborers to work in all parts of His vineyard. Tremendous responsibilities rest upon us, and we must awaken out of our indifferent slumber. The soul cannot be sustained except by the right exercise of its affections. Misfortunes may come; changes may take place; but the soul’s relation to Christ need never change. As we put forth energy in many places to sow the seeds of truth, we give evidence that we believe in a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. Every energy that man possesses is to be sanctified.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 12)
The growth of the soul demands spiritual exercise. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] Thousands more might be Christ’s disciples, if they would only exercise their spiritual endowments, and thus grow to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. When reconversion begins with the worker, the one for whom he labors will catch the spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 13)
Let no one take up the work of the Lord boastingly. Let every one keep before him the perfection of Christ’s work. He always worked to a purpose. If you would do His work, you must crucify self. Self-importance is a very poor element to be brought into the work of God. Let your words be full of meaning, full of love to Christ, and let your spirit be clad in the beauty of holiness. Show the fruit of daily consecration. Christ calls for fruit-bearing branches. Bring forth fruit to the glory of God. “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 67, 1906, 14)
Ms 69, 1906
The Medical Work in Boulder St. Helena, California August 30, 1906 Previously unpublished. +
I feel very desirous that our sanitarium in Boulder shall now be placed on vantage ground. May we not see among our brethren and sisters in Colorado an earnest and a united effort in behalf of this institution? The history of this sanitarium is the story of a struggle against many discouragements.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 1)
The building was erected by borrowed money. Those who had in charge the work of building did not plan wisely, and a much larger sum than necessary was expended. The means that was invested in this one large building might have sufficed for the erection of two moderate-sized sanitariums in needy places. Thus, from the very beginning, the work has been burdened with a heavy indebtedness.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 2)
In later years the circulation of a report that consumptives were still received in the sanitarium was for a time very detrimental to its success.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 3)
For years the institution struggled along, unable even to meet its running expenses. But of late the patronage has been greatly increased; and by exercise of the strictest economy, several thousand dollars has been saved and sent to lessen its indebtedness to the General Conference.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 4)
Our brethren in Boulder are struggling against other difficulties. A rival medical institution has been opened near the Boulder Sanitarium. This is a private institution, operated for personal profit. Here are influences working counter to the light that God has given regarding health reform, influences that are not in harmony with the methods upon which the Lord desires His sanitariums to be conducted.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 5)
The principles of health reform should be strictly maintained. We have received definite instruction that in our sanitariums we are not to put before the patients flesh meats, tea, or coffee. Many who come to these institutions are suffering from diseases that have been caused by the use of these and other injurious foods and drinks, and they need wise instruction in regard to healthful living. But the influence of those who are trying to conduct our sanitarium in harmony with correct principles is counterworked by the efforts of one who, while professing to believe the truth, has not walked in all the light that God has given.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 6)
At one time the question was considered of selling the Boulder Sanitarium to those who were engaged in private medical practice. I was instructed that were this to be done, the Lord would be greatly dishonored; for those who desired to purchase the institution were not fitted to carry forward the work to the glory of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 7)
The Lord is rapidly closing up His work in our world. Those who are to be fitted for heaven must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. By good works they will testify to their faith; for faith without works is dead. They will separate themselves from the evil practices of the world that is lying in wickedness.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 8)
Exceedingly dangerous may be the influence of one who stands in a position of trust and responsibility and, though professing to believe the truth, fails to live in harmony with his profession. The judgment and plans of such an one cannot be safely followed. He cannot be regarded as one whom the Lord is guiding and directing.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 9)
Obedience to God’s commandments is to stand as a mark to distinguish between believers and unbelievers. There has ever been a clear distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not; between the sons of God and the children of men.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 10)
“I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people.... Ye shall be holy unto Me; for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be Mine.” [Leviticus 20:24, 26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 11)
“Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.” [Numbers 23:9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 12)
God has a spiritual people. They are few in number, but they will manifest their faith by their works. They will be the Lord’s light-bearers to the world. Their experience is not a mere pretense. They do not practice worldly policy. By the whole tenor of their pursuits and the current of their affections, they stand distinct from the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 13)
The friendship of the world is enmity to God. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” [1 John 5:4.] This faith works by love and purifies the soul. The Lord calls upon all those who profess to be Christians to reveal to the world characters that will distinguish them from unbelievers. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 14)
God, in His infinite wisdom, ever bases His precepts upon conditions that are altogether sufficient for perfect obedience. Great encouragement is given. “I will dwell in you, and walk in you, and will be your God,” He declares. [See 2 Corinthians 6:16.] The keeping of His law is presented as our reasonable service.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 15)
The Lord is calling upon our brethren in Colorado to reach a higher standard.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 16)
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and I will walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 17)
“Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 18)
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 19)
Last night I seemed to be speaking to a large congregation, beseeching them to wake out of sleep, to give no place to the devil, to overcome their evil tempers, their selfishness, their evil surmising, and their covetousness. God is greatly dishonored by the lives of those who profess to be children of God, but who by their unwise words and actions give occasion for reproach to the sacred truth. In the strength of the Lord Jesus, I entreat of you to manifest the graces of Christian character. The truth will soon triumph. We are to live on the plan of addition:
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 20)
“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; and to brotherly kindness, charity.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 21)
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and can not see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 22)
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 23)
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [2 Peter 1:5-12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 24)
In these words is presented our spiritual life in insurance policy: “If ye do these things ye shall never fall, for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 25)
Who will now work decidedly to obtain this eternal life insurance policy? Everlasting life is promise to all who will be diligent to make their calling and election sure.
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 26)
As we work on the plan of addition, God will work for us on the plan of multiplication:
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 27)
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 69, 1906, 28)
Ms 71, 1906
Words of Counsel Mountain View, California September 11, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in PM 120-121.
I feel an intense desire that our work in Mountain View shall be of such a character as to impress the community with the importance of the truths which we believe. It is essential that every family should invite the Saviour to be an honored guest in the household.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 1)
Christ has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] We do not realize as we should what is involved in this promise. We receive but a mere fraction of the advantages that God has promised, because we do not cherish that faith that will take Him at His word. We lack that confidence which would enable us to say, “I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” [2 Timothy 1:12.] Faith will enable us to say, “Lord, Thou wilt not fail us; Thou wilt give us grace and light; for Thou hast promised, and I believe Thy word.”
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 2)
You may say, “I do not feel that I have received the blessing of God.” Who has asked you to feel it? It is faith that you need. You are to manifest an unwavering trust in the promises of Jehovah. Ask Him for what He has promised to give you, then praise Him that He has heard you. Do not wait for feeling; rest in faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 3)
From the light that has been given me, I can say that the commercial work, as it has been managed in our larger offices, has proved to be a curse to our people. The Lord has given to us a great work, a work that demands all our energies, and we are to be afraid of commercial enterprises that will absorb the time and talent of men who are needed in gospel work. If at times there is a respite in the office work, there is abundance of work to be found in the field. Let some of the employees go out and distribute our publications and speak the truth to those who know it not. In doing this they will receive a valuable education.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 4)
There should be seen in the office at Mountain View a work of education. The workers should become proficient in every part of the work of printing and bookbinding. They should be trained to do missionary work. But there are many who need first to learn lessons in the control of their spirit and the careful selection of their words. If there is a hardness in your voice, if you are in the habit if speaking unkindly, you must have, before you can enter the kingdom of glory, an education in the grace and gentleness of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 5)
There is a great work to be done in the publishing of Seventh-day Adventist literature. It would not be well pleasing to the Lord for us to plan that the work of publishing our books and periodicals, for which we have well-trained workers, should be placed in the hands of unbelievers. If our offices depend upon unbelievers to do their binding, they will often be disappointed in the quality of the work. God desires that all the work we do for Him shall be well done. All the work done in our offices of publication should be so perfect that we may know that the Lord is glorified by its perfection. Let us do our best, and then we can say, “Lord, I have done the best I can; now I ask Thee to bless the efforts put forth.” Then we may expect large results. Every step we take is to be taken intelligently, understandingly, realizing that the inhabitants of heaven are taking note of our work.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 6)
We are to respect one another. In times of trial or perplexity, before we speak let us take time to think, to pray. At such times it is better to be silent than to utter hasty, unconsidered words. “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] O that we might glorify Him here upon earth, and that we might bring light and joy to others.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 7)
We can help no one by scolding or by harsh words. God is greatly dishonored when some of His own children, who are trying to do His work, are grieved and injured by unjust words spoken by their brethren. We have none too many consecrated workers, not one. But there are too many who are bound up with self, and these need to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 8)
Our work will stand on the highest level only as we receive instruction from our Redeemer, and as we unite with one another in our efforts. “If two of you on earth shall agree as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 18:19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 9)
This is a precious promise. Shall we not act in harmony with it? Shall we not seek the Lord earnestly, that we may come into right relation with Him? God has not ordained that all men shall do the very same work, or bear the same responsibilities. One man has his line of work, and another has a different line of work, but all are to unite in their efforts. If God has called some one to the ministry, and appointed him as a guardian of the church, this commission does not give him license to take upon himself a work that belongs alone to God. He is not to act as a ruler or a judge; for who but God can rightly judge as to the motives of any man?
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 10)
Our duty is to perform in humility of mind and in meekness whatever comes to us, and then to say, “Lord, I have done my best, now accept my work.” Let every man seek to work after the similitude of Christ, remembering that he is not to use force upon any other man. If he will deal tenderly with his brethren, God will not hold him responsible for their mistakes. If you think that some one has done wrong, go and speak to him kindly. Do not tell the whole church. Speak to him as Christ would speak, in gentleness and love. Pray with him, and ask God to teach you what to say. If all would do this, some would be kept from belittling an influence that has worked for the conversion of souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 11)
The Health Food Work
In the night season a representation was given to me, and some instruction regarding the health food work. A few men were examining some plants having a tangled mass of roots. The roots on some of these were very long. They looked healthy and promising, and men were rejoicing in the prospect of much fruit from these plants with the long roots. Each seemed eager to secure the ones he considered the most promising, and there was contention and strife over them.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 12)
One of authority appeared in their midst, and said, “You do not need these long roots.”
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 13)
“Why do we not need them?” some asked.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 14)
“Because the Lord is honored only with those roots connected with fruit-bearing plants. You are greatly mistaken in supposing that these roots will bring forth fruits such as you desire. A large expenditure of means to secure possession of them will involve you in difficulties that you do not now realize.”
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 15)
The Lord has given to some men wisdom in the preparation of certain foods. But no one has a right to engage in the manufacture of foods in a selfish way. No one is justified in using for his own interests the knowledge God has given him to be a blessing to His people. God would not have us purchase for a large sum of money the right to manufacture certain food products. He will give wisdom to others to prepare foods that are simple and inexpensive. But we should have nothing to do with the purchase at large cost of rights to manufacture food products.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 16)
This is not necessary, for we have amongst us men of intelligence whom God can use in imparting to our people a practical knowledge in the preparation of food products. Wherever the truth is proclaimed, instruction should be given in the preparation of healthful food. I am hopeful that more thorough education in food preparation will be given.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 17)
But God would be dishonored were we to take a large outlay of means and become amenable to parties in Battle Creek. Let us exercise our ingenuity and encourage those who have talent that can be used in discovering methods of preparing simple and inexpensive foods. You need not pay a large sum of money for the privilege of preparing in a simple manner the products that the Lord has given us so freely.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 18)
Years ago I received instruction on this point. Every ray of light that has come to us in the preparation of healthful food is from the Lord and is given to be imparted to His people, not for the purpose of selfishly exalting a few men. We are not to consider the Lord’s gifts as merchandise. I am earnestly praying that the Lord will teach us how to work, that we may strengthen one another.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 19)
Faithfulness in Health Reform
Improper habits in eating and drinking are a snare to many. We do not study as we should how to keep our bodies and minds in that condition that we may glorify the Lord. I am so thankful that we have the light of health reform, and I am willing to walk in harmony with it. We all stand in moral accountability to God, and we may keep ourselves in health if we will work intelligently, if we will reason from cause to effect.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 20)
As those who are preparing for translation, let all connected with the office become intelligent in regard to health reform. To some the principles are new. Some cannot learn as quickly as others, but often they make the best workers in the end.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 21)
*****
In your dealings with those who shall come in to work as apprentices, exercise patience towards all. Do not discourage any one. Do not manifest toward them such a spirit that they will live in constant fear that they will bring themselves under your condemnation. We want to have the angels of God ever with us. This world is the place where we are to prepare for the life to come. We cannot wait until we get to heaven before we are converted. We must be converted here now in our probationary time.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 22)
Let us remember that in the publication of our works we are dealing with truths of heavenly origin. God has given us light; He has given us wisdom and knowledge. He desires us to put these capabilities into His service.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 23)
My brethren in the ministry, let the sweet Spirit of God come into your service. You cannot afford to be an agent of the enemy, to hurt and destroy and discourage. You are to make the most of your capabilities given you by God to prepare yourself for the future, immoral life. And this office, when it shall be rebuilt, may be a place where angels of God shall dwell. If you see that some one is in danger of lightness and trifling, speak to him about this frivolity. Tell him that such a spirit drives away the heavenly messengers. If you will work under the direction of the great Medical Missionary, your work will be a success.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 24)
Let us take a straightforward course. Let us talk of the love of Christ and sing praises to Him. He desires us to be cheerful, dwelling in the light of His presence. Bring all the light you can into the world. Let it shine; let it be revealed in your words and actions. “Let your light so shine before men,” said Jesus, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 25)
In regard to the plans for rebuilding the office, estimates of the cost were submitted to me; and I regarded the first amount $25,000 to be reasonable. If it is found that more is needed to meet the demands of the work, it can be raised later. But do not call for too large a sum of money at this time; for the needs of the southern field must be considered. And many calls for help are coming in from needy fields in all parts of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 26)
If we will do our duty faithfully, and carry out God’s plans, the necessary means will come, perhaps from some unexpected source. Let us trust in God, as if we believed that He knows all about our circumstances and has an abundance to supply all our need.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 27)
And now I must close, but I want to tell you that we are praying for you, and we feel an intense desire that God may lead you. My greatest anxiety is that you may be converted. I sometimes fear that some calamity will take away some of our people before they are converted, because they have not sought the Lord while He is to be found or called upon Him while He is near. May the Lord save us and help us. Lift the standard high, and He will strengthen and bless you.
(21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, 28)
Ms 73, 1906
The Work in Mountain View Mountain View, California September 10, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in 5MR 70-77.
Our work is a sacred one. It should be our aim so to order the work in every place in a way that is well pleasing to God. Every one connected with this work should heed the words of Christ, “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 of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.]
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 1)
“Come unto Me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” How shall we obtain that rest? First we must come to Him; then, He continues, “Take My yoke upon you.” [Verses 28, 29.] God desires a sanctified people, set apart for His service. We are not to gather up burdens that have no special relation to the work of God. “Take My yoke upon you,” He says. Do the work He has specified, that the principles of true Christianity may be represented in everything you undertake.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 2)
“Take My yoke upon you, and learn”—of somebody else?—“learn of Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall (in learning of Me) find rest unto your souls.” [Verse 29.] There is a blessed rest in the assurance that we are working in Christ’s lines.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 3)
If it seems best that the office shall be rebuilt in Mountain View, then let every one connected with the work here be a missionary, a blessing to those who know not the truth. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Think how tender Christ was with all who came to Him for help! If all will look, not at the faults of others, but at their own shortcomings, and see that they individually carry out the true principles of the law of God, our brethren and sisters will be a blessing to the community.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 4)
A solemn responsibility rests upon every one to maintain a living connection with the God of truth. “Ye are,” Christ says, “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 5)
All heaven is interested in the work in which we are engaged. We must do a solid, not a superficial work. I am grieved when I see our printing offices, doing so much commercial work, virtually saying to the world, “Bring your work to us, we will do it for you.” We have more work for the Lord than we can possibly perform. There is much to be done that we will overlook unless we are baptized with the Holy Spirit. We desire that commercialism shall be purged form every office.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 6)
I have been considering the question whether we might not print our books, and then place them with other publications to be bound, and thus relieve ourselves of the work of binding them in our own office. But I have recently been shown how this would work. If these books are intrusted to others, they will come out in a cheap form, because those who handle them do not take a special interest in the work. It will not be wise to place our work in the hands of unbelievers, when we have right amongst us those who are ready to do the work conscientiously and well. If our workers will endeavor to become efficient in the various lines of work, if they will strip for the race and harness for the battle, the Lord will bless them in becoming more and more intelligent and capable to do the work acceptably.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 7)
Instead of seeking for amusements, they will find their highest pleasure in carrying forward faithfully to the very end of time the sacred work of the Lord. In regard to the distribution of the work on our publications among unbelievers, the light that has been given me is that it will cost us more in the end than it would to have done the work ourselves in the name and fear of the Lord. The Lord desires the workers in our publishing houses to become very proficient; for they will be taken to distant countries. Many who think they will never be moved from their homes will be moved away unexpectedly; and unless they have improved their opportunities to obtain an education, they cannot stand upon the eminence that Christ desires them to stand upon.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 8)
We must do a thorough work in education. The youth in our offices of publication should receive practical instruction in every line of work connected with the printing of books. Then, if the providence of God should lead them to other countries, they can learn the language and be able to print for the people in that country the truth that God has committed to us, which must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. The Lord is sending His angels, preparing the hearts of the people to receive the truth. And if we are only consecrated to His service, we shall be sent forth in the spirit and power of Elijah.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 9)
From the light given me of God, I know that some should acquire a perfect understanding of every line of work connected with the printing and binding of books; for God will place them in positions where such work will be required of them. Because we are now settled here, we seem to think that we shall never be moved. But there will come a time when there will be a great scattering—a scattering that we do not now dream of, and it will be brought about in unexpected ways. Some of you will be taken away to remote regions, but God will have a work for you there. While you are here, let everyone be teachable. Educate and train every power of the mind, that you may obtain an understanding in every part of the work. Cultivate the voice. Learn to speak so as to make the most favorable impression upon other minds.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 10)
Do not feel that you must seek for amusements. When your heart is brought into harmony with God, then you will have fulness of joy, and you will sing the praises of God out of a full heart. What we need is practical religion, not as an outside garment, but reaching to the very inmost part of our being. Then we can teach one another, and we can speak in the tenderness of Christ. Let us hide in Christ. Would that we all stood covered with humility as with a garment, that we were in active communion with Jesus Christ. Then no one would feel it to be his duty to tear down the work of any other workman. Then there would be a spirit of kindness and tenderness among all the laborers for God. God desires us to respect one another. Those who have learned to wear the yoke of Christ will know that it is a yoke of love and tenderness.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 11)
I entreat those who have charge of the office here to be kind and courteous in dealing with the apprentices. Win their souls by kindness. If they do wrong, go to them in the spirit or meekness, and talk and pray with them. Work for the salvation of every one of them. Do not rest till this is accomplished. Let them see that you act as tender fathers and brothers, that you are meek and lowly in heart. Do not rest until you see that their feet are planted firmly on the Rock of ages. Then everything will move harmoniously.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 12)
If our ministering brethren pass through the office, let them speak kindly and encouragingly to the workmen. Shake hands with them, and enquire as to what progress they are making. Encourage them to climb to the very highest round of the ladder of progress.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 13)
If you see something in a brother that needs to be corrected, go to him, and say, Let us pray about this; let us talk with God about it. If you should weep, this will not hurt you. If you were to break your heart before God, He can bind it up and give you that grace which is unto eternal life. But God has not set you as dictators. He has not committed to you the work of punishing sinners. He desires you to search your own heart, and put away your sins, to work away from every defect of character.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 14)
Then what would be the condition of our offices? I have seen representations of what would be. I have seen the angels of God passing from room to room, noting the articles that were being published, noting every word and action of the workmen. Their faces were lighted with joy, and their hands were outstretched in blessing.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 15)
But the angels of God are grieved at every manifestation of a harsh spirit. God has given to every one a mind and an experience, possibly a higher experience than ours. We need to learn of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart. “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 16)
Let every one understand his accountability to God. It is the privilege of every one to stand in that position where he is assured that the Lord will guide him, because he has proved Him again and again. He has gone to the Lord and asked Him, and the Lord has given him light and knowledge.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 17)
But we do not properly acknowledge the goodness of the Lord. The church might be in a much higher position today if, when they receive a blessing from God, they would praise Him. Their lips should speak forth His praise. Their hearts should be filled with light and gladness.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 18)
A wonderful blessing was represented to me as falling upon a congregation who were seeking the Lord with fasting and prayer. Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God, and angels were passing from one to another, ministering to them. That is what we wish to see here in Mountain View. We wish to see it in the meetings that shall be held in Oakland and San Francisco. These cities are just as needy as are other mission fields. Many in them are as great sinners as can be found in any part of the world. If they are properly approached, many of them will be saved. They do not know what the Bible says, nor what it means.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 19)
We need more missionaries. I feel an intense desire for the needs of the foreign countries, as they have been presented before me. The angel of God is opening doors in all parts of the world that a little while ago were closed to the messages of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 20)
But where are those who have received the necessary education to open these opening doors? Where are those who have learned of Jesus Christ, to be like Him? If you have not learned this, begin right now. Do not expend one dollar needlessly. You will have a call to invest in His cause all that you can spare. We cannot afford to be extravagant in anything, when the cause of God is so needy.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 21)
We need less of self and a great deal more of the love of Christ. We need the power of the grace of God that is in His truth. We may profess the truth; but unless we are baptized with the spirit of Christ, into a spirit of love and tenderness, we need a reconversion. If we will love as brethren—tenderly, kindly, the praise of God will come from our lips. When we read the Scriptures, we will praise God; and when we are assembled with His saints, we will glorify God with our lips.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 22)
We need a sanctified imagination and a sanctified tongue. Our work is to put on the meekness of Christ, to be kind and tender and courteous. The Lord will not accept the work of any man that is not done in tenderness and love and kindness. He has not set us as rulers, to lord it over His heritage. Let others be moved by Christ, just as we desire to be moved by Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 23)
Night after night, scenes have been presented to me of little companies pleading with God. He would show them some idol they had been cherishing. Some would give this up, and some would not. But the light of heaven shone from the faces of those who would put away their idol. Then other idols would be shown to them, and again some would put these away. But the light of heaven shone upon all who would give up all for Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 24)
We want to receive everything that God has for us in these days when wickedness is so rapidly increasing. Are we learning the lesson as we see the increase of wickedness, that we must just as verily increase in righteousness? Do we understand that we must be growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, that we must be living upon the plan of addition? “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” [2 Peter 1:5-7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 25)
“For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 26)
Here is brought to view our eternal life insurance policy. We had better make sure that we are living on this plan of addition, and God will work for us on the plan of multiplication. He will multiply unto us grace and peace. Let us fix our eyes on the cross of Calvary and behold the sacrifice of Christ to secure for us this life insurance policy—“If ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 73, 1906, 27)
Ms 75, 1906
A Caution Against Heavy Investment in Food Manufacture St. Helena, California September 19, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in 15MR 318-325. +
In the night season a representation was given to me, and some instruction regarding the health food work. A few men were examining some plants having a tangled mass of roots. The roots on some of these plants were very long. Others had shorter roots. Those with the long roots looked healthy and promising, and men were rejoicing in the prospects of much fruit from these plants. Each seemed eager to secure the ones he regarded as the most promising, and there was strife and contention over them.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 1)
One of authority appeared in the midst of them, and said, “You do not need these long roots.”
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 2)
“Why do we not need them?” some asked.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 3)
“Because the Lord is honored only by those plants that are connected with fruit-bearing branches. You are greatly mistaken in supposing that these longer roots will bring forth fruit such as you desire. A large expenditure of means to secure possession of them will result in confusion and will involve you in difficulties that you do not now realize.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 4)
“The plants with the short roots are the ones you should select; for their cultivation will not absorb a large amount of means, and within a short time they will bear fruit to the glory of God.”
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 5)
I was shown that the plants with the long, tangled roots represent certain food enterprises, which seem to be very promising, but which would produce but small returns in proclaiming God’s redeeming love to man. These enterprises represent a large outlay of means; but they are not in harmony with the Lord’s method of carrying forward His work, and they will result in entanglements.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 6)
The plants with the short roots represent enterprises which will not require such a large outlay of means, but which will bring speedy returns in the advancement of the gospel and will result in the salvation of many souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 7)
To us as a people God has given the work of preaching, in all parts of the world, the gospel of the kingdom. Our means and talents are not to be bound up in the production of expensive foods. Our commission is to proclaim the truth, that “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 8)
I am bidden to say that we are not largely to bind up talents in food enterprises. Our food stores and our restaurants have not been trees that have borne a large crop of fruit. There needs now to be a converting power among our workers. In our food work we should study the simplicity of health reform. Better results will be seen if we devote our energies largely to the work of educating the people how to prepare simple, healthful foods in their own homes, instead of spending our entire time in the manufacture and sale of foods, which involve a large investment of means. Many are unable to purchase the manufactured health foods. By teaching these persons how to utilize the simple food products of the earth in a healthful manner, we shall reveal a spirit of true Christian benevolence.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 9)
During the past night, I received this instruction for our brethren: Keep your money, and deal in foods that are much less costly, and which, prepared in a nutritious form, will answer every purpose. I call upon our people: Be not deceived; be not decoyed; neither begrudge to the speculating parties their wonderful advantages. The Lord bids me raise my voice in warning. Beware how you invest the Lord’s money in things that you can get along without. Endeavor to produce less expensive preparations of the grains and fruits. All these are freely given us of God to supply our necessities. Health is not insured by the use of expensive preparations. We can have just as good health while using the simple food preparations from the fruits, grains, and the vegetables. And if we will return to God a tenth of all that He gives us by His blessing, this can be used to support the ministers in their work.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 10)
Every feature of the third angel’s message is to be proclaimed in all parts of the world. This is a much greater work than many realize. Our missionary enterprises are the one great object demanding our undivided attention at this time. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” [Mark 16:15.] In this work we are to study simplicity.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 11)
This message is a testing message. Received into honest hearts, it will prove an antidote for all the world’s sins and sorrows. No conditions of climate, of poverty, of ignorance, or of prejudice can hinder its efficiency or lessen its adaptability to the needs of mankind.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 12)
The proclamation of the great gospel message is the work of the disciples of Christ. Some will labor for this in one way, and others will carry another branch of the work, as the Lord calls and directs them individually. All have not the same line of work, but all may unite in their efforts.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 13)
The Word of the living God is to be proclaimed throughout the world. The gospel is to go forth with great power, marked by practical manifestations of the Spirit of God. Our workers are to become a living agency to reveal the purpose of God in calling them to His work. The word of the glorious gospel is to be preached in its divine comprehensiveness. By the living voice, and by kind, compassionate deeds, we are to exemplify the principles of the gospel. The simple, effective methods of teaching truth are represented by the short roots.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 14)
The truth may be advanced by works of charity, by helping the ignorant, the sick, the hungry, and the helpless. But our work is not to be confined to the outcasts. The highways as well as the byways are to be thoroughly worked. A far greater work might have been accomplished if counterworking influences had not created contention and strife. Let the churches be purged from their selfishness and their pride and gain an experience in uniting with one another to encourage the hearts of the doubting and to recover those who have entered the mist and fog of unbelief.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 15)
All are to hear the last message of warning. The prophecies in the book of Revelation, chapters 12 to 18, are being fulfilled. In the eighteenth chapter is recorded the very last call to the churches. This call is now to be given. In the nineteenth chapter, the time is pictured when the beast and the false prophet are taken and cast into a lake of fire. The dragon, who was the instigator of the great rebellion against heaven, is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. Then follows the resurrection of the wicked and the final destruction of Satan and all the wicked and the final triumph and reign of Christ in this earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 16)
Work for the Colored People
There is now to be a decided work done for the neglected colored people in this country, where they were so long kept in slavery. Here we are surrounded by Christian churches, benevolent institutions, and educational institutions for the benefit of our own race; and these have proved a great blessing in shedding abroad the light of the regenerating power of Christianity. We need now more schools and colleges where the colored people can obtain a Christian education.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 17)
The old, the middle-aged, and the children are to be educated, all as little children. Gather them in schools. Secure donations of land, and on this land build neat cottages. Give the students lessons in building these cottages. Teach them how to till the soil successfully. Show them how the land is to be cultivated in order to produce a bountiful harvest.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 18)
Let not this work be longer delayed. Do not neglect this work and allow means to be tied up in plants with long roots. Cultivate the trees with the short roots that can more quickly be brought into fruit bearing.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 19)
In our work in the South we must exercise the utmost care not to provoke or annoy the white people, who are unprepared to meet the issues. Do not create prejudice, if it can possibly be avoided. Make no drive on any one, but let aggressive work be carried forward.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 20)
There are tens of thousands of colored people in America, and their needs are to be considered. The reformatory work, the educational work among this people, has not been done as it might have been done, if those professing to believe the truth had not taken a course of action which has created conditions that have blocked the way. The work of the third angel might have been advanced one hundredfold in its various branches, had all done faithfully the work as God appointed them. The work for the colored people has been bound about. Only a small portion of that which God desired to do for them has been done. This people are ignorant, and those who have had more light have done but little to enlighten their fellow men.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 21)
In view of the needs of the work in all parts of the field, we can not, as the light comes to me, gather up the trees with long, tangled roots and invest tens of thousands of dollars in setting them out. May the Lord give wisdom to break the spell that rests upon those who think that this is necessary. So far as possible we are to bind about in the expenditure of means.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 22)
Let the work in the South be carried forward decidedly. Sanitariums must be provided for the sick. There is talent among the colored people, but where is the missionary spirit to seek for and to cultivate this talent? How much is being done by Seventh-day Adventists in caring for the sick and the ignorant? In many places civilization is almost unknown. Sin and degradation abound. Millions are perishing in ignorance. Some of our faithful missionaries have become discouraged, because so little encouragement has been given them. But the divine message must come to the colored race. Preach to them the precious words of the Lord Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 23)
Sanctified talent is needed in the southern field. Our workers there must lay hold upon the work in all its various branches, working in the highways and the byways. Let dormant energies be aroused and stimulated and men and women set to work in an effort to reach every soul possible.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 24)
Aggressive missionary work is to be done by men who will not, by unwise speech, stir up an open warfare. So far as possible, let them secure the co-operation of the white people. Home missionary work, entered into understandingly, will bear an abundant harvest. To the colored people, who have so long been left in ignorance, teach the gospel, both by the living voice and by the expression of thoughtful, loving deeds.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 25)
The gospel is the glad tidings of the love of Christ. That love has been expressed in giving His life for the salvation of the world. As that love is revealed in His followers, in loving deeds and words of sympathy, many will respond.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 26)
Parents, teach your children self-denial. Teach them not to spend their money for bows and ribbons and things that are unnecessary, but to spend all they can spare for the relief of the needy. Children, for Christ’s sake, learn to deny yourselves. Put your savings into a self-denial box for the colored work. In the great day of judgment, every soul will be rewarded according as His works have been. The Lord will pronounce His blessing upon those who have denied themselves for His sake.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 27)
My sisters, when you purchase a dress, get good material, something that is durable and that will not fade. But if you are tempted to expend money in unnecessary trimmings, think of the many who have no suitable clothing, and then put that means into the self-denial box. Let all do what they can in denying themselves of unnecessary things, and means will thus be saved that can be used to provide garments for those who have not sufficient clothing to make them comfortable.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 28)
Our message is to go to all the world. Then let no one think it wise to expend tens of thousands of dollars for the privilege of manufacturing certain articles of food, in the hope of conducting a profitable mercantile business.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 29)
Let us deny ourselves, that we may have gifts and offerings with which to sustain the work of God that must be done in the southern field and in the opening of new fields. Let churches, schools, and sanitariums be built and conducted in a simple way. As we move forward in the counsel of God, His power will attend our efforts.
(21LtMs, Ms 75, 1906, 30)
Ms 76, 1906
Counsel to Conference Presidents Refiled as Ms 35, 1907.
Ms 77, 1906
Christ, the Bread of Life NP September 28, 1906 [typed] Portions of this manuscript are published in 1NL 41-42.
“The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 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. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 1)
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, 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” (character) “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.” [John 6:41-56.] “He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.” [1 John 3:24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 2)
“As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. These things said He in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who shall hear it?
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 3)
“When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? 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 6:57-63.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 4)
“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him, and He said, Therefore said I unto you, That no man can come unto Me, except it were given him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” [Verses 64-66.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 5)
Here was a crisis. The questioning, unbelieving ones were the ones who were always on the doubting side, seeking to bring in objections to the faith. Every time they did this, they were strengthening their faculties for urging objections. Instead, they should have been convinced by the truth. If they could pick up any theory about which they could question and doubt, they would do this.
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 6)
We can see the wisdom of Jesus in bearing for so long with these disciples, who were really unconverted in heart and mind and soul. His plain specifications of the truth brought the crisis while He was yet with the disciples. Otherwise they would not have discerned the meaning of the apostasy.
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 7)
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 67-69.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 8)
“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve.” [Verses 70, 71.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 9)
The Final Triumph of Truth
Ages before His incarnation, Christ distinctly chose His position. He foresaw His life of humiliation, His rejection and crucifixion, His victory over satanic agencies, His victory over death and the grave. He saw the world flooded with light and life and heard the song of triumph sung by the millions rescued from the hold of Satan.
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 10)
Christ is our Deliverer. He exclaims, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave. I will redeem them from death. O death, I will be thy plagues! O grave, I will be thy destruction!” [Hosea 13:14.] Thrice in rapid succession He exclaimed, “I will raise them up at the last day.” [John 6:40, 44, 54.] Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of that day, saying, “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment upon all.” [Jude 14, 15.] And Solomon, when in the capacity of a preacher he tried to present the strongest motive to holy obedience—the motive that was above that was above all estimate in view of the judgment to come—said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” [Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 11)
God places every action in the scale. What a scene it will be! What impressions will be made regarding the holy character of God and the terrible enormity of sin, when the judgment, based on the law, is carried forward in the presence of all the worlds. Then before the mind of the unrepentant sinner there will be opened all the sins that he has committed, and he will see and understand the aggregate of sin and his own guilt. When the loyal overcomers are crowned, God would have present all who have transgressed His law and broken their covenant with Him. And not one of the righteous will be absent. They see, in the Judge, Christ Jesus, the One whom every sinner has crucified. The Son of man shall come in His glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations. The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son.
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 12)
But the trumpet is waxing louder and louder, and the wicked dead come forth to confront Christ. When the multitude of the lost, those whom God has favored with great light, shall look upon the goodness, mercy, and love of Jesus; when those who might have been saved if they had accepted the light and the blessings of God’s Word, but who refused to obey His law, see the great sacrifice made in their behalf, they understand the unmeasured love of the Redeemer; they understand His incarnation, the sweat drops of blood, the marks of the nails in His hands and feet, the pierced side; and they ask to be hidden from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. They see as in reality the condemnation of Christ, they hear the loud cry, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] They hear the question, “What shall be done with Jesus?” and the answer, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” [Matthew 27:22; Luke 23:21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 13)
The reign of appearance and pretense is over. The voice of the righteous Judge speaks with awful emphasis, as He utters the sentence, “Depart from Me; I never knew you.” [Matthew 7:23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 14)
The division of the whole multitude will be made. “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.” Those who have done good and those who have done evil will receive a reward according to their works. Then shall Jesus say to those on His right hand, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:31-34.] Thus He welcomes them to live hereafter in eternal communion with Himself. Every voice in the mansions of heaven echoes the welcome, “Come, ye blessed of My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
(21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, 15)
Ms 79, 1906
“Leave Your Nets and Follow Me” St. Helena, California October 1, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in TDG 283; UL 288; 17MR 300. +
Christ came to the earth to present a true and exalted standard. Brief as was the period of His public ministry, He accomplished the work He came to do. How impressive were the truths He taught, how complete His life work! What spiritual food He daily imparted as He presented the bread of life to thousands of hungry souls. His life was a living ministry of the Word. He was the Light of the world, pointing to men the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He was its food, the Bread of life. He promised nothing that He did not perform. “Ask,” He said, “and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 1)
Just as we trace the pathway of a stream of living water by the line of living green it produces, so Christ could be seen in the deeds of mercy that marked His path at every step. Wherever He went health sprang up, and happiness followed wherever He had passed. The words of eternal life were presented in such simplicity that a child could understand them. Men, women, and children were so impressed with His manner of explaining the Scriptures that they would catch the very intonation of His voice, place the same emphasis upon His words, and imitate His gestures. Youth caught His Spirit of ministry and sought to pattern after His gracious ways by seeking to assist those whom they saw needed help.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 2)
The blind and deaf rejoiced in His presence. The face of Christ was the first face that many eyes had ever looked upon, His words the first that had ever fallen upon their ears. These, restored, followed Him wherever it was possible. His words to the ignorant opened to them a fountain of life. He dispensed His blessings abundantly and continuously; they were the garnered treasures of eternity, given in Christ, the Lord’s rich gifts to man.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 3)
Christ’s work in behalf of mankind is not finished. It continues today. Through John He declares that as many as receive Him, to them will He give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 4)
Where are the believers in His words and His works? I am instructed to rally them around the standard. We must have in our cities teachers who live the Word of God, teachers who come close to souls, and in whom faith is made perfect in works. My brethren, educate, educate men how to receive the Word of life. Call upon them to become acquainted with Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 5)
The world was lost through unbelief; it must be restored through faith in Christ as the world’s Redeemer. Without this faith the world can have no hope. When the Jews said to Jesus, “What must we do that we might work the works of God?” the answer was given, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” [John 6:28, 29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 6)
“I am the Bread of life.” [Verse 35.] Christ is the living, everlasting bread that never decays or molds. He gives life, spiritual life, to the world. To all who receive Him, He gives power to become the sons of God. None but Christ could so well reveal to men the Bread of life. “Whoso eateth (spiritually) the bread that I shall give him shall have eternal life.” Those who refuse to receive Christ as the Bread of life will never become the sons and daughters of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 7)
The life of the soul depends upon spiritual conformity to the life of Christ. When the human life is in communion with the life of Christ, then it is sanctified through the truth; and the prayer of Christ is answered, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 8)
The inviting paths that self may choose will lead us away from Christ. Self must be humbled before God; every obstacle to service must be removed, even to the cutting off of the right arm or the plucking out of the right eye, if these prove a hindrance.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 9)
The whole world is stirred and preparing for the last conflict, and it is time for our churches to arouse. I am instructed that my work is to bear the message that God has given me, turning not aside to be led into controversy; for this would be time lost. My work is not to compel men to believe; I am to present the Word.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 10)
The Food Work
I am entrusted with a message. In our food work have we not been walking and working more nearly after the pattern of the world than after the pattern of Christ? What words have we spoken to the large multitudes we have fed? How are we presenting to these souls the Bread of life? Can Christ say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.] Can each worker truthfully say, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work”? [John 4:34.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 11)
There is great danger that some will devote their entire energies in commercial work, trying to maintain large food factories without financial loss, and thus lose a sense of the necessity of eating that Bread which is life to the soul. For years I have seen that in our food work we have been on the losing side. This work has not been the means it should to reveal Christ as the one who can give to us eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 12)
We cannot afford to keep up a strife for gain in our ambitious endeavor to manufacture a large variety of foods, losing our time for prayer and for feeding upon the Word. We must, by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, perfect a character fitted for the heavenly courts.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 13)
Said Christ, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” [Verse 34.] Shall we take up a work of preparing food for multitudes of unbelievers, and yet leave unspoken the words of life? Shall we so busy ourselves in the preparation of many lines of food that we cannot give an example of what it means to receive and to practice the Word of life?
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 14)
A Call to Service
“And it came to pass that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the Word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.” [Luke 5:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 15)
Jesus asks the use of Simon’s boat. Although weary with his toil and disappointment, Simon cheerfully complies with the request of Christ. The unpretentious fishing boat is made the pulpit from which come forth the words of Christ. Surely the little craft of Simon’s was never so honored as on this occasion. It had never been put to so profitable use to its owner. Jesus proclaims Bible truth, He speaks words of eternal life. The truths spoken in that sermon went all over the world and accomplished a work which eternity alone will reveal. When the judgment shall sit, and the books of record shall be opened, and the history of this effort is revealed, it will be seen that a light has sprung up to be reflected all through the world through time and through eternity. This experience has been repeated to thousands of the messengers of the Lord Jesus and has inspired hope and courage and faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 16)
“Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” [Verse 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 17)
The night was the most favorable time for the fishermen to work successfully; for in the clear waters the fish would in the daylight see the net and avoid it. Having toiled all night unsuccessfully, it seemed useless, according to human wisdom, to let down the net now.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 18)
“Master,” replied Simon, “we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net.” [Verse 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 19)
This was true obedience. Here is an instance of implicit trust in the words of Christ, in spite of an objectionable past experience. Our first lesson is to learn the will of God, even though we pass through trying circumstances, and then, knowing His will, to obey unquestioningly. Such obedience will always be rewarded.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 20)
What was the result of Simon’s obedience? “And when they had done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.” [Verses 6, 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 21)
Jesus designed this experience to be an encouragement to these fishermen in their future efforts in fishing for souls. Their knowledge of the habits of the fish and of the art of taking them made this miracle impressive to their minds. They were overwhelmed with an astonishment they knew not how to express. Simon “was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: and so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.” [Verses 9, 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 22)
Christ the Lord of earth and sea was there. Simon was filled with amazement and gratitude. Deeply convicted that he was in the presence of divinity, he was overwhelmed with a sense of his own unworthiness. He falls “down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” [Verse 8.] Peter did not desire Jesus to leave him. He adored Him, his heart was drawn out in love, but he felt utterly unworthy to be in Christ’s presence.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 23)
Would that all who read this record might be so impressed with the infinite love of Christ and feel honored with His presence. Let us not be ungrateful to God for His great love expressed in our behalf.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 24)
What a powerful influence this wonderful transaction produced upon the minds of these humble fishermen! Christ’s power had drawn the fish into Simon’s net, but these honest-hearted men were themselves completely caught in the net that Christ had prepared for them. “From henceforth, they left all, and followed Him.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 25)
“Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 26)
These men were simple hearted, but they were intelligent in regard to their fishing work. They knew that in order to be successful in their work, they must have their nets well mended and must choose the right time to let down their nets. Christ was dealing with these men. He was fishing for souls, and these disciples were caught. They were not filled with deceit. They were unprejudiced. The doctrine of Christ’s kingdom was that which they needed.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 27)
In these men Christ did not have to fight with bigoted minds and preconceived opinions which were selfish and erroneous. As soon as they heard the message from the lips of Christ, these men, who were supposed to be unlearned and ignorant, were ready to see and understand the truth and were converted. The enlightening, convincing power of the Holy Spirit came into their hearts.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 28)
They were men of sturdy health. They had no pride to foster, no position to maintain. Christ did not have to clear away a mass of tradition. The Light of the world shone into the chambers of the soul, and they bowed in humility at a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” When Christ said, “Follow Me,” they left all without question; for there was a convincing power attending the command. [Matthew 4:19, 20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 29)
Christ had before him the all-sufficiency of lettered men and priestly rulers; but none of these He accepted; for they were learned in lines that would stand directly in the way of their being taught from the Scriptures. These humble fishermen would accept the Word. They were willing and glad to eat the Bread of life.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 30)
Christ saw the hopelessness of appealing to the Sadducees or the Pharisees. They were imbued with the spirit of gall and bitterness. All the wonderful miracles that Christ wrought did not change the tenor of their character. He would have accomplished a work for them if they had emptied themselves of their scientific theories. But they were bigoted and presumptuous and in their dignity considered themselves superior to Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 31)
And so today. Confusion of faith will hold in error many minds, and it is useless to cast pearls before swine; for they will trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you. There are men who are so united to theories of satanic origin that they will continue to resist the truth to the bitter end, when from their lips shall be forced the agonized cry, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 32)
Belief in a falsehood, faith in scientific sophistry will never save the soul from death. Can the many falsehoods or delusions purify and ennoble the human character? Can they elevate and refine and purify the soul? No lie can sweeten the disposition or prepare the soul for the kingdom of heaven. Only a good tree will bear good fruit. None can be saved who honor not the sacred law of Jehovah, whom all the angels respect and honor.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 33)
God calls for implicit obedience to the words of Christ under all circumstances. When Jesus bade Simon launch out into the deep, and cast down his net, the prospect seemed discouraging; nevertheless, he trustingly obeyed. Let every man be careful how he allows his human reasoning in apparent difficulties to lead him to act contrary to a command of the Lord. For years the opinions of men have blocked the work of God. He sometimes calls for work to be done that is contrary to human reasoning and human plans. Let every soul be obedient to the words of Jesus Christ, even though it be against his own experience or preconceived opinions.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 34)
Not long ago I read an incident of the late Duke of Wellington. He was present where a party of Christian gentlemen were discussing the possibility of success in missionary effort among the heathen, and he was appealed to whether in his judgment such efforts were likely to prove a success commensurate to the cost. The heroic, old soldier replied:
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 35)
“Gentlemen, what are your marching orders? Success is not the question for you to discuss. What are your marching orders? If I read them aright, they run thus, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’ [Mark 16:15.] Gentlemen, obey your marching orders.”
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 36)
This commission I present before all; for it is in harmony with the light given me for over half a century. The words of Christ’s commission are a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” They are our marching orders.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 37)
Infidels and rationalists may say, Show us a miracle, and then we will believe. They refuse to receive the Word of God. The miracles of Christ are to them as idle tales. But monuments of Christianity are to be seen on every hand. No further evidence will be given to those who have rejected great light and will not believe in the record of the past working of the Lord’s power. When they close their eyes and their senses, and prefer to cherish their scientific delusions, Christ says, Let them alone.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 38)
Sometimes I have prayed for the Lord to open the understanding of men who have encased themselves in the science of Satan’s workings, and I have been bidden to say to them:
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 39)
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 40)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:13-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, 41)
Ms 81, 1906
The Object of Health Food Work St. Helena, California September 27, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in SD 70; 4BC 1160; HFM 88-91.
There was need for the establishment of the health food work and hygienic restaurants, and these have accomplished good. But they are not to become simply commercial enterprises. They are to be an object lesson.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 1)
In the feeding of the five thousand, Christ passed food from His hands to the hands of the disciples. Of this we read, “So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down.” [John 6:10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 2)
The Word of God is here represented. The feeding of the five thousand with food from the hands of the disciples prepared the way for the giving of the gospel message. It was done with thanksgiving. The feeding of the multitude represents the feeding of hungry souls with the Bread of life.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 3)
After the hunger of the people had been satisfied, the word was given, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” [Verse 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 4)
Then follows the history of Christ’s giving the Word of life. Although Christ could furnish a supply of temporal food as often as He desired, yet He did not often perform a like miracle. When the people saw this miracle, they said, “This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” [Verse 14.] Will they eat as readily of the Bread of life, the Word-food, as they did of the temporal food? Their minds, corrupted by false teaching, would not so readily receive the Word of eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 5)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ said, “Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracle, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for Him hath the Father sealed. Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, That ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” [Verses 26-29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 6)
He assured them that Moses gave them not the bread from heaven. “My Father,” He said, “giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” [Verses 32, 33.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 7)
We have the result of this plain discourse. What was it? They would not receive the truth. They refused to hear and turned away from Christ. And their rejection of Christ, the Bread of life, was, to them, a final rejection of the truth. They walked no more with Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 8)
“I am the Bread of life,” the author, nourisher, and supporter of eternal, spiritual life. In the thirty-fifth verse of the sixth chapter of John, Christ represents Himself under the similitude of heavenly bread. To eat His flesh and to drink His blood means to receive Him as a heaven-sent teacher. Belief in Him is essential to spiritual life. Those who feast on the Word never hunger, never thirst, never desire any higher or more exalted good. “In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear; and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together but not by Me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 54:14, 15, 17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 9)
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given Him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knewest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for He hath glorified thee.” [Isaiah 55:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 10)
What is our message? “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. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” [Verses 6-11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 11)
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign, that shall not be cut off.” [Verses 12, 13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 12)
What a representation is this! God makes a most earnest, gracious offer of salvation to all who will empty their hearts of selfishness and of every species of idolatry. None need to despair of His mercy. Who will receive the Word, the Bread of life? This means receiving and believing in Christ, and uniting with Him in His works of mercy, teaching the way of life to sinners and backsliders—to all who have the tares of error mingled with their faith. “Buy,” He says, “without money and without price.” [Verse 1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 13)
All who make worldly good their portion, who seek to save themselves by their own devisings, will do exactly as did the disciples who would not understand Christ’s teaching, who refused to believe that He Himself is the Bread of life. These disciples, offended at the word of Jesus, walked no more with Him. They forsook His teachings. They depended on their own wisdom and spent money for that which is not bread. Their hearts and minds remained unsatisfied. It is eating the Bread of life that alone can satisfy the hungry soul. Without this Bread, the spiritual necessities must remain empty, unsatisfied. Christ’s words are spirit and life. It is the salvation of true obedience that gains for us eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 14)
The Lord Jesus has pledged His own glorious perfection to those who will eat His flesh and drink His blood, to all who will seek His saving grace. Christ has pledged His word that sooner shall heaven and earth pass away than that any soul shall be put to shame who makes the Saviour his hope and his eternal reward.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 15)
The Lord is present with His people in all their assemblies. He is acquainted with all their decisions and plans. They are to bring the truth, with its power to sanctify body, soul, and spirit, into all that they do. A spiritual creed with a selfish, carnal life God has no use for. This is a deception like that which rested upon Chorazin and Bethsaida.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 16)
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: 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. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 17)
I have earnest words to speak to those who shall engage in the health food business. There is to be an entirely different feature brought into the work of our food stores, restaurants, and into every line in which our food productions are handled. This work must be carried forward as a means of gospel enlightenment to those who have not given themselves to the Lord. Those who handle these foods need daily the counsel of the One who created food for the five thousand hungry men. The work of our food stores and restaurants must be carried on in such a way that there will be no loss financially. We must not forget that this line of work needs to live. But all corrupting influences must be weeded out from it.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 18)
Keep on the gaining side we must. But what is the use of carrying on this work if we have to sacrifice the principles of justice, mercy, and the love of God? What is the use of carrying it on if through its influence no souls are enlightened and prepared to lay hold upon the Word that is their spiritual food? Upon those connected with this work there should be urged the necessity of calling the attention of the people, with whom they are brought into contact, [to] the truths of heavenly origin.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 19)
There should be appointed to the health food work men who are well qualified to speak words in season and out of season, and who can enlighten the minds of men and women in regard to the truth. Special wisdom is needed in order to understand when to speak and when to keep silent. Let each worker pray much for spiritual understanding.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 20)
Financial gain is to be made a secondary matter. Let the mind become spiritualized. Watch unto prayer. It is hard for some to admit that, to a great extent, selfishness controls their actions. The food business is a door through which we are to let our light shine forth. Jesus is watching, ready to help every one who desires His help. My brethren, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. Watch and pray, and work to answer your prayers by seizing the precious opportunities for service as they come.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 21)
There is a genuine, sensible way in which to speak words of faith and encouragement. Paul, who had been greatly blessed by God, brought his religion into the workshop.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 22)
Our workers may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and thus reap the very best results in their efforts to proclaim the truth. Such workers will not be satisfied unless they see something done. Often they will earnestly inquire of God, “Have I done all that I might have done in sowing the seeds of truth?”
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 23)
Let our food stores and restaurants be provided with suitable reading matter—simply prepared tracts and papers, containing the truth in short, pointed tracts and articles. Thus the workers can bring the truth for this time before the minds of those with whom they talk. The mind needs to be sanctified, that it may be worked by the Spirit of God. The words spoken in season and out of season may be good seed dropped in the soil of the soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 24)
Those who claim to be Christians do not do half that they might for the Master. Beside all waters the seed of truth is to be sown. Our restaurants and food stores must be made a means of enlightening minds. Let the workers have at hand leaflets and tracts containing the very best selections. If these cannot readily be sold, let them be given away; and good results will be seen from the seed thus sown.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 25)
“Be thou prepared, and prepare thyself, thou and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely, all of them.” [Ezekiel 38:7, 8.] Read the thirty-eighth chapter of Ezekiel.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 26)
This work is being done in foreign countries today and is being carried forward in a remarkable manner.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 27)
I am not opposed to hygienic restaurants, but I am opposed to the exactions placed on the manufacture and sale of certain health food preparations. I am bidden to say to our people, Go forward, and use the capabilities God has given to human minds. Be content to live simply. Do not manufacture mixtures of foods. In no case pay the exactions required; for the Lord has given men and women ingenuity.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 28)
In many places, in different sections of the country, an effort should be made to utilize natural products for healthful foods. A good work along this line may be done at Loma Linda. Our brethren there should make a beginning soon, even if all the arrangements regarding this work cannot be definitely decided upon at this time. As our brethren at Loma Linda study how to make the health food work a means of bringing the truth for this time before the minds of unbelievers, the Lord will add His blessing and will make plain the course they should pursue in the conduct of the business.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 29)
A similar work is to be carried forward in the southern states. Men and women who embrace the truth in the South will often need to be helped to find employment. Many will find opportunity to engage in evangelistic work; and these should learn, in connection with this work, to teach worldlings how to prepare simple, palatable food.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 30)
Outside the city of Nashville there are advantages that should be utilized in providing wholesome food for the people. Expensive buildings are not essential in order for this work to be carried forward. Let our health food men realize that the truth is to be sown beside all waters. My brethren in the health food work, speak words that will impress minds. Conduct meetings that will be a means of converting souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 31)
In times past I have written to our brethren in the South, that as soon as they are prepared to carry forward the health food work in a proper manner, for the advancement of present truth, it would be well for them to make a beginning. If wise plans could be made to operate the food plant near Nashville, this would give opportunity for many to secure employment. But let not our brethren in the South, or in any other field, pay large sums for the privilege of manufacturing and handling expensive foods. We can use the productions that the Lord has given us. These are to be prepared by the skilful hands and minds of those whom the Lord shall teach. We need minds that can be worked in an unselfish way.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 32)
My heart is drawn out with a desire that, in the future, many of our colored brethren shall be provided with suitable employment in various industries, including the manufacture of health foods. In some instances it may be possible to place colored brethren and sisters in healthful locations under men and women who are taught of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 33)
My attention is called to the Word of the Lord in Ezekiel 42, the directions given the prophets regarding the buildings that were to be prepared. This instruction is given in several chapters. The Lord is always prepared to help both white and colored people, if matters are handled as they should be.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 34)
These chapters in Ezekiel show that the Lord is the great deviser and planner. When men use for their own advantage the wisdom that the Lord has given them, then the Lord will manifest His own rights. “Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut. It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord. He shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.” [Ezekiel 44:2, 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 35)
I present these matters before you. I am directed to say that the Lord has a great controversy with the men who have exalted themselves. Some have made nothingness of God. “Then brought He me the way of the north gate before the house, and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord; and I fell upon my face. And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes and hear with thine ears, all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary. And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations, in that ye have brought into My sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary, to pollute it, even My house, when ye offer My bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken My covenant because of all your abominations. And ye have not kept the charge, but ye have set keepers of my charge in My sanctuary for yourselves.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 36)
“Thus saith the Lord God: No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into My sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel. And the Levites that are gone away far from Me, when Israel went astray, which went astray from Me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity; yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary; having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and cause the house of Israel to fall into iniquity, therefore have I lifted up Mine hand against them, saith the Lord God, and they shall bear their iniquity. And they shall not come near unto Me, to do the office of a priest unto Me, nor to come near to any of My holy things in the Most Holy Place; but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed. I will make them keepers of the charge of the house; for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 37)
“But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of My sanctuary, when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near to Me to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me, to offer unto Me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God. They shall enter into My sanctuary, and they shall come near to My table, to minister unto Me, and they shall keep My charge.” [Verses 4-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 38)
I present this matter to all who may have wisdom to understand it. The Lord is no less strict today concerning the holiness of His servants. All who serve God with purity of soul will know that He is jealous that His honor should be preserved. Many of the most glorious revelations recorded in the Bible were made by the Lord in the darkest days of the church’s history. The Lord has given these revelations of His glory in order that men may be deeply impressed regarding the sacredness of His service. Impressions have been made that should bear with solemn force on the mind, showing that God is God, and that He has not lost His glory. He requires the utmost fidelity in His service today. The impression must be left on human minds that the Lord God is holy, and that He will vindicate His glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, 39)
Ms 83, 1906
Interview/Regarding the Washington Sanitarium St. Helena, California June 12, 1906 Previously unpublished.
Interview Between Mrs. E. G. White and Elder George A. Irwin, Regarding the Washington, D.C., Sanitarium
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 1)
G. A. Irwin: I should like to ask you, Sister White, whether you think it would be too much for us to spend on our Washington Sanitarium at Takoma Park, say fifty-five thousand dollars? Would that be extravagant?
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 2)
E. G. White: No, no, no! This sanitarium is in a very important place. I know of no place more important. You ought to have help from those who are living in your part of the field. And then there is the cost of furnishing the institution, too.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 3)
G. A. Irwin: I expect the cost will run upwards of fifty or fifty-five thousand dollars, on account of the high prices of building material.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 4)
E. G. White: The Washington Sanitarium ought to have been in running order before this time. The buildings should be roomy. Some have thought that it would be best not to have one large building, but, instead, to have several smaller buildings. Others have thought that it would be more difficult to manage a “cottage” sanitarium at the beginning. I do not know.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 5)
G. A. Irwin: The plan on which we are working now contemplates the erection of one large building. We have tried to plan the building in such a way as to economize room and to give just as much space as possible for the money expended. Later on, we can build cottages.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 6)
E. G. White: Yes, you can do that. It might be well for you, instead of building cottages now, to put what you have into one main building, and reserve the choicest sites for cottages to be erected afterward.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 7)
G. A. Irwin: It is going to be a lovely place there. I can see just how it is going to be when the buildings have been put up. The structure we are now planning on is to be one hundred and sixteen feet long, and it will front the Sligo. From the veranda one will be able to look up and down the Sligo. There is to be a wing on either side, looking toward the school. The building is to be so constructed that it will front every way. It will look well on all sides. However, the main front will overlook the Sligo.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 8)
E. G. White: Is there ample room, so the school interests will not interfere with the carrying on of the sanitarium?
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 9)
G. A. Irwin: Oh, yes! An abundance of room.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 10)
E. G. White: Would it be your mind to continue to employ Brother Baird on this job right along, so long as he does well?
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 11)
G. A. Irwin: Yes, I understand so. Would it be your mind to give up the building downtown at the end of the lease?
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 12)
E. G. White: I would do it. If you can do it, then give it up. If it is going to be a bill of expense, it would be better to save all that could be saved, in order to push forward to completion the country sanitarium at Takoma Park.
(21LtMs, Ms 83, 1906, 13)
Ms 85, 1906
“Perfect Through Sufferings” [Hebrews 2:10] NP August 22, 1906 [typed] Part of formerly Undated Ms 150. This manuscript is published in entirety in SpTB #9 8-14. +
I have a message to bear to our laborers in San Francisco and Oakland, and in Mountain View.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 1)
God has a solemn work to be done in San Francisco. Much more needs to be done there than has yet been done, in proclaiming the warning message of Revelation fourteen to the people of that city.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 2)
It has been presented before me that the work in Oakland and in Mountain View needs to be carried forward in the Lord’s own way, with much more self-denial and self-sacrifice than has been manifested in the past.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 3)
I am instructed to say to the laborers in San Francisco and Oakland, and also in Mountain View: Let every worker remember that he is under most solemn obligation to labor in accordance with the Lord’s plan. Let our brethren and sisters engaged in the Lord’s work realize their great accountability to God at this time, in view of the special calamities that have come to San Francisco and to the office in Mountain View. Let them consider, and take heed. Let every one engaged in the work examine his individual standing before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 4)
My brother, my sister, have you been entrusted with certain duties and responsibilities? Give yourself unreservedly to God, and realize your individual responsibility. There is a Watcher who is pleased or displeased with the manner in which your work is done. The Lord calls for those who will carry their load of responsibility with fear and trembling, looking to Him for wisdom, and praying for counsel and continual grace, that no mistakes shall be made.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 5)
Those who are engaged in the Lord’s service are to make Jesus their pattern. Diligently they are to study His life and His words, and bring into their life practice the principles that actuated Him in His service while upon this earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 6)
When Jesus came into our world, the Jewish nation were not ready to receive Him. “The world knew Him not.”“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [John 1:10, 11.] They had lost sight of the character that He would reveal, and the manner of His coming, although these were plainly delineated in the Word. As a nation, they had become estranged from the pure spirituality attained through obedience to God’s law. And so when the Lord Jesus came to the world, His chosen people did not recognize their Deliverer; and they continued to teach for doctrines the commandments of men.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 7)
At the age of twelve, Jesus accompanied Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem to attend the Passover. Here, for the first time during His child life, He looked upon the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry and witnessed the impressive rites of the paschal service. Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to be bound up with His own life. New impulses were awakening within Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour. The work that He was to accomplish for the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the appointed heirs of the promises of the covenant, began to dawn upon His mind.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 8)
When the services of the Passover were ended, Jesus lingered in the temple courts; and when the worshipers departed from Jerusalem, He was left behind. It was then that He found the learned rabbis and plied them with questions regarding the coming of the Messiah. He presented Himself before them in the attitude of a humble learner, and yet the doctors of the law were astonished at His questions. They could not always answer Him. In reality He revealed perfection of character; and although He had not been taught by the rabbis, He was more learned than they.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 9)
The mother of Jesus, after a long search, found Him in the school of the rabbis. When He was alone with His parents, the mother said, in words that implied a rebuke, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.” [Luke 2:48.]
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 10)
“How is it that ye sought Me?” answered Jesus. “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Verse 49.] And as they understood not His words, He pointed upward. In the answer to His mother, Jesus showed for the first time that He understood His relation to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 11)
Through childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus walked alone. He carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. None could appreciate the burden of His soul. Filled with intense purpose, He carried out the design of His life, that he Himself should be the light of men.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 12)
In the light of this infinite sacrifice in our behalf, how can we do otherwise than yield all to the Saviour, that we may be led and taught of Him?
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 13)
To those who are laboring in the various branches of the Lord’s work, I would say: Let every one carry with him a sense of the sacredness of God’s work. Let no one be satisfied with a shallow development of spiritual knowledge in the religious life. Let every soul seek for a reconversion. God calls upon men and women, beginners in the work and also those of long experience, to labor interestedly in an effort to do better and still better work, under the supervision of the divine Teacher.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 14)
Unless there is a decided change spiritually in the lives of many of the workers, they will never have a true sense of the sacredness of God’s cause. More and more it must be understood that our work is to be done under divine direction. Into the lives of the workers there must be brought frequent periods of reflection, study, and prayer. This is positively essential. Let the first and the last thought of the day be, Have I honored God today? A radical reform is called for. Now is your time for developing deep spirituality. Partake of the clear, pure truth of the Word of God, which is as a deep well-spring from which every one may drink freely. The thoughts awakened by a reception of the Word sanctify the soul in perfect obedience to the law of the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 15)
To every laborer I would say: Let light shine forth in your home church. In the congregation assembled for worship, discharge every duty faithfully. And in all your official duties, let unselfish integrity characterize every act. All tithes, all moneys entrusted for any special purpose should promptly be placed where they belong. Let every penny that is received be entered carefully upon the books for the purpose specified. Money coming in for the cause of God should not be appropriated by any one in an official position, to be used in meeting a special emergency, with the thought that it can be replaced later on. This kind of unfaithful work the Lord forbids. It is a temptation coming from one who worketh evil. The enemy of our souls is constantly seeking to exercise a power that leads astray and that, if unchecked, will prove the ruin of many.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 16)
The Lord, He is God. All His commandments are to be strictly obeyed. There will be no vindication of any soul who continues in transgression and sin. The truth practiced in the life, in words, in actions is the test whereby every man is to be judged.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 17)
To the workers in Mountain View, I am bidden to say: Let every one stand clear from the impenitence that brought destruction upon San Francisco. Be faithful in ridding your individual self of all the sins that marked the inhabitants of that doomed city. You need not try to forget that the judgments of God will soon fall upon all that are ungodly. None will then have the opportunity that you now have of gaining a preparation for the future, immortal life. Who is now ready to have his lifework close suddenly?
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 18)
Grave responsibilities rest upon the leaders and upon the departmental superintendents. I am instructed to warn you, my brethren, that your faithfulness or unfaithfulness will have a strong influence either in advancing or in hindering the work of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 19)
The terms of the law are plainly specified. If you love God with your whole heart and soul and strength and mind, and your neighbor as yourself, you are making sure of life eternal; for Christ has said of those who keep His commandments, “Ye shall live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] Will you do the very work you must do in order to be saved? If you are careful, prompt, and conscientious in your home life; if in your prayers you claim the Lord’s promises and expect an answer; if you discharge your duties faithfully, you will not be left to stumble on in darkness. The Lord of heaven will be present with you; by His Holy Spirit He will guide you. Every one who is to receive the overcomer’s reward must first overcome every sin; and not until he overcomes through divine grace can he entertain hope of entering the heaven of eternal bliss.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 20)
Every Christian, as a wise steward, is to preserve Christlikeness of character by sanctified obedience to all the words of Holy Writ, which are spirit and life to the receiver. He is to partake of the flesh and drink of the blood of the Son of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 21)
In Christian experience, the Lord permits trials of various kinds to call men and women to a higher order of living and to a more sanctified service. Without these trials there would be a continual falling away from the likeness of Christ, and men would become imbued with a spirit of scientific, fanciful, human philosophy, which would lead them to unite with Satan’s followers.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 22)
In the providence of God, every good and great enterprise is subjected to trials, to test the purity and the strength of the principles of those who are standing in positions of responsibility, and to mold and substantiate the individual human character after God’s model. This is the highest order of education. Perfection of character is attained through exercise of the faculties of the mind, in times of supreme test, by obedience to every requirement of God’s law. Men in positions of trust are to be instrumentalities in the hands of God for promoting His glory; and in performing their duties with the utmost faithfulness, they may attain perfection of character. In the lives of those who are true to right principles, there will be a continual growth in knowledge. They will have the privilege of being acknowledged as co-laborers with the great Masterworker in behalf of the human family and will act a glorious part in carrying out the purposes of God. Thus, by precept and example, as laborers together with God, they will glorify their Creator.
(21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, 23)
Ms 87, 1906
And What Shall This Man Do? NP 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 7MR 153.
In answer to the questions of a brother who is perplexed by the inconsistency of others, I repeat words written in the past.
(21LtMs, Ms 87, 1906, 1)
When Christ left the world, He gave to His disciples the work of carrying the gospel. The professed followers of Christ are held responsible for the warning of the world. How are we doing the solemn work committed to us? We must come before the world speaking the words of God, that the world may know that God has sent us, and that heaven’s mold is upon the work. The enemy will come in and try to draw our minds away from the important work to be done for this time. He will seek to keep us engaged on trivial matters, make us think that it is our province to criticize and condemn others; but our work is to deal faithfully with our own souls. We must search our hearts and see if we are right in the sight of God. Peter said to Christ in regard to John, “Lord, what shall this man do?” But the Lord answered him, “What is that to thee? follow thou Me.” [John 21:21, 22.] We each have a work to do for ourselves; and while we are criticizing others, we are neglecting the most important work of all.
(21LtMs, Ms 87, 1906, 2)
Do not keep your mind fixed on the defective example of professing Christians. You will, of course, see in their lives things that are not right. But if you keep looking at their faults, you will become like them. Instead of looking at the lives of your fellow men, look to Jesus. There you will see no imperfection, but perfection, righteousness, goodness, mercy, and truth. Take the Saviour as your example in all things. In looking to men instead of beholding Christ, you have made a great mistake.—Letter written in 1903.
(21LtMs, Ms 87, 1906, 3)
My dear brother, you should set your face to be a man after God’s own heart. What others may venture to do or say that is not strictly in accordance with the Christian standard should be no excuse for you. You must stand before the Judge of all the earth, not to answer for another, but for yourself. We have an individual responsibility, and no man’s defect of character will be the least excuse for our guilt; for Christ has given us in His character a perfect pattern.—Testimonies for the Church 2:357.
(21LtMs, Ms 87, 1906, 4)
“And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing 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? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes; behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.” [Zechariah 3:1-10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 87, 1906, 5)
Ms 89, 1906
Humility, an Essential Qualification for Christian Service St. Helena, California October 22, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 7MR 152.
“And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand. And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be that of whom I say unto thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 1)
“So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. So the people took victuals in their hands, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men. And the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 2)
“And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand. But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: and thou shalt hear what they say: and afterwards shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host. And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea-side for multitude.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 3)
“And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon, the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 4)
“And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and the interpretation thereof, that he worshiped, and returned unto the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 5)
“And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be, that as I do, so shall ye do. When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 6)
“So Gideon, and the three hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew with the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands. And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath.” [Judges 7:2-22.]
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 7)
The Bible account of God’s dealings with His people is of special value to us. He would teach men that without His special help, they can but fail. Every testing experience is designed to develop the character. The Lord permits calamities to come, that men may understand the sinfulness of their course, and turn to the Lord with humble confession. Often, men who were in darkness have, through trying circumstances that the Lord has permitted, been awakened and turned to Him. They have become men whom the Lord can use in the proclamation of His truth. Their minds are not poisoned by flattery, and their influence and usefulness reveal the inward working of God upon their heart.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 8)
Self, if not restrained, will swell to large proportions; therefore the Lord especially warns His people not to put their trust in men, nor make flesh their arm. Those who are self-sufficient will be tested and tried. When tested by the Word of God, they are found to be unqualified for His service. Others who are humble will be raised up by the Lord and appointed to important posts of duty. They who will not seek to exalt themselves are the ones whom God can most safely entrust with responsibilities.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 9)
I am given a special warning for those who have had much light, and great evidence of the truth, but who have not prepared themselves to be laborers together with God. The Lord Jesus will leave such workers to their own supposed wisdom. The laborers in God’s service need to be humble men, men who will walk and work with Jesus. They must meet difficulties, not in a spirit of independence, but in humility and with trust in God.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 10)
There are men who will heed the Word of the Lord in spite of all opposition. Difficulties cannot turn them aside from the straight path of rectitude. God will give to men of humility a knowledge of His truth and make them to understand their duty. Such men will act under God, and their labors will result in the conversion of many souls. Those who are willing and obedient God will fit for His work.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 11)
But let no man think to control those whom God is teaching and guiding. There is a place in the cause of God, not for those who desire to control, but for those who purpose to do the will of God. We need men with sanctified minds and hearts. God will employ in His service many new men, who in His name will go forth, conquering and to conquer. By continuance in well-doing, constantly seeking to be made more Christlike, they will be victorious. They will be humble-minded, having strong faith in the Word of God, and they will be willing learners of Christ. Amid poverty and trials, He will be their guide. Men are to be fitted for the service of God, and humbly they will work for the uplifting of fallen humanity and for the glory of their Redeemer. Through the power of the Holy Spirit they will perfect a character after the divine similitude.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 12)
Many who profess to be disciples of Christ know not the path in which He traveled. They have lost sight of Him who said, “He that will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Mark 8:34.] Men are not called by God to care for the spiritual health of His church until they have put on the yoke of Christ and learned His meekness and lowliness of heart. It is by wearing His yoke that men will be fitted for great and noble deeds. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit, and by looking unto Jesus, who gave His life that we might be fashioned after God’s own image, that we shall be changed into His likeness.
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 13)
We need by kindness and mercy to commend ourselves, and we are to give full esteem to those whom the Lord has chosen. All self-glorification is unbecoming. Let every man esteem others better than himself, putting away all envy, all evil surmising, all contention. “Take My yoke upon you,” says the Lord Jesus, “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 11:29, 30.]
(21LtMs, Ms 89, 1906, 14)
Ms 91, 1906
“Praise Ye The Lord” Berkeley, California August 1906 Previously unpublished.
I have slept well the past night, and I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice. The Lord has given me of His strength and power as I have addressed the people. I have been strengthened far beyond my expectations.
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 1)
We are not to carry with us an appearance of sorrow and sadness; for we are not orphans.
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 2)
“O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering and come into His courts.” [Psalm 96:1-8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 3)
What is the message we are to bear to the world?—“Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: He shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein; then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord; for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth.” [Verses 10-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 4)
Shall we accept the precious words of assurance to be found in the Word of God? Shall we believe the promises of God, and magnify His holy name? We should continually honor Him with praise and with thanksgiving. I desire especially to call the attention of our people to the Scriptures that bid us magnify the Lord God of Israel. Shall we not cease all repining, and let the praise of God flow forth from our lips?
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 5)
We need not engage in light or trifling conversation, but we may be cheerful. We may speak pleasant words, that come from a heart aglow with the love of God. “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil.” [Psalm 97:10.] There are sentiments that we should not cherish in the mind, nor manifest in speech or in works.
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 6)
“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” [Verses 11, 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 7)
If the heart is in harmony with God, and is kept pure from evil surmising, thousands of complaining, faultfinding ones may be led to rejoice, as they behold the brighter side of life. Let not our lips err in complaining and faultfinding, or in speaking evil of others.
(21LtMs, Ms 91, 1906, 8)
Ms 95, 1906
Sermon/Lessons From the Fifteenth of Romans Oakland, California October 20, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1SAT 360-383.
[Sermon, Mrs. E. G. White, Congregational Church, temporarily used by Oakland S. D. A. Church, 18th and Market Streets, Oakland, California, on Sabbath afternoon, October 20, 1906.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 1)
In the fifteenth of Romans the apostle Paul declares: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me.” [Verses 1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 2)
Mark especially the words, “The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me.” [Verse 3.] Oh, that these words might sink deep into the heart of every one of you who think you are doing God’s service while finding fault with others. This is the weakness, the besetting sin, of many in this congregation; and our great desire is that you shall get rid of this evil before the Lord gets rid of you. The reproaches with which we reproach the servants of the Lord fall upon Christ Himself.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 3)
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” [Verse 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 4)
We want to be Bible Christians. We want to come right to the Word and to carry out this Word in every particular. Then we shall know that Jesus Christ is our efficiency, our healer, our strength, our front guard, and our rearward. Then we shall have that help and that power which God alone can give to us.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 5)
God desires that His commandment-keeping people shall stand on vantage ground. He desires that they shall stand before Him without fault. In order to do this, they must perfect holy characters through the merits of Christ. They must look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. As they become changed into His image, the salvation of God will be revealed through them, and unbelievers will be converted. Unbelievers will see and understand that God’s Word means something to those who claim to believe it. “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” Why? That we shall be of half a dozen different minds, or of a great variety of minds?—Oh, no. The apostle exhorts you to be “likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” [Verses 5-7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 6)
What does this injunction entail?—It places us under obligation to God. It leaves us in a position where we shall understand that we are amenable to God. It leads us to realize that when the Holy Spirit is abiding in our hearts and working through us, we shall love one another, in the place of feeling that we must show animosity toward one another.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 7)
My dear brethren and sisters, God is not pleased with your spirit of criticism and faultfinding. We must humble our hearts daily before God, and seek for a new conversion, that we may be brought into right relationship with Jesus Christ. Those who are striving to keep the commandments of God ought to be in harmony and to show a spirit of humility and love. God is not in any of the differences that are so apparent. He does not inspire words of faultfinding. He is now calling upon us to humble ourselves under the hand of the Almighty, in order that He may lift us up.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 8)
The apostle continues: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name.” [Verses 8, 9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 9)
God’s people are to stand as lights in the world. They are to realize that upon them rests the solemn responsibility of reflecting rays of light upon the pathway of those who are not keeping the commandments of God. Christ Himself has declared, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] We are to seek to be light-bearers. And when the light of divine truth shines forth with distinctness from the words and works of God’s children, will there be seen any quarreling, any backbiting among the light-bearers? The world will see no dissension in the lives of those from whom the light of heaven is shed abroad. Brethren and sisters, as you let your light shine before men, they will “see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Verse 16.] A precious influence will go forth as the result of these good works that will bring salvation to those who behold it. God desires that we shall keep our light constantly shining.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 10)
“Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name! And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people.” [Romans 15:8-10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 11)
In this our day, we see the Gentiles beginning to rejoice with the Jews. There are converted Jews who are now laboring in Boston and in various other cities in behalf of their own people. The Jews are coming into the ranks of God’s chosen followers and are being numbered with the Israel of God in these closing days. Thus some of the Jews will once more be reinstated with the people of God, and the blessing of the Lord will rest upon them richly, if they will come into the position of rejoicing that is represented in the Scripture, “And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people.” The apostle continues: “And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people. And again Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” [Verses 10-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 12)
In the name of whom were you baptized? You went down into the water in the name of the three great Worthies in heaven—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost you were buried with Christ in baptism; and you were raised up out of the water to live in newness of life. You were to have a new life. You were to live unto God; you were not to live unto yourself and keep yourself under your own supervision for fear someone would touch you and hurt you.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 13)
My brethren and sisters, keep the mind fixed on Jesus. Keep the heart uplifted in prayer to God. Behold Jesus and what He endured and suffered for us in order that we might have that life which measures with the life of God. How can any of us wear our nerves on the outside, ready to break forth into disaffection if every movement made by someone else is not in exact accordance with our ideas? All this supersensitiveness is to be put away.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 14)
In the night season God has revealed to me the spiritual condition of the church members living in Oakland and the nearby cities. A large standard was raised up at a time when many were complaining and finding fault and speaking to the detriment of one another; and this standard was turned around until it appeared before them as a great looking glass, from the face of which every one that looked saw himself with all his faults and sins. The whole erring company, convicted of the sinfulness of their course, prostrated themselves before God and immediately began to confess their own wrongdoing; and, oh, what a scene of repentance and confession there was! A most wonderful cleansing of the camp followed, and the mighty power of God was revealed.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 15)
I shall never be satisfied until just such an experience comes into the church here in Oakland and in San Francisco. We want to see the salvation of our God. We want the truth to go forth with mighty power; and why, oh why, do we continue to stand in the way? Why do we grieve the Holy Spirit of God? Why do we put Him to open shame by carrying with us our selfish, unconverted dispositions, and yet all the while claiming to be Christians? God grant that every one of us may have clear eyesight to discern what we can do by looking unto Jesus and by realizing how our course must appear in His sight and how He must regard envy and strife. God help us to put away our individual defects of character. We want to see the power of God revealed in this community. If it were not for this, I should not leave my home and come down here to speak to you so often. But night after night I cannot sleep more than a few hours; and often, in the hours of the night, I find myself sitting up in bed, praying to God in behalf of those who do not realize their spiritual condition; and then I arise and walk the room, and say, O Lord, set Thy people in order, before it shall be everlastingly too late.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 16)
Oftentimes during these seasons of intercession, when the burden rests heavily, my heart is drawn out with great longing, and the tears start from my eyes, and I wring my hands before God, because I know there are souls in peril in the churches at Oakland and nearby places—souls who, in their condition of mind, know no more regarding how they stand before God than they would know had they never professed religion.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 17)
Brethren and sisters, it is time now that we were looking unto Jesus to see whether we are reflecting His image. It is time now that we put away everything that will grieve the Holy Spirit of God—divisions, dissensions, faultfinding, incriminations. God wants us to come to the light, that our light may shine forth in good works. Let the praise of God be in heart and voice.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 18)
“And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 19)
This is what we want to do when we are assembled in God’s house. Let us cherish a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving. We want our faces shining, reflecting the glory of God. We want to pray a great deal more than we talk regarding the faults of others. We want to be on our knees before God and to come into communion and fellowship with Christ Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 20)
“And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.” [Verses 12, 13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 21)
Here we are. As children of God, we claim to be brought under the direct leadings of the Spirit of God. Is the Holy Spirit among us? Are we moving under its guidance? If not, do not persist in dishonoring God, but come humbly before Him, and have heart and mind renovated and the thoughts brought into unison with Christ Jesus. Then you can rejoice; then you can praise the Lord; then you can shout His praises with joyfulness.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 22)
Those who have been baptized can claim the help of the three great Worthies of heaven to keep them from falling, and to reveal through them a character that is after the divine similitude. This is what we claim to be—followers of Jesus. We must be molded and fashioned in accordance with the divine pattern; and if you have lost your Christlikeness, my brethren and sisters, you can never, never come into communion with God again until you are reconverted and rebaptized. You want to repent and to be rebaptized and to come into the love and communion and harmony of Christ. Then you will have spiritual discernment which will enable you to see those things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. There is enough to contemplate regarding heavenly things, to fill every heart and mind, every congregation that is in the land, with rejoicing and praise and thanksgiving to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 23)
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” [Verse 13.] If this were your condition, sinners would be converted.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 24)
As you arose from the watery grave at the time of your baptism, you professed to be dead and declared that your life was changed—hid with Christ in God. You claimed to be dead to sin and cleansed from your hereditary and cultivated traits of evil. In going forward in the rite of baptism, you pledged yourselves before God to remain dead to sin. Your mouth was to remain a sanctified mouth, your tongue a converted tongue. You were to speak of God’s goodness and to praise His holy name. Thus you were to be a great help and blessing to the church.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 25)
The apostle continues: “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” [Verse 14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 26)
We may make mistakes, and we may have to “admonish one another.” [Verse 14.] But there has come into the churches at Oakland and the surrounding community a spirit of backbiting, of faultfinding and evil speaking, which demonstrates that you are not converted. Words are uttered that never should pass the lips of a Christian. My brethren and sisters, when you have nothing better to speak of than something about the faults of others, remember that “silence is eloquence.” Cease to dwell upon the shortcomings of others. Keep the tongue sanctified unto God. Refrain from saying anything that might detract from the influence of another; for by indulging in these words of criticism, you blaspheme God’s holy name as verily as you would were you to swear. I am instructed to present these things before you, that you may see how you dishonor the name of Christ Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 27)
“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” [Verses 15, 16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 28)
Here is where the work of the Holy Ghost comes in, after your baptism. You are baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. You are raised up out of the water to live henceforth in newness of life—to live a new life. You are born unto God, and you stand under the sanction and the power of the three holiest beings in heaven, who are able to keep you from falling. You are to reveal that you are dead to sin; your life is hid with Christ in God. Hidden “with Christ in God”—wonderful transformation. [Colossians 3:3.] This is a most precious promise. When I feel oppressed and hardly know how to relate myself toward the work that God has given me to do, I just call upon the three great Worthies, and say: You know I cannot do this work in my own strength. You must work in me, and by me, and through me, sanctifying my tongue, sanctifying my spirit, sanctifying my words, and bringing me into a position where my spirit shall be susceptible to the movings of the Holy Spirit of God upon my mind and character.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 29)
And this is the prayer that every one of us may offer. Oh, I am so afraid that the next judgment of God will come upon Oakland and San Francisco again, before you are ready! But if you come to the Lord; if those of you who profess to be His commandment-keeping people will come to Him and humble your hearts before Him, your ignorance may pass away.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 30)
The church members in this community who are not in harmony with God and with their brethren are carrying a great load of ignorance. This is a certain hindrance to their efforts to perfect a character through the gracious power of truth upon the human soul. They do not know that they are ignorant, but they are. God desires that every one of us shall be susceptible to the influence of the Holy Spirit, by which we shall be fashioned into the likeness of the divine.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 31)
There remains now only a little while in which we can work to save our own souls and the souls of others; and we want all the powers that God has given us cleansed and sanctified. We want to clear the path for every working agency, in order that they may not be impeded as they try to advance. We want to come into working order and into perfect unity with one another. Let us, in tenderness, “admonish one another” and seek to help one another. [Romans 15:14.] Let us pray with one another and put away everything that would keep us from entering into and following that narrow path that leads upward to heaven. This path is narrow, it is true; and because of its narrowness, “few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:14.] We cannot afford to leave the path that leads to life everlasting. We cannot afford to make any mistake in this matter. If you mistake your way, and disease comes upon you suddenly, and you die without truly repenting of your cruel spirit which has been a hindrance to many souls, there is no hope in your case.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 32)
God calls upon us to come into harmony with the divine pattern. He calls upon us, while it is called Today, to repent and be reconverted; and then His Spirit will dwell in us richly, and there will be transformations of character little dreamed of. As His Spirit works with your spirit, there will be manifest a saving grace by which we shall be deeply convicted of the wonderful transformation that is taking place in your character. Others will notice it and be influenced thereby. Thus a constant and progressive work will be going on in the church. Oh, my dear brethren and sisters, let us all come into line. We cannot afford to be out of line now—it is too late in the day.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 33)
Again, we read: “I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” [Romans 15:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 34)
“Whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ.” [Verse 17.] This is the manner in which we may glory. And as transformation of character takes place, through repentance and confession and reconversion and rebaptism, you will glory through Jesus Christ “in those things which pertain to God,” not in the things that pertain to your own personal, selfish interests.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 35)
Paul continues: “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed.” [Verse 18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 36)
Oh, that every soul in this congregation would consent to humble his own heart before God! Oh, that every soul in this room would be reconverted! Oh, that every soul would prostrate himself before God, and yield self unreservedly, and solemnly vow that with Heaven’s help he would henceforth keep his lips from all guile, and sanctified; that he would keep the life and the course of action sanctified; that soul, body, and spirit should ever be sanctified unto the Lord. If thorough work were done, what a missionary company we should have with which to work these cities! Oh, what numbers we could have to send into places where the people have never heard the third angel’s message!
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 37)
Some talk of going to far-off countries as missionaries; and this is well, if the Lord so directs. A brother under conviction of sin once said, “I want to be converted, that I may go out to the heathen to help them.”“Why,” said I, “begin at home; become right with God where you are; put away your sins, and be a home missionary.” If we cannot be missionaries at home, we can never expect to do good in another field. All about us there are heathen. Only a few miles from where you live, there are poor people who have never heard of the Seventh-day Adventists and the third angel’s message; they know but little regarding the sacredness of God’s law.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 38)
How true this is of San Francisco and of Oakland, and of all the lesser places nearby! I beg of you, brethren and sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be converted, that you may go to work for those who are living within easy reach. As you go forth in humility and faith, the impression made on heart and mind will be such as will lead those who accept the truth to begin humbly. They will not regard themselves as full fledged, capable of depending on their own strength; but they will sit at the feet of Jesus with meekness and lowliness of heart, to learn of Him. When the truth is spoken by God’s servants, those new converts will receive it into good and honest hearts, and it will abide. Thus they will steadily increase in knowledge and understanding.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 39)
As you engage heartily in this work, the converting power of God will be revealed. Your own hearts will be softened and subdued under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Christ is watching you. He is the One who has paid so great a price for your salvation. He greatly desires to bring to God all for whom He has sacrificed so much. He desires that they shall learn how to be obedient and heavenly minded. In this world we are to prepare for a home in the city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 40)
In order to prepare for entrance into this beautiful city, we must now be clothed with the wedding garment—with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. We must stand before Him without spot or wrinkle or any such things. You have not been appointed to talk about others’ faults. While probation still lingers, every soul ought to be washing his own robe of character and preparing for translation.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 41)
It is our privilege now, in this world, to be workers together with God. But first of all, we must be reconverted. Only when the brainpower and the talent of speech are sanctified, are we fitted for service.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 42)
During the past few weeks you have been highly favored with opportunities for Bible study. None can realize how heavily the burden rested upon me when I saw the important work that must be speedily done in California. And when Brother S. N. Haskell and his wife, about this time, were looking first at one place and then at another, with a view of visiting several places before returning to Nashville, where they seemed to think they must labor again, I wrote to them, You have a message to bear in Southern California and in other portions of California, and I beg of you to come West soon. I am so thankful that they came. Now that they are here, I greatly desire that their work shall not be impeded in any wise. I want that you should clear the King’s highway. And do not be afraid of the converting power of God. Be not afraid of His truth’s coming into the formation of your own individual character. If this work should tear your character to pieces, it can bring it together in a wholeness that is sanctified. We greatly need to humble the soul before God and before Christ Jesus, and so relate ourselves toward our Maker and toward one another, that we shall be brought into unity of action.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 43)
We read further: “I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” [Verse 17.] “In those things”—you see where the glory is. It is not in self-exaltation; it is not in one’s telling of his faultless character; it is in humbling one’s self before God. Then you shall represent in your own life the life of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 44)
Says the apostle: “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed.” [Verse 18.] “Wrought by me.” How did God work through Paul?—Through a multitude of revelations whereby He might “make the Gentiles obedient.” Paul had many wonderful visions. He saw that which could not be described by mortal man, and concerning these visions he remained nearly silent; but, nevertheless, God “wrought” through His servant, by the abundance of His revelations, to accompany Paul’s preaching with a power that could not be withstood. So thoroughly was Paul’s faith substantiated by these visions that his message was ever “Yea and Amen.” He could not think of consenting to say “Nay” when he had formerly said “Yea.” [2 Corinthians 1:17-20.] His words were established by a weight of evidence that was immovable.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 45)
“For I will not dare,” the apostle declared, “to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: but as it is written: To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” [Romans 15:18-26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 46)
Paul had been gathering up money for the poor at Jerusalem, in order that the way might be opened before him to preach the truth. In Jerusalem there were many who believed not that Jesus had been raised from the dead and was indeed the living Son of the Most High God. Paul desired to reach this class, and so he brought in these contributions in order to open the way.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 47)
Respecting this contribution, Paul declared of the Gentiles: “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.” [Verses 27, 28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 48)
Go where we may, everywhere there is work to be done. We need a fitting up for this work, and we need especially to guard against having a tongue that is sanctified to Satan. The tongue that God has given is to be used to glorify Him in speech. Unless it is, we shall be standing directly in the way of God’s work in this world, and the judgments of heaven will surely fall upon us. But we hope that we shall see of the salvation of God in a much larger degree than we have yet seen it.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 49)
Paul continues: “And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the gospel, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea.” [Verses 29-31.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 50)
As Paul goes to Judea to bear the message of the gospel of Christ to those who were opposing the idea of Jesus’ being the Saviour of the world, he wanted the Christian Gentiles to strive together with him in their prayers to God. How much better is this than to talk about the faults of one another! Brethren and sisters, when you are talking with one another, and someone begins to speak about the sins of someone else, listen not. Tell him that you must refuse to hear, for this is not your line of work. Instead of entering into a conversation that tends to tear down, try to speak a word of encouragement. Your talent of speech is to be sanctified unto God; it is to be cleansed from everything like faultfinding. Let us strive together with God’s appointed workers in prayer to the Lord that He shall protect them and bless them, and that they may be “delivered from them that do not believe.” [Verse 31.] Thus the way will be opened for the reception of the gospel.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 51)
“That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” [Verses 32, 33.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 52)
These words that I have been reading to you this afternoon are the words of the Bible in regard to your duty and my own duty. And I greatly desire that you shall learn to guard the door of your lips lest you speak unadvisedly. I used to say to my children, as they were leaving home in the morning: “Now, children, you are going out for the day’s work. Remember that you are to guard your tongue. Speak not one word that will provoke a wrong act. If you fail, then when we meet at family worship during the evening hour, we shall talk the matter over and make it right with God. You see, children, kind words never cause you any pain and sorrow. Speak kindly, tenderly to one another, and see what a refreshing, what a blessing, comes to your own heart. But if you begin to contend one with another, then passions arise, and you have to strive with all your might to retain control over yourself. Be brave, be true.”
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 53)
And at eventide, when the children would gather together before going to bed, we would talk over the happenings of the day. Possibly during the day one of the children had said, “Mother, someone has done thus and so to me.” I had replied that when we all came together in the evening we could talk it over. When evening came, they had all had time for reflection, and they did not feel inclined to bring charges against one another. They would say, “Mother, I have done thus and so;” and the tears would start from their eyes, as they would add, “I feel as if I would like to have you ask the Lord to forgive me. I believe He will.” And then we would bow in prayer, and confess the sins of the day, and pray for forgiveness. After confessing their wrongdoings, these little fellows would soon fall asleep.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 54)
But when a child hears an older person constantly talking about the faults of someone else, he in turn is imbued with the same spirit of faultfinding and criticism. The seeds of contention are being sown. Oh, how can professed Christians indulge in such a work? Two nights before I left my home, I was charged, during the visions of the night, to tell the congregation that I should meet at Oakland on the Sabbath, that the wicked words coming from their lips regarding the supposed faults of God’s servants who are doing the very best they can to spread the truth and to advance His work, are all written in the heavenly books of record. Unless those who speak these words repent, they will at last find themselves outside the city of God. God will not allow a quarrelsome person to enter into the heavenly city.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 55)
After my visit to Oakland two weeks ago, I was sick for a whole week. I carried a very heavy burden; but I felt that if duty seemed plain for me to go down again, God would give me strength to speak to you.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 56)
I feel an intense interest regarding every faultfinder; for I know that a quarrelsome disposition will never find entrance into the city of God. Quarrel with yourself, but with no one else; and then be converted. Confess your sins right here where you are, before you return to your homes. With words of confession, humble your hearts before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 57)
When you are tempted to speak unadvisedly, be on guard. If someone else approaches you with words of criticism regarding one of God’s children, turn a deaf ear to every such word. If you are spoken to harshly, never retaliate. Utter not a word. When under provocation, remember that “silence is eloquence.” Silence is the greatest rebuke that you can possibly give a faultfinder or one whose temper is irritated. Keep your eye fixed on Jesus. Keep your eye on the One who never finds fault with you, only to lay before you perils from which He would deliver you.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 58)
There is a great work to be done, and many are unready to engage in sacred service. The judgments of God are soon coming upon all our cities, and I desire that we shall all be prepared. I greatly desire that we shall confess our sins and be converted. If any of you desire to have your hearts softened and broken before God, it is best for you to clear the King’s highway this afternoon, without delay. It is best to prepare the heart for the reception of the Holy Spirit, that it may have free course in the entire being. It is best that you should open the door of the soul-temple and let the Saviour come in. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” the Saviour says. “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 59)
We ought to long with all the heart for a thorough reconversion, that the truth may be enthroned in heart and mind, and that we may, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, be prepared to present the third angel’s message before others who need it so much. Now is our opportunity; now is our chance. May God help us, that we may be converted.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 60)
Dear brethren and sisters, if there are any of you that desire to say anything this afternoon, be free. Are you ready to rededicate yourselves to God? Christ is ready; He is waiting, watching, longing. Angels are in this room. Wicked angels are here, and holy angels are here. Which side shall gain the victory over your heart here today, my brother, my sister? These are the hours of the Sabbath; you cannot spend them any better than by clearing the King’s highway. Remove the root of bitterness from your heart. Do not break off the top of it. Root it out lest, springing up again, many shall be defiled. You cannot afford to be content with half-hearted work. Dig it out by the roots, and then God will help you to be reconverted.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 61)
*****
Elder S. N. Haskell speaking: Perhaps some would like to bear testimony. If we could see the interest that heaven is taking at the present time in our behalf, if we would realize what is going on above, there is not one of us that could rest satisfied before we knew that we had a clean record on high.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 62)
The Lord is anxious to save us. He is anxious that everything separating us from him should be put away, that our hearts may beat in unison with heaven. It is time to be in harmony with God. Let us spend a little while in clearing the King’s highway. If we have been indulging in the sin of telling others’ faults, let us confess it before the Lord and before our brethren. When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly—at a time when we are least expecting it. But we can have a clean record in heaven today and know that God accepts us; and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom of heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 63)
*****
(Several testimonies were borne by various members of the congregation; but the response was not so hearty as might have been expected after such an appeal had been made. The testimonies were more or less indefinite, with, however, a few exceptions. The break that seemed necessary in order that the spirit of confession might come in, was not made. It seemed as if the powers of darkness were striving for the mastery. It was at this juncture that the prayer was offered by Sister White.)
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 64)
*****
Mrs. E. G. White: I should like to pray. (Praying) Our heavenly Father, we come to Thee this evening, as our only Refuge, as our only Helper, as the only One who can save us from ourselves. Oh, my heavenly Father, Thou hast heard the words that I have tried to say to this people this afternoon. And I ask Thee, Lord, that Thou wouldst make the impression. Thou alone canst break the iron bands of the heart. Thou alone canst cause the blind eyes to discern what sin is. Thou alone canst impress the understanding with a realization of the character that every soul must have and reveal in this world before he can be prepared for translation into the family of heaven. Oh, my Father, my Father, the blindness, the terrible blindness, that comes over the people, that they do not discern what manner of character Thou canst accept and what Thou wilt be compelled to reject! We ask Thee, Lord, that Thou wouldst work upon minds and hearts. Oh, that Thou wouldst impress upon all the terrible nature of sin, and how Thou dost regard sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 65)
Oh, my Father, my Father, Thou didst so love the world that Thou gavest Thine only beloved Son to die a shameful death, that the world through Him might have everlasting life! Thou hast given the human family here below the privilege of educating themselves in rightdoing, that they may be prepared to unite with the sinless family above and dwell forevermore in Thy kingdom. We see the opportunities and the privileges that are passing by, and yet there are hearts that are becoming more and still more hardened, less and still less sensitive. Oh, we pray Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ who has borne the stripes, who has suffered the agonies of the crucifixion to make it possible for every soul that lives to unite with the family of God—oh, we pray, my Saviour, we pray Thee to break up this hardness of heart! I pray Thee to melt and subdue the soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 66)
I pray Thee, my heavenly Father, that Thou wouldst flash light upon the people here, that they may obey the call. If they repent not, Thou wilt have to say to them, “How canst thou come in hither, not having on the wedding garment?” [Matthew 22:12.] It is the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness that must be put on. Oh, Lord, I ask Thee to have compassion upon human minds in this congregation! I pray Thee, Lord, that they may not go on hardening their hearts any longer. I pray Thee that this awful manifestation of self may be broken up. I pray Thee that self may be crucified, and that self may die, in order that there may be a reconversion in the midst of us, and that souls may be brought to humble themselves before Thee, and to be reconverted.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 67)
My Father, my Father, for Christ’s sake, let Thy Spirit impress the minds of those who are in this house, and may they clear the King’s highway, and prepare the way for Thee to come to work with human minds. Help them to remove the stumbling blocks out of the way, and to take themselves out of the way. They are standing directly in Thy way; and oh, impress their hearts so fully, so sensibly, that they will repent, repent, repent, and be converted, before it shall be everlastingly too late!
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 68)
Oh God, the word is about to be pronounced: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22:11.] Awful words to hear, to those that are unready!
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 69)
Wilt Thou, Lord, break up this coldness, this iciness, this frozenheartedness! Oh, give them no rest, day nor night, until they see the necessity of transformation of character; until they see the necessity of clearing the King’s highway.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 70)
My heavenly Father, we come to Thee as Thy little children. Thou hast called us little children, and I pray Thee that we may become little children. Oh Lord, Thou didst say to Thy disciples, when they were seeking to be first, that those who seek to be the first shall be the last of all. Help us to humble our souls before God. Help our hard hearts to repent.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 71)
My Father, my Father, I present before Thee the merits of our Redeemer, Thy Son Jesus, who suffered the awful agonies of the cross to redeem the race. I plead with Thee that Thou wouldst break up the fallow ground of the heart, in order that the seeds of truth may become fastened in the mind, and spring up and bear the best kind of fruit, to the glory of God. We cannot endure the thought that of the large number who are in this congregation, many at last may say that “the harvest is past, the summer is ended,” the final proffers of salvation have been made, and my soul is not saved! [Jeremiah 8:20.] What an awful acknowledgment this would be! Break, I pray Thee, break the minds of the congregation, so that every one of us may seek Thee with all the heart, as we go out from this house, in order that we may carry with us the impression of the Spirit of God. Help, oh, help us to be converted, that the light of heaven may come into our minds and our souls, and that we may have something to say in honor of Jesus, to glorify His name upon the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 72)
Oh God, put a message upon the lips of Thy servants. Bless Elder Haskell; bless his wife who has been laboring with him; and I pray Thee that Thou wouldst bless the other laborers in this community. May Thy blessing rest upon Brother Rice and his wife, as they are trying to clear the way and to do all the good they can in their necessity. We plead with Thee that whatever mistakes may have been made, they shall all be taken out of the way. And we believe that they have been; because Thou hast given me a message for them to take their position in the church. Thou hast declared that they are amenable to Thee. They are not amenable to any arbitrary human domination, but they are Thy servants, to do Thy will. I pray Thee, my heavenly Father, that Thou wouldst give them a fitting up, so that they shall not labor under the discouragement that some have tried to bring upon them here. Thou hast sent me with a message for them, and I ask Thee, my heavenly Father, to encircle them in the arms of Thy mercy and to love them freely.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 73)
O heavenly Father, I ask Thee that the angel of the Lord before whom Joshua the high priest is represented as standing while the enemy accuses the sinner of his defiled garments—may this angel vouchsafe his presence unto us this afternoon. Thou didst turn to Satan, and say, “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?” And to those who accused the sinner, the angel said, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquities to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” And he added: “Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.” [Zechariah 3:2, 4, 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 74)
Satan is trying to fix upon every one that he can influence all the discouragement possible. Lord, I pray Thee, let the baptism of the Holy Spirit come into this congregation. I pray Thee, for Christ’s sake, to sweep back the mist and the cloud that Satan interposes here. He is here; his followers are here; there are those here who are listening to his words; and I ask Thee, Lord, to break the spell; I ask Thee that there may be such marked consecration before God, that Christ can say, “I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” [Verse 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 75)
Oh God, we want raiment without a spot; we want garments without a stain; we want a preparation to do a grand, a great, a holy work that must be done. We pray Thee that Thou wouldst work mightily, so that the salvation of God shall be revealed. Thou hast a whole heaven of blessing that Thou art waiting to pour out upon a people who are ready to receive it and use it. Oh, all heaven is full of Thy graciousness and Thy pardon, which we may receive abundantly if we will only come to Thee and repent and be converted.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 76)
My Lord and my God, I ask Thee to carry through the reformation that is to be done in this place, and the reformation that is to be done in the different meetingplaces in this community. Let the salvation of God be revealed. My Saviour, my Saviour, Thou art inviting: Thou art waiting for them to come, so that Thou canst say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee; go, and sin no more.” [Matthew 9:2; John 8:11.] May the healing power of God come upon body and soul. My Father, my Father, I ask Thee for Christ’s sake to come into the midst of us, and break the terrible power of darkness, and let souls go free, and Thy blessed name shall have all the glory. Amen.
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 77)
*****
As the congregation arose, Sister White said: “Let us sing, ‘Jesus Lover of My Soul.’ Sing it with all your heart.”
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 78)
(Benediction.)
(21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, 79)
Ms 96, 1906
Diary/“On Sabbath day, Elder Haskell...” Refiled as Ms 129, 1907.
Ms 97, 1906
Sermon/A New Commandment San Jose, California July 2, 1905 Portions of this manuscript are published in CTr 214. +
“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.” [John 14:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 1)
Christ was nearing the time of His crucifixion, and these last chapters of the book of John contain a precious record of His last interviews with His disciples. He desired them to be prepared for the trials that were before them. In the later part of the previous chapter we read:
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 2)
“Therefore when he (Judas) was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God be glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall straightway glorify Him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you.” [John 13:31-33.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 3)
“Little children”—how tenderly Christ regarded these disciples who had been so closely associated with Him for three years! Now He was about to leave them, and He said:
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 4)
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;” and how much?—“as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 5)
“Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.” [Verses 34-38.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 6)
Can we not, from Peter’s experience, see the danger of self-confidence, without a reliance and a faith that can stand the test of temptation?
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 7)
Now I read further from the fourteenth chapter:
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 8)
“And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 9)
“Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 10)
“Philip saith unto Him, Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” [Verses 4-12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 11)
What an assurance is this! Christ is in heaven working in our behalf. He presents our petitions to the Father, pointing to His wounded hands and pierced side. “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands,” He says. [Isaiah 49:16.] A true belief in the work of the Father and of the Son in our behalf is worth everything to us. It is a pledge of our salvation. The wounded hands, the pierced side of our Lord stand as a revelation of infinite love—love expressed for you and for me.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 12)
In view of such love, what is our duty?—We are to seek for that spirit of love expressed in the words:
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 13)
“Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:33, 34.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 14)
Why was this a new commandment? Christ, in His death on the cross, was about to give a manifestation of His love—such an expression of love as had never before been heard of. “A new commandment”—it is to “love one another, as I have loved you.” [Verse 34.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 15)
With many it has become a habit to seek for something to condemn in some one else. What God wants you to do is to take care of number one. And when you get in right relation to God, when you see the necessity of that faith and love that is expressed in this “new commandment,” which is illustrated by the death of Christ, I say to you that there will be a great change in the character of believers. There will be a mighty awakening among God’s people. Among officers in the church and officers in the conference, there will be a manifestation of the love of Christ in their hearts. They will study to know the meaning of the new commandment.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 16)
“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [Verse 34.] Christ’s love for us led Him to Calvary. Laying off His royal robe, stepping down from the high command of the angels in heaven, He came as a lowly babe, born and laid in a manger in Bethlehem. He might have brought with Him to this world legions of angels. But, no. He came to fill the humblest position, to bear all the temptation to which men are subject. Thus He gave an example to our world of what humanity may become. He was tempted just as strongly as any one of the human family can be tempted. Through His ministration He has made it possible for us to become partakers of the divine nature.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 17)
“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [Verse 34.] Then what is our work?—It is to seek earnestly for that love in the heart that Christ will give to each of His followers who will eat of His flesh, and drink of His blood—which means to receive His words.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 18)
Christ spoke of our duty to love God and man in His interview with a certain lawyer. This lawyer hoped that Christ might be condemned by something that would proceed from His lips. He “stood up, and tempted Him saying, Master, What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] To his surprise, the question was thrown back upon him:
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 19)
“What is written in the law? How readest thou?” [Verse 26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 20)
The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 21)
“Thou hast answered right,” said Jesus, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 22)
To every soul in this congregation is given a promise of a life that measures with the life of God. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Verse 25.]—The answer to this question was not given alone to the lawyer: it is for every one of us.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 23)
“And thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.] Let no one do injustice to his neighbor, especially to the children of God, who are working with all the strength of their being to do His will. Do not, I beg of you, do or say anything that may bring sadness and sorrow and grief to their hearts; for Christ will regard it as though it were done to Himself.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 24)
We need to practice this new commandment, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] That is what we need, and God will help us if we will only do as He bids us. He has opened before us a new and wonderful chapter of love—“Love, as I have loved you.” Nothing short of this can be an adequate response to the great sacrifice of Christ in coming to our world to give His life for us, to stand at the head of humanity, that humanity may take hold of divinity. With His long human arm He has encircled the race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. Thus we are linked through Him to the Father.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 25)
If each one will now humble his own heart, take heed to his own individual course of action, and take the Word of God just as it reads, we shall see one of the greatest reformations passing through all of our churches that we have ever seen. God calls upon us to take hold upon Him and to work intelligently.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 26)
“Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” [John 14:8, 9.] The quivering lips of Christ testified of His grief because they did not know Him better in this their hour of trial.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 27)
“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father, that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to My Father. And whatsoever ye ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 28)
“If ye love Me, keep My commandment. 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.” [Verses 10-18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 29)
When you feel discouraged or disconsolate, do not run to your neighbor with your troubles. This is not right. Man leaning upon man, man dealing with man as though he were appointed to a work of lifting up or of casting down his brethren, as he thinks best. God calls for every one to stand in a sanctified knowledge that Christ is abiding in him, and he is Christ. Then what will he do when he is in trouble? He will come right to the Word and see what it says. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 30)
“Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. 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.” [Verses 18-21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 31)
Why do we not take Christ at His word? When I was in Australia some would write to me, sending letters across the waters of the Pacific asking for counsel. Oh, did they not know that there was One by their side who was inviting them to believe in Him, to trust in Him, to receive the knowledge that He longed to impart? They should not trust in man, nor make flesh their arm. I tried to persuade these poor souls to look to God for counsel, but such letters continued to come all the time I was there.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 32)
Every one of us should have in ourselves a sure and a blessed hope. We should love Jesus Christ according as He has loved us. Then we may go to Him freely, even as children go to their parents to ask them for the things they need. He says, “I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.” [Verse 21.] Do you believe it? You may come to Christ, saying, “Lord, you have said it, and I take You at Your word.”
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 33)
You may say, I do not feel any particular blessing in my heart. What do you want? Do you want more than the Word of God Himself? Feeling is just as distinct from faith as the east is from the west. It is not feeling that we want; it is faith, a living faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 34)
As you follow in the line of duty, as you seek to save souls ready to perish, as you go out in the different towns and localities around here, as you labor in Oakland and different cities, teaching others to serve God and to glorify Him, do you not believe that the light of heaven will come into your souls? Christ will stand close beside you. He will impress and convict the minds of those for whom you labor.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 35)
“Judas saith unto Him, (not Iscariot) Lord, how is it that 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. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father shall send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verses 22-26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 36)
You may have the presence of the Comforter, if you will only believe it. We want a deeper and a richer and a more elevated experience in the things of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 37)
“And He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verse 26.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 38)
All the precious lessons of instruction that Jesus had given to His disciples were to be brought to their memory. They would search the Scriptures. They would study the Scriptures of the Old Testament; for they had not the New Testament then. Some of them wrote a record of what Jesus had said and done. They carried in their minds not only the words themselves, but they remembered the force of the emphasis and the love that was in the voice that spoke them. By faith they grasped the divine truths and brought them into their lives.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 39)
Jesus continues, “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. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so do I. Arise let us go hence.” [Verses 27-31.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 40)
Here is outlined the very work that we individually are to do. My dear friends, if I could see the converting power of God come into our churches, it seems to me I should be the happiest mortal alive. They have the Bible, the truth of the Word. They have had it line upon line, precept upon precept, but they have not in their hearts that love which Christ desires—“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] They love themselves; they live for themselves. Oh, they need to open the heart to the love of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 41)
Then when we associate together, we shall not pick flaws in one another. This makes souls weak and sick spiritually. But we will encourage one another, we will labor for each other’s conversion, we will pray for and with each other, we will speak words of kindness, words that will help others to come in right relation to God. May the Lord let His Holy Spirit rest upon every one of us, and may we see the salvation of God, as we have not seen it yet.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 42)
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.” [Verse 1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 44)
Where did the angel find John?—He found him on the isle of Patmos. Wicked men had tried to take his life, but they could not do it, so they had banished him to that rocky isle. They thought that he would be discouraged and soon die, and that they would not be troubled further by his testimony. But it was a happy place for the aged disciple. Every day he communed with God, and words of praise fell from his lips, even on that lonely, rocky isle. God revealed Himself to John in a most signal manner, and the words he there wrote under the inspiration of God have lived through the ages.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 45)
John “bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 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.” [Verses 2, 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 46)
Then comes the testimony to the seven churches: “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 ever.” [Verses 4-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 47)
What is our obligation to Him who has died for us? We are to manifest the traits of His character. We are to wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. We are to reveal the blessedness of the character of our Redeemer.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 48)
He “hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” [Verse 6.] In the book of Hebrews in studying the priesthood, we find that the priests were those who presented to the Father their own case, and also the cases of others. They were to work diligently for the salvation of souls. But there are some today, even among those who are preaching the gospel, who need a new conversion. And unless they are converted, they will dishonor their Redeemer.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 49)
“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. I John who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Revelation 1:7-9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 50)
We ourselves will soon know something about trials, and we shall want a living experience in and through the sanctification of the truth. I beg of every teacher of the Word to consider himself one with Christ’s little ones, to learn of Him continually. God would have us consider that every slight that is placed on one of His little children is placed upon Him. He wants every soul of us to put on the whole armor, including the gospel shoes. He does not ask any one to take off his shoes and put them on to some one else. Every one of us must have our own feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This we must have today and every day.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 51)
What is soon coming upon us?—Seducing spirits are coming in. If God has ever spoken by me, you will hear before long of a wonderful science—a science of the devil. Its aim will be to make of no account God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. Some will exalt this false science, and through them Satan will seek to make void the law of God. Great miracles will be performed in the sight of men in behalf of this wonderful science.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 52)
But in the midst of these great deceptions, it is our privilege to hide ourselves in Jesus Christ. It is possible for us to seek and to obtain salvation. But God calls upon us now to take off from His workers every dominating hand. Let each understand his individual duty before God and not feel himself a master and a controlling power. For God forbids this. He has not appointed man to rule. He who is himself under control to God will know his place. No man is to be a denominating power, for God alone can be this.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 53)
We have a God who is our Commander and our Ruler. We have a Saviour, and we are not to exchange them for the word of any man that lives. Now God wants us to come into right relation to Him. He wants every voice to be sanctified. He wants all there is of us—soul, body, and spirit—to be fully sanctified. It is time that we began to know that we are fastened to the Lord Jesus Christ by a living, active faith, and to take hold of Christ and the Holy Spirit of God. Let our petitions come up before God. Let us believe in Him, and trust in Him, and we shall see His mighty power working among us. I will read further:
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 54)
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and 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.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 55)
Almost the last view that John had seen of Christ was when He was hanging in human agony upon the cross, and the priests and rulers who had caused His death were mocking Him: “If Thou be the Christ, come down from the cross, and we will believe on Thee.”“He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” [Matthew 27:40, 42.] These words were true. But in His very death He was making provision to save you and me. He suffered the death penalty for us, that we may take hold of His life and have a life that measures with the life of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 56)
Since Christ has done so much for us, why should we not labor, as He has bidden us, to “go into all the world, and preach the gospel,” teaching to men, “whatsoever I have commanded you.”“And lo,” He adds, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:19, 20.] Why shall we not do the work that God has left for us to do?
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 57)
If you feel a spirit of controversy with any one, just go out somewhere and speak of the love of Christ to souls who need a testimony in favor of the truth. Speak of the loveliness of Christ, and the wicked spirit that has been in your heart will depart. What we need is an experience in overcoming the enemy, and in clinging to the Mighty One. We cannot afford to lose everlasting life.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 58)
I must tell you that heaven is to be sought for, to be prayed for, to be worked for. We cannot, with our unconverted traits of character, drift into heaven. Will you ask God to let His Spirit rest upon you, and will you believe that He gives it to you? Exercise faith, and praise God: do not wait till you feel it. God will perform His word, but He wants us to believe Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 59)
John beholds the seven candlesticks, and in their midst he sees the Son of God, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt with a golden girdle. Oh, He has not on the poor garments that He put on for our sakes. He is clothed in glory and brightness.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 60)
“His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters. And He had in His right hand seven stars; and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword; and His countenance was as the sun shining in his strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” [Revelation 1:14-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 61)
As you read the next two chapters critically, you will see that there is a power that will come as you humble your hearts before God, a power such as you have not yet realized. God wants His love to abide in us. We can have it, every one of us. We may have a love for the souls for whom Christ has died. Our loveless, cold indifference must pass away. No one must feel that it is his privilege to set up or cast down others as he sees fit.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 62)
Do not spend time in controversy with those who bring up objections; for the enemy will suggest to other minds enough to occupy your time in combatting them. Your strength is to keep to the affirmative. When the devil met Christ in the wilderness, Christ did not enter into controversy with him. Satan tempted Him to perform a miracle to create bread. Had Christ done this, He would have given the enemy a decided advantage; for Satan might have given a similar evidence of his own power. But what did Christ say, “It is written,”“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 63)
So today if men bring to you objections to the truth, and try to stir you up, do not became excited. Keep on the track of the affirmative. Affirm the truth, Thus saith the Lord, and let me tell you, the enemy will soon desire to get out of your presence.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 64)
I am charged with a message to our ministers and our people everywhere. For Christ’s sake, let us lay aside the warfare the enemy would have us put on. Let us begin to work in earnest to overcome our hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil. Let us plead with God to take away the wicked propensity to faultfinding, and in its place to give us the life and the love of Christ. Then you will see the salvation of God in large measure.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 65)
We have a heaven to win, and Christ wants us to have it. He died that we might have it. Every soul who is saved in the kingdom of God will give the glory to Him, not to any man. Christ will open for us the golden gates; He will invite you to enter. A golden harp will be placed in your hand, and you will sing a song of triumph: “Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to win us to God and to heaven.”
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 66)
And we must enter heaven here below, or we shall never enter the heaven hereafter. Right here on this earth we must begin to live the life of Christ, and then it will be a heaven to you and it will be a heaven to those who associate with you. Then you will desire to help others, to lift up those who are cast down and despondent. And at last you will see the King in His beauty, you will behold His matchless charms, and, touching the golden harp, fill heaven with rich music and songs to the Lamb.
(21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, 67)
Ms 99, 1906
Our Need of the Holy Spirit St. Helena, California December 1, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 01/03/1907. +
During the past night I have received instruction regarding the carrying forward of the work in Oakland and San Francisco. A good work has been begun by Elder Simpson, and the Lord has greatly blessed the effort that has been put forth to lead souls to accept the truth. He desires that this effort shall be continued in the same spirit in which it has been begun. Let those who preach the Word follow Christ’s methods, ever realizing the solemnity of the message they proclaim. A lack of foresight may close the door to the hearts of some precious souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 1)
Whenever a special effort is put forth along missionary lines in any place, the church members in that vicinity should understand that each one of them has some part to act in making the work a success. He who is truly converted stands as a representative of Christ. Let our brethren and sisters remember that we are living on the verge of the eternal world. The cases of all are being tried in the heavenly courts, and it is high time to put away sin and to work earnestly to save as many as possible.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 2)
Among God’s people there should be, at this time, frequent seasons of sincere, earnest prayer. The mind should constantly be in a prayerful attitude. In the home and in the church, let earnest prayers be offered in behalf of those who have given themselves to the preaching of the Word. Let believers pray as did the disciples after the ascension of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 3)
The members of our churches need to be converted, to become more spiritual minded. A chain of earnest, praying believers should encircle the world. Let all pray in humility. A few neighbors may meet together to pray for the Holy Spirit. Let those who cannot leave home gather in their children and unite in learning to pray together. They may claim the promise of the Saviour, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” [Matthew 18:20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 4)
In the Lord’s prayer, we have an example of a perfect petition. How simple, yet how comprehensive, it is! This prayer should be taught to the children. Let all study carefully the principles contained in it.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 5)
In response to the prayers of God’s people, angels are sent with heavenly blessings. The Lord desires us to be far more successful in our missionary efforts. Through daily prayer and consecration, all may so relate themselves to their heavenly Father that He can bestow upon them rich blessings.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 6)
Especially do those young in the faith need to be wide-awake and on their guard against the strategies of Satan. They must adhere steadfastly to an unwavering faith in the great atoning sacrifice. They need not continue in sin. Through prayer they may receive grace that will enable them to overcome.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 7)
By artful devices the enemy is rapidly adding souls to the number of those who are deceived. Many of our church members are sadly lacking in true missionary zeal. There is a dearth of tithes and offerings. We need to repent of our failure to unite with Christ as laborers together with God. Because of our indifference to the appeals of God, we have not reached one half of those who might be reached. Few have felt a heavy burden for souls. How much more might have been accomplished, had the time spent by God’s people in faultfinding been spent in encouraging one another, and in active service! How much better for voices to blend in prayer, in holy unison, than to be employed in finding fault! We have no time for faultfinding or criticism.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 8)
There are thousands, yes, millions, within the borders of our own country, who need the enlightenment of the Word of God. Vice and crime are rampant. Even in San Francisco, a city where God has spoken in judgment, the saloons are wide open, notwithstanding the fact that the sure results of the open saloon are well known. Will not God punish for this insult? The temperance work should be revived.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 9)
Oh, how differently many would act, were God to draw aside the vail that hides Him from our eyes, and reveal Himself seated on His throne in the high and holy place, not in silent grandeur, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of holy, happy beings, waiting to do his bidding! He notes carefully every earthly transaction, marking with approval or condemnation the course of every inhabitant of the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 10)
God’s Great Love
When the fulness of time came, the windows of heaven were opened, and upon the world was poured a flood of heavenly grace. God made to our world the wonderful gift of His only begotten Son. In the light of this act, it could never be said by the inhabitants of other worlds that God could have done more than He did, to show His love for the children of men. He made a sacrifice that defies all computation. To save a fallen race He poured forth the whole treasure of heaven in one gift.
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 11)
Christ laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and assumed the form of humanity, in order that humanity, through His merits, might partake of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. He was subjected to the fiercest assaults of Satan, but not for a moment did he yield to the terrible temptations brought against Him, or become discouraged in His work of bringing redemption to the race. He gave His life for the salvation of a fallen race. Who can understand the depth and the breadth of love so amazing!
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 12)
In the world to come, Christ will lead the redeemed beside the river of life and will teach them wonderful lessons of truth. He will unfold to them the mysteries of nature. They will see that a Masterhand holds the worlds in position. They will behold the skill displayed by the great Artist in coloring the flowers of the field and will learn of the purposes of the merciful Father, who dispenses every ray of light; and with the holy angels the redeemed will acknowledge in songs of grateful praise God’s supreme love to an unthankful world. Then it will be understood that “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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 99, 1906, 13)
Ms 101, 1906
The Lord Loveth a Cheerful Giver St. Helena, California December 3, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in OHC 198, 200; UL 351; 6BC 1104. +
I address the members of all our churches. We are living in a special period of this earth’s history. A great work must be done in a very short time, and every Christian is to act a part in sustaining the Lord’s work.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 1)
In every home let there be a spirit of self-denial. It will be a valuable education for the children to be taught to save sums of money for missionary work. Let them, by some service, earn money to donate to the cause of God. Then they will feel that they have some part in the work of saving souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 2)
There is a great work to be done for the colored people, and upon all rests the responsibility of doing everything possible for the uplifting of this neglected race. In every home there should be self-denial boxes. When any member of the family has an opportunity to deny himself of some unnecessary article, let him put into this self-denial box the sum he would have expended had he yielded to the temptation to gratify his desires. Thus we will assist in relieving the necessities of those who need genuine help. Even the children will find a joy and happiness in the thought that they are laborers together with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 3)
Children, will you not take hold of this work? Will you not deny yourselves in order to help the poor and the needy? You may not be able to give large sums of money, but if all will do this, the many small gifts will make a large amount. In doing this, you will be blessed, as truly as will those for whom the money is spent. How many of you will become missionaries for God? Do not become weary in this good work; for there are a large number of colored people, and we must start schools for them, that they may learn to read and write, and learn about Jesus, and how to live so that they may be ready for heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 4)
Even the children in the home may be missionaries. You are doing a work that pleases the Lord Jesus when you help father or mother. But do not always wait to be told what to do. Try to see for yourselves what you can do to save the steps of your weary mother. Try always to bring pleasantness to every one else in the home. Never utter one angry word to father, mother, brothers, or sisters. Never speak a word that would grieve any one. Remember that you are one of God’s little ones.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 5)
Every member of the family may cheer and help every other member. The older children should be thoughtful and ever kind and tender toward the smaller ones. The angels of God will look down at them in pleasure, as they ask the Lord for help to be kind to the little children. If all will heed this instruction the blessing of God will rest upon the home, and love for one another will increase.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 6)
A well-ordered home is a blessing to any community. The example of love and harmony thus revealed will lead others to regulate their own homes so that they may be happier.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 7)
Children, will you try to discipline yourselves, and never speak one unpleasant word? Will you try to be the Lord’s younger missionaries, to have a care for father and mother, for sisters and brothers? Every angry word you speak hurts yourself and must be repented of if you would enter the school in heaven when Jesus comes.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 8)
Parents, will you set your children an example of self-denial? All that we have comes from the Lord, and it is right that we return to Him all that we possibly can. Do not feel that it is your duty to give Christmas presents to those who have no need of your bounty, when the Lord’s treasury needs all that you can give. Why should you use the Lord’s money with which to purchase magazines and unprofitable reading matter?
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 9)
The Work With Christ’s Object Lessons and Ministry of Healing
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 10)
The book Christ’s Object Lessons has been a gift to our schools. Many souls have been converted through the reading of the book, and thousands of dollars have come to our training schools. The good work of selling this book in behalf of our educational work should continue.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 11)
With but little effort, men, women, and children; ministers, teachers, students, and physicians can, if they will take up the work in faith, sell many copies of this excellent book. Tell the people that you are selling the book to help carry forward the Lord’s work, that its sale will train young men and young women for missionary service.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 12)
In like manner, let our people engage in the work of selling Ministry of Healing. From the light given me, I know that much may be accomplished for our sanitariums and our schools, if these two books are sold interestedly. I have acted my part in the gift of the manuscript, and the Lord will speak words of commendation of those who, with self-denial and a spirit of earnest endeavor, will put forth an effort. Try it, brethren and sisters, and the Lord will certainly help you.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 13)
An Example of Liberality
To the church at Corinth, Paul wrote:
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 14)
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves unto the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” [2 Corinthians 8:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 15)
The brethren in Macedonia were very poor. In receiving the gospel, they had placed themselves under persecution and oppression. With some, every advantage was denied them because of their faith. Because of their poverty and their trials, they knew how to sympathize with those who were in need.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 16)
In their poverty, they gave so liberally that the brethren were surprised at the amount raised. The reason for their liberality was that they had in their hearts the love of the truth. They themselves had tasted of suffering. Trusting in the Lord, they had been comforted, and their hearts went out in sympathy to their brethren who were in need. They were willing to deprive themselves of goods and of money to relieve the suffering saints in the church at Jerusalem.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 17)
Will those of the Seventh-day Adventist church in every locality first consecrate themselves to the Lord, and do their very best, according to their circumstances, to assist in the Lord’s work by gifts and offerings? Will they show that they appreciate the blessings of the Lord and are grateful for His mercy? Will they consider their obligations to God now, at the time when the world especially seeks for pleasure and expends large sums of money in gifts to those who are not needy? Will they consider it a privilege to act a liberal part, as heartily as did the churches in Macedonia?
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 18)
I have said to my family and my friends: I desire that no one shall make me birthday or Christmas gifts, unless it be with the permission to pass them on into the Lord’s treasury, to be appropriated in the establishments of missions. I will greatly praise the name of the Lord if I can see His people at this time, by the exercise of benevolence, making it possible to increase the facilities for successful work in many needy fields. I long to see among Seventh-day Adventists an increase of faith and courage, and more praise and thanksgiving to God, that where there has in the past been a withholding, there shall from henceforth be seen the evidences of a grateful heart, in the bestowal of gifts and offerings, to supply the needs of many destitute fields.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 19)
Paul did not desire to lay a heavy burden upon the church at Corinth, but he brought to their attention the liberal example of the brethren in Macedonia, where, though they were exceedingly poor, yet they had with thankfulness and willingness contributed in response to the appeal for help.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 20)
Titus had been so successful in raising gifts among the churches in Macedonia that Paul desired him to visit Corinth and continue in the same work. Another brother, “whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,” and still another, “whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things,” were sent to accompany Titus. [Verses 16, 18, 22.] Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians, commending to them these brethren who had so willingly undertaken such a difficult task. In this letter he reminded them of an effort that had been put forth a year previous to raise a contribution at Corinth. He writes:
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 21)
“We desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also: therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He become poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 22)
“And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 23)
“For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want: that there may be an equality. As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” [Verses 6-15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 24)
In the providence of God, by physical skill or ingenious inventions, some may gather more wealth than others. The Lord blesses them with health, with tact, and skill, that they may receive of His goods, to bestow upon others, who may not have received these blessings. The possession of means constitutes a test of character. All have a part to act, as they have received; and from those who possess wealth, the Lord looks for bountiful gifts. Often it is their special privilege to act as the Lord’s helping hand to relieve the necessities of the Lord’s work in places where a delay to move at the right time would mean the loss of souls who might otherwise be saved.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 25)
Paul continues: “But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; and not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind.” [Verses 16-19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 26)
Paul’s testimony was accepted as of great weight, because of the many revelations he had received. He knew better than did many others of the necessities of various places. But Paul was unwilling to take personal charge of the raising of this contribution. He had been largely instrumental in causing it to be raised, but, lest any should find occasion to speak evil, Titus and his companions, one of whom some suppose to be Luke, made the journey to Corinth; for there was no safe way of transporting money at that time.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 27)
“Avoiding this,” Paul declares, “that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often times proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you; or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 28)
“Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting in your behalf.” [Verses 20-24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 29)
If men would only consider that every favor they receive is a gift from God, would they not do very much more than they now do to relieve His work of the embarrassments of poverty? Would they not act a noble part, in rendering to the Lord His own? Wealth hoarded becomes moth-eaten. Often the Lord cannot preserve and bless the things they possess, because men feel under no obligation to assist in the great work of sounding the truth in new places. Prosperous crops, fruit, and other products of the earth can all be used in helping greatly the work in places where our brethren are struggling with but meager facilities. Your substance generously divided will bring in return the blessing of God. The Lord desires that there shall be thousands of minds desirous of helping to open new fields in various places, that the gospel may be carried to those who have never heard of the precious news of the great gift of God to our world.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 30)
God does not estimate the value of individuals by their wealth. Christ Himself, the Lord of glory, was in this earth a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He knew the meaning of want and privation. As a child, subject to poverty, he practiced the principles of self-denial. He, who formerly led Israel in the wilderness, through Moses, came to help fallen, needy humanity. And He expects His followers, to whom He has entrusted means, to bind about their own supposed wants and to be liberal in relieving the necessities of others.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 31)
No charity is complete unless it reveals an appreciation of the gospel. Those who now, in this time of emergency, seek to hold on to their means will soon suffer the loss of all that they have. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, immortalized words that every church needs to consider. He sought to impress upon those who had more than sufficient for their immediate necessities that those who are truly converted will impart freely to their poorer brethren.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 32)
The apostle continues: “For as touching the ministering of the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: for I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 33)
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth forever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 34)
“For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” [2 Corinthians 9:1-15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 35)
The Lord has made many promises to those who are liberal. Through David He says:
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 36)
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” [Psalm 41:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 37)
Among needy fields that require financial assistance, the southern states have been often presented to me. Here, as in many other places, should be established sanitariums; and connected with these sanitariums there should be schools where students may receive a special training in medical missionary work. The students should put to the tax every capability that God has given them, not only as learners, but in the imparting of the light that God sends to them. During the period of their education, they should be taught to help others.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 38)
To all our people I bear a message. If we will be sanctified, soul, body, and spirit, to do the will of the Lord, He will walk in our midst as a light from heaven. Let there be a breaking up of every selfish method of labor, and let each help the other, all as one great converted brotherhood.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 39)
Shall we follow Christ as our pattern? He came to teach men by His example. In His work of self-sacrifice was seen not one jot or tittle of selfishness. He who was rich in the heavenly courts left all His riches and power and came to this world, clothed in the humble garb of humanity. For our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. Like Him, His followers are to be a blessing to the world. If the character of Christ were only revealed in all His professed followers, we should see thousands more being converted. All need to heed the Saviour’s 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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 40)
Those who find their rest in Christ will not be deceived by the deadly heresies that fill the world. Every one is to be severely tested, and only those who are well grounded in the truth will be able to stand. Let God’s people now not merely believe, but practice the will and the way and the words of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 41)
The cause of God will not be greatly advanced by mere commercial business transactions, but by Christian evangelizing efforts. Let not those who look for the Saviour’s soon coming expend of their means needlessly for foolish show. Let all wear neat, modest apparel. Our means should be prayerfully and carefully handled; for there are many who are in want of the bare necessities of life. We need to bestow temporal food; and when true benevolence is unselfishly manifested, many will be more willing to receive of the spiritual food. We must care for both soul and body. This lesson is taught by the giving of the manna to supply the necessities of God’s church in the wilderness.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 42)
Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Christ was the leader of His people. He gave them statutes and laws, that by obedience to His requirements, they might be His denominated people. He bestowed upon them the bounties of heaven, but He expected them, in turn, to share their blessings with others who were less favored. So He deals with His chosen people today.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 43)
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily, I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast in more than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” [Mark 12:41-44.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 44)
God has never ordained that men shall look to their fellow men to know their duty. No man sustains the relation of a god to any one else. We must go to the Lord for counsel, we must pray to Him for wisdom. With heart and mind and soul, let us pray, and we will find that the Lord will graciously help us in our extremity. Men are but mortal; they cannot save a soul; they cannot help as does the Lord God of Israel.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 45)
The Word of God is the great agency in the conversion of sinners. We have seen evidence, that when the right key note is heard, the hearts of men are stirred by a presentation of simple Bible truth, and that they will help in sustaining the work of bringing the truth before the unconverted. In Oakland a great work is being accomplished by the presentation of Bible evidences of the truth. The words of inspiration are used to explain the Bible, one text throwing light upon another text. There has been an effort to make the Word of God prominent, rather than the words of the speaker, and the Lord has signified His approval of this method of teaching. This is the only successful way of condemning evil and of justifying the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 46)
Let all our ministers be sure that they are thoroughly converted. At home and in the church, let their words and their thoughts be such as are approved of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 47)
More prayer should be offered by God’s people, not formal, but earnest, sincere petitions. The Spirit of God in the heart will prompt prayers that will be effectual, and hearts will be melted and subdued. Many meaningless prayers are offered—vain repetition of words and phrases; these do not bring refreshing grace to the soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 48)
Decided reformations should now be seen among God’s people. Let all bickering and strife cease from among church members. It is easy to frame the speech so as to raise a false report against a minister, or other member of the church, but this is not profitable. Nothing gratifies the enemy more than to see the people of God at strife among themselves. We all need the daily, converting power of the grace of God; for many of our churches are backslidden. They do not reveal the genuine Christian life and the spirit of the Master. A hundredfold more might be done than is being done to spread the gospel message nigh and afar off.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 49)
God is calling for men who will consecrate themselves to the work of soul-saving. Those who desire to be regarded by God as liberal should devote their mind, their heart, their very being to His service. When we comprehend the infinite sacrifice of Christ to save a perishing world, there will be seen a mighty wrestling to save souls. O that all our churches might see the sacrifice of Christ as it has been presented to me! There would surely be a mighty effort to become converted.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 50)
I have a message for our churches nigh and afar off. There is to be a deeper consecration than has yet been seen, or many will be unprepared to enter the holy city. With some there is a desire to be first, to rule. This is right—to desire to be first in good works, in attaining the Christian graces. But to many the words of Christ as recorded in the seventh chapter of Matthew are applicable today. Read and study this chapter carefully. These are the words of Christ, and it is for every individual to make diligent work for his own salvation.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 51)
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 52)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 53)
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: (as My disciples; for such ye were not) depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 54)
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 13-27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 55)
These words should be carefully examined; for many will be deceived by the enemy. Thinking themselves to be doing the Lord’s work, they refuse to obey His commandments. They refuse to be corrected, and Satan’s angels lead them on in deception, until they are forever lost.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 56)
Many are carrying with them hereditary and cultivated traits of character that can never find entrance into the kingdom of God. They may be quick sighted to discern the faults of others, but they are blind to their own shortcomings. If they were to make a greater effort to perfect their own characters, they would reveal a spirit of patience and kindness to others. If any man is lost, it will be because he persists in having his own way, and refuses to humble his heart before God, and die to self. O shall we not all, without further delay, make a covenant with God by the sacrifice of our will and of our pride? Shall we not pray earnestly, seeking the Lord with the whole heart and soul? To such prayers Christ will respond.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 57)
A few days ago, in the night season, I saw a representation. There seemed to be a great reformatory work among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were visiting families and opening to them the holy Scriptures. The power of the Holy Spirit was convicting hearts, and a spirit of genuine conversion was seen. On every side there were doors thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be enlightened with heavenly influences. Great blessings came to the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be such reformations as we witnessed in 1844 and 45.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 58)
Yet some refused to be converted and to choose God’s way. To carry on the work of the Lord, calls were made for liberal freewill offerings, and many selfishly clung to their earthly possessions. These became separated from the company of believers.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 59)
The Lord’s message to His church is: Work, work earnestly while probation lingers. We have been, as a people, benumbed. Matters of but little importance have been brought in to absorb means and talent. Some would invest much capital in the food business and lay out large sums of money in the enterprises that will give but small results in the salvation of souls. These are snares of the enemy. The world is perishing for the bread of life.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 60)
The enemy of souls would be greatly pleased if we were to be kept busy upon things of little importance and lose our present opportunities to work in the cities. We need now to awake out of sleep, and warn the large cities, before the time is past when we can safely labor in them. Soon the work will be finished, and now is our time to work with intense energy and industry. The means that comes into the treasury must be judiciously and wisely expended.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 61)
Where are My messengers? saith the Lord. Why is there not seen among My people a greater burden for the souls of those who have not heard the message of warning? Our workers should dwell much on the prophecies and the scenes brought to view in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. These books especially contain the message for our time. In the fourteenth chapter is given the last message of mercy to the world. This last testing message should now be brought before all people. In the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is given the call to the churches to come out of Babylon. The time has now come when all God’s people must be gathered into a company and denominated as His special people, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The world must be warned, and there must be a decided reformation among our churches.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 62)
Some are earnestly and faithfully presenting the Word of God to the people, but many others should unite with these faithful laborers to present the Bible truths in their order. Let the Bible speak for itself. Eating the Word, receiving the Word, believing the Word—this will bring about the greatest reformation ever yet seen. Our past experience, under the power of the Holy Spirit, is to be revived.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 63)
We must carry on the Lord’s work unitedly. Firmly and decidedly we are to proclaim the words of God. But we must guard against creating unnecessary prejudice. Let no one, in conversation or in discourse, give sharp thrusts; for by this means doors have been closed, and opportunities have been .
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 64)
If all our churches had been wide-awake, we would not now see poisonous influences at work and many who ought to understand the truth being taken in the snares of Satan’s sophistry. Satan is at work among God’s people, even as he worked among the angels in the heavenly courts, .
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 65)
The judgments of God are in the land, and our testimonies are to be given under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Now, just now, is our time to work under the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. We must give the message quickly, line upon line. Men will be forced to a decision, and it is our part that they are given an opportunity to understand the truth, so that they may take their stand intelligently on the right side.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 66)
Every church member has an individual work to do. A greater effort should be put forth from house to house, holding Bible readings and distributing literature. No character can be symmetrically and completely formed, unless it is considered a privilege to work interestedly in the proclamation of the truth and to sustain the cause of God with means. The treasury must not be allowed to become empty when there are such urgent calls for help from every part of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 67)
Again I say to all who desire to be baptized with the Holy Ghost: Take up the work where you are, and with your donations you may also help the work in places afar off. It is the duty of those who remain in the home field to sustain the laborers among people of other languages and other religions, to bring them to a saving knowledge of the truth. Cut off every unnecessary expense in every line, and let self-sacrifice be your aim. May God help us to view the situation as He views it.
(21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, 68)
Ms 103, 1906
Gifts and Offerings St. Helena, California December 6, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in TDG 349; 2SM 187; WM 171.
The end is fast approaching, and many in our churches are asleep. Let all now make it their chief business to serve the Lord. The Lord has entrusted to His people the talent of means, some more and some less than others. With many the possession of wealth has proved a snare. In their desire to follow the fashions of the world, they have lost their zeal for the truth, and they are in peril of losing eternal life. In proportion as God has prospered them, men should return to Him of the goods He has entrusted to their stewardship.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 1)
As members of the Lord’s family we have a decided work to do. We must carefully examine our hearts to see if we are truly converted to God’s service. Are we entirely free from the worldly habits, ideas, and customs that are abhorrent to God?
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 2)
“Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you in judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, saith the Lord of hosts. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” [Malachi 3:1-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 3)
“Those who are living upon the earth, when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above, are to stand in the sight of a holy God with a Mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent efforts, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth.”
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 4)
“Even from the days of your fathers, ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?” [Verse 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 5)
The Lord reveals to His people their special sin. “Will a man rob God?” He asks. “Yet ye have robbed Me.” Still unconvicted of sin, the disobedient inquire, “Wherein have we robbed Thee?” Definite indeed is the Lord’s answer: “In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord.” [Verses 8-12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 6)
Here are important matters for our consideration. Read carefully the charge that God makes against those who have not fulfilled the conditions of their agreement with Him. In His mercy, the Lord has bestowed rich bounties upon His people, but many have selfishly withheld from Him the money for which He calls. Let all carefully examine into their business relations with their Creator. Those who will not hesitate to deal treacherously with their Maker will certainly not hesitate to deal treacherously with their fellow men.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 7)
I desire to impress upon all our people that God regards the withholding of tithes and offerings as robbery. We are merely stewards of God: we do not own the money which passes into our hands. In its disbursement, we are to be co-laborers with Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 8)
We should feel an intense interest in the advancement of the work of God. This work has already grown to large proportions, but it is to advance still more rapidly. We need many laborers, and there must be with all a spirit of self-denial, in order to provide facilities for the carrying forward of the message into new fields. In many places the work has been greatly retarded because of a scarcity of means. The rebuke of God will rest upon those who do not come up to His help.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 9)
In the southern field a beginning has been made, but there is still a great work to be done for all classes. We now call upon all who love Christ to help, with their means, the work of God in this needy field.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 10)
There should be amongst us an army of people who are prepared to open the Scriptures to many who are perishing in their sins. Let spiritual-minded men and women take hold of this work where they are. As they find opportunity, let them pray for those for whom they labor. All classes are to be reached. Poverty need not hinder any one from coming to Jesus. We should manifest a decided interest for those who are more wealthy and endeavor to lead them to lay up their treasure in the heavens, an enduring substance that shall never perish.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 11)
Let our church members take up such work where they are, and let all unite in sustaining the work in the regions beyond. Wonderful progress has already been seen, but we still have an exceeding large work before us, a work that calls for self-denial and cross-bearing.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 12)
As we close this year 1906, I plead with my brethren and sisters to make their record right with God and to be faithful in rendering to Him His own in tithes and offerings. May God help each one to act his part in the work of saving souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 13)
In the Lord’s treasury there should be sufficient means to give an adequate support to those who devote their time to the work of saving souls. Their just wages should not be begrudged them. Those who are willing to labor for the Master should not be allowed to lack for the necessities of life. They should be enabled to live comfortably, and also to have enough so that they can make donations to the cause of God; for it frequently happens that they are expected to take the lead in making offerings.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 14)
In the great work of warning the world, those who have the truth in their heart and are sanctified through the truth will act their assigned part. They will be faithful in the payment of tithes and offerings. Every church member is bound by covenant relation to God to deny himself of every extravagant outlay of means. Let not the want of economy in the home life render us unable to act our part in strengthening the work already established and in entering new territory.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 15)
Schools and sanitariums are to be established. These should be located out of the cities. Students should be fitted to engage in various lines of God’s work. We have been greatly favored in securing land and buildings suitable for sanitarium work, at prices far below their original cost. Through the work done in these institutions, we may reach all classes, high and low. The work in behalf of the sick and suffering was ordained of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 16)
Christ’s chief work was in the preaching of the gospel to the poor. He choose to minister to the needy, the ignorant. In simplicity He opened before them the blessings they might receive, and thus He awakened their soul’s hunger for the truth, the bread of life. Christ’s life is an example to all His followers. It is the duty of every one who has learned the way of life to teach others what it means to believe in the Word of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 17)
There are many in the shadow of death who need to be instructed in the truths of the gospel. Nearly the whole world is lying in wickedness. Yet we have words of hope for those who sit in darkness.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 18)
“The land of Zebulon, and the way of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 4:15-17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 19)
From Christ’s methods of labor, we may learn many valuable lessons. He did not follow merely one method; in various ways He sought to gain the attention of the multitude, and then He proclaimed to them the truths of the gospel.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 20)
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed Him. And going on from thence He saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 21)
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those which had the palsy; and He healed them. And there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.” [Verses 18-25.]
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 22)
Not only are Christians to give freely of their means to sustain the Lord’s work. Wherever they are, they are also to labor interestedly for souls. Their first effort should be themselves to be sanctified through the truth, to be purified and cleansed from all pride and selfishness. Then they will be prepared to meet their solemn obligations to God and to enlighten the minds of others who are in darkness regarding Bible truth. Not one-thousandth part of what should be done is being done by those who understand the plan of salvation. Every true Christian is so to represent the plan of salvation in his own consistent life, and in his interested efforts in behalf of others, that no one to whom he has access may say, No man careth for my soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 103, 1906, 23)
Ms 105, 1906
The Work in Oakland and San Francisco NP December 26, 1906 [typed] Portions of this manuscript are published in Ev 205, 284, 315; MRmnt 113; PC 140.
On Sabbath, Nov. 3, and again on Sabbath, Nov. 10, and on the following day, the Lord gave me strength to speak to His people in San Francisco. The meeting for Sunday afternoon was well advertised, and there was a good outside attendance from the city. I told the people that since I was fifteen years old, the Lord had been giving me special messages for His people. He has given me light to give to His people to prepare them to receive the truth and be sanctified by its power, that the Holy Spirit may come into the life and transform the character. Then the Lord can use them as vessels unto honor—messengers to prepare the way before Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 1)
I was much pleased to have the privilege of speaking in the church at San Francisco. My husband and I and a few others worked together to obtain the means to erect this building, over thirty years ago. It would have been a serious loss if this church had been destroyed; but it was not seriously injured by the earthquake.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 2)
The ventilation in the San Francisco church is not good, and after my return home, I suffered from the effects of breathing the impure air. The influenza was upon me. For over a month I felt unable to travel. However, my general health was good, and I was able to do considerable writing. And when, the second week in December, I received an invitation from Elder W. W. Simpson to come to Oakland and speak to the people on Sabbath, I had so far recovered from the influenza that I ventured to go.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 3)
Elder Simpson has been holding meetings in Oakland for about two months, and his labors have been greatly blessed. For a few weeks after his meetings began, we were favored with remarkably good weather. The days were clear and mild, and the rainfall was very light. But the workers in Oakland have had to meet difficulties; for the tent has been blown down twice by severe windstorms, and badly torn; and toward the close of the series of meetings it rained for several days, and the tent company found it necessary to take down the tent for a few days and temporarily discontinue the meetings.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 4)
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared lifelike images of papier-mâché.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 5)
Elder Simpson enters into no controversy with opponents. He presents the Bible so clearly that it is evident that any one who differs must do so in opposition to the Word of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 6)
Friday evening and Sabbath forenoon, December 15 and 16, Elder Simpson spoke upon the subject of spiritual gifts, dwelling especially upon the Spirit of Prophecy. Those who were present at these discourses say that he treated the subject in a clear, forceful manner.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 7)
Sabbath afternoon I filled my appointment in the large Congregational church that is now being used by our people. The room was filled, and the doors at one side were thrown up, that many might be accommodated in an adjoining room. I am told that between five and six hundred were present. It was with fear and trembling that I went to the service; for on Friday I was very poorly—so ill, in fact, that I hardly had strength sufficient to enable me to sit up. Sabbath afternoon I feared that it would be impossible for me to stand before the congregation for over half an hour. But as I spoke, the invigorating power of the Spirit of God came upon me, and I was enabled to speak for one hour and fifteen minutes.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 8)
Such experiences remind me of what I passed through frequently in the earlier days of the message.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 9)
For about a year after my husband died, I suffered greatly from sorrow. At that time I seemed to be hovering between life and death. My son Willie persuaded me to go a short distance in a phaeton to a camp-meeting which was then being held in Healdsburg. A sofa had been brought onto the platform in the large tent. Here I lay down, thinking I would deliver my farewell address. My face was as the face of one dead, without a particle of color.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 10)
After a few testimonies had been borne, I asked Willie to help me to arise to my feet and let me lean on him. There I stood and began to tell the people that this was probably the last time they would ever hear my voice in camp-meeting. But after speaking a few words, I felt the Spirit and power of God thrilling through every nerve of my body. Those who saw me said that the blood could be seen as it came to my lips and my forehead, and my flesh took on its natural appearance. Mr. Montrose, in great surprise, remarked to one of his neighbors, “A miracle is being wrought in sight of this whole congregation!” I could not understand why all were looking so intently at me, some even arising to their feet. The Spirit of the Lord had healed me. During the remainder of the camp-meeting, I spoke several times. A large crowd was present on this occasion.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 11)
These impartations of strength give me courage. The Lord is my helper. I praise Him with heart and voice for His wonderful mercies and His sustaining power.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 12)
The efforts put forth in Oakland have borne fruit in the salvation of precious souls. Sunday morning, December 16, I attended a baptismal service at the Piedmont Baths. Thirty-two candidates were buried with their Lord in baptism and arose to walk in newness of life. This was a scene that angels of God witnessed with joy. Elder Simpson performed the ceremony. Several children were baptized first, and then the older ones. The entire service was impressive. There was no confusion, and occasionally a verse of some hymn of praise was sung.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 13)
The Oakland brethren have decided on a location for their new church building. This lot is on [Twenty-fifth] Street, between Telegraph Avenue and Grove Street. Five hundred dollars has been paid to hold the property, but our brethren cannot be absolutely certain that the property is secure until it has gone through the probate court. So it will be a week or ten days before we shall know about it definitely.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 14)
After the baptism, I drove with Brother and Sister Rice to see this property. It seems to be well located. We could not enter the house that is now on it, because we had no key. There is a good cement walk around the house, and at the back is a large yard.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 15)
Sunday night, December 16, Elder Simpson gave his last discourse in this series of meetings, and the following day the tent was taken down. At this service, there were fully one thousand persons present to listen to the subject, “The United States in Prophecy.” Those who would refuse to render homage to the beast and his image were asked to arise, and nearly all present responded.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 16)
The expenses connected with these meetings have been fully one thousand dollars. Collections have been taken in the congregation only once a week, but these, with donations that some have given privately, have paid all these expenses; so the effort has cost the conference nothing except the salaries of workers.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 17)
The liberality of many from the outside has been surprising. Elder and Mrs. Haskell, on several occasions, received liberal gifts from strangers. One afternoon, after I had spoken in the church, a man handed Elder Haskell one hundred dollars and then left the buildings quickly and could not afterward be found. On another occasion, a lady slipped two coins into Sister Haskell’s hand. These proved to be two twenty-dollar gold pieces. Sister Haskell afterward met the lady, but she did not wish to tell her name. It has since been learned that she is the wife of an influential man in Oakland. These things have greatly encouraged our workers.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 18)
In these meetings we have seen evidence of the deep moving of the Spirit of God. Truly the Lord has wrought on minds. Our people need now to be aroused from the lethargy that has come upon them. The language of every heart should be, Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 19)
On Friday, the 14th, despite my illness, I had a long interview with Elder Simpson. He told me that there is a call for him to go to Southern California to take up work in Los Angeles, Riverside, Redlands, and San Diego. During the winter months many tourists visit the cities of Southern California; and as the rainfall is not so heavy in the southern part of the state, it is thought that he can labor to better advantage there than in Oakland and San Francisco. He told me that as soon as possible, however, he expects to return, to continue his labors in Oakland and San Francisco. It will probably be necessary for him to make a short visit to Oakland during the month of January, in order to baptize a score or more who accepted the Sabbath truth during his meetings, but who are not yet ready for baptism.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 20)
I dared not say to him, Stay; for I saw the situation. In San Francisco and neighboring cities, the rents are exceedingly high; and our brethren have been unable to find a hall suitable for holding meetings. The rainy season is now on. I should have been pleased, had it been possible to perfect arrangements to continue the public meetings; but it may be advisable to wait for a more favorable season of the year. There is, however, much house-to-house work to be done by faithful laborers. Our efforts are not to cease because public meetings have been discontinued for a time. So long as there are interested ones, we must give them opportunity to learn the truth. And the new converts will need to be instructed by faithful teachers of God’s Word, that they may increase in a knowledge and love of the truth and may grow to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. They must now be surrounded by the influences most favorable to spiritual growth. The churches at Oakland and Berkeley should now purge out the old leaven of evil speaking and hypocrisy, of jealousy and malice. The truth must be expressed in word and in spirit; every act should be a revelation of Christian refinement.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 21)
The work in Oakland must not be cut short. For years I have pleaded that an earnest effort be put forth in this city, and now that this is being done, let us go straight forward in right lines. There is to be no variableness, neither shadow of turning, in the presentation of truth to the people in Oakland.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 22)
*****
I am very grateful to God for what I have heard and seen of the results of Elder Simpson’s meetings in Oakland. I am glad that he exalts the Word, allowing the Bible to speak for itself. This is the most effectual way. This is the way the truth was preached in the early days by our ministers. I am pleased with the manner in which our brother has used his ingenuity and tact in providing suitable illustrations for the subjects presented—representations that have a convincing power. Such methods will be used more and more in this closing work.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 23)
I am more thankful than words can express that so many people in Oakland have had an opportunity to hear the truth of the Bible, presented with force and clearness. This is the manner in which it was proclaimed in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I remember one series of meetings, held in a large Baptist church. Many families would come every day from quite a distance, bringing their lunch and remaining till after the evening service. No unnecessary words were uttered by the speaker, but the Scripture was clearly presented. Frequently a call would be made for those, who believed the truths that were proved by the Word, to rise to their feet, and large numbers would respond. Prayers were offered in behalf of those who wished special help.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 24)
To my ministering brethren, I would say: Every fresh display of the conviction of the grace of God upon the souls of unbelievers is divine. Everything that you can do to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth is a means of allowing the light to shine, the light of the glory of God, as it shines in the face of Jesus Christ. Direct the mind to Him who guides and controls all things. Christ will be the manna and the spiritual dew to these newly converted souls. In Him is no darkness at all. As men of spiritual understanding conduct Bible studies with them, telling them how to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit, that they may be fully and firmly established in the truth, the power of God will be revealed.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 25)
In the discourses let nothing of a theatrical nature be introduced, no sharp thrusts given. We cannot expect that eyes that have been blind will be at once opened to see all things clearly. Let labor be put forth wisely for those who are interested. Show those who have seen the truth how to experience its power in their hearts. Thus the truth imparted will be as a nail driven in a sure place. Many are ignorant of vital godliness—of the truth in the life practice. The Lord will work with power upon the hearts of all who seek Him. There must be a practical reception of Bible truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 26)
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John, by the use of symbols, the things that were to come to pass until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 27)
Explaining scripture by scripture—this is the work that should be done by all our ministers who are fully awake to the times in which we live. The Lord will guide His ministering servants. He will lead them in ways that they know not. They will bear aloft the lamp of life in the dark places of the earth and hasten the coming of our King.
(21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, 28)
Ms 107, 1906
Sermon/“Behold, What Manner of Love!” Oakland, California July 25, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 09/27/1906.
(A discourse given at the Oakland, Cal. camp meeting, July 25, 1906.)
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 1)
“Behold, 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. 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 3:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 2)
What a precious privilege is this, that we may be sons and daughters of the Most High, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ! What love, what matchless love, that, sinners and aliens as we are, we may be brought back to God and adopted into His family!
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 3)
It is sin that alienates from God. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whoso sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [Verses 4-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 4)
To every one who surrenders fully to God is given the privilege of living in obedience to the law of heaven, without sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 5)
“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” [Verses 7-9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 6)
God requires of us perfect obedience. We are to purify ourselves, even as He is pure. We are to reveal our love for the Supreme Ruler of the universe, by keeping His commandments. And the Lord has not left us in ignorance regarding His law. While enshrouded in a thick cloud resting upon Mount Sinai, He repeated the holy precepts of the decalogue distinctly and with solemn impressiveness. So deeply were the people impressed when they “saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking,” that “they removed, and stood afar off.” [Exodus 20:18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 7)
“Speak thou with us,” they pleaded with Moses, “and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Verse 19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 8)
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” [Verse 20.] Every provision against sin has been made in our behalf.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 9)
The importance of obedience was further impressed upon the minds of the Israelites by the Lord Himself, when, as recorded in thirty-first of Exodus, He “spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 10)
“And He gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” [Verses 12-18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 11)
In the providence of God, these same commandments that were written with the finger of Jehovah and entrusted with the Israelites are now committed to our care. Upon us rests the solemn obligation of proclaiming God’s law to an impenitent world. The final issue will turn on obedience to the Sabbath commandment, which is so plainly enforced by the Lord Himself, “for a perpetual covenant.” [Verse 16.] Men will labor with an intensity from beneath to make of no effect God’s command regarding the observance of the seventh day; but we are not to be influenced by anything that man may do. Our allegiance to the King of kings must ever be made of paramount importance. We cannot afford to be out of harmony with the Creator of the universe.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 12)
Men may make laws to enforce Sunday observance, but they have no Scriptural authority for doing so. We cannot do otherwise than obey the law of Jehovah, irrespective of any counterlaw enacted by man. When manmade laws conflict with God’s sacred enactments, we must choose to obey God rather than man. While respecting earthly authorities insofar as they do not interfere with our allegiance to God, we are to acknowledge our divine Ruler as the Supreme Authority. And in all our efforts to remain true, we are to keep constantly in mind the words of the beloved disciple, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 13)
Years ago, in the early days of our denominational work on the Pacific Coast, my husband and I united with a few faithful brethren and sisters in an effort to build meetinghouses in San Francisco and in Oakland. At that time there were not many believers, and we had to make heavy personal sacrifices in order to secure sufficient means with which to erect churches and establish institutions. But we realized that San Francisco and Oakland must be worked, and so we toiled and struggled until the Laguna Street church in San Francisco and the Oakland church were built.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 14)
San Francisco has been visited with a terrible calamity. The Lord in mercy has spared life, in order that the people may still have opportunity to repent. The wickedness practiced in San Francisco, and in Oakland as well, though in a lesser degree, has been opened before me again and again. No tongue can describe the conditions that existed before the earthquake; words are inadequate to portray the awful iniquity carried on. To an unusual extent, many were “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,”“heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” [2 Timothy 3:2, 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 15)
God has manifested His displeasure in a signal manner in San Francisco. He is seeking to teach men that they cannot always disregard His authority with impunity. He has given to us a law, which, sooner or later, we must acknowledge as holy, and just, and good. The Ruler of the universe bears long with those who trample on His law and disregard His holy Sabbath; but in the fulness of time He arises to vindicate His supreme authority.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 16)
In His judgments, God has remembered mercy. He has spared life. We now have a work to do in San Francisco. The Laguna Street church still stands. The third angel’s message is to be proclaimed in San Francisco with power. If possible, the people are to be aroused to a realization of their peril. By this stroke of God’s providence they are to understand that one touch from the One in Supreme Authority can break up the foundations laid by man and bring destruction to the highest and the strongest buildings. God’s judgments are not for naught. They are given in order that all may take warning. Every one should inquire: Have I a hope in God? Do I believe in Him? Can I take hold of Him by living faith?
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 17)
In the midst of the confusion caused by the earthquake and the fire, the people are to be taught to discern the wondrous import of the words, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 18)
Diligent work is now called for. In this crisis, no halfhearted efforts will prove successful in the saving of souls. In all our city work, we are to hunt for souls. Wise plans are to be laid, in order that such work may be done to the best possible advantage. More and more, as wickedness increases in the great cities, we shall have to work these places from outpost centers. This is the way Enoch labored in the days before the flood, when wickedness was rife in every populous community, and when violence was in the land.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 19)
God in His providence has spared Oakland. We have a duty to perform in Oakland. We are not to leave this city unworked; for God has spared it in order that we may do a thorough work here. Let not those who are in Oakland become discouraged over the outlook. The Lord has a message to be borne to the people in this city. Decided efforts are to be made to lead men and women to see that God is Supreme Ruler, and that His commandments are to be obeyed.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 20)
In the night season there have passed before me many presentations, in figures, regarding the work to be done in Oakland. Among other things, I saw One from heaven standing in the community here at Oakland, and in the surrounding cities, to bear the proclamation, “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] He takes sin away because of the repentance, the dependence upon God, the humility of soul, that He sees.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 21)
I would address the members of the Oakland church: Do not think, brethren and sisters, that we are planning to leave you without help and strength, because we scatter away. No. God may touch Oakland, but He has spared it thus far, in order that those who have never heard the third angel’s message may be warned and converted and saved. Those who choose to stand on the Lord’s side in Oakland shall “behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”“The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. 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.” [1 John 3:1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 22)
Much missionary work is to be done in Oakland, and in many other cities a similar work is to be carried forward. Just now, however, we have a most favorable opportunity of giving the third angel’s message to the people in this place. Let not our brethren and sisters think that we expect to leave them without help. We intend to stand by you until this work is accomplished; and we shall expect you to unite with us heartily by rallying around the standard and by doing much personal work among your neighbors and friends. Money will be needed for the maintenance of the laborers. Let every church member deny self as Christ denied Himself. I have had to study the closest economy because of the many pressing calls for means to advance the message. As we sacrifice willingly, God will not fail us in time of need. The Source of all our blessings, He will not allow us to suffer because of our liberality.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 23)
Son we shall have to leave the cities. For years we have been instructed that our people, and especially families with children, should plan to leave the cities as soon as the way opens before them to do so. But until it is possible for them to leave, they should be most active in doing missionary work, however limited their sphere of influence may be. As they yield their talents and their all to God to be used as He may direct; as they live out their consecration by engaging in practical missionary work wherever opportunity affords, God will bless them with wisdom and discretion, and in His own way and time He will make it possible for them to place themselves where they will not be surrounded constantly with the contaminating influences of modern city life.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 24)
Oh, how much we need genuine missionaries! How much we need men and women who will labor under the supervision of the Almighty, in the power of His Spirit! How much we need those who know that God has called them to His service! It is when the work goes hard, that living missionaries reveal by their courage and fortitude and their trust in God that they are led and taught by the Holy Spirit. These are the laborers whom God can bless, to the salvation of many precious souls. It is the privilege of every Christian, and especially of those before whom the way has not opened to leave the cities, to be successful laborers together with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 25)
“Behold, 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. 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.” [Verses 1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, 26)
Ms 109, 1906
Sermon/Love Toward God and Man Oakland, California July 21, 1906 This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 09/13/1906, 09/20/1906.
(A discourse given at the Oakland, Cal. camp meeting, Sabbath, July 21, 1906.)
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 1)
“Behold, a certain lawyer stood up,” and tempted Christ, “saying, 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 neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 2)
“Thou hast answered right,” Christ declared; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 3)
In the question, “What is written in the law?” [verse 26] the Saviour referred to the ten commandments communicated to the Israelites from Sinai’s height. Those to whom had been entrusted the sacred oracles had well nigh lost sight of these precepts. There came a time when Christ saw that Satan was gathering the whole world, as it were, in his grasp. The enemy was working with the intensity with which he had worked in the heavenly courts, when first he refused to yield to the mighty Monarch of the universe. Satan was rapidly leading the world to act counter to God’s law, counter to the principles of righteousness that should have been made their rule of action.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 4)
Christ saw that the time had come when Satan’s power over mankind must be broken. Before the fall of man, the Son of God had united with His Father in laying the plan of salvation. God was to be manifested in Christ, “reconciling the world unto Himself.” [2 Corinthians 5:19.] And now, thousands of years later, the fulness of time came for the infinite sacrifice to be made. Divinity was to be communicated to humanity through a divine-human Saviour. The great Life-giver was to purchase the whole world by giving His own life as a ransom.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 5)
Christ came, but not in the brightness of His divine glory. He laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to live upon the earth as a man among men. Had He come in the full power and glory of His divinity, sinners could not have stood in His presence without being destroyed. He came to meet humanity in its most sinful and corrupt form. Thus divine love was manifested toward erring mortals.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 6)
The Saviour gained victories over temptation through power imparted from above in answer to prayer. He met the enticements of the enemy with the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word. Again and again He declared, “It is written.” And when the lawyer stood up to question Him while He was teaching the people, He drew from the questioner the answer desired, by appealing to the lawyer’s knowledge of God’s Word.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 7)
It was to vindicate the just claims of the law of God, and to establish the supreme authority of its divine Author, that Christ came to this earth. The lawyer, while trying to prove that Christ lightly regarded the law given from Sinai, found himself a lawbreaker. Rather than to repent, he sought to justify himself by putting another question, “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 8)
By a short story Jesus brought to view the whole duty of man toward his fellow man and toward God. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” [Verses 30-32.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 9)
Not all who claim to keep God’s law—a law given by One who is full of compassion, long-sufferance and loving-kindness—reveal a love for their neighbor as great as their love for themselves. Not all reveal, in word and deed, that they comprehend God’s great love for humanity.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 10)
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn; and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 11)
Fixing His eyes upon the lawyer, in a glance that seemed to read his soul, the Saviour inquired, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?” [Verse 36.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 12)
The lawyer answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verse 37.] Show the same tender kindness to those in need. Thus you will give evidence that you keep the whole law.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 13)
In giving this lesson, Christ presented the principles of the law of God in a direct, forcible way, showing His hearers that they had neglected to carry out these principles. His words were so definite and pointed that the listeners found no opportunity to cavil or raise objections.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 14)
Those who study this lesson aright will see that in order to keep the law it is necessary to have a knowledge of God; for the law is a transcript of His character, and His character is love. Moses prayed, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory. And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee.”“And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” [Exodus 33:18, 19; 34:6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 15)
The lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29.] The despised Samaritan, of whom Jesus told, acted as Jesus would have acted toward the suffering Jew robbed by the wayside and left to perish. He fulfilled the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was despised. [Verse 27.] This Samaritan represents Christ. He stooped from the position of commander in the heavenly courts to become a servant. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, yet He humbled Himself. His whole life was one of poverty and self-denial. For our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. He did not live to please Himself. His life is the mystery of godliness.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 16)
Jesus was the foundation of the Jewish economy, the author of all their laws, statutes, and requirements. How His soul was pained and His heart filled with grief as He saw those, who claimed to be the depositaries of truth, mercy, and compassion, so destitute of the love of God!
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 17)
The Saviour is guiding. He has hold of man and of the throne of the Deity. In the providence of God, the priest and the Levite were brought in contact with a suffering fellow creature, that they might minister to him. Christ is constantly weaving the web of human events. He placed this suffering man where one who had sympathy and compassion would give attention to his needs. The Lord permits suffering and calamity to come upon men and women to call us out of our selfishness, to awaken in us the attributes of His character—compassion, tenderness, and love.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 18)
Divine love makes its most touching appeals when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. He was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. He loves men and women as the purchase of His own blood, and He says to us, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.” [John 13:34.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 19)
*****
Last night I was in a sleepless state much of the time. Many representations passed before me. One was a scene in a council meeting where several were present. One man arose and began finding fault with one of his brethren. I looked at the speaker’s garments and saw that they were very undesirable.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 20)
Another person arose and began to state his grievance against a fellow laborer. His garments were of another pattern, and they, too, were undesirable. Still another, and another, arose and uttered words of accusation and condemnation regarding the course of others. Every one had some trouble to speak of, some fault to find with some one else. All were presenting the defects of Christians who are trying to do something in our world; and they declared repeatedly that certain ones were neglecting this or that or the other thing, and so on. There was no real order, no polite courtesy, in the meeting. In their anxiety to make others hear, speakers crowded in while others were still talking. Voices were raised in an effort to make all hear above the din of confusion.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 21)
The dress of the speakers was most undesirable. This was a representation of character.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 22)
When many had spoken, One of authority appeared and repeated the words: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 23)
Oh, how can Christians afford to speak words of criticism and faultfinding—words that stir up the worst passions of the human heart? The talent of speech is too precious a gift to be abused in this way. Let us refrain from uttering any words that would stir up a spirit of antagonism or retaliation. When irritated, let us remain silent.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 24)
In this scene of a council meeting that passed before me during the visions of the night, Christ Himself was present. An expression of painfulness came over His countenance as one after another would come forward, with uncouth dress, to expatiate upon the faults of various members of the church.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 25)
Finally the heavenly Visitant arose. So intent were those present on criticizing their brethren, that it was with reluctance that they gave Him opportunity to speak. He declared that the spirit of criticism, of judging one another, was a source of weakness in the church today. Things are spoken that should never find utterance. Every one who by word of mouth places an obstruction in the way of a fellow Christian has an account to settle with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 26)
With earnest solemnity, the Speaker declared: “The church is made up of many minds, each of whom has an individuality. I gave My life in order that men and women, by divine grace, might blend in revealing a perfect pattern of My character, while at the same time retaining their individuality. No one has the right to destroy or submerge the individuality of any other human mind, by uttering words of criticism and faultfinding and condemnation.”
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 27)
These words He repeated, with solemn earnestness; and then He turned and grasped a standard and held it aloft. From this standard, in burning letters, clear and distinct, gleamed God’s law. The Speaker declared: “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 neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 28)
As the light from the uplifted standard flashed upon these men who had been criticizing and condemning, they shrank from it as if it were a burning flame. Some prostrated themselves; some turned and went away.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 29)
As I looked upon the scene, the names of the faultfinders appeared before them, and opposite each name were written out the faults of the erring one. None were free from fault. In the light of the uplifted standard, all were guilty of transgression.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 30)
The churches have had light, great light. Infinite light and power are promised those who go forth in the name of the Master to do His bidding. While all do not labor in the same manner, or say the same things, yet the words of one will balance the words of another. In the midst of diversity there will be a beautiful harmony.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 31)
Let every one attend to his own individual case before God. Let every one confess his own sins with humility of mind. Let every one appropriate the rich promises of God’s Word and, while working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, labor for the salvation of others as well.
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 32)
“Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” [Psalm 15:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 33)
All who love God supremely will love their neighbor as themselves. The keeping of the new commandment is to the believer a step heavenward. The one thing that will give God’s people the supremacy is obedience to the command, “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” [John 15:17.] “Neither pray I for these alone,” Christ said, “but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [John 17:20, 21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 34)
“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 15:11, 12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, 35)
Ms 111, 1906
A Warning Against Formalism St. Helena, California October 22, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in UL 309; 10MR 391. +
I am instructed to say that many who profess to have accepted the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb have not on the wedding garment. They have a form of godliness, but they do not in their life practice manifest the inward workings of the Holy Spirit. They are seemingly active in the Lord’s service, and are always ready to give counsel as to how the Lord’s work should be carried forward, but their counsel is not always imparted from above. These need to search their own hearts thoroughly. They need to arouse themselves and come into a humble, sacred nearness to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 1)
“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” [1 Corinthians 12:28.] Not all possess the same gifts. All these varied gifts are essential. But all need the meekness of Christ, or the natural man will swell to large proportions. Let each become a man of humility.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 2)
All, with their varied capabilities, are to be learners of Christ. All are amenable to God. If one is placed in a responsible position, he should be respected as a counselor; but his position does not warrant him in assuming the office of a dictator. The workers are to counsel together, to pray together; but no one is to take the responsibility of sending men hither and thither, according to their own ideas. All are to stand in moral dignity, as those whose privilege it is to seek counsel from God.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 3)
Paul, A Minister to the Gentiles
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 4)
“For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; ... which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power. Unto me who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” [Ephesians 3:1-3, 5-8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 5)
Through divine revelation the plan of salvation, as wrought out by Christ, was laid open to Paul. Called of God, he was to teach men that from a state of hopelessness, dead in trespasses and sins, there was deliverance through the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was life and power to reach forth unto holiness.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 6)
Because of these revelations, Paul was blessed with a marvelous insight. Though he could not present to others all that he himself had seen, yet he was firmly rooted and grounded in the truth. No suffering or reproach could ever lead him to deny the great truths that had been revealed to him. No presentation of false theories could lead him away from the influence of the grand views he had received of heavenly things. He could not accept fanciful ideas that would tend to make of no effect the revelations he had received of the sacred truths of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 7)
The gospel as presented by Paul in his writings is just as powerful today as when it was written. To men in all ages, the rich treasures of the grace of Christ, the abundant love of God [is] revealed through His Son. Can we, while in a cold, lifeless condition, appreciate these truths?
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 8)
The gospel of Christ was preached to the Jewish nation. Had they accepted its truths, it would have proved their salvation. Through belief in Christ they might have become members of the royal family, manifesting through the succeeding ages the riches of His grace. But they, as a nation, rejected Christ, refused His offers of mercy, and were cut off from the parent vine, that the Gentiles might be grafted in. Still it is their privilege to become partakers with the Gentiles of the salvation of God. Belief in Christ will work in every man a transformation of character.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 9)
Through the transforming grace of Christ, the fruits of the Spirit are made manifest in the lives of those who were once dead in trespasses and sins. In disposition, in words, and in actions, they are seen to be partakers of the divine nature. This wonderful grace was revealed to Paul, and he worked constantly that others might be brought to a knowledge of these saving truths.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 10)
To Jew and Gentile alike was the gospel preached under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The middle wall of partition that had separated the Jews was broken down in Christ Jesus. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” [1 Corinthians 12:13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 11)
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” [Galatians 3:27, 28.]
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 12)
We are to be interested in the salvation of those who belong to the nation that was broken off the vine center, that we might be grafted in. Special efforts are to be made for the Jewish race. If they receive Christ as their Saviour, there is power in the gospel message that they may again be grafted in. They are children of the heavenly birth, and we are responsible for the proclamation of the gospel to them.
(21LtMs, Ms 111, 1906, 13)
Ms 112, 1906
Emphasize Bible Subjects St. Helena, California October 25, 1906 Previously unpublished.
I wish to speak to all that I should. I am very desirous that your state paper should contain more matter. Cannot you enlarge it and get the very best talent you can find to edit it and stir up the minds of the people in Australia to enlarge your paper and then let reports go in that paper of what you are doing? Let all be aroused to let their pens dwell upon Bible subjects that relate to the history—past, present, and future—and circulate the paper everywhere. It can be a speaking organ for the press and for the religious Bible subjects. It must contain living matter of Bible truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 112, 1906, 1)
Consider this matter, Elder Olsen, consider. We need to get reading matter into the hands of a large number.
(21LtMs, Ms 112, 1906, 2)
Ms 113, 1906
The Use of the Testimonies NP July 25, 1906 [typed] Previously unpublished.
My answer to those who are asking questions regarding the proper use of the testimonies is that in the published testimonies they will find this matter clearly explained. The use that should be made of my writings is dwelt upon at some length in an article entitled, “The Nature and Influence of the Testimonies,” published in Testimonies for the Church, Vol. V, pp. 654-691. The prayerful study of this article will help many who are perplexed. From it I quote, as follows:
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 1)
“‘The Lord reproves and corrects the people who profess to keep His law. He points out their sins and lays open their iniquity, because He wishes to separate all sin and wickedness from them, that they may perfect holiness in His fear.... God rebukes, reproves, and corrects them, that they may be refined, sanctified, elevated, and finally exalted to His own throne.’
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 2)
“‘I have been looking over the Testimonies given for Sabbath-keepers, and I am astonished at the mercy of God and His care for His people in giving them so many warnings, pointing out their dangers, and presenting before them the exalted position which He would have them occupy. If they would keep themselves in His love, and separate from the world, He would cause His special blessings to rest upon them, and His light to shine round about them. Their influence for good might be felt in every branch of the work, and in every part of the gospel field. But if they fail to meet the mind of God, if they continue to have so little sense of the exalted character of the work as they have had in the past, their influence and example will prove a terrible curse. They will do harm, and only harm. The blood of precious souls will be found upon their garments.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 3)
“‘Repentant sinners have no cause to despair because they are reminded of their transgressions and warned of their danger. These very efforts in their behalf show how much God loves them and desires to save them. They have only to follow His counsel and do His will, to inherit eternal life. God sets the sins of His erring people before them, that they may behold them in all their enormity under the light of divine truth. It is then their duty to renounce them forever.’‘If God’s people would recognize His dealings with them, and accept His teachings, they would find a straight path for their feet, and a light to guide them through darkness and discouragement.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 4)
“‘I was directed to bring out general principles, in speaking and in writing, and at the same time to specify the dangers, errors, and sins of some individuals, that all might be warned, reproved, and counseled. I saw that all should search their own hearts and lives closely, to see if they had not made the same mistakes for which others were corrected, and if the warnings given for others did not apply to their own cases. If so, they should feel that the counsel and reproofs were given especially for them, and should make as practical an application of them as though they were especially addressed to themselves.... God designs to test the faith of all who claim to be followers of Christ. He will test the sincerity of the prayers of all those who claim to earnestly desire to know their duty. He will make duty plain. He will give all an ample opportunity to develop what is in their hearts.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 5)
“‘I was shown that in the wisdom of God the sins and errors of all would be revealed. All who are guilty are addressed in these individual testimonies, although their names may not be attached to the special testimony borne; and if individuals pass over and cover up their own sins because their names are not especially called, they will not be prospered of God.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 6)
“In a vision given June 12, 1868, I was shown that which fully justified my course in publishing personal testimonies: ‘When the Lord singles out individual cases, and specifies their wrongs, others, who have not been shown in vision, frequently take it for granted that they are right, or nearly so. If one is reproved for a special wrong, brethren and sisters should carefully examine themselves to see wherein they have failed, and wherein they have been guilty of the same sin. They should possess the spirit of humble confession. If others think them right, it does not make them so. God looks at the heart. He is proving and testing souls in this manner. In rebuking the wrongs of one, He designs to correct many. But if they fail to take the reproof to themselves, and flatter themselves that God passes over their errors because He does not especially single them out, they deceive their own souls, and will be shut up in darkness, and be left to their own ways, to follow the imaginations of their own hearts.
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 7)
“‘Many are dealing falsely with their own souls, and are in a great deception in regard to their true condition before God. He employs ways and means to best serve His purpose, and to prove what is in the hearts of His professed followers. He makes plain the wrongs of some, that others may thus be warned, and fear, and shun those errors. By self-examination they may find that they are doing the same things which God condemns in others. If they really desire to serve God, and fear to offend Him, they will not wait for their sins to be specified before they make confession and with humble repentance return unto the Lord. They will forsake the things which have displeased God, according to the light given to others. If, on the contrary, those who are not right see that they are guilty of the very sins that have been reproved in others, yet continue in the same unconsecrated course because they have not been especially named, they endanger their own souls, and will be led captive by Satan at his will.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 8)
“Some who believe the Testimonies, have erred by urging them unduly upon others. In Volume 1, No. 8, is a Testimony bearing upon this point. ‘There were some in ------ who were God’s children, and yet doubted the visions. Others had no opposition, yet dared not take a decided stand in regard to them. Some were skeptical, and they had sufficient cause to make them so. The false visions and fanatical exercises, and the wretched fruits following, had an influence upon the cause in ------, to make minds jealous of everything bearing the name of visions. All these things should have been taken into consideration, and wisdom exercised. There should be no trial or labor with those who have never seen the individual having visions, and who have had no personal knowledge of the influence of the visions. Such should not be deprived of the benefits and privileges of the church, if their Christian course is otherwise correct.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 9)
“Some of our brethren had had long experience in the truth, and for years had been acquainted with me and my work. They had proved the truthfulness of the Testimonies, and had asserted their belief in them. They had felt the powerful influence of the Spirit of God resting upon them to witness to their truthfulness. I was shown that if such, when reproved through the Testimonies, should rise up against them, and work secretly to lessen their influence, they should be faithfully dealt with; for their course would endanger those who were lacking inexperience.”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 10)
“‘I saw that many have taken advantage of what God has shown in regard to the sins and wrongs of others. They have taken the extreme meaning of what has been shown in vision, and then have pressed it until it has had a tendency to weaken the faith of many in what God has shown, and also to discourage and dishearten the church.’”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 11)
November 7, 1905, I wrote: “During the past night we were in a council meeting, trying to decide what we were going to do. One of authority stood up, and said, ‘Everything that has been given to ministers, to men in responsible positions, to teachers, to managers, to the different conferences, is to be repeated and repeated, because Satan is now doing a special work to make of no effect the Testimonies that come from God. We must work earnestly to bring this instruction before the people.’
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 12)
“I was pointed to the work that Moses did just before his death. Calling the children of Israel together, he rehearsed to them their past experience, their trials, their failures, and the warnings that had been given them. And Joshua, when the time came for him to lay down his work, called the tribes together, and recounted to Israel their history since they were called out as the people of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 13)
“Today we must rehearse the instruction that God has given to us as a people. The warfare between the forces of light and darkness is going on. Those who think that the powers of evil are asleep are very much mistaken. The enemy is constantly seeking to bring in things that will unsettle the confidence of God’s people. These things may appear very inoffensive, but they contain grave errors and dangers, which must be met. We must take our stand firmly in defense of the truth given us after the passing of the time. The Holy Spirit gave us an understanding of these truths.”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 14)
And October 1, 1903, I wrote: “The light given me is that our churches must not be spoiled by the unchristlike course of unconsecrated men. I shall have to make more public than I have done my letters of reproof and correction, because those who are reproved make known those portions of the testimony that encourage them if they will follow the course outlined by God, and withhold the plain words of warning and caution. Such a course as this makes it necessary to present matters as they are, that the enemy may not be permitted to work his will upon our churches by leading them to suppose that Sister White’s Testimonies justify a man who wounds and bruises the souls of his fellow men.”
(21LtMs, Ms 113, 1906, 15)
Ms 115, 1906
NT St. Helena, California September 19, 1906 Previously unpublished. +
I am bidden to warn our people to keep on the whole armor of God. Remember that Christ is our Rock. He never changes. Look unto Him continually. Your brethren may change; through the subtle reasoning of satanic whisperings, they may seek to divert the mind to falsisms; but if you will look unto Jesus, heeding every warning He has given, you will never be deceived by false presentations into trusting the words of changeable man. Trust and obey the words of Christ, and you are safe. But do not trust the words of men, nor make flesh your arm. Men will change. They are often deceived and work on the enemy’s side. They accept false theories. If they preach the theory of the truth, it is for a purpose, to lead others into erroneous positions. Those who follow such men will do so at the peril of their souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 1)
The Lord Jesus bids you be strong. Place your feet in His footsteps. Jesus has given you the orders that it will be safe for you to follow. Do not listen to your own ideas or plans, nor follow the suggestions of your own mind. “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wise is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 2)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 3)
“Not every one that saith unto Me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 4)
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall thereof. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” [Matthew 7:13-29.]
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 5)
The Saviour knew the men who would not believe in Him, and who would unite in putting Him to death. He comforted His disciples with the promise that He would arise from the dead and appear to them to comfort them and strengthen them. When I go to heaven, He said, I will send you a Comforter to strengthen and encourage you, and guide you to obey My teachings. My words shall be a light to guide you at every step, if you will follow Me, and do the words I have given you. “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth in Me shall never thirst.... 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 6:35, 63.]
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 6)
We need to seek counsel of God daily. We need to study the lessons of Christ and to enter into the very spirit of the words of truth. These lessons should be brought into the life and character of His ministers; then a healthful, life-giving power will attend their words.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 7)
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” [Matthew 9:35-38.]
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 8)
This is the work before us. We need to feel a vital interest in the souls perishing in their sins. The judgments of God will surely visit cities, and God will prove those whose lives He has spared, whether they will continue to open their saloons and allow the health and reason of men to be destroyed by the sale of the liquor that makes men mad. These men are tried in the courts of justice, because under the influence of drugged liquors [they] have committed all kinds of violence and sin. The devil looks on and is highly gratified with the men through whom he has worked, who have sold their reason for poisonous drinks.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 9)
When the Lord sees that this work is continued in by men whose lives He has spared, as He did the inhabitants of Nineveh, the next stroke from the Infinite will be to destroy life. God has given men opportunity to repent, to prepare to meet death with Christ’s armor on, if death must come; and yet they continue in the wicked works, that brought the cities under the rebuke and chastening of God and caused the devastation of a city that was the pride of the world. Human lives have been wonderfully preserved. Should there not be an acknowledgement of the Lord’s mercy? Should there not be an exercise of repentance? and should not there be a work done to abolish entirely the saloons that have worked such terrible results?
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 10)
God is now forbearing further vengeance, that a work may be done by the ministers of the gospel that are faithful to their charge. Let them give the messages God has given in His Word to “Watch; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] The voice of the faithful sentinel is to be heard in every place. God is calling for the talents of men who are now tied up in mercantile business. He calls for men who are entering into that which might in a moderate degree be used, but is far from being a necessity to life. Do not let men tie you up in handling expensive foods, while souls are perishing for the bread of eternal life. We must be wide-awake to work for souls who are perishing in their sins. Bind not yourself up in food factories, that your talents and influence be confined to the work of providing food for the sustenance of the bodies. Count the cost. Souls are perishing in sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 11)
“And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 12)
“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the receipt of custom; and He saith unto him, Arise, and follow Me. And he arose and followed Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 13)
“And it came to pass as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that be sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:1-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 14)
These wonderful things Christ did, and yet the Pharisees were upon His track to confuse the ones who needed the words and works of Christ, to bring them hope and freedom and courage. This is Satan’s business today, and his agents are numerous. They would deceive and destroy the hungry, starving souls whom Christ came to save. Now I am authorized to work on the side of Christ and God, and not with those who, claiming to be shepherds of the sheep, would seek to scatter and destroy.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 15)
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which have been done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto thee, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 16)
“The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in judgment, and shall condemn it; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” [Matthew 12:41, 42.]
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 17)
Christ our Master has set all our tasks. No one is to be decoyed from his special work to do some wonderful work that costs much money and many workers to make the enterprise a success. We stand as the Lord’s stewards, and we must not at this time place in the hands of men thousands of dollars for a special food which is not essential for the sustenance of life. It is God’s purpose to feed His people with simple preparations of health foods, and they can forgo the high-priced foods that are not necessary to sustain life. God warns His people not to enter into snares that involve such immense sums, when that means is needed just now to invest in simple foods that will sustain life. We are to refuse these speculative foods, which really contain no more nutrition than the less costly ones.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 18)
During the past night, I received this instruction: Keep your money, and deal in foods that are much less costly, and which, prepared in a nutritious form, will answer every purpose. I call upon our people: Be not deceived; be not decoyed; neither begrudge to the speculating parties their wonderful advantages. The Lord bids me raise my voice in warning to our people. Beware how you invest the Lord’s money in things that you can get along without. Use every dollar to produce the best kind of food from the grains and fruits. All these are freely given us of God to supply our necessities. Your health will not be ensured by the use of an expensive preparation. You can have just as good health in preparing foods from the grains and the trees with their burden of fruit. And if we will return to Him a tenth of all that we receive of His blessings, this can be used to prepare the ministers for work and support them in their work.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 19)
Do your best, fathers and mothers, to get out of the cities, out of commercial lines of work that hold you to the cities. Get your children on to the land, and improve it to the best of your ability. This will mean health and strength to you; it will mean physical, and mental, and moral power.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 20)
The Lord is our God, our front guard, and our rearward. By His miracle-working power, He fed a multitude, five thousand men besides women and children, with a few loaves and fishes. Christ is the great Provider for this world. He has given His own life to save the human family unto eternal life. Keep out of all these speculative offers. They are a snare, just as surely as God has given food for the sustenance of life in the grain productions of the earth, the fruits of our orchards, and the vegetables of our gardens. Beware, beware of entering into game trades for an article of commerce to feed the people when there are just as healthful and palatable foods at our service for the care we will give in making our grounds productive.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 21)
Where are the wise men who will voice the words of Christ. Study the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. It is all important. They are the words of the great Medical Missionary. Here are revealed the two working forces. Study the Word. Become familiar with the lessons of Christ. I want all to turn away from the deceptive wiles of the enemy that would allure you into works and ways that God has not called you to. Be content to take the products of the soil, the fruits and grains and vegetables, and prepare them in a healthful way. We need not the most expensive food preparations that men can provide. If men of the world desire to handle these expensive foods, let them do so; but let the children of God be satisfied with the simple preparations that give just as good blood, just as good physical strength. Yield not to the temptation to so tie up the means we need in the cause of God, to thus bind up men of talent. The Lord will bless the simple foods prepared for His people. This I give to you as the light God has given me.
(21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, 22)
Ms 117, 1906
NT St. Helena, California October 30, 1906 Previously unpublished.
When the light that God gives is appreciated by His people, the church will no longer walk in darkness. Christ the true light now shines, and of His people He says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 1)
How many are reflecting the bright rays of light from heaven? That heavenly light should be seen and felt as we associate with the world. Never should it be blanketed. When we are associated with men of the world, let us remember that we are Christ’s representatives, and as such, by kind, cheerful words, reveal the blessings of the Christian religion. The Spirit of Christ should be made desirable as it is brought into contrast with the spirit of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 2)
Let those who profess to be Bible Christians testify by their words and by their life practice that they are indeed Christ’s followers. They are to appreciate the privilege of being good and of doing good, having no fellowship with those who work counter to God’s plans.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 3)
The enemies of Christ openly proclaim their habits and their customs and reveal themselves as under the black banner of rebellion against Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 4)
Dear friends, will it pay to allow ourselves to be led and instructed by satanic agencies? Shall we not rather sit at the feet of Jesus, and work for Him? Every one is now deciding his eternal destiny.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 5)
Paul declared, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Galatians 6:14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 6)
In our effort to form a character after the divine similitude, we have the sympathy and the co-operation of heavenly angels. We shall find it necessary to lift crosses of self-denial and self-sacrifice. But let us not by wilful sin make the heavenly hosts ashamed.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 7)
As we see the corruptions in the world, let us heed the call, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing.” [2 Corinthians 6:17.] Let us cling to the precious Saviour. As those who are preparing for His coming, let the outward life honor God. We can not shut our eyes to the souls all around us who are perishing in their sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 8)
The apostle Paul furnishes us an example of a self-denying Christian. He spent his life in seeking to persuade men to turn from sin unto righteousness.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 9)
As soon as the Word is received with its refining, purifying influence, the fruit of the Spirit will be revealed in the life. Oh, that all who hear the word might possess the grace of obedience.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 10)
I appeal to our brethren and sisters in Battle Creek who desire to be on the Lord’s side. Take your position decidedly for truth and righteousness. Be diligent Christians in the home life. Let those whose feet are planted on the Rock seek to draw others to that foundation. Let all examine their own hearts to see if they are ready to meet the Lord. Have you opened the door of the heart to Christ?
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 11)
In the hearts of many professed Christians is the gall of bitterness. They are children of the evil one, and they do his works. They have not the preparation of heart necessary for them to stand in the judgment.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 12)
Will these now come to repentance, and break hearts before God? Will they confess their sins and be converted? Let there now be seen a humble sincerity in seeking the Lord. Angels of heaven would rejoice to see in ministers, physicians, and all His people a thorough work of repentance.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 13)
Many have professed to be converted, but they do not in their lives reveal the fruit of conversion. O that a wave of reformation would sweep over Battle Creek, and that every soul would become united in Christ Jesus. Every one has a case now pending in the courts of heaven. Christ is knocking at the heart for entrance. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” He says. “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 3:20.] But many refuse to open to the gentle pleadings of the Saviour.
(21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, 14)
Ms 119, 1906
Talk/Talk at Pacific Press Chapel Mountain View, California May 5, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 6MR 283-284.
I have a chapter before me, the seventeenth chapter of John, the last prayer of Christ with His disciples before His crucifixion; and this prayer is a sermon for every one of us. Christ has presented matters here which lie at the foundation of all true Christian experience. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes unto heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee. As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal.” [Verses 1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 1)
Now I want every one of you to practice this very reading that I will present before you next:
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 2)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [Verse 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 3)
Now, take that in, I beg of you, take it in; fathers and mothers of families, take it in; educate your children as Abraham that commanded his household after him to keep the way of the Lord. Here is given the very foundation of eternal life: to know the Father and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 4)
“I have glorified Thee on the earth. I have finished the work Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee.” [Verses 4, 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 5)
Now what a request is this?
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 6)
“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.” [Verses 5, 6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 7)
Of course, every one that God has given to Christ keeps His Word. They keep the Word of the Father. “Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee.” [Verse 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 8)
Coming from God.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 9)
“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. I pray for them. I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine.” [Verses 8, 9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 10)
He was about to leave them. He wanted to take their burden and lay it right upon the Father; to take charge and keep those while He was passing through the great experience and trial of His life, as our Redeemer; to suffer the most excruciating agony in all His season of that betrayal and His agony in the Garden, when the cup was presented to Him to drink, when it trembled in His hand. Should He give Himself as a criminal for the sins of the whole creation? Should He drink of that cup so bitter, as the separation that He would have even from His Father in the agony of His crucifixion, because of the weight of the sins [of the] world with its aggravating character? And should He carry that through if it be possible that man could be saved, and He not have to pass through that one period: the separation of the Father from the Son in consequence of sin? He bore the sins of the whole world; and oh, how anxious should every believer—those that claim to believe in Christ—how anxious should they be to hate sin with a perfect hatred, and not look to men and women in their weakness, but look right to One that appreciates the purity and the salvation of every soul that lives. Yes, when you cast your helpless souls, and we, every one of us, realize our only hope is in Christ Jesus, and that unless He shall impart unto us strength, we shall be a failure. Then let us understand what eternal life means, but our own individual experience.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 11)
“And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 12)
Will you think of this, professors of religion? Will you think of this, who claim to be children of God, Christ’s little ones? “I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.] Do we so conduct ourselves that we pursue such a course of purity and dignity and wholeheartedness in the cause and work of God, that Christ can be glorified in us? This is the test of our character.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 13)
“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I in Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name. Those that Thou gavest Me, I have kept, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to Thee, and these things I speak in the world, that—”
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 14)
What? what is next?
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 15)
“I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verses 11-13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 16)
Now a true Christian will follow on to know the Lord and have that simple faith that takes God at His word. He is glorified in our experience, here in this world of wholeheartedness, of Christlikeness, and the eternal life that is constantly kept in view, and we looking ahead for that hope that is presented before us in the gospel; and whatever the trials that we have, we are to carry ourselves through these trials, knowing that the burden has been laid upon One that can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 17)
“And now come I to Thee, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have their joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Verses 13, 14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 18)
Then why should we try to assimilate to the spirit and influence of the world? and think that that is the course for us to take? Why, it is not the course for us at all. The worldly standard is a very low standard, but Christ’s standard is elevating, ennobling, sanctifying, refining, comforting, lifting up, if we will only obey it.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 19)
“I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [Verse 15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 20)
They have got a work to do in the world, every one of us has; to every man is appointed his work; and if you come up to the judgment, and if you have done nothing but just look out for yourself, why, just accordingly will be your reward. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Now sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth.” [Verses 16, 17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 21)
Study the Word. Keep out of your house the miserable magazines; keep out of your house the novels. Take every penny that you would pay for these things to get the truth before the people; and we want it should go broadcast through the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 22)
“Thy word is truth. 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 might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 17-19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 23)
He places Himself in that position of humanity in our world. What for? Why, He left the royal courts, He took humanity upon Himself and laid off the royal crown, laid aside the kindly robes, and clothing His divinity with humanity. He come down to be one with us, even from babyhood; He grew up to manhood and had an experience, as we have had. He took poverty. He might have taken scores of angels with Him, to testify He was the Son of God; but no. Then He could not be tempted in all points like as we are; but He comes right to man in his humanity, and that humanity and divinity combined is your only hope today. You can claim that divine power from Jesus Christ, because you can be partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption, escaped it, not been doing it; in God you have escaped it. That would place you in a position where your soul would be tarnished, you dishonored; but you have escaped the corruption through the looking unto Jesus, and imitating His character and His life, so that you are a partaker of the divine nature. There is where our strength comes, and we must, every one of us, have it, or we are lost; there is no other hope for us.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 24)
“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verse 18.] How? Did He send us without any spiritual help to which to look—upon Christ as a human being? Why? He sent us because Christ had that power; and He came, clothing His power with humanity, that humanity might grasp divinity, and that you might rejoice in being partakers of the divine nature. “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” How? “Through the truth.” [Verses 19, 17.] Do you try, every one, to teach your children, your household, what the truth is, that it is a sanctifying power? They must know what the Word is, they must understand its power; they must take hold with all the strength of their being; and then what? Why, the divine nature comes in; you are a partaker of the divine nature, and you have overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. That is our only hope.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 25)
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word, that they all may be one.” [Verses 20, 21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 26)
Now I want you to open your ears, and your understanding, because God wants you to understand the points that you have, many, but just scarcely touched with the tip ends of your fingers:
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 27)
“That they all may be one.”“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verses 21, 20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 28)
Well, what does that mean? You are to be a laborer together with God. You are to take right hold of the souls that are perishing around you, and forget your ease, forget your unbelief; but you just take steps heavenward—step after step do you advance in the path of righteousness and truth and holiness. Why? Because we must represent the work that Christ has done for His people in humanity. We must represent it in humanity. Your heaven and my heaven must commence here below. It is right in this world that we are to have a little heaven. We are not to wait until we get to heaven and expect to launch out with all our human habits and practices where Christ is. Why, you could not have any place there. No. Well, now, here He prays for those that “shall believe on Me through their word;” through our word; through our works; through our labor; through our carrying the Christian character day by day, by our lifting up the cross of Calvary higher and still higher, to be partaker of the divine nature.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 29)
Now He says, “That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee.” Now take in the full sense of it. “That they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.] Then the world’s standard is to be given by those that claim to be Christians. It is the standard that is to be developed; and God is to be glorified by the standard that you will present to the world, if you are all united in presenting the correct standard and shall elevate and ennoble ourselves and those that are all around us—through our belief in Christ, through our words in season, through our working on the right hand and the left—that we may leave a correct impression on the world of what Christ is to be and we may be to Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 30)
“That they all 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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 31)
Now there is the evidence we are going to give to the world. To go right in and mix with the world, and show no difference, but act as a worldling, talk as a worldling, have the spirit of a worldling, and yet your name [be] on the churchbook; you dishonor God greatly. Now we want that every soul in this congregation shall make a covenant with our God by sacrifice, right in this room, to make a covenant that they will study the Word. Let your magazine go. Why, here the magical books were burned. As we read away back in the days of persecution, [in which] Paul and the apostles were laboring, they brought out their magical books, and they burned them. I think if you would clear your house, many of you, of all these magazines, with the ridiculous pictures in them—those representations are as it were from Satan, and we do not want them. We do not want these representations; we want the truth in our books in our houses.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 32)
“That they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 33)
Now it becomes us to carry the divine signature with us, that we are children of the living God: “And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them.” Now you just think of how privileged we are. “That they may be one, even as We are one.” [Verse 22.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 34)
He and the Father are one; and there they have the experience, the intelligence, the uplifting, the refinement; for here we never can enter heaven unless we have more refinement that is heavenly than we have now. We want our spirit cleansed; we want our hearts clean; we want our works to testify that we are children of the living God, and that we are a representation of those that are going to heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 35)
“I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” [Verse 23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 36)
Now you just think of that. Your perfection is to be a partaker of the divine nature, and to overcome the temptation of the enemy, that is in the world here through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 37)
“I in them, and Thou in Me.” [Verse 23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 38)
Now what?
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 39)
“That they may be made perfect in one, that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 40)
And now here seems to be the largest presentation that taxes our faith to the utmost; and what is it? “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.” [Verse 23.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 41)
Just think of it; just consider it. He wants our conduct to be such that the Father can have that interest and love for us that He has for His Son. He wants no uncanny speech in us; He wants us to take home the divine nature, having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 42)
“Now I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with me, where I am; that they may behold Thy glory.” [Verse 24.] They beheld His agony on the cross, they beheld the mocking crowd, and those that rejected Him, saying, Come down from the cross, come down, and we will believe on you. But the earthquake that came, and the darkness that enveloped the cross, hid the sufferings, the last agony, of Christ, from their sight; but there the graves were opened, and some of the saints came from the graves and went around in the city and showed themselves to many as a testimony.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 43)
“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,” away back before the world was created. [Verse 24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 44)
“O righteous Father, the world doth not know Thee, 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.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 45)
Now this prayer of Christ, I wish you would read it in your families. I wish you would build up one another in—not outside, but in—the most holy faith. I want you to remember that God pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, because he commanded his children and his household after him. He does not let the children go on and do just as they please, and have a fancy to do because they are not to be pleased unless you will gratify them. God help us to take our stand in our families, and may the Lord help us to teach the ABC’s of true Christianity. We want the kindness and tenderness of Christ in dealing with human beings all around us. Just think of our Saviour dying upon the cross, and there was a thief by His side, and one thief had berated Christ, and had charged Him with everything that he could; but he rebuked him, this one did that was repentant. He says, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.] There He was in His dying agony, and what was the answer?
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 46)
“Verily I say unto thee today, (as you see Me condemned as a criminal, abused by men), Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Verse 43.] Do you know what that meant to the devil that was there? It was the knell, his death knell, that right in His dying agony He could speak pardon to that poor thief upon the cross. Oh, that was one of the greatest manifestations, while priests and rulers were wagging their heads, and saying, Come down, come down from the cross, until the earthquake came, and they scattered, and they were afraid that they themselves would suffer. But here was the mercy of Christ. Let us, every one, exercise in all our works and acts the mercy, the love, of Christ. Let us take into consideration there is a world to be saved, and we want our spirit braced for duty; we want our hearts in conformity to the will of Jesus Christ; we want that love that He prayed might exist between whom?—between these His followers, that existed between Him and His Father. Now here is your lesson. Here is your lesson. Learn it, practice it in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Study, study, I beg of you, self-denial; for there is a world to save. The work is opening in the foreign countries in a wonderful manner, but we do not take advantage as we should of those that are right around us, and give the Word of life in readings and in different ways to bring the truth before them. The publications are to be distributed, like the leaves of autumn; and the messages have come to you for year after year, and year after year, and what are we doing for the Master who gave His life for us? You have got His last prayer. Will we read that prayer? Will we practice that prayer? Will we be getting ready to walk in a heavenly atmosphere, and to take our steps after Christ? “He that will come after Me,” He says, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Mark 8:34.] There are some doing it, I know it. I feel a most intense interest.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 47)
I expect to speak only about fifteen minutes; I have been in a position of influenza upon me again, and yet I did not know as I could speak at all; but I thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast given me strength to speak upon this people—my dependence is upon God; and, brethren and sisters, I have depended on Him since I was a child, and He has not failed me. I want to tell you that Christ has the richest treasures to open to us in His Word. He has got a power for us to lay hold of, if we will lay hold of it; but we must walk in His way, not in our feeble and imperfect way. We must take all the Scriptures as our guide, and study this, and the mighty blessing of God will just as surely come upon us, and this in Revelation will be fulfilled:
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 48)
“And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and the Lamb.” John is speaking. “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded a fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Thank God for that. “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it. And His servants shall serve Him, and they shall see His face, and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them the light, and they shall reign forever and ever.” [Revelation 22:1-5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 49)
It is a life everlasting.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 50)
“And He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true, that the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them, and when I had seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then said he unto me, See thou do it not; I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book; worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand. He that is unjust”—it will be spoken in heaven—“let him be unjust still; he that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still. And he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his works shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and murderers, and adulterers, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent My angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.... [The] bright and morning star and the Spirit and the bride say, Come, and let him that heareth say, Come, and whosoever is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely; for I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues, that are written in the book; and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.... Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” [Verses 6-20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 51)
Now I leave this matter with you. And I ask you—for Christ’s sake, the books that God has commanded me, when that hand trembled so through disease that I could not hold a pen, and I was commanded to write the things that He has given me—why? why? Here are the old soldiers, dropping into the grave. Write them; they are immortalized just as God gave them to me, and they have stood the test of half a century; therefore I do not go back on one sentiment, not one statement that is presented in those books, because the Holy Spirit has given me the light, to present the light to you. Now take these books, and read them. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Receive all the benefits from the books that I have published for so many years.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 52)
The enemy is coming in to steal away—it is the devil and his angels. Do we think the devil is going to let us go on here without interruption? Why, he is all around on our track all the way, spreading himself to do all the mischief possible. Well, now, he is not dead. The science of Satan is exercised today as verily as he exercised it in the time when he led Adam and Eve to transgress. Let us watch him; let us keep our eyes so close on Christ that we shall know what Christ is doing in our behalf, we shall see His worth, we shall acknowledge His worth, we shall glorify His name, we shall see that we will enjoy His presence in the assembly of the saints.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 53)
Now I leave my testimony with you and beg of you that you will live this prayer of Christ. How many will study it? How many will live this prayer of Christ? Will they rise? right, right up? Will they give themselves to it, and make an honest effort to live the prayer of Christ, that they may enter in with Him through the gates into the city? Amen, and amen. I thank you for this expression.
(21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, 54)
Ms 120, 1906
The Long-Sufferance of God NP 1906 Previously unpublished.
Just prior to the opening of the 1901 General Conference, I spoke in the Battle Creek College library to a large group of men in positions of responsibility. Among other things, I said: “I thank God that Dr. Kellogg has not sunk into despondency and infidelity. I have been afraid of it, and I have written some very straight things to him; and it may be, Dr. Kellogg (if he is here), that I have written too strongly; for I felt as if I must get hold of you and hold you by the power of all the might I had.”
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 1)
Some have since inquired what I meant by saying that “it may be ... I have written too strongly.”
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 2)
This question I will answer by quoting extracts from letters and manuscripts written during the past few years. July 10, 1902, I wrote:
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 3)
“There are times when I refrain from stating at first all that is presented to me. I do this in the hope that a partial statement will be sufficient to lead those who are reproved to see their danger. Then, when the heart is softened, and prepared to hear more, I can state the whole message. But when I see that things are being done that will imperil the cause, I state the whole matter, whatever the consequence may be. This may seem strange to you, but this is the way in which I have to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 4)
“In presenting to Dr. Kellogg the message given to me again and again in regard to his relation to the truth for this time, I have endeavored to place the matter before him in the most carefully chosen language; for I was intensely anxious that he should not reject the message.”
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 5)
In an article appearing in the Review and Herald, February 26, 1895, is the following:
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 6)
“God is love, God is life. It is the prerogative of God to redeem, to reconstruct, and restore.... The work of Christ is to redeem, to restore, to seek, and to save that which was lost. If we are connected with Christ, we also are partakers of the divine nature, and are to be laborers together with God. We are to bind up the bruised and wounded soul; and if a brother or sister has erred, we are not to join with the enemy in destroying and ruining, but to work with Christ to restore such a one in the spirit of meekness....
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 7)
“God is love, in Himself, in His very essence. He makes the very best of that which appears an injury, and gives Satan no occasion for triumphing by making the worst appear, or by exposing our weaknesses to our enemies.”
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 8)
In sending to Dr. Kellogg the instruction that God had given regarding his dangers, I sought to present the matter in a way that would reform, not destroy. Accompanying the reproofs were words of encouragement. The Lord had given Dr. Kellogg a talent of influence among our people, and He desired to rescue the Doctor from his perilous position spiritually, without lessening his influence.
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 9)
In a letter written October 14, 1903, I stated that “I did not desire to disparage him in any way before the people, if it could be avoided, while there was still opportunity for him to repent. And so I forbore.
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 10)
“I have feared to say to Dr. Kellogg the plain things given me for him, lest he should be led to take a course that should forever decide his case. Had I, when in Oakland, borne the message that I thought I should have to bear, it might have resulted in Dr. Kellogg’s taking his position fully with the powers of darkness. This he has been about to do again and again, but has not fully done it....
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 11)
“For many years I have tried to hold fast to Dr. Kellogg. But for some time he has been revealing what spirit has been controlling him. The Lord will take this matter in His own hands. I must bear the testimonies of warning that He gives me to bear, and then leave with Him the results. I must now present the matter in all its bearings; for the people of God must not be despoiled.”
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 12)
It is because our erring brother refused to respond to repeated invitations of mercy, and continued to walk in a way of his own choosing, that it has become necessary to warn our people regarding the wrong principles that have been introduced and cherished. In this effort to guard the work on every side so that it shall not become disproportionate, we must move cautiously, lest we stir up bitter feelings. But the truth must appear just as it is.
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 13)
When understood aright, the words I spoke just before the opening of the 1901 General Conference, “It may be ... I have written too strongly,” reveal the compassion and the long-sufferance of God toward the erring. He bears long with perversity. Patiently, lovingly, He points out errors and pleads with wrongdoers to return unto Him. But if they refuse to accept His invitations, He speaks more plainly and often sends His judgments to lead to repentance and the forsaking of sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 14)
“The Lord is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression.” [Numbers 14:18.] He is “long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9.] “The Lord is slow to anger,” and yet “He will not at all acquit the wicked.... Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His wrath?” [Nahum 1:3, 6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 15)
“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.”“Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” [Revelation 2:5, 16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, 16)
Ms 121, 1906
Working for Souls NP 1906 Previously unpublished.
We want to make every effort possible to bring back souls to Christ. See the last verses of Jude, and let us see in this perilous time [that] we must be sharp, discerning the perils of the period, and work for young and for old with all the ingenuity and patience and perseverance that [it] is possible for us to exercise.
(21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, 1)
We do not use the provisions God has made for us, as it is our privilege to do. Pray with souls. Ministers, you will gain in this act a most blessed experience. And this is the work of soul-saving that we must do, if souls are to cut loose from their bondage to sin and Satan and come back to Christ. Ask, and ye shall receive. “If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”Luke 11:13. This Holy Spirit is a gift, a donation, to the world. Oh, may the Lord give us understanding how to receive these gifts. With our own hearts softened and subdued, we can melt our way into the hearts of the children and into the hearts of our brethren. You can melt your way into the hearts of out-and-out sinners much more easily than you can into the hearts of those who have a knowledge of the truth, but do not bring the truth into their daily lives, to be sanctified through the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, 2)
I have had presented to me a meeting where most direct appeals were being made, and there were most earnest, humble, broken prayers going up to God; and there was the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, and testimonies were born. God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, is now shining in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. We must set everything in operation to clear the King’s highway. We must prepare the way of the Lord. We must reach a higher standard in our meetings. We must work to set others to work and strive with all the powers of the grace of Christ to remove every obstruction to unity.
(21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, 3)
All gifts are of no value unless controlled by a softened, subduing spirit of love. This love is to a large extent dropped out of the heart. The love for ourselves is not essential. The love for our brethren is essential for our own daily happiness in this life and in the life to come. Christian love bears its fruit in loving that which God loves and because God loves. Christian religion requires Christian practice, for it is a revelation of the love of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, 4)
The second chapter of Revelation speaks of a loss that has been sustained in the losing of their first love. In this position Christ is lost with the love, and they do not know this. The life of a Christian is the life of love. The Lord does not set one brother to educate the faculty of criticizing another brother. If wrong exists, go right to the one who is wrong. Talk with him; pray with him. Let this work be carried on in our meetings, and you see if it does not let in the bright sunshine from the presence of Jesus. More than this, your meetings can be the greatest blessing to every minister and worker by showing I am my brother’s keeper. It is a part of God’s great plan that one brother should look after the interest of his brother, to help him—not to hurt and cripple and destroy.
(21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, 5)
Christ has paid a wonderful ransom to save the souls ready to perish. He gave an example of how all should work to carry out His plan, and it is to be worked out by those who claim to love God and to believe the truth. Encouragement is needed. Draw out the best powers that are in those with whom you associate in church capacity.
(21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, 6)
Ms 122, 1906
Justice in Deal in the Southern Publishing Association NP 1906 Previously unpublished.
The prophecy that John’s mission fulfilled outlines our work: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”Matthew 3:3. As John prepared the way for the first advent of the Saviour, our publishing institutions are to exalt the claims of God’s downtrodden law. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of perfect obedience to all His commandments. Constrained by the love of Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the old waste places, raising up the foundations of many generations. They are to stand as repairers of the breach. They are, through their restoring influence, to call the notice of the people to the investigation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, a constant reminder of God, directing the mind to the Creator.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 1)
I am to urge upon all the workers never to forget to co-operate with the delegates of heaven that are in the office as God’s messengers. What a work is this! And not one dishonest action is to reveal itself in the workers. I will now call to every worker, Ye are God’s ministers, proclaiming to the world [that] the hour of His judgment is come.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 2)
I leave this matter now and come to the one who has acted an unworthy part to take advantage of circumstances. He was as hard and immovable as flint. Edson was in a close place, and he made business terms that he could not afford. Every one of those terms stands written in the books of heaven and is to be adjusted. It was as cruel as the grave. Now the Lord will not accept the service of any man that makes terms with another as was done in the printing office. We are a people who in all business transactions are to be in accordance with the Word of the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 3)
“And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassion every man to his brother: and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against His brother in your heart. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in His Spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as He cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts: but I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations.”Zechariah 7:8-14.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 4)
The Lord would have His people Christlike in all their dealing with one another. Read the last chapter of Malachi. No one is to be retained in such an important place as the publishing house who does not evidence a kindly spirit, reveal a high sense of the work committed to him, and let his light shine forth.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 5)
Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, to adorn your profession of the truth. Our publishing work was established of the Lord, and the truth handled is not to be treated as a common thing, but as a specific work. Angels of God have seen and been displeased at the spirit that has been circulating through the office. It is not the Lord’s will to let any class remain in that office who are not under the holy influence of the Spirit of God to let the light of truth shine forth in their character.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 6)
Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen of God to become a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Let all do honor to God, who would have the workers vindicate righteousness and judgment in harmony with the character of God. All the workers employed are to be His representatives. God calls them His laborers together with Christ, and no cheap character is to be expressed while they are in the office. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, in direct lines, in most solemn warnings, has been passing through their hands to be published and to be multiplied and go broadcast everywhere as His agencies.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 7)
Irving Ford, because he thought he could, has shown most unfeeling hardness of heart, and has taken every unrighteous course of action to hurt James Edson White. If any one is worthy of being treated justly, it is James Edson White; but he was passing through severe test and trial.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 8)
The Lord’s institutions are to stand as witnesses for God, testifying to truth and righteousness in all manner of dealing with those of our faith and those who are witnesses not of our faith. The publishing houses are to be the Lord’s witnesses and the most effective agencies to test character and reveal what is in the workers. And they are to be converted daily before the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 9)
The truth is to go forth from them as a lamp that burneth. The publications are like the great light in a lighthouse, constantly sending forth their clear, living testimony as to what is truth. Lightness, jesting, and joking are the darkness of the world. The publications are to send forth their sacred beams of light in warnings throughout the world. Those publications sent forth from the publishing house are to prepare a people to see Christ in His beauty of holiness. Amid all the fallacies in printing offices, this office is to prepare a people, as did the message of John the Baptist, by startling messages of truth in warnings. “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Matthew 3:2.
(21LtMs, Ms 122, 1906, 10)
Ms 123, 1906
Diary Fragments, January to April 1906 NP January 1 - April 15, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 6Bio 29. January 1, 1906 “Elmshaven,” St. Helena Sanitarium, Calif.
1905 has passed into eternity. The books of heaven reveal the history of every day of the week, every month of the year, and it is sealed up. I have had precious rest in sleep in the past night. Retired early, for my head must have rest. I have been deeply stirred for some time in regard to the intemperance that is prevailing constantly, with its terrible record of increasing crime that the papers bring to us. Nothing need be repeated as to the deepening, wide-spread violence and crime. This is the morning of the commencement of a new year, 1906. The light God has given me is that the saloons are doing our world more injury than at any period in our world’s history. God is beholding, and the men who are carrying responsibilities in official capacities, as president and rulers, bear large accountability and individual responsibility as those whose voice and influence should count. One should be constantly at work to remove this curse of our nation.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 1)
We have to deal with a work that comes secondhand as the sure result of legalizing the liquor saloons. The crimes committed under the influence of using liquor are very great, and the saloons are left to be a temptation to men who have not the religion of Jesus Christ to control their appetite and passions.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 2)
St. Helena Sanitarium, Calif., Friday, January 2, 1906. Last night I was having a special experience. In the visions given me of God, I was addressing a large number in the sanitarium building. I was bearing a decided testimony to all present. I presented to them readings from my diary, traced in December of 1904.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 3)
St. Helena Sanitarium, Calif., February 11, 1906. I cannot sleep after eleven o’clock. I have no pain, but in the vision of the night am having scenes presented before me. I am impressed to write. I dare not keep silent.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 4)
I am to say to our people, watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. Do you not perceive the signs of the times? I am instructed to say to every soul far and near, with pen and voice, every gift and faculty of the mind, soul, and heart and strength is to be exercised now, just now while in this waiting, working period you may strive to set things in order. But be sure that you give the trumpet a certain sound. Do not, any one, catch up a new message and, according to the tenor of that message, present some theory that will haul up the anchor and send the vessel adrift to the ruin of your own soul and other souls. Satan will have you work on these uncertain lines. Take up the work that the Lord outlined before you and that God bids you do, and give the Word of the Lord. 1 Kings chapter 11. This chapter is to be carefully studied. [Verses 26-29, quoted.]
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 5)
March St. Helena, Calif.
I have been awake since eleven o’clock, but did not leave my room until after four o’clock. These wakeful hours have been most refreshing. I have communed with my Saviour with a heart filled with praise and thanksgiving. Oh, how precious has this communion been to me! Thanksgiving and praise have been ascending to God and to Jesus my Saviour. I praise the Lord for His Word. The Lord does not leave those who will follow Him through evil as well as good report. This evil report we have seen and felt, but how unjust!
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 6)
April 1906 Loma Linda, Southern California
Thank the Lord we have at last arrived at Loma Linda. We praise the Lord that He hath preserved us on our journey. We are now located in the beautiful building called the nine-room cottage. This is a very pleasant center. Four cottages are located a little distance from this nine-room cottage. The four cottages have four rooms, and each has a bathroom opening on broad piazzas. These cottages stand on rising ground, beautifully located, giving full view of the mountains that in April are covered with snow.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 7)
Sabbath [April 14]
I spoke one hour in the parlor, and all listened with much interest. We are occupying two of the rooms below. Sara occupies the other front room with May Walling. We shall remain here but a short time. We had much difficulty in changing cars in Los Angeles in order to get the right train that would bring us into Loma Linda before the Sabbath. We were in and located several hours before the Sabbath.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 8)
It is very painful to me to be arriving on the Sabbath, and our goods we must have; but it cost us four dollars extra. We have reason to be grateful. We had little hope that we should be favored with the tourist car leaving us on this very ground; but in the providence of God, the conductor said he might possibly have a message to stop if there was a car sidetracked. There we were all ready to step off, and the car stopped, and that saved us considerable perplexity. Clarence Crisler accompanied us. W. C. White did not come the route we did. He went to Mountain View the day before and was to meet us in Los Angeles. We supposed he was hindered at Mountain View. He was delayed six hours. A wrecked freight train was the hindrance.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 9)
I was so thankful to our heavenly Father for His preserving care. We all suffered with dust over the barren alkali plains. Not a living thing could we see. It was a painful sight—miles and miles over dreary desert soil. I thought I would never choose to travel over this road again. But the Lord preserved us from accident and harm, and I will praise His holy name. We are now in an altogether better place. Everything is fruitful and prosperous.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 10)
[April 15, 1906] Loma Linda, California
This day, Sunday, has been a day of special interest. Seats were prepared on the greensward surrounded with pepper trees. Several hundred were present at the dedication. All the speakers had a short speech. I had thirty minutes. All seemed interested. As I was conducted to a seat upon the platform, one man of gray hairs grasped my hand, and said, “You have years of labor in you to carry advanced work.” I said, “Thank you.” This meeting is a success, because the presentation before the people is acceptable.
(21LtMs, Ms 123, 1906, 11)
Ms 124, 1906
Diary Fragments, May to June 1906 NP May 17 - June 19, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 6Bio 104. May 17, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I read (Psalm 37) in the lesson at family worship.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 1)
May 21, 1906 “Elmshaven,” St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I am very thankful this morning for my good night’s sleep. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” [Psalm 42:1.] My heart inquires, What more can I do? I have given them Thy Word, but they turn their hearts from the truth. Even Thy ministers are drawn away from the truth Thou hast established, to believe falsehood; and when their own souls are under the cloud of satanic deception, they are drawing other souls into Satan’s snare. Oh, how my heart aches to see Dr. Kellogg so taken up with pleasing fables! Every soul thus deceived in turn will deceive other souls. It seems that I cannot hold my peace. I would cry out in the agony of my soul, Oh God, have compassion, and let not satanic agencies through human beings be wrought upon by mind upon mind. How long shall this terrible thing be tolerated? The Lord will not suffer His people to be deceived if they will not let their trust be placed in any human being. Here is where the mistake has been made. The medical missionary work has been sadly misinterpreted. The matter has been presented to me for the last thirty years as being overstrained and the ministerial work demerited.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 2)
May 24, 1906
I thank the Lord that although I could sleep but two hours the past night, I am able to do some important writing to the church in Mountain View. They have passed through some experience in the printing office. Two sides of the office were broken out, and it will require thousands of dollars to repair the breech.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 3)
The Lord gave me a message for the church. Although very much afflicted—I had the influenza—as soon as I stood upon my feet, I felt a strength come upon me, and I did not cough or sneeze once. I had been coughing and sneezing and raising phlegm; but I could speak in a distinct, clear voice for nearly one hour. I felt that clearness of mind as usual. The truth was so precious to me. First chapter of 2 Peter.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 4)
I spoke distinctly, and the power of the Lord sustained me. When such evidences are given me, even if my state of health seems to present the matter as an impossibility, oh, how grateful I am for the great encouragement given me of the Lord! This was only a repetition of the special grace and power of God. I was so thankful for this evidence. Though sick, I was enabled to speak to the large number that had filled the place of worship. I had opened the Bible and read in (Psalm 146, verses 5-10): “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is; which keepeth truth forever: which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners: the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous.... Praise ye the Lord.”
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 5)
I wish to say to every soul who is tempted, we may depend upon Him in all our personal wants. Review the large encouragements given us, and let thank offerings flow forth from hearts that are grateful. I am to bear a plain testimony to all that believe the truth. Talk faith, practice faith, and never dishonor God by unbelief, neither by a harsh spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 6)
May 25, 1906 St. Helena
If at any time my thoughts are troubled and I am physically weak, I have the Lord’s prayer Christ gave to His disciples. Everything is comprehended in that prayer. And after I offer my prayer in physical weakness, I will offer the prayer Christ taught His disciples. That is comprehensive. It embraces everything; and offered in simplicity of a genuine faith, it has efficiency because Christ composed that prayer, and there is not a useless word in it. I am greatly blessed as I humbly and reverently and in faith ask for the things that this beautiful prayer embraces. My heart is filled with sweet peace and can rest in the Lord Jesus.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 7)
May 26, 1906 St. Helena, California
I thank the Lord for His blessing given me. I slept until nearly three o’clock, then I besought the Lord in prayer for clearness of mind to comprehend the things that He would have me handle today, that my mind should be withdrawn from the many things to the special. I have offered up my most earnest prayer to God, that I may know how to answer those who, through their unbelief, are united to make my work hard and discouraging, as far as helping them is concerned. They are leavening the minds of others, filling in every jot and every tittle that will sow the seeds of uncertainty and distrust, which, when cherished, grow into unbelief.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 8)
June 2 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I look to the Lord my Helper this day. I speak at St. Helena to the church this day. I believe the Lord will give me strength. I speak upon the Sabbath question.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 9)
June 16, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I am thankful to my heavenly Father for His goodness to me. My eyes are quite painful if I use them much. I have of late taxed them over much, but the Lord will not let me be bereft of my eyesight. But should I write no more, I have sufficient written, if now it could come to the people—all the warnings given, all ready to be published, to come to all people. We individually need the missionary spirit that will lead us all to understand that if we place ourselves under the special direction of God, to be instructed, guided, and controlled by the Holy Spirit, and the study of His Word, we can in all humility of mind go to locations that have not had any special efforts made for them. Become conversant with the Word, present the Scriptures in simplicity, and let Jesus Christ make the application to the hearts. Study the first special ministry of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 10)
June 17, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
This morning I awoke at half-past two o’clock. Have had a good night’s rest. My heart is earnestly seeking the Lord by a living faith. I will grasp the hand of infinite power. I claim the promise, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my Name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:12-15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 11)
June 17, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I have been presenting my case before the Lord and pleading with the Lord to give me clearness of mind and to preserve to me my eyesight. I have been suffering considerably with my eyes, and constant writing has caused pain in my eyes. I have courage in the Lord because I have committed my case to the Great Physician. I slept until half-past two o’clock a.m. Then when I awoke I prayed to my Saviour for health and clearness of brain. I pleaded the promise, Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find. I believe, I believe Thy promises. I was free from the distressed feeling of my brain. Great peace came to me.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 12)
After daylight I walked out in the open air. It was a very clear, bright morning. As I walked in our garden path, I felt assured the Lord had heard my prayer. I cast my helpless soul on Thee, and I will trust in Thy promises. “Unto you is born”“a Saviour,” and the message, so precious, is to be borne to the world. [Luke 2:11.] A ransom has been given for the human race. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, and Christ was in God to perform the contract made. We give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory. The Father and the Son united in mind and purpose.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 13)
I am so thankful that I am relieved of this last month’s affliction. I know in whom I have believed. I suffer no pain. I am as light on my feet to walk as I ever have been in all my life. The Lord has heard my prayer, and I will praise the Lord. All day Sunday was a day of rejoicing. I testify that my God has heard my prayer and strengthened me, soul and body. The Lord has been very nigh me today. I praise His holy name.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 14)
June 18, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
This day has been a day of severe tax upon me. I have been reading the messages given to A. T. Jones and to Doctor Kellogg. The Lord has warned A. T. Jones and opened up to him his danger of being deceived by John Kellogg. I am so very sorry for both of the men. A. T. Jones has shown his weakness in thus being led and becoming voice for Dr. K., and this suits the mind of J. H. K. It is confirming him in his deception and pleases the satanic agencies. When I shall be able to print the matter in my diary, I shall be relieved of a great burden, because the matter in truth is before the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 15)
I have read many pages this day, and I shall do what I can do to let the light of truth shine forth in clear, distinct rays. The Lord Jesus has given me a message, and I will give it to all to whom I shall have access. I will no longer be troubled and seek to meet the objections, for the darkness over human minds is so great that it is most difficult to get the mind freed from satanic delusions. When once these delusions take hold, the minds disbelieve truth and open the door and let Satan in. I shall come to be in darkness if I allow my mind to come into the mist. I must stand on vantage ground, where Christ stands in His fulness, to be the Way. Lord Jesus, I now fasten my eyes upon Thee, my Saviour.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 16)
We have more than a royal road to heaven. We have a divine one. Take your position. The more you handle these subjects of unbelief, the more sorrow they will bring. We are not even to consult with the powers of satanic agencies. We are constantly in every place to make straight and thorough work in repeating the words of Scripture. Keep the affirmative.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 17)
The time is come when our responsible men in the General Conference are to move wisely and not use the tithe money to give influence to these men to carry their errors to other places. The Lord forbids this. This is giving influence to men whom God will not sustain. The means should be preserved to place in the field men whom the Lord shall send with the message for this time.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 18)
June 19, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I praise the Lord this morning that I have my reason and can look to the blessed Saviour and claim Him as my helper, my front guard, my rereward. I will not faint nor be discouraged, for good is the Lord and greatly to be praised. My message continues to be set before A. T. Jones, that he shall not be left to his own perverted judgment. I am certain that another spirit than that of the Lord has taken possession of the man; and if he could come to his right mind and heed the warnings and cautions given him, he would make an entirely different representation. But he has, notwithstanding the warnings and plain presentations given him, linked himself up with J. H. Kellogg and knows not that, in the place of being imbued by the Spirit of the Lord, he is voice for John K. He is imbued with his spirit and exercised by his mind. This is plainly represented to me. A. T. Jones hath taken another spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, 19)
Ms 125, 1906
Diary, July 1906 NP July 5-25, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 6Bio 113. July 5
Let all who are now searching the Scriptures read and obey the true Sabbath of the Lord. This morning I thank and praise my heavenly Father for His keeping power. I am recovering from the sickness of influenza which has afflicted me since I came from Loma Linda. I contracted a cold in Los Angeles.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 1)
My heart is drawn out after God this morning, and I will praise His holy name who gives me much freedom in writing. Last night instruction was given me that the enemy of God and man would arrange matters that will work minds to keep them in questioning doubt; and if we try to answer these unbelieving presentations, he will continually manufacture trifles of questionings that will occupy the mind and consume the time. This God forbids. Time is golden. And the Holy Spirit has given His messenger the precious, unchangeable truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 2)
July 6, 1906
I thank my heavenly Father for the instruction that is given me: Repeat, repeat the truth with pen and with voice. Take up no quibbles, but the affirmation of truth. The world cannot discern the makeshifts of Satan’s devising to bring up controversy with jots and tittles of nothingness that bring the soul into perplexity. To avail anything that will meet the case and relieve the mind of the unbelief that was sown by speech and contemplation of things unworthy of a moment’s reflection, [we must present] truth, precious truth. Speak the truth. Pray the truth. The life of Christ is before us. We are His messengers and can express the truth in heart, mind, soul, and voice. Dwell not on matters of minor importance. Spend not time on jots and titles. Let all consider the statement: “Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.” [Psalm 4:3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 3)
July 14, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I awoke at two o’clock a.m. My heart is under a continual burden because of the deceptive influence exercised by satanic forces of the evil angels upon human minds. I plead with the Lord that He would open the blind eyes.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 4)
July 15
When I awake in the night season, the burden of my prayer is: Reveal Thyself to Thy people. Break Satan’s power that is now over those who refused to be warned. Teach me Thy will, and imbue me with Thy Spirit, that I shall be strengthened to ever bear the clear light of the testimony Thou hast given me to come to many in this world.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 5)
July 17, 1906
My great sorrow is not for myself, that I feel and know I am misjudged, but it is that human agencies are carrying on a warfare against God and His only beloved Son Jesus Christ, working contrary to Christ. Christ is the divine Teacher, the Truth, the Way, and the Life. Christ teaches everyone who will seek His counsel. I say in gratitude and thankfulness, Thou hast taught me from my youth. And now I trust Him when old and grayheaded. Christ is light. In Him is no darkness at all. The events of ages are all under His control. Christ is the author of every good and gracious enterprise. As He is the author, so also is He the finisher of our faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 6)
Christ came to our world to open a long and continuous and decisive battle against all evil. He calls young men and young women to His standard of truth to war the good warfare. I enlisted in the Lord Jesus Christ’s army when I was eleven years old. To be on the side of Christ has been my highest ambition. I am now filling up—until the 26th of November—the few remaining months of my seventy-nine years of life, and the Lord enables me to bear my testimony to old and young. I praise the Lord that young men and women have a work to do, and the aged have testimonies to bear in vindication of the truth and of the faithfulness of the God whom we serve.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 7)
I am not anxious whether I live or die; but just as long as life lasts, I acknowledge that my divine Teacher is Jesus Christ. The Lord chooses His own agents for each year and each day in the year, and each hour should be a consecrated service because the controlling hand of God is upon me. All my life has been a life of discipline in the solemn, sacred work of being His messenger, to give warnings that are to be given to the world. The message given me from my youth is enjoined upon me, to be faithful in declaring the message given me, whether they to whom it is given receive it or not. The word of the Lord is still given to me. Not one word is to be diminished.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 8)
I am charged by the Lord to speak the words He shall give me, and His Holy Spirit shall implant the words spoken in many hearts. I am charged to war the good warfare, to exalt Heaven-revealed truth against those who oppose. Cannot I cheerfully bear the trials, and the resistance and opposition to Heaven-revealed truth, by the very ones who ought to uphold me and stand by my side to help me to hold fast the gospel? Woe would be unto me if I should suffer my mind to be turned away one jot or tittle from the testing truth for this time. I must stand in vindication of Heaven-revealed truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 9)
I have suffered much in heart, soul, body, and strength because of the peril of souls for rejecting the truth. God never changes. All are to keep an open ear and understanding heart.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 10)
*****
This morning my soul is drawn out after the Lord Jesus. I thank the Lord that I am better in health than yesterday. Great weakness was upon me. I am not strong today, but I am more comfortable. I have committed myself unto God. I have full confidence that the Lord will give me His special help, as He has done all through my experience. I need help every hour, that my mind will be kept in peace while I try to do the will of the Lord in writing and in holding fast the promises.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 11)
My prayer this morning is simple: Teach me, Oh Lord, Thy way and Thy will. I want every thought and every word expressed with pen and voice to be in accordance with Thy will. Help me in the coming conference to present the testimonies Thou hast given me. Thou, God, requirest preparation on the part of Thy people, that they may be purified, hearing and obeying all the commandments of God. If such holiness was necessary, that the Israelites might receive the law, what manner of persons ought we to be that we may obtain the mercy promised in the gospel?
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 12)
July 25, 1906 Campground, Oakland, California
How shall I bear impressively the commission Christ has given to His people—the privilege of being workers with the Spirit of all truth manifest in the flesh—the divine Son of God, clothed with humanity, a channel devised and prepared to be continually receiving and imparting the heavenly current? Himself the overflowing Fountain, He receives to communicate to all those who will accept the gift.
(21LtMs, Ms 125, 1906, 13)
Ms 126, 1906
Diary, August 1906 NP August 11-27, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 11MR 361-362. August 11, 1906 St. Helena
This morning I am pleading with God that His Holy Spirit will rest upon me today, as I shall attempt to speak at the sanitarium to the large number that shall be gathered together to hear the Word of the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 1)
*****
The Lord hath given me strength to speak to the people at the sanitarium, and I was sustained one hour. All seemed interested.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 2)
August Oakland, California
We are favorably situated in a nice tent, well furnished. I thank the Lord I feel at home in the right place.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 3)
August 1906 Oakland, California
We are well situated upon the ground. Good place for tent. We have two tents for our party—which are three of Brother James’ family, Sara, and my workers—and one tent especially for me. Mabel White sleeps in one part of the tent on a lounge. I have a good bed in the second compartment. All is well regulated.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 4)
Thursday, August 23, 1906 St. Helena, California
Rode out in open buggy in the hottest hours of the day. My eyes suffered much. Have not been able to write or read without much difficulty. Before returning homeward, I grew faint and sick. Lay down, but could not get relief. Was sick, head sick, eyes sick, whole body sick.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 5)
In the night I was, I thought, in a room but not in my own house. I was in a city, where I knew not, and I heard explosion after explosion. I rose up quickly in bed and saw from my window large balls of fire. Jetting out were sparks, in the form of arrows, and buildings were being consumed; and in a very few minutes the entire block of buildings was falling, and the screeching and mournful groans came distinctly to my ears. I cried out, in my raised position, to learn what was happening: Where am I? And where is our family circle? Then I awoke. But I could not tell where I was, for I was in another place than home. I said, Oh Lord, where am I and what shall I do? It was as a voice that spoke, “Be not afraid. Nothing shall harm you.”
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 6)
I was instructed that destruction hath gone forth upon cities. The Word of the Lord will be fulfilled. (Isaiah 29:19-24) was repeated. I dared not move, not knowing where I was. I cried unto the Lord, What does it mean? These representations of destruction were repeated. Where am I? “In scenes I have represented that which will be; but warn My people to cease from putting their trust in men who are not obedient to My warnings and who despise My reproof, for the day of the Lord is right upon the world when evidence shall be made sure. Those who have followed the voices that would turn things upside down will themselves be turned where they cannot see, but will be as blind men.”
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 7)
These words were given me from (Isaiah 30): “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and for ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” [Isaiah 30:8-15, quoted.]
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 8)
Sabbath, August 25, 1906 St. Helena, California
This morning my heart is drawn out to God. I plead most earnestly for the Lord to relieve my eyes, which have been so constantly in use in preparing matter to meet the emergency that may arise at any time. I have the promise of my Redeemer. The Lord Jesus is our only hope.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 9)
I cry unto Thee, oh my God. I beseech of Thee, heal my head and remove the pain from the nerves of my eyes. I come to Thee, Thou Chief of all physicians, to scatter the powers of Satan’s oppression, and let me find relief. Heal me, oh Lord. Thou knowest in Thy divine wisdom what to do to restore. Rebuke the power of the destroyer. My soul greatly desires health, that I may do the work that Thou hast entrusted to me to do. I have many words Thou hast given me to say to the people. Now Lord God, this Sabbath morning, I present my petition to Thee to be healed of my infirmities. I must not give way to unbelief.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 10)
I come to Thee as my Great Physician. Thou hast bought the human family with Thine own precious blood, and I wish to present my individual self to Thee, the great, all-powerful Physician, and ask Thee to give me strength this very day, if it is my duty to speak to the people in the sanitarium church chapel. I cannot be sick. I must be healed of my brain weariness. Give me clearness of mind. Put thine own Spirit upon me, and let Thy healing virtue come to me. Thou art my Physician. Thou hast promised to hear us when we come to Thee believing.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 11)
I cannot afford to be useless. I will go before those assembled at the sanitarium. This is Thy institution. Walk in our midst. Relieve the suffering ones of this institution, and may the truth of Thy Word awaken souls to be converted. I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me. I ask Thy blessing this very morning. Give me a message that will reach diseased souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 12)
Thursday, [August] 23, 1906
Truth, precious truth, help me to present the Word of the Lord to the believers and unbelievers.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 13)
In the night season I had a presentation. I did not seem to be in my own home in St. Helena. I was, I thought, awakened in the night with a great noise of cries of distress, and I saw the whole heavens lighted up. There were balls that looked like fire falling, and these balls looked as if full of arrows, and wherever they struck there were great calamities. Houses were set on fire, and no human effort could extinguish the flame. The earth quaked, and homes were falling with a crash. I heard the distressing screeching and praying. There was confusion everywhere. I said to someone, Do look. That is the most striking representation of what will be in the last day. Revelation 18. Voices were proclaiming the events taking place. Read and understand, for it will surely be. Chapter 19 of Revelation will ere long be fulfilled. Revelation 21. There were voices proclaiming the words of these chapters. With great power was the message given.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 14)
Let every soul now put away their magazines and other fictitious reading. The Word of God believed and practiced is the only hope of the world. This chapter was presented to John as a living reality. Read and understand verses 1-4, verses 5-7. Where are we in this earth’s history? Will we be deceived by Satan’s sophistry? Or will we believe the Word of God?
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 15)
I will praise the Lord, for He has given me His Holy Spirit; and it is Thou, oh my Saviour, who canst soften the sluggish, sinful hearts and wake up the people. I thank Thee for the power of Thy Spirit that Thou dost give me to present Thy words. Matthew, chapter 18.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 16)
I thank the Lord He gave me strength to speak one hour and ten minutes, and I was not wearied. I praise the Lord for His great mercy and light and grace He has given me on this occasion. The Word, how precious it is! I will praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice, that He becomes my power, my efficiency, my front guard, and my rearward.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 17)
As I looked upon the patients in their wheel chairs I felt so great pity. I addressed words of comfort to them.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 18)
Sunday, August 26, 1906 St. Helena, California
This morning I praise the Lord for hopefulness, for strength of body that He gave me to speak on the Sabbath. I love the Lord, and if I could I would proclaim to all the world with voice and soul that we have a Saviour, not one lying in Joseph’s tomb, but a risen Saviour. Praise the Lord!
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 19)
*****
This day I am thankful to my heavenly Father I woke up singing “Hold the fort for I am coming, Jesus signals still, Wave the answer back to heaven, By Thy grace we will.”
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 20)
Monday, August 27, 1906 St. Helena, California
I am awakened at one o’clock a.m. Cannot sleep. I am praying and pleading with the Lord Jesus to arouse the sleepy churches to understand the great work that is to be done. We are as believers to press together. Titus 2.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 21)
*****
I am unable to sleep. It is ten o’clock. I had a short nap, and I was instructed that light had been given me and that I had written under special light the Lord had imparted. There were many things to come before the people. Collect these matters; the people need them. We are failing to blend mind with mind. Each is to draw nigh to God in much prayer and humbling of their own souls, confessing their own sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, 22)
Ms 127, 1906
Diary, September 1906 NP September 1-26, 1906 Previously unpublished. September 1 Berkeley, California
We were accommodated with conveyance in Elder Rice’s carriage to take us to the place of meeting—a large congregational room where the church assembles. We found the large church well filled with people. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 1)
September 3
We leave this Monday morning, September 3, for St. Helena. Elder Rice takes us to the cars, which take us to 16th Street station. We have to wait fifteen minutes. We arrived safely at St. Helena. Glad to be in my own home once more, and sit at my own table. I am not weary, but happy to be at home. Praise the Lord for His keeping care.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 2)
September 4 St. Helena Sanitarium
We had an interview with C. H. Jones and Elder Cottrell. We think it a profitable conversation. We had much to say in a short interview. But what was my surprise to find Sister Dr. Caro! We had a surprising interview. I was very clear in conversation with C. H. Jones and Elder Cottrell, and then the surprise of meeting Sister Dr. Caro was wonderful. She had brought her son’s wife and children to meet her son in Oakland or San Francisco. Expected he would be at the boat to meet them, and no one came, and then she had left the family on the boat, where they could remain until evening, and came to us, with money all gone and no son to meet her. She came direct to us. Her son had given directions for his wife and family to meet him in San Francisco. Sister Dr. Caro came directly to us and moneyless. We gathered from our workers one hundred dollars and placed in her hands, provided she should take the family to Rice’s camping post. She took food with her from the food factory to supply the family. The last word from her son was he was sick with difficulty of the head. She must employ all the means possible to find him, and thus the matter stands. Sister Dr. Caro will locate the family in Brother Lawrence’s tent. Himself and wife are spending a little time at the sanitarium in St. Helena to get rest. Strange things are happening.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 3)
September 6, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
This morning I awoke at four o’clock and have had an excellent night’s rest. No rheumatism in hands or in feet—the ankles and feet that have been afflicted many years. A little disturbance of the lame hip, but no pain. My head is clear, my mind firmly stayed upon the good and kind and loving Redeemer. I frequently awake singing some simple verses. C. H. Jones’ and Elder Cottrell’s visit did not throw perplexities in my mind, and yesterday I had a visit from Dr. White, from Loma Linda, and we had a profitable conversation together. I am so thankful my mind is clear. Peace and comfort and hope are mine.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 4)
September 20, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I awake this morning with my heart moved with gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for the favor given me. I shall be seventy-nine years old my next birthday, November 26. I awoke at one o’clock a.m.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 5)
I attended the camp-meeting in Oakland and thought I could take some part. I prayed most earnestly for the Lord to give me strength to bear my testimony. I said, I will speak short. The congregation was large. I had a little fear that I could not make them hear me. I had stood on my feet about five minutes when the refreshing Spirit of God came upon me. I did not become weary, and I was sensibly refreshed. My strength was from the Lord. I spoke seven times during these meetings, and the refreshing sense of the grace and mercy of Christ was with me through the meeting.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 6)
I have labored at Oakland and at Mountain View and written very much, but never for years can I remember being as active and feeling as fresh and free from pain as since that blessed refreshing came so unexpectedly to me as I was upon my feet speaking under the large tent. The Spirit of God with its refreshing power came upon me, and I have enjoyed the rich blessing of God in every effort made since, in Oakland and in Mountain View. The renewing, refreshing power of God has been with me. I have been renewed and suffered the least pain during the time that has passed since the camp-meeting. I have a sense of the abiding, healing influence of the grace and power of God. I have reason for gratitude to the Lord Jesus, that He has given me strength to speak and such a wonderful sense of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Health has been enjoyed, such as I never expected. I praise the Lord, and my heart is glad.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 7)
I have felt deeply over some things that have been presented before me at Mountain View and at Oakland and St. Helena, in considering the subject of the purchase of the manufacturing of the flake foods from the parties handling this business, for the privilege of the right to certain territory for thirty years at a cost of thousands of dollars. I had been given warnings regarding the management of the health food business.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 8)
September 22, 1906 Oakland, California
This afternoon spoke to the large tentful, and the Lord gave me strength. I talked, I think, one hour, from Revelation 7. The Lord sustained me to speak most important things that will transpire before long. I thank the Lord for the strength and clearness He has given me to speak before so many. Oh, that the Lord would set home the words that He has strengthened me to speak to so large a number of intelligent people. Oh, if they will only heed the words that God has given me to speak! I was lifted up by the Holy Spirit above all my infirmities, for the Lord hath helped me; and I wish the people to understand that the words have been given me for them. (Dores has taken the words spoken, so I will not write them.) There was the best of attention.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 9)
*****
I am charged with a message. I am not able to sleep for hours in the night season. My soul is burdened. I hope our people will not draw apart, for I have seen the Lord Jesus with His arms extended to draw them together. Be of one heart, of one mind, having one object before you, the salvation of souls. There is a heaven to win.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 10)
September 26, 1906 St. Helena, California
This morning I thank the Lord I am home again. Nothing unpleasant on this journey. Team waiting for us. W. C. White met us when the train came in, and his hand helped me down the steps of the car. We learn there are several cases of sickness. Ella May White Robinson is quite sick. She overdid in helping get in the prunes. When the rain began Monday, she was overheated and drank ice water, resulting in a severe attack of fever. We hear several are sick since the first rain.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 11)
It would have been a disappointment to W. C. White had I not come home this day. I did intend to meet with the church in Berkeley before leaving Oakland, but I had forgotten the Washington meeting in D. C. My only chance to learn in regard to the movements of the work was to converse with my son, and he will be absent some time; so every moment is precious now.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 12)
There are meetings appointed in Washington, but the light urged upon me is the message to be borne in Oakland and San Francisco.
(21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, 13)
Ms 128, 1906
Diary Fragments, October — December 1906 NP October 1 - December 15, 1906 Previously unpublished. Sunday, October [?], 1906 Berkeley, California
On Sabbath day, Elder Haskell spoke to our people in the old Oakland church building, which was mercifully spared us. Sister Haskell spoke to a company assembled at Alameda. Brother Dores Robinson spoke to the Berkeley church. In the afternoon I filled an appointment in Oakland. We had a large, commodious meeting room, which was well filled. I brought before the hearers lessons from the First Epistle to the Corinthians.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 1)
After the discourse, I spoke to the church members regarding the great interest they should manifest in carrying on the work that was entered into at the close of the camp-meeting held this summer, when it was decided to continue tent meetings, and ask Elder Haskell and his wife to remain to follow up the interest. Some tents were left on the grounds, in order that the workers might be accommodated. Elder Haskell and his wife Sister Haskell had been laboring diligently to teach all who desired to understand the Scriptures and to learn how to carry on Bible work and other lines of missionary work among the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 2)
In addition to these regular classes of instruction, evening meetings were held, and the time was well occupied. For a short time Elder Haskell was absent, in attendance at the Los Angeles camp-meeting; but Elder Hibbard and others carried on the work uninterruptedly. Sister Haskell met with great interest in her class work during the day.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 3)
Thursday, October 11, 1906 Sanitarium, St. Helena, California
I have been unable to sleep after ten p.m. My heart pained me. I dared not lie in bed. I was in distress, and I walked the room and worked over myself for about an hour. I did not dare close my eyes in sleep.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 4)
I took up my diary and tried to write out a portion of the message I had seemed to be bearing in the night season to a large congregation.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 5)
[These two entries from Ms 129, 1907, pp. 1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 6)
[October 1906] St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I have not been able to sleep since eleven o’clock. My mind is much troubled because of the situation in Los Angeles.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 7)
Sabbath, October 20
Sabbath afternoon [October 20] at three o’clock I spoke in the Congregational Church. I had need of the grace of God. I have not been disappointed. I felt the presence of the angels of God in the house. I was wrought upon to speak with assurance, with earnestness, in regard to individual responsibility. If the Spirit of God is sought most earnestly, there will be answers to our prayers. Do not wait to have human agents in responsible positions come to you and urge you to take up the work that needs to be done. House-to-house work must be done. Engage in earnest efforts for your neighbors. Become familiar with your Bibles. Do not spend precious time in giving attention to your individual indulgence and neglect the soul that you might interest in kindly interested heart work. Will we let the light shine forth to others?
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 8)
After speaking about one hour, we asked all who wished to express themselves to give in their humble testimonies. Quite a number spoke, and the truth was shining forth to all that were in the house. Oh, how intensely in earnest I was to impress the hearers that the fallow ground of the heart should be broken up.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 9)
October 21, 1906 Elmshaven, St. Helena Sanitarium
Home again. We left home last Thursday morning. It was a cold morning, but when we arrived at the tent location it was quite warm. There are still a few family tents. Elder Haskell and wife have been making arrangements to take up the work in San Francisco, for our meetinghouse remains; the fire was stayed before it reached that quarter.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 10)
Our people have been desirous that meetings should be held in San Francisco. Elder Simpson has come from Los Angeles to commence his work to speak to the people. It was deemed prudent to give up the special work that was being done, that not anything should divert the minds from the message Elder Simpson wished to present before the largest congregations in regard to our present position in Bible history. There should be no excuse for our people to consider this effort a secondary matter, but a matter of largest importance. Oakland must be warned, and San Francisco should have the labors of Elder Haskell and his wife, and Elder Hibbard’s and Elder Simpson’s help together, to carry the meetings in Oakland.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 11)
October 24, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium
I have a large burden on my soul for Australia. I must do what I can to get light before the people. It will be a full month before another mail shall go to Australia. Now I place this burden upon my soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 12)
October 26, 1906 St. Helena Sanitarium, California
I received a message from Elder Haskell. The appointment for me to speak in San Francisco church was deferred until one week from the coming Sabbath. I had decided to go this week, but the mail I prepared for Australia was so large that it required the help of all my workers to copy the matter. I felt anxious to get off all I possibly could for this mail, and in the time between one and two o’clock until breakfast time at seven o’clock, ten pages of letter paper were ready for the typewriter. All through the day, until seven and eight o’clock, I was engaged in writing, until the mail for Australia was closed up.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 13)
I was glad to lay off this burden and prepare for my night’s rest. I slept well until four o’clock this morning. I am relieved of a large burden, to get this matter off, and yet I needed more than one day to be rid of all my burden. I sent off all that I could possibly get off. I am relieved and thank the Lord I slept until four o’clock a.m. This is an unusual blessing.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 14)
We have another day without rain. We will rejoice to have a shower to wash our beautiful trees of dust, and the roads are so dusty and thirsty for the rain of heaven. But this dryness will pass away. Soon beautiful showers will come to refresh all nature. I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 15)
Now I take my writing and with pen trace the things that urge themselves upon me. I thank the Lord for my eyesight. My left eye is weak at times, but the Lord is merciful to me, very merciful. I have fears, but the Lord is merciful.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 16)
I thank the Lord He has strengthened me to write above forty pages to our people. I sent copy of discourse given one week ago last Sabbath in the large, commodious Congregational church. Clarence Crisler accompanied Sara and me to Oakland, and he reported the discourse given. This much writing has been quite a tax to me, but all this is necessary to be done. We have earnest efforts to make to bring men and women to sense what is sin. I have many words to say in regard to our individual responsibilities in becoming laborers together with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 17)
November
Friday morning, November [2?], Sara accompanied me to San Francisco, and the Lord blessed me with special freedom. I felt grateful for the opportunity of speaking to those assembled. The appearance of the meeting room was good. Floor and the aisles were carpeted. I am very thankful the Lord spared the church, for we would have had no place to meet the people. All were very much pleased to have me address them [Nov. 3] in the name of the Lord. I partially consented to speak to them the next Sabbath. I said I would if I was able to do this, but influenza I had to battle with through the week. Was so sick I thought I must not be rash. But Thursday afternoon decided to send them a telegram that I would speak, and so I went according to appointment.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 18)
On Sabbath [Nov. 10] the house was nearly full. A few seats at the farther end of the church were not occupied. I spoke upon the creation Sabbath which the Lord Himself had appointed as a memorial. The Lord of heaven instituted the Sabbath, as Jehovah had, through His appointed agency—One equal with Himself—made the world and all things that are therein in six days and rested on the seventh day.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 19)
Sunday morning, December 1906 Berkeley, California
Yesterday, Sabbath [Dec. 15?], the appointment was out that I would speak in Congregational church. I have been sick four weeks with the malaria that came upon me after speaking in San Francisco three times. The house is so constructed that it cannot be properly ventilated. I spoke in San Francisco and then suffered quite severely. The next week, I spoke Sabbath and Sunday. Many outsiders were in. My burden was to present to them the truth of the Sabbath of the Lord God as pointedly as possible, and the Lord blessed me with great freedom. I gave, in a few words, some chapters in my earlier experience, which interested them much.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 20)
I bore my journey home well, but began to sneeze and cough. Sister Caro and Sister Sara were in the same trouble as myself. Four weeks I was in this state—poisoned with the effluvia of breaths. It was a question with me what I should do. Elder Simpson was anxious for me to come and speak upon baptism, for the baptism would be Sunday forenoon. I ventured to move out by faith. We left Thursday afternoon [Dec. 13], which brought us here in the evening. It was dark. I went directly to bed, and rested well during the night, but had a very ill attack of heart difficulty.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 21)
Filling my appointment Sabbath afternoon seemed rather doubtful, but I put my trust in the Lord. I was surprised to find the house full and the anteroom occupied with the overflow. It was estimated there were four to five hundred present. The Lord gave me strength. My text was from the third chapter of the First Epistle of John.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 22)
“Behold, 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.”Verse 1. I dwelt upon the first seven verses. Strength from the Lord came upon me. I spoke, they tell me, with clear voice one hour and twenty minutes, and yet felt no weariness, for I felt the refreshing influence of the Holy Spirit. Oh, I was so very thankful that the Lord did give me freedom of speech. Dores Robinson reported me.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 23)
This morning, Sunday, the ordinance of baptism will be administered. There is a large number to be baptized. If we had a place suitable to accommodate the people, there would be a continuation of the meetings, for the interest is still excellent; but it is no use to erect tents, for when the wind blows the tents are shattered to pieces. The rainy season is now on. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me in speaking in the Congregational church.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 24)
This day will be a day of great interest. I hope that many more may decide to take their stand fully. There is a very excellent class of people, both men and women, who have taken their stand. Thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice for the work we have seen accomplished in these meetings. We need in all our gatherings to realize that our power and success will depend upon our calmness and the power of the Spirit’s working.
(21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, 25)
Ms 129, 1906
Testimony Regarding Work in the San Francisco Area NP 1906 Previously unpublished.
Sunday morning, September 2, Elder Knox, Elder Haskell and wife, and Elder Hilliard came to see me.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 1)
I had special communication with these brethren. I spoke in regard to the work Elder Corliss was to do. He manifests a rough, hard spirit—a spirit that is not after Christ’s order, but is the spirit of a man who is not under the control of the Spirit of God. If such a manifestation is revealed, great harm will be the result, for it is out of order. It is one human being ruling another human being, while he himself, who would rule, is not under the control of the Holy Spirit of God, but individual self has the platform. All heaven is beholding the words uttered by one human being to another—words of one who acts as if the office of guarding the interest of the churches meant harshness and human control. God forbids one human being to judge another human being and press that judgment. I have a decided message and shall give the same.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 2)
I am authorized now to speak. I am acquainted with the history of Elder Corliss, but will give only those things which are essential. At Washington I encouraged Elder Corliss to labor in Southern California. His testimony was needed in all those unworked cities, for he could, when his mind was restful, present the truth in a distinct, forcible manner, and he could have the voice in the arrangements of meetings and how to carry the work that needed men sufficiently experienced to preside. Next morning I learned Elder Corliss had decided that he was to become president of the Southern California Conference field, but the very night after this conversation the case was opened before me. I saw that Elder Corliss possessed an injudicious spirit, and that he was harsh and unreasonable when an opposing voice would come in against his decisions. In short, the blood would rush to his face and his head, and all this was injurious to his influence. Any opposition to his propositions made him express a cruel adherence to his purpose to carry his point. Our churches would become permeated with a disposition to harsh judgment and censure that would spoil the work of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 3)
The Lord entrusted me with a message to give to Elder Corliss. He was in danger of making mistakes and, in the place of correcting these errors, continuing to deal harshly and to make decisions and stick to them irrespective of consequences. I told Elder Corliss next morning that he was not to carry the burden of conference work upon him, that he could not bear the taxation that would certainly result if he took such responsibilities.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 4)
When at San Jose, Elder Corliss requested to see me with the purpose of removing Elder Rice and wife to another place—Santa Cruz, I think it was. He wished me to unite my influence to help them to do this. Some words were spoken to the effect that Elder Rice had made mistakes, but I could not understand the matter. I had advised them to put heart and soul into the work in settlements out of Oakland—Berkeley, and many other like settlements—where the higher class of people resided. These places the Lord designated as the highways. I had not yet visited Berkeley, where they had especially labored, and the work as presented to me was in the order of God; therefore I had encouraged them to continue the work. That night, after the conversation with Elder Corliss, the matter was opened before me in the night season, and I wrote out the matter and then was given a message to bear to that camp-meeting. I will have that message found if possible.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 5)
I refused to have an interview with Elder Rice and his wife, because of my afterwork which I knew would come. It should not be said I had talked with Elder Rice and his wife. But I have the matter written out, the personal features of it, and then that instruction was given me at that camp-meeting, which I gave to the people on Sunday. I gave no personalities, but presented the subject, as the Lord gave [it] to me, as Bible truth that was appropriate for all the people present. I knew that Elder Knox and Elder Corliss were on the wrong beat; and if they would listen to the message God gave me at that meeting on Sunday, they would be corrected.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 6)
But after a while the pressure was still alive. I wrote a page to those who would carry through their purpose to proceed against Elder Rice. I was not so situated that I could possibly meet that matter, for I was writing early and late upon subjects presented to me at Battle Creek. I hoped this matter would be understood from the discourse given at San Jose. I wrote those brethren that if they attempted to press matters, we would have the church authorities together, and I would make a statement to them; that if after this meeting no change was made, then my course was clear.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 7)
I had special light that if Elder Knox and Elder Corliss persisted in the same attitude, notwithstanding the efforts to correct the impression made upon their minds, then I must speak and take my position. I did take it. I recommended that Elder Rice and his wife should unite with Elder Haskell and his wife. Again I had light that I should bear a decided testimony that Oakland and San Francisco should have decided work in both places to prepare the way of the Lord. But there would be an effort made to block the way. In consideration of the light given, I had urged that efforts should be made to secure the best class of workers to labor in the presentation of the truth for this time. The Lord forbid that workers who can be acceptable to the people should be called away. Efforts would be made to do this after the tents were taken down to give the ground to the circus.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 8)
Light was given that all the work should not come to a standstill, but should have the strength of the very men who had labored in Oakland and in San Francisco; and Elder Haskell and wife should have the additional help of Elder Rice and his wife, who had been laboring for the higher classes and the lower classes, and that no voice or influence should forbid them. God, who seeth the end from the beginning, has in no case justified the attitude that has been pursued toward them in words and in actions. Moreover, I have been shown that men who are to be guardians over certain districts are not to encompass too much territory or to feel that they have the privilege to deal harshly, as they have done toward Elder Rice and his wife.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 9)
In the final decision of the judgment, every man’s works will be tested and will be tried—they that have done good and they that have done evil. Our Lord’s description of the works of the two respective classes is given as the only criterion by which they shall be judged. Good works are the result of justification by faith. Good works spring from good, true faith. They are the fruit borne on a Christian tree. The whole human family is to be brought to the same bar. The Judge is the eternal God Himself, who created the world through Jesus Christ. All the worlds are His possessions, and He never makes a mistake. There is to be no compulsion, no threatening, no severe words or condemnation to any.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 10)
This was presented to me, notwithstanding there was continual excitement kept up, and my mind was so continually exercised upon the great issues at Battle Creek. I have messages that must be ready at the right moment to deal with matters. The brethren know in regard to these issues and the matter of removing Elder Rice and his wife. I have no conversation with Elder Rice and his wife, for I knew it was not best until the Lord should signify that I should meet this issue. I had the matter all written out, but have not communicated the matter to Elder Rice and his wife. I knew there was to be a meeting in Oakland; and having all I could possibly do, and not overwork my mind, I just let matters develop. The Lord was the One who could work out this matter. I could not take on me more than I had. I determined that after the camp-meeting decisions would be made. The same spirit held and maintained would bring the crisis. Elder Knox and Elder John Corliss would have things more certainly developed. Meanwhile I was warned that I must not withhold my testimony on the ground, straight and decided, and I had strength all through that meeting and had a sense of the everlasting arms being beneath me. I was not wearied the least particle. I was refreshed.
(21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, 11)
Ms 130, 1906
Counsels to Students “Glendale Sanitarium,” Los Angeles, California 1906 Previously unpublished. (Wednesday morning)
I may not be able to speak to you and wish to bear my testimony to each one who is seeking to pursue his studies in the ministry of healing. Men and women can act an important part now, just now, for time and for eternity. We are surely to think soberly and righteously, for the great day of God is at hand. Prophecies are fulfilling; the last great conflict will be short and decisive. Old controversies will be revived.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 1)
I have a message to every student. It is one thing to be religious, but quite another thing to be a Christian. Neither Sister White nor any other mortal can make your character. You have to have sufficient interest in your own soul’s salvation to feel you cannot run any risk in this important matter. Pray, pray daily, with the whole heart and soul and mind and voice for one object—that light divine shall shine from Christ to your soul to heal every crookedness in your character. Light and strength of purpose you must have, until every chamber of your moral being is lifted up heavenward, and light from Christ illuminates the mind as the bright shining of an undimmed candle.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 2)
I beg of every one of you to clean out from your library fictitious stories and to keep your mind clean from all love ditties, rubbish, and trash. You can help one another by each keeping your own soul in the love of God. Be true to your own present spiritual interest. You cannot afford to be careless and untrue to your soul’s best and highest interest.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 3)
I ask, Are you converted from selfishness, from all crookedness of actions and character? Are you striving day by day to be true to your God? If you keep an eye single, in all your words and in all the performance of your work, then you will keep your eye on the Pattern, Christ Jesus. When Christ is ever kept before the mind’s eye for the purpose of obeying every word of direction He has given us in His Word, the power given of God will draw you away from temptations, to serve the true and living God. All your profession of faith will be worthless, unless you practice it. You must have truth in the inward parts of the soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 4)
There is a much larger experience for every one of us, in following after the divine Pattern. In Christ dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Look unto Jesus. As you are doing your work for unbelievers, keep your heart uplifted to God that He shall give you words to speak in season to those who are not in the faith. In the consciousness of the precious truth made known to us, we have peace and power and grace to exemplify Christ, whom we profess to serve, honor, and glorify. Here, then, we have peace and power with God.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 5)
We are not all constituted alike in character. Let no one feel authorized to pick flaws in another’s character, but his own character is his to mold and correct, reform and discipline in this school, preparatory for the higher school above. To learn of Christ through the ceaseless ages of eternity, we must become His little children to learn of Him here. Are you only religious, and do you stop there, or are you constantly learning how to be Christlike—pure, clean, and undefiled? When you love the Bible truth in practice, you will be the happiest beings in the world. This is the only way we can be Christlike. And if we all with open face behold as in a glass the glory of the Lord Jesus, we reflect His divine likeness upon all around us.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 6)
Paul was a religious man before his conversion, but it was a false religion. If we lose sight of Christ we may be cruel, false witnesses. In all your speech and in all your works you are to be obedient to the Word of the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 7)
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.”Deuteronomy 4:1-9. Let the Word of the God be the man of your counsel. These words are words to be studied. They are not false science. They are words of truth and righteousness. This is the true science.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 8)
“Furthermore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”Deuteronomy 4:21. Here we see what an offense it is for men who occupy responsible positions to lose their self-control. The people were constantly charging all their disappointments and sufferings to him, and here Moses became provoked, and therefore they thought they had a good right to be provoked. But the Lord’s rebuke to Moses evidenced how He regards any exhibition of irritation in words or spirit as setting a wrong example which leads others to make excuses. The patient leader had prevailed with God time and again in saving Israel from receiving the just consequence of their sins. Now the Lord must engage in controversy with him when He would have saved him from this exhibition of anger against the people that provoked him so many times by their murmuring. Moses had never before shown by losing his patience that he as a man subject to like passions as were the children of Israel. He had suffered much. The Lord was very much grieved with Moses. In order to give the correct impression upon the minds of the people, He must show impartiality. And Moses had repeated to the children of Israel that God would not tolerate or pass over the sins of those whom He had signally honored. Moses must die and never with his natural human sight look upon the land of Canaan.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 9)
All who walk in the light will reveal a mind and heart sensitive to any evil work. We are all to take care how we walk and be sure that the Light of the world—and no false, misleading light—is our light. By walking in the light, as Christ is in the light, we follow where Christ leads and gain elasticity in running in the way of God’s commandments. Time is too precious to devote to misleading scientific problems that are soon to flood the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 10)
I call upon every man and woman who has a knowledge of the truth. There is one path of science that is safe for you to travel. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question asked by the lawyer. The scribes and Pharisees who prompted him were hoping the answer would be of a character that would give them an opportunity to take advantage and condemn Christ. The Lord Jesus returns His answer to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “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 neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Yes, he should have that life that measures with the life of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 11)
The Word of the Lord is sure. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” from all evil devising, from all scheming, from all crookedness in deal. [Psalm 19:7.] Not a tinge of selfish, scientific, satanic artifice is to be woven in, to form the figures of the pattern.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 12)
We have the 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.] Here is an experience that each individual soul must gain for himself. Position does not make the man, but the man may do great honor to Christ in wearing His yoke, in manifesting His meekness and His lowliness of mind. Christ came to stand at the head of humanity, to reveal that humanity may be continually improving, to become one with Christ, under His control. By beholding Him in speech, in patience, in good works, he comes to be like Him in the formation of his character. The crooked kinks are straightened.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 13)
There are several that would be pleased to act a part in the work of these institutions as physicians and as nurses and helpers, and gladly would we encourage every one if we had clear light to distinguish who should be encouraged, who would not disappoint us. We cannot possibly make men or women fitted for such responsibilities.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 14)
Our sanitariums are to reach a very much higher standard than any of our sanitariums that have existed. It is not the high name and reputation of any medical practitioner that meets the mind of the Spirit of God. The Lord has humble men who will submit to be molded and fashioned after the divine Pattern for the work of our institutions. Every man and woman, if crooked and perverse in character, must needs take themselves in hand and straighten out the kinks in themselves and act like men that are working for our Lord. God holds fast to all who will walk in the light, not of misleading scientific problems, but of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Not a thread of selfishness is to compose the figures of the web. Those who prefer to follow the steps of any leader who mingles dishonest practices in his life will have an experience that separates them from God. Those who follow on to know the Lord and follow on in the path of righteousness, self-denial, and self-sacrifice will become more and more earnest and will follow their Leader Jesus Christ with a pure, practical zeal.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 15)
Walk in the light “while ye have light, lest darkness come upon you.” [John 12:35.] Walking in the light is the whole-hearted endeavor to please God and obey the truth made plain by God’s miracle-working power in our past experience of half a century. Hearty and loving endeavor to please God and do His commandments is walking in the light. Every subterfuge by which men are seeking to cover up the crooked ways of a false religious showing will be no help to those who wish to know what is truth. God will bless all those who are catching the divine rays of light from the instruction Christ has given. Their unselfish hearts’ desires will be attended with assurance, comfort, and hopefulness.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 16)
The graces of heavenly origin will be developed and matured by exercise. Walking and working in the way of the commandments of God, the life will be so clean and so pure that many will be attracted to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. The gladness of the heartfelt assurance, of the demeanor and cleanness of the example will be marked, and the trembling footsteps of men who are loitering will receive an impetus from our inspiring example and will be led in the same direction.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 17)
We are every one of us now being tested and tried in all our dealing, in every transaction of life. Those who seek to cover themselves with the garment of their own righteousness, and sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb, will all be asked, Friend, how camest thou in hither without the wedding garment I had prepared for all who are My guests? Scientific problems will not cure the sin of a single soul nor hide its deformity.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 18)
Careless and worldly professed religionists are sizing up people in their business transactions. The keen-sighted who have worked for their own advantage are distinguished as those not having on the wedding garment. The souls who hold fast to the principles of the truth obtain the confidence of even worldly men. They see an excellence of principle and admire the consistent course of action which they themselves do not follow.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 19)
God is striving with many hearts who have taken in the shallow, inconsistent conduct of men whose names have been exalted, and many will take their position with true believers. Women will become teachers to bear the sacred, pure, uncontaminated message to churches and bodies of people. They will hear from the voices of many, “Whither thou goest, I will go; ... thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” [Ruth 1:16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 20)
Young men will present themselves for a chance to take hold of some work in connection with our offices, in connection with our sanitariums, and there must be a school that will not tie up our youth to have to hear coming from the lips of leaders sentiments that will set them on the wrong track. God demands of His followers that their path shall be brightness, not gloom, because they are connected with Him who is the Light of the world. Christ has left an example of a consistent course for all to follow in His footsteps. They that follow Me, He has said, shall not walk in darkness. [John 8:12.] Walk in the light, as I am in the light.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 21)
All crooked steps that lead to dishonesty in practice are doing great harm to the cause of truth. The inconsistencies of those who are following another leader are pointed to and spoken of by the enemies of our faith, as men who can connive at evil practices. God calls for every man who professes to believe the truth to act as Christ has given him an example in His life. Let all bear in mind that every action bears the inspection of God. If any man, however exalted his profession, shall deviate to act unrighteously, and with bribes tempts the unwary to carry out his wishes, let your soul abhor his practice. Walk in the light of true rectitude. All the study of Satan’s subtle productions of scientific problems leads only to evil. In that great day of final reckoning, there stand arrayed young men and young women who bear their testimony that with bribes they were led into false paths to secure the advantages of superior wages.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 22)
Let all walk in the light. Notwithstanding your tempter may be in a high position of influence, resist the temptation. Walk in the light as Christ is in the light, and keep your conscience clear. Let not the infidel sentiments cloaked with scriptural words, taken away from their true place and put in the wrong place to weave false figures in the pattern, be taken up by any mind. Keep your soul clean, looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith. Walk in the light of straight forward truth. Let all who name the name of Christ and claim to be believers in Christ depart from the least sinful proposition made to you to follow wrong steps and practices, for they will lead you to evil from which you may never recover.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 23)
Walk worthy of Christ. His example is before you. “Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”Ephesians 4:1. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.”Ephesians 5:11. Speak and act the truth without one semblance of deceptive practices. Let your words, your clean, worthy deportment be your recommendation.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 24)
To the heedless and those who are out of the way, say, by precept and example, “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good.” [Numbers 10:29.] In doing just what Christ has told you to do, you are always safe. “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them to thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.”Deuteronomy 4:9.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 25)
“He that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.”John 12:35. If you listen to the deceptive words, you will suppose error is truth and the truth is a mistake. Some are right there today, deceiving and being deceived. When you listen to the sophistries coming in these last days, you are far from God. He that walketh in darkness knoweth not that the objectionable theories of satanic origin have been planted as seeds in the soil previously prepared for that seed, because he turned away from the words of the true Counselor. He will take one turning and then another turning, yet insisting he is not at all led astray, while he is missing the right path and is on the wrong track; and unless he shall receive the light and the cautions the Lord has given him, he will miss the true path while he supposes he is walking safely and can preach theories of truth. He becomes mystified as to what is really the truth, for his soul has received the seed which will bear tares.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 26)
Oh, if these precious souls will cut the bands that bind them in specious errors and will heed the cautions I now give simply to trust the Word of God and cut away from men who have occupied their minds in studying problems of science, opening the door for Satan to come in and to confuse the mind and judgment in spiritual things!
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 27)
“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 28)
“For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave unto Him; ... Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.”Deuteronomy 11:18-22, 26-28.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 29)
These warnings come down along the line to our time. If there was not any danger of our heeding the leading of other gods, we should not have such repeated warnings of the danger of the people of God doing this very evil thing. I warn all concerning those who so often have the scientific problems on their lips: Be afraid of their influence. You will need to study the words of Christ and practice His words, which will lead you to be guarded against these delusive sentiments, which are coming to be a common reference with those who have been studying these things for years and have bound themselves up with them so that the teachings of Christ seem very tame to them. As they do not practice the simplicity of godliness in all righteous dealing, they show they have another counselor—the one who deceived the heavenly angels in the holy courts of heaven. Our brethren who now suppose themselves sound in the faith are in positive danger, through the sophistries of satanic influences, of undermining their faith and exchanging the simplicity of truth for false science that leads to infidel sentiments.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 30)
What commission has Christ given just before His ascension? (Matthew 28:19, 20): “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” What shall we teach the people? “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Acts 2:42, 43): “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”Verses 44-47. This is the teaching that will come from men who are imbued with the Holy Spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 31)
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you 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, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you.”John 16:7-15.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 32)
These are the teachings that will be coming forth from sanctified lips. If the study of science so-called was essential to give the mind as its food, why did not Christ specify it distinctly? Of His last prayer to His Father before entering upon His great conflict of suffering and death, we read: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him.”John 17:1, 2. This was the lesson prayer for His disciples. “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”Verse 3. Read this prayer, all you who have had your minds drawn away from the plain, clear, self-evident truth to catch up with science.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 33)
The very specious temptations of Satan are like the serpent represented as speaking. The fallen foe deals in his science today as verily and in the same way as when he deceived Adam and Eve. He has filled minds with scientific problems. Satan coiled himself in disguise to lead our first parents to question and distrust God, and every soul who has accepted the study of scientific problems is just as surely in the deception of satanic agencies as were Adam and Eve. Some have gone so far that they will never come to their right mind. They know not the truth and the power of God. In this deceptive science men have given themselves up to the devil to be educated, that they may have the power of seductive false science.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 34)
Satan has deceived doctors, and he continues to deceive with theories that create infidels. For years they have been sowing the devil’s seed in exalting science above the God of all. For years some have been studying these delusive, infatuating theories. Has this science made them men of truth? Has it created in them a spirit after the divine similitude? Deal with this false science as it deserves, for this absorbing science is just the very same delusive snare that led Adam and Eve astray, and resulted in their believing the words of satanic origin. Following these scientific problems ends in making Christ, the Prince of life, our God, nothingness.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 35)
Take up your work appointed of God, medical missionaries. Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly unless he repents and is converted. If you cling to any man and exalt him, and that man is not an honor to God, he will draw you into the net of his delusions. Let all medical missionaries break the spell, for it is a life-and-death question with you, and I am made the messenger of God to tell you this. By all the means of spiritual culture, through the Holy Spirit’s instruction, break away from men who have been sowing the seeds of doubt and infidelity in human minds and mingling in the tares with the wheat. I have the word from God that men, who are so ready to catch up new theories that people do not understand, lead to the undermining of faith, as Satan under the guise of a serpent undermined the faith of Adam and Eve in Eden.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 36)
Every soul is to watch everything that comes in as new light, which in tracing it out leads you to give up the light which the Lord attested to be light during the past half a century, the precious light God has given point by point to His people. Take precious care of that light, given point by point under the working of the Holy Spirit of God and which has been held all these years as the truth. It has stood the test of all kinds of isms and false science. These special revelations of God that made you weep and rejoice and lighted up your countenance with the light of life are truth today—sacred, holy truth that Satan has been trying to impeach for years.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 37)
God has left His truth and its history in publications which are truth today. He has made known that we must revive the history of the past as given to God’s people. Satan will work upon human minds to bring in specious theories that will dishonor God by trying to tear away the pillars of our faith. They cannot do this, but they suppose they can. Take these testimonies and let the dead speak. Let the voice be heard from the old messengers whom God has sent and who stood firmly for the truth. They fought the battles under the Prince of heaven; and now when voices arise with some wonderful new theories, and men will so misinterpret Scripture as to unsettle the faith of the people and create the message “My Lord delayeth His coming” [Matthew 24:48]; when all kinds of science will be introduced as new light, Christ calls for true men to rally around the standard of that which God has, by the Holy Spirit’s power, signified as truth and endorsed and immortalized as the truth. The truth stands in publications written by men who have taken precious care of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 38)
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”2 Timothy 3:13-17.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 39)
“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 longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”2 Timothy 4:1-5.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 40)
We have a most solemn work before us. Read Revelation 3:1-3. “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” Because they were giving up the light of truth which God had permitted to shine upon their pathway to establish them in the faith: “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 41)
This whole chapter is our lesson. It is the science of soul saving, if we will take heed. There are souls ready to perish in their sins who are to be labored for. God calls for workers to bring souls, through the presentation of the truth, to be converted from their sins; and these converted souls are to speak the words of truth to others. As they live in newness of life, their testimonies are just what is needed at this time. Many will make efforts in weakness, but Christ says, “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 11:29, 30.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 42)
Let these converted souls make their efforts in unpracticed weakness. Let them speak words from a heart softened and subdued by the grace of Christ. In their new experience they will have words that come not from studying science, but the life and words of Christ are so precious to their souls they cannot keep silent. There is a fervor, a depth of earnest experience they are obtaining. They sing many a song of joy and praise to God; and if they will follow on to walk in newness of life, they will reach many souls through their honest words or recital of the grace of God. If they work out the grace that Christ works in, their voices will be attuned for singing the triumphs of the grace of Christ. If they believe in Jesus, Christ gives them power to make them the sons of God, and amid this crooked and perverse nation, to shine as lights in our world. As by continuing to study Christ they come into His perfect likeness and fulness of joy, what a power would attend their testimonies!
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 43)
Please read the first, second, and third chapters of the First Epistle of John. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.”1 John 2:3-5. Here is the science of salvation. If every soul will study this science, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” he will find the problem of true science solved.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 44)
The lawyer’s question of Christ, Christ laid distinctly upon himself to answer: “What is written in the law? How readest thou?”Luke 10:25, 26. He does not go into a scientific problem, but He presents truth, clear and unadulterated. “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 neighbor as thyself.” Christ responds decidedly, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”Verses 27, 28.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 45)
That lawyer was being convicted through the teaching of Christ that he did not love God supremely nor his neighbor as himself, and he said, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] He was not left in the dark. There is related the history of the wounded man. Please read in (Luke 10) of how he was treated by the highest authority of the Jewish rulers, while a Samaritan passed that way and saw him and did not pass by on the other side, but alighted from his beast, relieved his wounds the best he could, and then put him upon his own beast and led the animal, keeping diligent and strict watch of his charge until he came to an inn where he left him, paid for the care he should receive, and promised to settle the bill if it amounted to more.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 46)
The question before that congregation of people was, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?” And the lawyer answered distinctly, “He that showed mercy on him.” Other voices blended with the lawyer’s. Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.] This practical lesson, set before that group of people, opened many blind eyes.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 47)
This is the science of genuine Christianity, and no soul needs any higher science or any more elevating and ennobling science than that which was before them that day. It does not take years of study to understand the pure, simple, unadulterated science of Christianity. It is a science which has not one line of selfishness in it, nothing which the simplest understanding may not grasp. In this answer all may act a part intelligently if they desire. Many choose to deal in the subtleties of a science which involves the mind in intricacies which need not to be at all if that mind is willing to give up its own stubborn determination to work upon the plan on which Satan chose to work. Such an one will never see Christ as He is. He will never see the truth in its purity, in its ennobling, grand, sanctifying principles, but he chooses to take satanic substitutes for his religious faith. Nothing can save him. He will be lost, eternally lost, and those who have helped him in his infatuation and delusive sentiments will become misled; and notwithstanding [that] the light has shone with a distinctive power, they will not come to the light lest their deeds shall be reproved. They loved darkness rather than the light, and darkness they will have. The Lord will not save a man in his sins, but if he comes with a broken heart and contrite spirit He will save him from his sins. This is the only science of salvation. If he confesses his sins, God will pardon. If he will choose to retain his sins and risk the consequence, he will be united unto satanic agencies and perish with the author of sin.
(21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, 48)
Ms 131, 1906
Interview with Mrs. E. G. White Regarding Early Experiences NP August 13, 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 17MR 95-97.
There is a place [in the manuscript] where it speaks of Elder Brown. He was a Baptist minister, and at the time when the message was given [by] Brother Stetson, who was a feeble man, the power of God was recognized by him, and as the truth would be presented in its power, the Holy Spirit rested upon him, and he would sit there, just as pale, and did not seem to have any strength all through the meeting.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 1)
I do not know as we need to bring that in. Elder Brown was in a chair, and while [Stockman] was preaching the people would crowd in from the stores below. They would crowd into the hall, and they were afraid it would break down. The owner assured them that they need have no fears. It could not be.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 2)
“You feel,” [Stockman] said, “as though you were being hit, as though we are hitting you.” Said he, “We are preaching the truth, and if you do not want to be hit, get out of our way, and let us come to the people.” They need not stand right there, listening to catch what they could to find fault with. “Clear the way, and let the truth come to the people.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 3)
We used to have some very powerful meetings. But it is not all out there, and I don’t know as there is any need of putting it out.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 4)
Elder Stockman was preaching, and he was dying with the consumption. He talked as though inspired by the Holy Spirit, feeble as he was. I always sat on the front seat next to the stand, and as I heard a noise like a groan, I saw that Elder Brown was as white as human flesh could be, and he was falling out of his chair. I suppose my interested look to him called the attention of Stockman and he looked around, and [Elder Brown] was ready to fall on the floor. [Stockman] turned around, and said, “Excuse me,” and took him in his arms, and laid him down on the lounge. [Elder Brown] was one that did not believe in these things, and he had a taste of it right there. The power of the truth came upon him so. (That was one instance I saw that Marian had not put in. There is but an item now and then [that is left out], but I do not know as that is essential. I was going to call attention to it. That is, I think, as well as it could be written. We had a great deal of this, but we never can tell it.)
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 5)
And while he was there praying, the power of God came upon him, and his strength went away just as mine did, and they thought he was dead. They ran to get this thing and that thing, and [then there] came the sweetest “Glory” from his lips, and praise to God and thanksgiving. They thought that was very queer. It was a mile to where I was, so there was nothing they could get from me.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 6)
Then Harris and Theodore went up where the Townsends were. There was a room devoted to the social meeting, and they would talk to Sister Townsend [about] why it was. It seemed as though it ought not to be like that—losing strength, etc. I knew the opposition was there; I felt it, and I prayed that the Spirit of God might come upon Harris. He was the worst one, and [I prayed] that it might come to him. And as we were praying, the Spirit of God came upon Harris, and he lost his strength, and then, of course, the rest had to keep their mouths shut. [To] Theodore, it seemed as though it was not the thing [to have happen] in a meeting. But in a meeting or two after, he lost his strength.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 7)
And then there was Rich that opposed a great deal. He prayed, “Oh, Lord, if that is Thy Spirit, let it come upon me.” He had no more got the prayer done than he fell his whole length right on the floor. You know, some of these things put life and power into that meeting, and many souls were converted to the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 8)
Old Father Pearson stood out pretty strong, but one morning Father went down there—he always had to pass where old Deacon Pearson lived, it was about a mile from our house. Father Pearson had rheumatism, and used to rub alcohol into his limbs. ([My father] was a hatter and he had to use alcohol in his business.) Father went to leave him a bottle of alcohol, and every single member of the family had no strength in them. The power of God was upon them, and they were the ones that had had the greatest trouble about it. They prayed. Father found he could not do anything there, so he took his bottle and went to his office.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 9)
That is not mentioned there. There is a point I want [to make.] They were praying for me after I was in despair, that the Lord would give me strength and courage to bear the message that I had to bear. It was in a front room a little larger than this. While they were praying—Father Pearson could not kneel down on account of the rheumatism—he heard a stir like hard breathing, and I had fallen on the floor, and he saw, and others saw it too, just like I saw it, like a ball of fire that struck me right over the heart. After that, I did not resist any more the light that came to me. I was willing to go, nothing but a girl as I was, seventeen years old. [Father Pearson] got up just as soon as I could see anything or hear anything or talk about anything. Said he, “I never expected to see such a sight. There was a ball of fire that came right down and struck Sister Ellen Harmon right on the heart. I saw it; I saw it.” So there were others that saw that very thing. It is mentioned in some of the books.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 10)
Then another time, there was Foy that had had visions. He had had four visions. He was in a large congregation, very large. He fell right to the floor. I do not know what they were doing in there, whether they were listening to preaching or not. But at any rate he fell to the floor. I do not know how long it was, about three-quarters of an hour, I think, and he had all these [visions] before I had them. They were written out and published, and it is queer that I cannot find them in any of my books. But we have moved so many times. He had four.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 11)
Question: Did you ever have an interview with him?
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 12)
I had an interview with him. He wanted to see me, and I talked with him a little. They had appointed for me to speak that night, and I did not know that he was there. I did not know at first that he was there. While I was talking I heard a shout. He is a great, tall man, and the roof was rather low, and he jumped right up and down, and Oh, he praised the Lord, praised the Lord! It was just what he had seen, just what he had seen. But they extolled him so I think it hurt him, and I do not know what became of him.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 13)
His wife was so anxious. She sat looking at him, so that it disturbed him. “Now,” said he, “you must not get where you can look at me when I am speaking.” He had on an Episcopalian robe. His wife sat by the side of me. She kept moving about and putting her head behind me. “What does she keep moving about for?” [I wondered.] We found out when he came to his wife. “I did as you told me to,” said she. “I hid myself. I did as you told me to.” [It was] so that he should not see her face. She would be so anxious, repeating the words right after him with her lips. After the meeting was ended, and he came to look her up, she said to him, “I hid myself. You didn’t see me.” He was a very tall man, slightly colored. But it was remarkable testimonies that he bore.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 14)
I always sat right close by the stand. I know what I sat there for now. It hurt me to breathe, and with the breaths of all around me, I knew I could breathe easier right by the stand, so I always took my station.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 15)
Question: Then you attended the lectures that Mr. Foy gave?
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 16)
He came to give it right to the hall, in the great hall where we attended, Beethoven Hall. That was quite a little time after the visions. It was in Portland, Maine. We went over to Cape Elizabeth to hear him lecture. Father always took me with him when we went. He would be going in a sleigh, and he would invite me to get in, and I would ride with them. That was before I got any way acquainted with him.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 17)
Question: Where did you see him first?
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 18)
It was there, at Beethoven Hall. They lived near the bridge where we went over to Cape Elizabeth, the family did.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 19)
Joe Turner was there. (It speaks about Joseph Turner, but I do not know as we have got far enough along for that. I think that will come.) He was there. He came to me and he said,—that was the very first of my going out. He said that he would accompany me to Portsmouth, for he wanted my message to go there—either Massachusetts or New Hampshire. It was a great house, and he wanted me to go. I told him no. I had had strict instruction that there were men that would come to me and have a great burden that I should go with them to some place, but I was not to go. As for marriage, we never thought of it, because we thought the Lord would come right along, but [I was instructed] that I could trust Elder James White, he would guard me, and I was in no danger. Well, these things we should not bring out, only I wanted to bring out how this sister had two daughters that she thought a great deal of. And this Joe Turner was just as full of unholy thoughts and mischief as he could be. She whispered to me the first part of the meeting, “I wish you would talk with my daughter.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 20)
Then we had a praying season, and I was taken off in vision. He [Joe Turner] said, “That is of the Lord,” and he knew that that was of the Lord. And finally the words began to be spoken. They said a frown came over my face, and [I said] that he was not true, that he was not keeping the commandments of God, but was transgressing the commandments, giving attention to other women, and his wife suffering under the great strain that was upon her. “There,” said he, “I can tell that. The first part is of the Lord, and this last part, that is a kind of mesmerism.” Well, who gave the mesmerism? There was nobody there but him. Well, he carried it through in that line.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 21)
As soon as I could get strengthened after this message, I felt terrible, because I came right out and said so and so before him. This was in Portland. The mother of this girl whispered to me and said, “Go right up and speak to my daughter.” So I went upstairs and I told her what her dangers were, to have no intercourse with him in speech, or to see him alone. He would mesmerize her if she did.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 22)
He could take a child and set it on his hand, and so mesmerize the child that it would stay there if he took his hand away. I never saw that done, but that is what he said he could do. So I hurried upstairs, and told her, “If he has not ruined you, he will, and now, do not have a word of conversation with him, because he will mesmerize you.” It was hypnotism, but we did not know then what it was.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 23)
[They took me in a carriage to where his wife and family had been for some time.] They had had meetings there. Sarah Jordan and her brother were with me when I first went down to Orrington. [Joe Turner] was hovering right over her all the time, and giving her mesmeric passes, and she was having these so-called visions, and it was all mesmerism, and that was what I had to tell. He did not know that I had left the house.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 24)
I hurried right up to where his wife was, and knocked. She opened the door. This was where the meetings had been held, and where I had been staying. She looked most discouraged. She was a beautiful-looking woman. I put my arms around her back, and [she] cried like a baby. Said she, “Sister Ellen, my heart is breaking.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 25)
She told how her husband and this Sarah Jordan—he was all the time right with her half of the night, and sometimes all night, giving her visions—that is what he was doing apparently. Said she [Mrs. Turner], “Because I cannot receive these things, she [Sarah Jordan] tells them things to do. It is not a bit like what you have; she tells them things to do that are contrary to reason and judgment, and that she must go with Turner. Because his wife has a family on her hands, she must take the place of his wife, and go and give the message.” Then I told her that the Lord was not in it, that the Lord’s arm was around her, and [He] would give her strength, and not to be too much discouraged.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 26)
Then I told this Sarah Jordan just what she was doing. Said I, “God is not with you nor with Turner.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 27)
I do not know how they came out, because right after that, I had still another affair to deal with. It was a place where we had made our home when we were in Paris, Maine, with the Stowells. Here this man came and he said he had a beautiful conveyance, and he would convey me right to different places where I wanted to go, around by Vermont, and then around by Massachusetts. “No, sir. You cannot do that.” He said the Lord had told him he must. “No,” said I, “He has not. I have had my special orders. I may trust Elder James White.” I never expected to be married.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 28)
But he got together a party. We had two or three sleigh loads. This man wanted to get some power over me, but he did not get it because I would not ride a rod with him. You see what I had to meet when I was only 17.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 29)
But we went up to Vermont, and went to New Hampshire, and went all through where there had been the strongest influence in 1843 and 1844. But these families went with us. There was one family, Brother Files and his wife in one sleigh, and Haskins and his relatives—his niece went also—and so we had a little company, so that no reports could be made that I was traveling with an unmarried man. And I had my sister’s husband’s sister with me. My sister could not go because she had to take care of my mother, who was not well. So I had a great, tall, noble-looking woman, and I have thought what a help she would be to the cause if she was alive now. But she died. My sister’s husband’s sister came and went with me wherever I went, and there would be perhaps one or two women that would go with us as we traveled.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 30)
There Joe Turner became my enemy, and he would raid out against me. In a meeting we had in Poland, Maine, he declared that I could not have a vision where he was. We had to have our meetings in private houses. He said that he could give me a vision any time, and he could bring me out of vision. I had had a vision, and in this vision [I saw] that when I felt a human influence upon me, I was to look up and call upon God for another angel, and I should have help.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 31)
So I went right to that meeting—that was before we were married—and he had his eyes looking right out through his fingers, and his eyes looked like snakes’ eyes, evil. I turned and looked right around, I raised both hands, and [said], “Another angel, Lord, another angel.” The Spirit and power of God came upon me, and I was taken off in vision right there. “Well, why don’t you stop it?” they said. “You said you could stop it.” He never wanted to be in a meeting where I was after that.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 32)
Well, I had come just in time to Portland to break up one of the greatest schemes of fanaticism that could possibly be. I was 17 years old. There was so much that was going on in the name of the Spirit of the Lord, and their intimacy was just breaking the commandments of God. He [Turner] knew that I would expose them, and he did not care to be where I was after that. But it settled everybody in regard to the work of God in regard to the testimonies. They were perfectly settled.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 33)
Father and Mother had a house in Portland, and Howell and Turner came and took possession of that house. They would have such work going on there of fanaticism that was perfectly terrible. My father locked his house, and went off to Poland, 30 miles away. Then there was [my sister] Sara left to take care of me.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 34)
He [Turner] sent word to Sara that he wanted to find that house open, that the Lord would work for them, and they would have meetings there, and he wanted that house opened. She had the key. He would be the guest that would be there.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 35)
“Well,” Sara said to me, “Ellen, I have no idea of being put in that man’s power. I shall lock the door, and shall go off, and we will go to the neighbors that they know nothing about.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 36)
He tried that over and over; he wanted to get power over my sister. But she felt by the Spirit of God that he wanted to take advantage of her—as he had of several. So that was broken up, and then the scheme was laid right open. I took it right into a congregation of the strongest of our people. I opened it right to them, and told them just what Joe Turner was doing. They thought it was the evilest thing, some of our people did, to expose him, but we did expose him. Our people would not come back until he was away.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 37)
He came and told them all around—this will show the manner of the man—“Oh,” said he, “the Lord is coming, but old Father Harmon, his case is settled, he never will see the kingdom of heaven, never. He has locked us out.” And so he would denounce him to all the powers of hell that you could think of. There is one of the fanatics that we had to meet right there.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 38)
Well, after we had traveled, I think it was about a year, before James White talked it over with me. Either he should have to go away and leave me to go with whomsoever I would, or we must be married. He said something had got to be done. So we were married, and have been married ever since. Although he is dead, I feel that he is the best man that ever trod shoe leather. Whatever they might say—and there have been invitations which never would move me a particle—I would not link up with any soul in my widowhood. I feel just as though I was linked and bound to just preserve the memory of my husband. Some supposed that I would marry, but they are glad that I did not. It is one of the greatest evidences to anybody that my work is of God, that I have the least kind of inclination to marry.
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 39)
Now [the manuscript] speaks of my going to New Hampshire. I want it brought out that there were about six persons that went in other sleighs. We all went in company. Foss’s sister, my sister’s husband’s sister, she was a noble girl. [Manuscript ends here.]
(21LtMs, Ms 131, 1906, 40)
Ms 131a, 1906
Portion of Narrative Related by E. G. White; Historical Remembrances Regarding Hewitt and Turner NP 1906 Portions of this manuscript are published in 5MR 192.
[There was] Miss Ayres, an intelligent woman. William Hyde and Mrs. Ayres, and another. There they were, and here was William Hyde. [He] sent for us, and he was dying. They sent for the doctor, and he said it was no use, he could do nothing for him. I went in, [and said,] “Now, Brother Hyde, you have sent for us to come and pray for you as a last resort. I want to tell you that we cannot do anything of this kind unless you shall give up all this great fanaticism of the enemy. God has nothing to do with it. You have no right to lie on the bed, women and men together. If you will receive the message that God gives you and turn right around, then the Spirit of the Lord will come in, but the Spirit of the Lord cannot come in [under these circumstances.] You have been praying here, and you have been trying to do all that you can, but there is something for you to do, and that is to give up your error, and unless you do, fanaticism will be all through this vicinity, and God does not want it.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 1)
Well, he came right out. Said he, “I will if you will pray for me.” He had then been sick for two weeks, and he came right out. Said he, “I take my position. I will have none of this work of familiarity that we have had going on; we will have none of it any more.” He just broke all down and asked the Lord to pardon him, and we could not ask him to do any more, and he was raised right straight up. Dinner was ready and he sat right down and ate a hearty dinner. He had not dared to eat anything for days. [It was] dysentery; it was all around in that section of the country. He was healed; the Spirit of the Lord worked in that way. Then we came to this place, Topsham, Maine. He was about six miles from Topsham, and he rode down—or ate his dinner and then rode down—and we held a most wonderful meeting, and the blessing of the Lord came down.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 2)
Then we went where Brother Stevens’ people lived, and Brother Andrews—Paris, Maine. When we bore the testimony, the power of God came down right upon them, just as at South Paris. They were prostrated, and Brother Andrews was prostrated. Brother Chamberlain, he just went through that room, and said he, “You are not wanted here, the Spirit of God and the rebuke of God is upon you.” His countenance was just as white, and [the fanatics] fled from him, and went out, two of them. But there was one, F. T. Howland, who did not even take his hat. He turned as white as a cloth. That broke up that thing there. We had had two or three meetings before, and it was all broken up.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 3)
Stevens, a notable fanatic, was there. Said he, “I feel tempted to take that clock down.” They laughed at him. He just had that clock down and all to pieces right there. Such things as that—fanatical. If you saw anybody coming up the road, if [their vehicle] should break down and be crippled, you were not to go near and help them. That was the doctrine they were preaching. After awhile one brother who was with the fanatical Howland came back, and came out all right.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 4)
C. C. Crisler: These stories remind me of some of the experiences of the early Christians after Paul and John died. They had fanaticism a little like this. Men and women would sleep together, sometimes for years, just as children, and they thought that was religion and right. They did curious things like that. I suppose it all springs from the same source.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 5)
E. G. W.: There was a brother that we knew was a Christian—Hewitt. I had to stand up against it all. There was a party on one side and one on the other, but I stood up against it all. And while I was speaking, the power of God came upon the very men that had held out so strong, and they were struck just like dead men. This is what separated the fanatical from the true. There were a few [who] held on to their fanaticism. Finally the leader hung himself, and that brought them to their senses. One of them lost his child, and he said that child was going to be raised up, and he let that dead child stay in that house until the authorities came and compelled him to have it buried. The body was decomposing. Such things as that.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 6)
They were going to the very highest notch, and I had to stand right up, and the power of God would come upon me. And they would stand against me, and stand against me. The power of God came upon me, and I would be taken right off in vision. Then these others bore their testimony.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 7)
Hewitt was a godly man, but he got into this fanaticism, and [thought] he was to eat nothing but sugar, and there he was, undermining his constitution in just that way. He would come into the room and take those chapters where it speaks of special things—denunciations—and he would motion it all out, just as the ancients did in those days when they had a message to carry. He would motion it out just as though his message was such.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 8)
“Now,” said I, “your words are all right, Brother Hewitt, but it is not appropriate here. It was appropriate when they used it in the Bible, but it is not appropriate here at all. You are all out of line.” He did come out all right. He lived for years out of it. But they would act so curious. He would come up just like a prophet, and he would take hold of the parties, and he would tell them what was in these books, then he would go to them and tell them their condition, and all that, just like a stern prophet. “Now,” said I, “that is all excellent, Brother Hewitt, when it was due, when it was timely, but,” said I, “you are all out of line.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 9)
These things would have to be met, and they would believe my testimony. But they thought the people were having an influence over me so I could not receive their testimony. Well, all these things we had to meet. We know what we do know about them.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 10)
But there is nothing that would have brought Brother Andrews out of his idea that they must not work, and that they would be supported by the outside people. The Stevens [believed] if you saw a carriage, and persons in it, and they broke down right in the road, you were not to go near them. You just let the Lord work with them, etc. But we do not have such things now.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 11)
A man came in (the man in the collar incident), crying, crying, “The Lord tells me, Sister White, that I must wash your feet.” [Said I,] “The Lord tells me that you have no business with my feet at all. When my feet are washed it will be by a sister, not by any man.” Then he would cry and cry and cry and cry. Said I, “I wouldn’t use up my strength in that way, because it doesn’t make any more impression on me than the barking of a dog, not a bit.”
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 12)
That is what united our people, the testimonies.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 13)
One woman—she was holy, tall, dignified, but she was one of the fanatical ones—would go right into a vision and tell them what they must do. They sent for me and I came up. Said I, “What is it?” They said what she was doing. She was in vision, and she said they must do so and so. The poor woman did not know what spirit she was of. “But, Sister Howland,” said I, as though I was whispering, “get a pitcher of cold water, good cold water, and throw it right in her face; that will bring her out of it the quickest of anything you can do.” She started to get the water, but before she got there, [the woman] had come out. She was deceiving them in this way.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 14)
Then they all wanted to go to Portland with us, and I got right up, [and said,] “The Spirit of God does not want any of you there. Fanaticism is rooted in you right now, and if you go there, you will blaze it all out. God forbids you to go.” But they went. And the fanatical work took such a course, of men and women together, that it broke it all up. Our people saw where it was going.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 15)
Well, there was a great deal of that that went everywhere. It would be like this: They would come together, they would blend together, and I would get up and bear my testimony, and as the power of God would come upon me, they turned just as white, and they would begin to confess and confess. Time and again I had to stand right by the fireplace. There was no room for my feet, hardly any room. Then the Spirit of God would come upon me and take my strength away. They would take me right in their arms. Then the condition they were in—and their names—was given to me, and I would stand right up there and bear my testimony until every soul in that room was struck down helpless. Then they knew; they had the evidence. Nothing would reach them but this message.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 16)
C. C. Crisler: That is one thing the Spirit of Prophecy is given for, to bring us into unity of the faith. It must have been difficult to bring all the elements into unity in those times.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 17)
E.G.W.: [I was in] my youth, you know, and bringing out such things that they knew were impossible [for me to know]—and then the power of God coming right down in their midst—their smartest men would exclaim they knew this was of God. They would all of them acknowledge it to be the power of God. All of the words they would use were harmonious, for the Spirit of God was in it.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 18)
Then we would start out, and we would say, “Shall we go this road?” We knew they were lying in wait, the men were, when we would go from these meetings. “Shall we go this road?” Just as distinctly [we would hear:] “Take another road.” And they were left. They were there in that road; we found out decidedly that they were there in the other road, and they were all waiting to take us and shut us up.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 19)
But I never was shut up. I never had a man’s hand laid on me to harm me, and the promise was [that] it never should be. They tried once. They tried to hold me, and the brethren felt terrible. The officers of justice got hold of me, and said I, “Brethren, do not worry about me. The light has come to me that no man’s hand should be laid upon me to hurt me, and so you need not have any fears.” Then these men would turn white, and the very men that they were trying to get hold of, they could not hold them. The power of God was upon His people and evidence of it was given.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 20)
But they did take Dammon. They took him and imprisoned him. They said, “Have you got a wife?”“Yes,” said he, “I have got a splendid wife who fears God and keeps His commandments. I have lived with her; so many years we have lived together.” Then they would ask him similar question about what he was preaching. Said he, “I do not know as you could know.” Somebody said, “Get up and tell them.” He got right up and gave them a discourse right there. [They said,] “Now sing some of your hymns; I hear you have odd hymns.” Then they would sing, “We left old mystic Babylon to sound the Jubilee,” and they would tell them how the Lord was coming with power and great glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 21)
“Well, supposing you pray.”“Oh, certainly. We do not pray to you, though; we will pray to God.” They would offer up a prayer there, and the tears would trickle down the faces of these men.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 22)
At first they tried to get this Dammon, and they could not get him. There he lay on the floor, for three-quarters of an hour. “In the name of the State of Maine, we ask you to take hold of this man.” Then they would rush up and grab hold of him, and they would all begin to sing, “We left old mystic Babylon to sound the Jubilee.” And their hands would slip off him and they would start up. Now [when] they came up to him and began to take hold of him, they did not want me in the room. They wanted me to go out of the room. They said it was I that was keeping him. I stepped right out of the room, and I said, “Elder Dammon, the Lord will have you go with these men to this trial.” And he did. He went to the trial.
(21LtMs, Ms 131a, 1906, 23)
Ms 132, 1906
Remarks/At California Conference Committee St. Helena, California November 13, 1906 Previously unpublished.
Minutes of union council meeting of the California Conference committee, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Healdsburg College, and the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, called and held pursuant to resolutions adopted by the various boards, at Crystal Springs, St. Helena, California, on Tuesday, November 13, 1906, at 12 o’clock noon.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 1)
Present: Elders Knox, Santee, Wilcox, St. John, Brown, Richards, Gardner, Burden, Martin, McClure, Doctors Sanderson, Jones, Heald, Droll, Bond, and Brethren Jones, Cady, Ireland, Chapman, Saunders, Nelson, Boeker, Bowen, Thorpe, Winkler, Parlin, and Sisters McClure, Cady, and others.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 2)
Elder Knox was selected as permanent chairman and H. E. Parlin, secretary.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 3)
Prayer was offered by Elder Santee.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 4)
The following were appointed a committee to mature plans and arrange program for the carrying forward of the meeting to report at the next session: Knox, Santee, Burden, Jones, Cady.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 5)
Moved and carried that the local committees and the visiting brethren be invited to meet with us in our various meetings.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 6)
Recess until 3 P.M.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 7)
Upon reassembling at the appointed hour, and being led in prayer by Elder Brown, the committee on program submitted its report, which was accepted, and the work of the council began by considering “General Work.”
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 8)
Elder M. C. Wilcox was appointed to lead out in the discussion. A special emphasis was placed upon the necessity of counseling together. Satan may move through one man’s mind, but with several minds enlisted, there is greater safety against his wiles; plans will be more liable to be viewed from all sides, and available talents may be brought into the proper place.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 9)
Brother Jones spoke of the danger of overlooking or underestimating the importance of other lines of work than those in which we are personally engaged and urged that every one should take a look at the other branches of the work and try to appreciate the responsibilities and burdens of our brethren in the different lines, so that we can pray and work intelligently for each other.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 10)
Elder Santee stated that this was the first council of this kind that he had taken part in, and that it was the rather a new experience; and yet, “I have seen many reasons why such a council as this would be blessed of God. One especial reason has been in my experience with those in whom I have the utmost confidence; I find that down in their hearts the better I get acquainted with them, there is something that caused them to separate from the world and take their stand with God. Nine tenths of what we deem mistakes in the plans of others, if we had been a little closer to them, we would have discovered were in reality not mistakes at all. It seems to me that God has planted many of us in that place, so that we may gain an experience that we could never have gained if He had worked a miracle. Every time that God has worked a miracle in behalf of His people, they have lost an experience which they might have had.”
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 11)
Elder Brown: I believe these are true words to which we have been listening, and the principles which have been presented before us. I have been deeply interested in them. As stated by the last speaker, it seems to me that a move like this, council meetings of brethren who bear responsibilities in connection with the various institutions here on the coast, cannot be otherwise than helpful and encouraging in our work and productive of great good, and will tend to secure a co-operation and harmony and a unity in the work here on the coast that can but result in greater success than we have ever seen before.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 12)
Elder Knox: The question of our counseling together in the work is certainly one that we all recognize as being the true principle upon which we should work.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 13)
Recess until 4:45.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 14)
Singing and being led in prayer by Elder McClure was followed by remarks by—
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 15)
Professor Cady: Educational Work. The enrolment at the college at the present time is 195. Fully as large an enrolment as we had last year at this same time, and perhaps a little larger, and others are still coming. The class of students on the whole are better than they were last year, that is, more studious and steady in their habits. Church schools have been established and supplied with teachers at thirteen different places, and there are several other schools which will begin in a short time. Calls are coming to us for teachers from many places, one being from Provo, Utah. The one feature of the school work this year is to instruct the parents. The home is the proper place to begin the educational work. The reason we have not had more success in our educational work in our church schools is because the parents have not been prepared to do their part. To remedy this we have issued a little pamphlet which suggests a uniform course of study, books, etc., to be used in the schools, and other matter which will be of great value to parents and others interested in the work.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 16)
We are carrying along the regular lines of industrial work we did last year. Printing, broom making, tent making, and we intend to introduce in the college this year domestic science, cookery, and general housekeeping; we also expected to take up a line of dress making, but have failed to find a teacher that can take up that work.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 17)
The work of our college is to fit our young people for some line of work. This is just as true of the medical missionary work. All of these institutions that are doing the actual work in the field should be in a position to speak of needed improvements. At the printing office at the college, we ought to have a man—and I am not saying a word against the man we have—that is really skilled, really an artist in that line; and all the work that goes forth from the hands of the students should be first class. It is just as true in the medical missionary work, in our science department—all those lines should be taught by persons who really understand that line of work. Our sanitarium ought to see to it that there is a teacher in the college that will put such a mold on these young people that will equip them for the medical missionary work. We ought to have man in the canvassing department that can represent that work in the right way. In the cooking department we ought to have an individual that really understands the art and science of cooking.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 18)
Elder Santee: Ever since I have been connected with the college, I have felt the need of the hearty co-operation of the other institutions; and as I have looked over the field, I have wondered that there was not a closer connection.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 19)
Elder White: I would like to make an appeal in behalf of Healdsburg College. I had the privilege of visiting the school, and I observed many things that gave me much pleasure and two things I wish to call your attention to. One was that the average age of the students was very young; another was the apparent absence of the faculty from the building. Another thing, the building was not full. I make a special plea that the medical missionary work shall be closely identified with the work of teaching at the college. It would be a blessing to our medical association if the college could be provided with a course of study planned out by the officials of the Association and of the college in conjunction, so that it would be recognized as an official course planned and recognized by the Association. The school should also be equipped with teachers who have been practical nurses and, if possible, let us have a physician, so that that department can take its position next to the Biblical department as the most important department of the school.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 20)
Recess until 7:30 P.M.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 21)
Singing and prayer by Elder Martin opened the evening exercises.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 22)
Elder Burden led out in the discussion, stating that when the work was commenced in the sanitarium on the hillside, there were four ladies and five gentlemen; three of those were patients, and I happened to be one of the patients—the first, I think, that was brought to the institution when it opened.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 23)
Dr. Sanderson followed, dwelling upon the wonderful growth and development of the enterprize, as evidenced by what we see about us and the interest shown in this the largest representation of our workers that he had ever seen upon the hillside.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 24)
Remarks were made by Dr. Droll and Elder M. H. Brown.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 25)
Dr. Kellogg spoke of the condition of the world at large; that humanity was in a worse condition physically and morally than ever before, thereby emphasizing the need of the light that has been committed to us as a people. This was well illustrated by an incident in connection with our work in Mexico. An individual who had heard of the work at our sanitarium at Guadalajara traveled several hundred miles to obtain relief. He presented himself, covered as it were with the dust of centuries, at the door of the sanitarium, and said, “I want to see the doctor that cures all diseases.”
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 26)
At 6:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 14, the council reassembled.
Prayer by Elder Wilcox.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 27)
Elder Daniells chose for the basis of his remarks (John 17:20): “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” In part he said, The prayer of Christ reaches down to us today. The mighty Victor’s prayer, One who knew how to believe and how to pray. To me there is a great and beautiful lesson in this. We ought to make more earnest prayers for the workers. There is a blessing in this which can be received in no other way. There is a failure on our part to remember our beloved brethren and sisters who are in the field.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 28)
The first thing to bring unity is to pray for the work and the workers. This unity cannot be a mechanical thing. It must be a living experience in the heart, and the Lord alone can give that experience. I do not know how we can do this, unless we take the time to talk more about it. (1 Corinthians 2:2): “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Paul had one topic, he had one theme, one great question. You know he said, “This one thing I do.” [Philippians 3:13.] Jesus said to Martha, “One thing is needful.” [Luke 10:42.] David said, “One thing have I desired.” [Psalm 27:4.] Now there is but one theme, one thing in this world, under the shining sun, that is worthy of the attention of men, and that is this theme—the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should abandon ourselves altogether to the one great question. That certainly teaches us the oneness of God’s great work. I understand that everything connected with the third angel’s message is of this one great theme. The third angel’s message in all its fulness is the gospel in all its fulness. It is not a part of the gospel; it is not a feature of the gospel; it is not an appendage of the gospel. It is the gospel itself. It is the gospel given to the world today in a fulness that has never been revealed before. It is the gospel given to man as certainly as it has not been preached since apostolic times. Jesus did proclaim a complete gospel, but light has been shining forth, and now in these last days God would have all that is intended for humanity before translation to come out now. Of course we shall see more and more of it—it will take eternity to reveal all these things. If we have anything in our work that we cannot pray for, that we cannot be swallowed up in, we ought to cut it off at once. Take the different lines of work. The evangelical work, of going out and preaching to the people, giving Bible readings, visiting from house to house; and church work, we look upon that as purely gospel work. It is. But the gospel work is not limited to that. We have the work of distributing literature, sowing reading matter all over the world. There is no denomination in the world that has such a fine, rich literature as we have. We have a message to give to the people in a short time—every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—that we must save as far as it is possible to save them; and in this age it cannot be done without distributing literature everywhere. In order to do that, we must have facilities for doing that. God has raised up men who have given their minds to that, and He has provided facilities that are wonderful for that purpose. I feel that is our gospel work just as much as it is to go out and preach a sermon to the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 29)
I believe if our publishing houses had the support and prayers of our people throughout the land, as we ought to have, there would not be much need for travelers or city agents.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 30)
What is true of the publishing houses is also true of the educational work, of our medical missionary work, and doctors, and nurses, and helpers. I cannot look upon any of these branches in any other way than that they are God’s appointed institutuions for saving the world. And these medical institutions should have our prayers, and not our criticisms. They should have our money and our help to be placed on a sound basis, and then the Lord would ease up the burdens and, it would enable all connected with the institutions to work to much greater advantage.... The same principle applies to our educational work. I don’t see where we can draw any lines in this work. It is a sin to be indifferent or heedless to the interests of the different branches of the work. We must carry them on our hearts, remember them in our prayers, and be ready to assist whenever needed.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 31)
Sister White: I heard these words from Brother Daniells in regard to the work being done, and that is the way the work is presented to me always. And when I have written to Battle Creek, sometimes I have spoken Review and Herald. There has been no distinction ever presented to me in anything that was under that roof. It is one. Willie has questioned me: “What do you mean, Mother, by Review and Herald?” he would say. Well, it is everything that is connected with the building that is Review and Herald. It is the work, and it is the one work. It is not a division of departments; everything that stands under the roof that is connected with the Review and Herald is a unit of the work. It is responsible for all the work that is done under that roof. That is why I mention this, because some may realize, perhaps, or think, that because I say Review and Herald, why, I mean just nothing but that which concerns the publication of the Review and Herald. It never was presented to me in that light.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 32)
Well, I want to speak of that which Brother Daniells has mentioned. The medical missionary work and the gospel—every department of the work is one, and it is represented as one. Everything connected with the work and the cause of God for a preparation for the coming of the Son of man, it is one work. It is a unit. It is not a divided work, but it is a work that is to prepare a people to stand in the last great day. And that is how the matter is presented to me. For I do not distinguish between the medical and the gospel—the gospel is a medical work. The gospel is the work of not only presenting the great truths which must be received in order to become sanctified through the truth, but it must embrace all that Christ embraced in ministering. It is ministering to the sick; it is ministering in the gospel. It is working at the right hand and working at the left hand. It is doing the work intelligently for God and suffering men, and that is the important work that is to be done at this present time. There is to be no division in that work in our institutions. It is the ministry to the sick, which ministry should embrace the salvation of the soul just as equally, just as thoroughly, just as fully as the minister. It is to be a work, for the perfecting of the saints and the preparation of the people of God, that is to stand in the last great day. All this work is one.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 33)
The question has been asked many times whether the physicians should feel it their duty to open the truth or the Word to their patients. That depends very much on circumstances. There are those if you should produce anything new, that was not just in accordance with their minds, it would have an ill effect on the patients; but God can work in such a way that the truth can be presented. But it is just as much a physician’s duty to prepare a soul for eternity as to minister to the body, to prepare the soul before him for what is to take place. If you see they are in danger, it is your duty to tell them that they are in danger. You could not neglect to do this and be a faithful steward. The work that is demanded of us is to be faithful stewards wherever we are. Wherever there is a work to be done, take hold of it, and do it intelligently. And there is to be a preparedness for the work; and God will help every one of us.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 34)
How is the medical missionary work?—It never has been presented in any other light before me from the commencement than the arm to the body. Here is the work, the organization of the ministry, to preach the Word of God, to carry forward that work for sick and for well. The medical missionary work, or any part of the work, is just as the hand is towards the body. That is always represented in that light and has always been presented in that light until more recently. Now they say, The Lord has shown Sister White that this work is just like the arm to the body; the Lord has shown her that. And it has been urged that because it was that work, there should be oneness of responsibility. That is so. It is as the arm is to the body. Now God wants all of us to have an interest in all the medical work. That is, Christ was bound all up in this work. It was the whole work. You see, He made no division at all. He did not feel that He was infringing on physicians, or anything like that, but He just proclaimed the truth; and when He saw the sick, He came right to them and asked if they believed that He would make them whole, or could make them whole; and some at once responded. Others hesitated. But the Lord Jesus Christ was just as ready to lay His hand upon the sick and the afflicted ones as He was to preach the gospel. And He was just as much at home in doing that work as He was in preaching the gospel. For it is a part of it.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 35)
Preaching the Word of God is ministering, and the minister is to take the people right where they are, whatever their position, whatever their condition, and try in every way possible to help them. That is, to relieve the suffering; to go right into their homes; to tell them, I am ready to help you, and I will do the best I can. I am not a physician. You may be a minister, and you can tell them that you are a minister. Those that are sick in body are nearly always sick in soul. When Christ healed the paralytic, the very first work He had to do for that man was to give him peace of mind. He knew that that man was so disturbed, because the priests and rulers had always said to him, “It is your sins, it is your sins,” and that God has cast him off. There was no hope for him because of his sins. That is what they were always saying, and the poor man was left where there was no hope; but the very first word Christ uttered was Peace, that his sins were forgiven. That very thing was what he wanted. And O what peace and joy came into his heart. In regard to Christ, they began to abuse Him at once; but, says He, “that ye may know that the Son of man hath power to forgive sins, He says to the paralytic, Take up your bed and go to thy house.” [Matthew 9:6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 36)
There are the two blending. It is the ministry and the healing. They both go together, and there is no more separation than there is in this very instance. And God wants that every one of His ministers should not only have that faith in the work of our institutuions, but that they should go further than that. They should every one of them have that confidence in themselves and in God, that God wants them to be a living example of what it means to be well, of what it means to have health. He wants them to show that the truth has accomplished a work for every one of them. And therefore those that assemble together in our conferences, etc., they are not always in a prepared state to judge righteously, and there is a confused and congested brain. Well, what are they to do? Before they assemble to worship God, every one should to the very best of their ability and power place themselves in the right relation to God and to health.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 37)
If the head is congested, find out what is the matter. Or, it is the stomach. Something about the stomach is not right, and it has telegraphed its disturbed condition to the brain. What are you to do? [You] are to find out what [you] have been eating and what has put the stomach in that state of dyspepsia; and when you find out what has made that, then you take care of that stomach. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost; and when we put that body into a condition where we cannot help it to be in a better condition, we rob God of the honor that is due Him from those for whom He has given His Son, that they might have a complete salvation. The ministers are to understand how they can keep their bodies in the most healthful condition, that they can recommend the truth of God and teach it to others in the right manner. And when they assemble together in meetings, or any council, or any of our meetings, or wherever anything is to be planned, you should understand whether they are in a condition to do it intelligently. And they have no right to go there with impressions that will lead them to speak hastily, that will lead them to look at matter in a false light. They have no right to do it. They must place themselves in a condition of healthfulness and where they can judge righteously and that they can voice the voice of God. And in those things they can advance the work of God more than by all their talking and all their preaching that they can do.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 38)
God wants the ministry to stand in its high and elevated position, and that man that shall stand in the pulpit to speak to the people should practice self-denial in eating only such food as the stomach can work into good blood, and not crowd into the stomach a mass of food that will get up a quarrel and disturbance, as your words will be likely to do in any of these assembles, unless you have a clean stomach. You want a clean stomach in order to have a clean mind. Here is the union of the two. It is the minister who stands before God, knowing that in every assembly there is God; in every assembly Christ is there, and angels of God that are ascending and descending the ladder, which is Christ Jesus....
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 39)
Now they say, We want Sister White to come to the conference; we want you to come there to Battle Creek. Well, I dare not. Not but what I would like to come. What is the reason? I do not dare go because it is not the right time to have a conference. It is not [the] right time to have it in cold weather, to have our conference and have to sit in houses with furnaces and pipes and stoves. And they come together with their beclouded brains, and they are heated through the heated furnaces, or perhaps they have to go to bed in a cold bed, as I have done again and again, and nearly cost me my life to stay all night in a cold bed—I don’t propose to do it. God has a work for me to do, and I am going to do it to the very best intelligence I have; but when we have a conference, the light has been given to me that it should be with all the pure air of heaven possible for them to breathe in; it should be within sight of the trees and the beauties of nature around them and something to be grateful for, and then they are to have this drinking in and drinking in the purifying air. You will find the decisions in that conference will be of a hundredfold more value than in a conference that there is congestion on account of heat, and there is a letting down because of the heat. Now I cannot bear a fire in my room such mornings as this.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 40)
Now this medical missionary work and the gospel—there is no division in it at all. The medical missionary work has ever been presented to me as the arm is to the body. The head is Jesus Christ. And the church, the ministry, is to co-operate with the arm, or the arm with the ministry; and they are to work just as a unit, and then the salvation of God will be revealed.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 41)
Recess until 9 A.M.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 42)
Upon reassembling at the appointed time, Brother Jones spoke on the financial phase of our work. Various selections from the testimonies were read. First, with reference to the relationship that should exist between the institutions—how we should relate ourselves, one to the other. Testimony 33, p. 562.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 43)
Avoiding worldly policy. Testimony 33, p. ___
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 44)
Bookkeepers. Testimony 33, p. 563.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 45)
Donations and money at low rates of interest were advocated as one means of aiding the work financially. Reference was made to the donation of work to aid the college fund, virtually amounting to $20,000. Suggested that the brethren in the field should be vigilant in looking after means, helpers, college students, etc.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 46)
More denominational literature has been sent out this last year than in any one year before. The question now is, How to get the work out, and not, How to get work. The sale of tracts was reported as averaging about 73,000 pages daily during the last year; that nearly all the large bookstores were now carrying our trade books; that the subscription book business was on the increase; that they use at the Pacific Press nearly two car loads of paper per week; and that the number of employees was larger than ever before—about 180 at the present time.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 47)
Elder Knox spoke of the necessity of the institutions and their work being so conducted as to be object lessons as to how God would have business transacted, avoiding worldly policy.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 48)
Elder White stated that our institutions had been established by God for the manifestation to the world of the principles of heaven; also that the excellency of God should be manifested in every business transaction. We should measure all our business dealings by that standard of excellency of God. Why, said he, should it not be the object and aim of every Seventh-day Adventist throughout the world to have all of their capital invested in the cause of God? Considering that we individually are a part of the cause, how much can we reserve?
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 49)
Elder Knox spoke of the condition in the field with regard to the need of means and urged that the laborers, as they go out, unite their forces along this line.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 50)
Recess until 11:30.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 51)
Singing, followed by prayer by Elder Burden, opened the closing session of the council.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 52)
Elder Santee: In the conference work, especially, it has seemed to me that the blending of these different instrumentalities that God has raised up and is raising up really constitute conference work. I believe that binding up the field work and working with system and order is God’s plan.... How can we take those who have been fitted in the sanitarium and take them out into the conference and make use of them in the most profitable way to the glory of God as conference laborers? The conference expects that the one in charge of this institution shall be so in touch with the work, that whoever they may recommend shall bring some one a little nearer the Saviour. We are asking the college that they furnish us laborers; that they send out canvassers and prepare those who shall go right into the ministry. What class do we expect to be given us from the college? What about the publishing work? What shall be the counsel to those to whom we are paying money from the various institutions? What should be the relation of the conference to the nurses? Also to the college workers, and the physicians?
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 53)
Elder Wilcox: Is not the solution of these questions found in the appreciation of the gifts which the Lord has intrusted to the individual? What shall we do with these young people or plan devised by which they can be retained?
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 54)
Dr. Sanderson suggested bringing in a deeper spiritual experience.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 55)
Elder Wilcox: In regard to the formation of a nurses’ training school over in the college, it does not seem to me that it would be entirely proper to leave the matter where it is; and I therefore move that a committee of five be appointed to take this matter into consideration, of which the chair and Brother White shall be two members—the chair to name the other three from the conference, the college board, and the St. Helena Sanitarium board. Seconded and carried.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 56)
Elder Brown: I am sure that we have all greatly enjoyed these meetings that we have held together, and I think they have been very profitable and encourage us in looking forward to still more profitable and successful meetings of this kind in the future; and I think we have all felt, inasmuch as this has been the first meeting of the kind that we have ever held here, some embarrassment because of our not having had plans beforehand for our meeting, and that it would be a great advantage if we could come up to future meetings with more definite plans; and I would therefore present the following:
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 58)
Whereas, the meetings of this council have been seasons of blessing and profit, and wise plans should be laid to make future meetings of this kind still more successful and practical in their results, therefore we
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 59)
Recommend that a committee of five be appointed by the chair, of which he shall be one, and on which each institution in the conference and the conference committee shall be represented; this committee to have power to act in arranging the time, place, program, and work of our next council meeting, and in inviting such persons to attend it as, in their judgment, should share its blessings and responsibilities.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 60)
Elder Burden: With regard to the matter of looking after the funds that shall be thrown back into the hands of those who have them, as notes shall be taken up, it seems to me that there ought to be an arrangement by which some one from the various boards should be designated to look into this matter as notes are being paid off, that the other boards might know of it if in need of funds, that we know where to look.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 63)
Brother Jones: I think that is a very good suggestion, that a committee be appointed, representing the different boards and the conference committee, to take this matter into consideration and counsel and advise not only as to how the money shall be used, but other matter that may come up—the matter of interests and various things that ought to be taken into careful consideration—and counsel together.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 64)
I would therefore move that a committee of five be appointed to take this matter into consideration, of which the chair shall be one, to represent the different institutions.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 65)
Moved, seconded, and carried that the meeting adjourn.
(21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, 68)
E. E. Parlin, Secretary
Ms 133, 1906
Diary St. Helena, California April 6, 1905 Previously unpublished.
The past night I could not sleep after twelve o’clock. I cry to the Lord to be my helper and my strength. I plead with God for Dr. Kellogg. From the light given me, I am afraid that he is losing his opportunities to become sound in the faith, and that strong delusions will place him still further on the enemy’s side. His case is still kept before me, but in such a way that I am made to understand that I am not to write letters to him or speak words from which he could gain encouragement to think that he has been doing the work that God requires him to do. The words are spoken, “His heart is not right with God.” The heart that is full of enmity must be thoroughly changed. There will be an endeavor to cover up the true sentiments, a feigning to be just and righteous; yet the true sentiments of the man will be but cloaked and will be expressed when there seems to be an opportunity. Jesus knows and reads the thoughts, and all are written in the book. The underlying tendencies are known, and all presentations feigning to be just are worthless. When the heart is changed, all the bitterness of character will be seen in its true, hateful character. When the heart is changed, the fact will appear in words and deeds. The heart is the root, and good words and deeds are the fruit of a changed heart. Truth, and truth only, will be expressed
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 1)
Grace reigning in the heart produces heavenly principles. The words and acts make known the nature of the spirit cherished. When the life reveals the refining influence of a true, pure heart, there will be truth in the inward parts, and the principles and acts will be just. But unless the heart is transformed, the life is a deception and a fraud. While the root of bitterness is cherished in the heart, it will bear the fruit of gall and wormwood. The heart is the fountain; the words are the streams that flow forth.
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 2)
I have great sorrow in my heart. I pray for the Lord to open blind eyes and take not His Holy Spirit away. I plead with Him in behalf of His people. I wish, O so much, to bear my message to those who will hear it and receive it into good and honest hearts. What a work might be done if all who have a knowledge of the truth would bear fruit unto eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 3)
I am not sure of my life at any time. I may be removed by death, and I carry a burden of soul and have carried it for a long time. Last night I was pleading with the Lord to teach us His will and His way. The question is asked by One who knows, What are men doing with their property? How are the great cities to be warned?
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 4)
I was instructed that the life of Christ and the manner of His teaching are to be seen in our work and in our teaching of the truth. There are occasions when the truth must find entrance by being proclaimed for a time in more expensive buildings than Seventh-day Adventists can own. This method should not be discouraged. It must sometimes be followed. The truth must be proclaimed with a loud voice: “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 18:2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 5)
The proclamation, “Come out of her, My people,” is to be given with no indistinct voice. [Verse 4.] The wonderful scenes described in the eighteenth chapter of Revelation are to take place in the near future.
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 6)
My brethren and sisters, I speak to you the words of the Lord. We must now be careful to make no unadvised movements. Christ, the Prince of heaven, revealed to the inhabitants of the world the way in which the truth is to be proclaimed in our cities. God is not glorified by the making of extravagant displays in any place. We cannot afford to use the Lord’s treasure of means in making such display as the world feels at liberty to make. We are not required to make any great display. Take up the work in our cities in accordance with the example of Christ. The Lord forbids us to give the impression that a great display is necessary in order to open the way for the truth to find access to the people. It is the endowment of the Holy Spirit upon the messengers of God that will enable them to proclaim the truth in such a way as to impress minds. The way in which Elder Franke attempted to give the truth in Greater New York was not after the order of our Lord Jesus Christ. His expensive style consumed means that were needed elsewhere and produced results that were not after the Lord’s order. This is not the way to proclaim the message of the Lord’s soon coming. With the greatest solemnity and highest spirituality, and in all meekness and lowliness, the messages were given in 1842, 1843, and 1844.
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 7)
The truth of heavenly origin was brought to our world by Christ in person. If great display were necessary to make an impression on the minds of human beings, to call them to repentance, Christ would have adopted that plan. All the expense could have been met by Him who said, “The gold and the silver are Mine.” [Haggai 2:8.] But Christ made no display. He might have come to the world accompanied by a retinue of angelic beings; but He did not. He was commanded in the heavenly courts, but He laid aside His kingly crown and His royal robes and clothed His divinity with humanity, coming to this world as a helpless babe. He came to meet all the temptations wherewith human beings are beset. For our sake, He stood at the head of the fallen race, to give men and women an opportunity to see that “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.] “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 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 bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for He was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” [John 1:10-18.]
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 8)
Christ encircled the human race with His arm of humanity, while with His divine arm He grasped the throne of divinity, that man might be a partaker of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. Christ gave to the world the command, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.]
(21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, 9)
Ms 134, 1906
Diary St. Helena, California June 26, 1906 Previously unpublished. +
I wish this morning to say that I write out what is given to me in the night season by the divine Counselor. Some portions of this I select to meet special emergencies which have appeared or which will appear. Other portions of the instruction are reserved until the circumstances and developments make it evident that the time has come for its use.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 1)
I have been frequently instructed that the Lord has given W. C. White to be my helper, and that in this work the Lord will give him of His Spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 2)
The testimonies are to be given before parties who will not make a wrong use of them. We must have wisdom to know what to withhold, and what should be imparted, and how to make known the light that is given. Some things are presented to guide us in the moves we make to carry out the purposes of the Lord. Other things must wait till circumstances arise that would make the instruction more impressive.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 3)
Nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside, but time and place must be Considered. Nothing must be done untimely. Some matters must be withheld, because some persons would make an improper use of the light given. Every jot and tittle is essential and must appear in an opportune time.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 4)
The messages that I receive are not all made public to all people. Sometimes they are found to be appropriate to be given in some council meeting, at the right time and place.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 5)
Of W. C. White, the Lord has said: “I have given you My servant, and I will give him judgment to be your helper.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 6)
“Satan is on the alert, and he will stir up human minds whom I have used and employed in doing My work, but whose minds have been seduced by others who have permitted themselves to be deceived. Those who are thus deceived will be tempted by the enemy to take advantage, and to make an improper use of the messages that are given, because they will not hear My words to improve and to do the work I have appointed for them to do. If they will not heed the messages given them to correct their way, they will take the words and misconstrue them to confuse minds.”
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 7)
I have felt perfectly clear to have all my writings placed in the hands of W. C. White. Some things we have thought best to defer presenting, because the minds of some were unprepared to receive them. Sometimes as meetings progress, it is seen that a condition is brought about such that the light from the Lord can be safely brought before those present.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 8)
It requires constant wisdom and a judgment quickened by the Spirit of God to know the proper time to present all the things that will have to be presented. Some minds are in such a condition of deception that they would resist; and if they once take an attitude of resistance, it is nearly impossible for them to acknowledge that they have made a mistake.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 9)
At the Berrien Springs meeting, I had many things of a decided character to bring before the people. But light came to me that the minds of some present had been worked by satanic agencies, and that it would nearly cost me my life to attempt to present to them the light God had given me. They began the work of specifying what portions of the testimonies were of God and what portions were not of God, as though they were competent to judge.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 10)
When the Spirit of God came into the meeting, angels of God were in the assembly; but men had their own ideas and their own determinations to bring Brethren and Daniells to terms. Far better would it have been if they had sought to bring their own souls into a humble, teachable condition. With such a spirit as was manifested at Berrien Springs, it was not the time to present that which was the message they needed.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 11)
Since that time, many minds have been determinedly at work to oppose the influence of the Spirit of God. They had another opportunity at Battle Creek. A. T. Jones had another opportunity at Washington. I counseled with him for three hours in private, but it did not seem to make the least impression upon his mind.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 12)
At the meeting in Fresno in 1902, Brother Jones humbled himself and professed to be converted. But the sentiments expressed in the pamphlets he has recently issued reveal that he is developing a spirit under a leader that will disqualify the man to act any part in connection with our conference. The time has not come for me to say all that I might say, but the last pamphlet leads me to say some things. Brother Jones has consented to become the mouthpiece of Dr. Kellogg. He is under the control and influence of another mind. I have no confidence in his profession to believe the testimonies.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 13)
Last night I had some things presented to me that will be presented when the right time comes. A. T. Jones has lost the power of the third angel’s message, because he is losing the true message out of his heart. He may advocate the truth, as did the Jews their sentiments, but the Holy Spirit is not with him. He has lost the power of the Sabbath. He is not counted in the sight of God as one who has kept his covenant with God to obey His commandments. The conversion he had at Fresno needs to be repeated, and the work must go deep. Until his whole nature is transformed, he cannot be accepted of God as one to bear the message. He knows not what spirit he is of.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 14)
The whole history may have to be given. I am very sorry that he is so deluded by satanic agencies. I do not wish him to say that he believes the testimonies, for it is a false statement, and he is under a spirit of delusion.
(21LtMs, Ms 134, 1906, 15)
Ms 135, 1906
Diary NP 1906 Previously unpublished. +
In the night season I have had visions of the work of God and of how that work should be carried on. I do not give testimonies to individuals, only as the Lord presents the case before me in a clear representation. There are some things that I am charged to understand, that I may know what advice and counsel to give. Representations have been given me of the work that has been done under the seducing influence of satanic agencies, through the influence of mind upon mind, and I have given many warnings; for the situation was clearly opened up before me in vision.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 1)
I would never make the statements of that which the Lord has revealed to me in the day time, and more frequently in the night, of the work going on in various places, . For years a work has been carried on that is not according to the commandments of God, and I must bear testimony regarding these things.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 2)
Read the tenth chapter of Acts. I am instructed in ways similar to the way in which those mentioned in this chapter were instructed. In vision I am shown what I should speak. This is repeated again and again.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 3)
I was shown in vision that a document would be sent to Australia for doctors and other sanitarium workers to set their names to. I was shown the result, the outcome, of signing such documents, and I was warned that our brethren should not attach their names to them; for this would prove a yoke of bondage and a snare.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 4)
When I awoke from this vision given me, my flesh was as cold as marble; and for a time I lay still, unable to communicate with any one. I feared that I was dying, and yet I had messages that the angel of God had given me to give to our people, ministers, and physicians. I asked the Lord to spare my life until I could give the warning to His people. In the words given to Isaiah, I was to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 5)
Again and again on this occasion, very much light was given me in the visions of the night. I was to speak to Dr. Braucht, to Dr. Caro, and to Brother Sharp. These were within reach.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 6)
As I lay there, I had called and called for help, but no one heard me, and I lay there until early morning. Then I told members of my family to send for Dr. Caro and Brother Sharp. I must see them at once. I thought at first that it was my dying charge.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 7)
Early in the morning they came to my room, and I told them the message that I had received in the visions of the night and what they must do. They must be on guard, and they must not put their signature to those papers. These men can bear testimony to the words I gave them in warning.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 8)
In a few days the message came and was read by these brethren, just as I had told them, that the documents that would be sent were not to receive their signatures.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 9)
Then again, I have been shown in vision the case of Dr. Kellogg, his long searching into scientific problems, when, I was instructed, he would better have been humbling his soul before God. I was shown the angel of evil close by his side, teaching him to seduce other souls. And this art of seducing has been exercised by him.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 10)
The Lord has presented to me in vision Dr. Reed and Dr. Paulson, and again and again I have had visions regarding other men, of which I will not now stop to give the particulars.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 11)
When I was in Takoma Park, living in Carroll House, many things were presented to me in vision—one of them a committee meeting held during the night hours in the Battle Creek Sanitarium. That meeting was conducted by Dr. Kellogg. Many of the physicians were present; and W. C. White, having been sent for to attend a special council, was reined up in this committee meeting. O what agony of mind I suffered as I was the way in which Dr. Kellogg conducted that meeting. I may sometime describe it, but not now.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 12)
I have told Willie that if ever plans were made for him to go into another night session with Dr. Kellogg, and I knew it, I would certainly exercise all the power God would give me to break up such an interview. Evil angels were there; and if the physicians present had had their true senses about them, they would have understood the spirit and influence of the actions of Dr. Kellogg and of the words spoken by him.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 13)
This was a vision given me of God. I know the seducing power of Dr. Kellogg’s adviser, and I have no other name to give it but the seductive influence of satanic agencies. Dr. Kellogg has dealt in this influence to a greater or less degree. He has not changed, except to be more secretive. I have not one ray of hope regarding him, unless he understands that through satanic agencies he is striving for power over human minds. This has been shown me.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 14)
Read in Patriarchs and Prophets and Great Controversy the history of the first great apostasy. The instruction that these books contain was printed for your admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. It was this secretive power of the scientific operation of mind upon mind that I had to meet under the direction of the Spirit of God. I am so sorry that so many valuable minds have been already spoiled. There are those who will never come out of the darkness of infidelity.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 15)
I have been sorry that I ever asked Elder A. T. Jones to try to save Dr. Kellogg. I was trying with all my power in prayer to save him. I told Brethren Reed, Paulson, and A. T. Jones that the enemy, through Dr. Kellogg, had been weaving his deceptive influence over their minds. This deceptive, spiritualistic influence exercised over God’s servants was similar to the influence that was exercised by Satan in the garden of Eden.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 16)
A study of Patriarchs and Prophets and Great Controversy will show the way in which Satan worked. That men living in these last days, with the Old and New Testaments in their possession, should act out the very same representation, as shown me in warnings and reproofs given me in vision for our people, . What is the use, I asked myself, to try to make men see, after all the evidence that God has given them?
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 17)
Before the General Conference of 1901, the Lord gave me a special vision, telling me to go to Battle Creek; for I could help Dr. Kellogg. I went to Battle Creek and bore my testimony. Prior to the three first messages that I bore, in which I gave the special light that the Lord had given me, I had no conversation with Dr. Kellogg in regard to the situation in Battle Creek, or upon any religious subjects at all. The power of God came upon me, and I bore the messages God had given me to bear. There was a great and good work done.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 18)
I was staying in Dr. Kellogg’s house; and one day, after I had spoken, he came to my room; and as he stood warming himself by the steam coils, he said, “I am delivered. In the past it has seemed as if there were a band of iron about my brain, but that band is broken.” I rejoiced with him. He said, “While you were speaking today, my brother Willie, who sat beside me, turned to me, and with tears running down his face, said, ‘Sister White speaks under the inspiration of the Spirit of God.’ I was sure that this was so, and the whole congregation felt this. The remarks that were made thrilled me through and through.”
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 19)
I believed that Dr. Kellogg was indeed converted. But near the close of our stay in Battle Creek, a paper was brought in for my inspection, to which the names ___________ were to be attached. I was lying on my bed at the time; for I was much worn. I had borne up under great taxation. When I saw this document, my heart sank like lead. I knew that while I was in Australia, I had had a vision regarding a similar document, which I was instructed our brethren were not to sign. They were in no case to bind themselves under the obligations therein specified, to give strength to that production; and this document was brought again for our approval, after I supposed that Dr. Kellogg was converted. I felt afraid, distressed. I decidedly objected to one stroke of the pen being put to any such document. While lying exhausted on the bed, that same paper was again presented. I had no physical or mental strength left in me. Elder Prescott, Elder Daniells, and W. C. White were present. I said, “You should bring no such papers before me. I am in a state of great exhaustion. You brethren know what I have said, and my position is unchanged.” They said they wished to read it to me. I said, “No; I cannot hear it. You must not urge me.” I said, “I have promised Judge Arthur that I would call on him before leaving, and I must now do this.” There was then but a short time before we had to take the train. I called on Judge Arthur. He was sick. I said, “I will have a season of prayer with you if it would be agreeable.” He said that was just what he wanted. He sent to the school for his children, and they came. We bowed in prayer, and the blessing of the Lord came upon us. I felt the power of God in a marked manner. We all felt it. Judge Arthur got up from that sick bed, healed.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 20)
We then went to the cars; and as soon as I was seated, I felt that the special canopy of God was over me. Through the entire journey to Indianapolis, I was shut in with God. In the night season, the Lord gave me a vision of the dangers of the same persons I had previously mentioned in a meeting in the college building—some who had been advocating the doctrine of holy flesh. I never bear any such testimony unless a vision is given me in representation and words are spoken to me to be spoken to the one whom the Lord has presented before me. I saw some things which evidenced that my testimony regarding some things must be spoken then and there. I spoke just as the Lord had directed me to, saying that a spirit of fanaticism had come in and would certainly spoil the churches and the camp-meetings that would be held unless those who were cherishing that spirit were converted. The doctrines that these people were advocating were similar to those that I was called to rebuke in my first labors. I then had an experience in meeting spiritualistic sentiments.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 21)
I was shown that I must present before the brethren and sisters in Indianapolis matters which I presented in New Hampshire and Vermont, Boston and New Bedford. In my first labors I had testimonies to bear regarding fanaticism in many places. The Spirit of the Lord was in the meetings held.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 22)
From Indianapolis we went to Des Moines. I bore the message the Lord gave me in the night season. I was shown that the enemy would make every effort possible to keep up divisions among God’s people. I gave the brethren the message God had given me for them, and we had a very earnest meeting. I told them they must humble themselves; that they must come to God, confessing their own sins; that the Lord would have them give up their hard feelings against Dr. Kellogg. The Lord was moving upon Dr. Kellogg to come into line, and the Lord was moving just as surely upon our church members. I told them that all this disunion and jealousy and evil surmising must be put away, and they must come into working order with Dr. Kellogg. The wrongs were not all on one side. There was a mutual work to be done. Those who had not received the principles of health reform, that the Lord had presented before His people, were doing God dishonor. They were injuring themselves and hindering the message God had given regarding health reform.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 23)
This message of the need of health reform had been clearly presented to me at a time when I was an invalid. God then presented to me the subjects which are contained in How to Live. I changed my course, gave up the use of flesh meat, and lived on simple, nourishing food. Instruction was also given me that drug medication must not come into our sanitariums. There were simple herbs that could be used, which would not leave any injurious aftereffects on the system.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 24)
The principles of healthful living were given me directly from the Lord, and it was God’s purpose that His people should realize the great blessings that would come from obeying these principles; but there were among us some who had not received these principles and who had opposed those advocating them.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 25)
I bore these testimonies in Indianapolis, in Des Moines, and in College View. I said all possible to bring about unity, and to prevent our people from pulling apart, declaring that the Lord would have unity prevail. Afterward letters came to me saying that Dr. Kellogg was kindly received, and that nothing seemed to be standing in the way of unity.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 26)
I will here state that when I found that Dr. Kellogg was pushing the work of binding our sanitariums and treatment rooms to one association, I knew what to expect. The Lord had said in vision, “Dr. Kellogg is My physician, and you can help him.” But Dr. Kellogg would not receive the testimonies sent by God. He had stood as did Solomon, following a course of action that God has forbidden. Truth will triumph in every soul that will give it the right of way.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 27)
The representation of the work done at College View by Dr. Kellogg gave me distress and pain. I have the matter all written out. On one occasion when my burden of soul was great concerning matters that were opened before me in Australia of things which had taken place in Battle Creek concerning College View, Dr. Kellogg went over the whole recital of matters. There were things I was instructed should be adjusted in business transactions, but Dr. Kellogg was very calm through the transaction; for had he not a document in his pocket that these men with whom he was dealing had signed? Could he not carry everything by appealing to law? This is one of the reasons why those who understood the proceedings of Dr. Kellogg on that occasion were not much excited, for they knew just how the matter would turn.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 28)
But in the visions of the night, this matter was presented to me as a matter that in no case should be repeated, because the Lord would not have any matter treated in this way among the church members of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. His people are to carry on their business transactions in a way altogether different from the way in which business matters are carried on by worldlings. In every case we are to act according to a high, holy, sanctified rectitude. Not one vestige of oppression or selfishness is to come in to any of our churches. All business transactions are to be performed in accordance with the law given by the great Ruler of the universe. We are to show no unrighteousness in judgment; and before any man who is in a responsible position shall feel at liberty to carry out a business transaction, he should inquire, Is this transaction of such a character that I shall not be ashamed to have it appear in the day of judgment, when the law in the ark shall be brought forth and my deeds compared with the words the Lord gave to Moses while he was forty days in the mount? Is this transaction according to the ten holy precepts engraved by the finger of Omnipotence? It is best to make this inquiry now before the words of (Revelation 22:10-12) shall be spoken. This instruction has been given me on similar occasions when the law of Jehovah has been discarded because the man who moves unjustly is sustained by the lawyer’s interpretation of the law. There is a law that shall judge every man according to God’s standard. His holy precepts are without a flaw.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 29)
That room in which these things were transacted has its record to present when every man’s case shall be tried by a law emanating from the mind of Jehovah. All our actions are weighed in scales that are unerring. This was presented to me. I spoke of that meeting which was unjust and greatly displeasing to God. The day is coming when those present at that meeting will see the transactions that there took place clearly defined in the light of God’s law.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 30)
In a conversation Dr. Kellogg presented his vindication of the course he had taken. Then I knew the man did not yet understand the words and ways and works of God. I said, “I have no strength to say anything to you. When the Lord shall give me a representation varying from what I have written you, I will surely let you know it.”
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 31)
Later I met Dr. Kellogg at my home in St. Helena, and he repeated his statements of the matter without retraction or confession, and in contradiction of the light God has given me. Willie was present. I said to Dr. Kellogg, “I have no change to make in my testimony. Let God be true and every man a liar.” [See Romans 3:4.] Those were my last words to him.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 32)
God has vouchsafed mercy to all who err. In His great love wherewith He has loved us, He pardons the transgressions of all who will humble themselves and confess their sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, 33)
Ms 136, 1906
Remarks/Abstract of a Conversation NP June 25, 1906 Previously unpublished.
(Abstract of a conversation with Mrs. E. G. White, June 25, 1906, referring to charges made by A. T. Jones against W. C. White’s “manipulations” of the testimonies.)
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 1)
When a testimony is given, it is often necessary to study carefully to know just when it is best to be delivered. The Lord designed that Willie should be with me, to be my counselor, and that the Lord should be with him. He would give him wisdom to treat these things in the light that they should be treated.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 2)
I have a testimony, and some parts of it are for the present occasion, and then we must know when the other parts of it shall be appropriated. The other portions shall be appropriated just where they are needed. So there are those that say that Willie manipulates it and all that.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 3)
We are to carefully guard every communication that is given. There are some that are full of sarcasm; they have warred against the testimonies in their hearts for so long, they are full of sarcasm, and the devil has put every objection in their mind possible to use against the testimony; and yet they say they believe the testimony—just as Dr. Kellogg believes it. And if things are so and so, they will take the testimony. But if it is against their judgment, then they leave it. They have the sin of rejecting the light that God has given them.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 4)
He has taken every private thing. Willie has made confessions, what for? He has taken everything out of the way that other hearts that were there might have the example to clear the way, and now they have taken advantage of all that. “He has admitted,” they say, “that he has manipulated this.” But to manipulate means to change, to alter. There is not a thing of it, because he brings it right to me, and I know there is not a thing changed or altered. But sometimes he thinks that some part—they might be in a better position if we rush it out upon them at once. Perhaps they will get into a soft mood, that they will be likely to give heed to the testimonies. But as to manipulating and changing them, I know better. That is false. Because I have the last reading of everything that goes out. There is not anything that is manipulated, as they call it, taken from or added to it, that I know of. There is no such thing. He frequently changes a word for another word meaning the same, but that may seem not so hard—a word expressing the same thing, but still they might feel a little bitter over it.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 5)
Everything has been done that could be done, but the disposition of the light that is given in the name of the Lord, we must take that and bring it in where and when it will have the most effect.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 6)
There are some who are always in a position to make the worst of everything, and it would do them no good. It would only harden them to have anything done in that way. Here we have the evidence that the private things that are connected with our own people and work and service, he [Jones] has a tract right out to the public, and now I must get out that which will counterwork it. For a time I felt fairly dazed. It seemed so impossible, after his making that confession of conversion.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 7)
They refer to the buildings in Chicago of which I had a view, even though they were not erected. Our Saviour showed John the city New Jerusalem. The city had not come down. It was a representation of what would be in the future. He had come to tell them about that. Now here was that building. The building was not established, but all the plans were laid—and everything in regard to it.
(21LtMs, Ms 136, 1906, 8)
Ms 137, 1906
Relieving the Debt of Our Schools NP 1906 Previously unpublished.
The Lord has not designed that the president of any conference should draw upon the churches to settle school debts that are in our midst. God has provided for every school to obtain the privilege of handling books that have been prepared to be handled by the students in the schools; and these books, if studied, will be as a constant teacher, a constant sermon, to those who handle them; and in becoming familiar with Ministry of Healing and Christ’s Object Lessons, they are qualifying themselves for a more definite understanding of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 1)
Our conferences are not to expend thousands of dollars gathered up for the school debts of students, many of which need not have been. The means are not to be thus applied.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 2)
The Lord calls for the students in the schools to use these books. He never appointed any man in the ministry to tie up thousands of dollars of the Lord’s money in liquidating these debts. There must be lessons learned that there is a revenue to prepare now to enter cities that have never been worked. Let the presidents of conferences not make taxing work for themselves to liquidate debts of students. Let the very means that God has provided be used in presenting the precious light—line upon line, precept upon precept—before the people, and recommended to them to purchase. This is the very work every student for the ministry, for the physician’s work, should have to minister the precious light contained in these books.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 3)
When I see that the Lord’s plan is not being worked out to give to our schools the very phase of education to save these debts, I am distressed at the indifference. Where are the teachers in our schools? What are they planning and doing, to handle the very books the Lord has specified should be handled to give a right mold to these students? Wake up the churches! is the message that comes to me. Commercialism today is holding men from the very work that every fiber of their being should be enlisted in to give the last message to the world. Here is the opportunity for students in our schools to obtain the means to support themselves in the obtaining of an all-around education. We now need to make this matter plain.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 4)
These books were prepared to be sold by myself to release me from a heavy debt. But a word came from the Lord, pointing out how these books should be presented to be read and understood in families, and then, on every occasion, where there are meetings or gatherings to which these tourists are traveling. Present the books, and tell them that they are a gift to be handled by the students to obtain the money to become educated as missionaries in home and foreign fields.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 5)
Many lessons may be learned. The tact of approaching people courteously, and all the lessons the students will obtain if they place themselves under the direction of God, will accomplish much in their education in presentation of the message of the Word, in missionary fields. Knowledge of these books you yourselves need. Every word is to be appreciated, for the messages in these books are from the light God has given as to what is truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 6)
I have worked on these for hours while the household has been asleep. I have not appropriated the purchase money to myself, not one penny. I have often made gifts of the books to the poor who had no means to obtain them. This I am free to do. But the students in our schools are to be educated by their teachers, and in their own selves are to become acquainted with every word contained in these books. And the leaders of the churches should advise and counsel the youth that if their parents cannot pay for their schooling, then let the students devise to do it themselves.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 7)
Never let the debts accumulate to thousands of dollars. But work it out in doing the very best kind of missionary work in offering these precious books to the notice of the people. These books are light from the Lord. I have been awakened to the most precious truths, and at all hours of the night. I have presented them with my pen. Thus precious light and words have come to the people. And yet such indifference exists to make the uttermost of this light by selling the books, which has not been done but by a few.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 8)
There are ways the Lord has prepared; but when the ministers or presidents of conferences have worked so diligently—to burden themselves in withdrawing means that are needed in the conference for various advancements of the work that will always arise, and to support the various interests that come to every conference—to have the means applied to a certain school that will place it out of debt, what have the students gained? What lesson have they learned?
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 9)
I want our people to arouse and reason from cause to effect. There are foreign fields that need to be visited, where hard, earnest, self-sacrificing labor has to be done, and the truth carried under difficulties in foreign countries. We would now say, Proper means should be used to help the students take right hold of the missionary work to be done in disposing of these books, which contain the very light for the people of God. These students at the proper times need to take advantage of gatherings where they can sow the most precious seeds of truth in selling these books.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 10)
As this school that is now held in Loma Linda is to be united with the ministry of healing, obtain the books, Christ’s Object Lessons and Ministry of Healing. On occasions when it is possible, do missionary work to present these books for sale. God will open the way for you. Tell the simple story that the books were a gift to the schools, to be sold for the purpose of obtaining support so that schools should not pile up a debt for somebody to settle out of the funds of the conference, for the Lord forbids it. Wake up, brethren and sisters, for Christ’s sake, Wake up, to understand the very best school lessons you can have in the things I have laid out before you, which is to do canvassing. The school is not to draw upon the conference funds, for the Lord has made His own plans in this matter.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 11)
The school in Fernando is to obtain lessons in education of strictest economy, and to learn that in this country, where opportunities are offered in working lines, they are to improve these opportunities. It is neither a blessing to the parents nor to their children to be indifferent in regard to the expense of their children’s schooling. There is to be no low-graded school, either for the older or the younger, in which an education runs up term after term a debt of thousands of dollars.
(21LtMs, Ms 137, 1906, 12)
Ms 138, 1906
Sermon/Thoughts on 2 Peter 1 St. Helena, California March 24, 1906 Previously unpublished. Sabbath, March 24, 1906 Sermon, Mrs. E. G. White, St. Helena Sanitarium Chapel
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:1.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 1)
Well, unless we are in a position to recommend that, it will be of no benefit to us.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 2)
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verses 2, 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 3)
There is a work for us to do, to be sure that we obtain that knowledge. Unless we can have that knowledge, in and through Jesus Christ, we cannot in this world prepare for the heaven that He is preparing for us. We know not how long we may be permitted to be in this world. We do not know; and while we are here, we want to lay hold of the eternal strength, that we may be an example to all that are around us. We cannot afford to make any mistake in this time of trial, in this time of test. We are being tested here. Christ has died for us, and we shall be successful if we lay right hold upon Christ to do for ourselves.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 4)
“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers (Now take this in—oh, it means everything!) of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 3, 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 5)
“His divine nature.” [Verse 4.] A question was asked if Christ brought His divine nature. Of course He did. He was humanity and divinity combined. Here He was tempted in all points like as we are, that He might know how to succor those that are tempted; and then every soul that will follow His example and His teachings shall be a partaker of that divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. If you want heaven, why, you must every one strive for it.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 6)
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add (work on the plan of addition) 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; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 7)
Now here the heart is to be sensitive to the influences of the Spirit of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 8)
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verse 9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 9)
He has backslidden; he has become cold; he has become indifferent; he has become careless; he has gone right after the practices and fashions of the world, imitating them; and you cannot afford it. Not one of us can afford it. You want all of heaven to bring into your life through practical living the life of Christ; and that is the only way you can have it.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 10)
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 11)
Here is our spiritual life insurance policy, and here it is the securing of what? A life that measures with the life of God. It is an eternal life that we are to grasp. Oh, in these things we want to become acquainted with Jesus Christ by a practical knowledge of Him, by being partakers of His divine nature, that we may be in a position that we can claim His promises, and in doing this we shall be an example to all that are around us.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 12)
“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 13)
Well, now, look at all these promises. Will we work on the plan of addition, or subtraction? If you have capabilities of mind, powers of mind, ingenuity of mind, you can understand this Scripture, so that it may be your life insurance policy, for eternal life. The riches—why, what are they? The eternal weight of glory, an entrance to be ministered unto you. Here you are to be eternally secure—a thousand years in the city of our God, and then things will have transpired on this earth so that the enemy of God shall be taken down, and here the earth will be purified, so that that city will not be corrupted, nor any inhabitants in that city shall know what corruption is.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 14)
Now, if we are to have these gracious promises, shall we begin work on the plan of addition? We can see that the wickedness is increasing everywhere all around us, in every city, in every town. You never heard such happenings as we are having now in the daily papers and in all our observation. Well, then what? What about that? We want right here, now, to begin in this world. I wish that our people, who profess to believe in keeping the commandments of God and escaping all the influences that are around them through lust, would get a burden, as they did have it in their conversion to the message that the apostles brought, when they brought their magical books, everything of the kind, and they burned them up.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 15)
Now the enemy is making this prevalent today. The papers, the magazines, you can have them cheap; you bring them into the house, and you lay them on the table, and you take hold of them and read them when you haven’t any time. You want the Word of the living God, to eat it and drink it. We, every one of us, want it, and we cannot afford to have all these specious devisings brought right into our house, and pay money for it, we can govern that ourselves and become acquainted with all the trash, the miserable pictures you find. Why, the Bible does not represent any such pictures. We do not want the sight of our eyes, and our senses—we do not want them perverted with any such sights, neither do we want our appetite to be desirous for any such things. It is the Word of the living God that we desire to know.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 16)
Christ is the bread of life, and He declares in John that those that feed upon Him—the sixth chapter of John tells us about it—that if you feed upon Him, ye shall have eternal life, you will be observers of the Word. It is eternal life eternal to us.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 17)
And now we want our minds to be spiritualized. We cannot afford to have a single penny put into these miserable things that come to us. We have papers, we have magazines, we have books; and we want to reserve every penny that we can to help provide books that others shall have them. The Word is the bread of life; and if ye eat and drink of the bread of life, why, then, your experience will be composed of what you eat and what you drink, as your bodies are composed of what you eat and what you drink.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 18)
Now here, as it is presented to me so many times, is the cause of the great want of spirituality among those that claim to believe the message of truth. What is the matter with them? Why, they have given their appetite to trash, the appetite of the mind, and they cannot afford it. Now what we want is something substantial, that will protect us against what is coming in.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 19)
Well, what is it? Why, Satan is coming down, in great power, and he comes to deceive and leads astray the very elect; and you cannot afford it; you cannot afford to be led away. You want that help that comes from Christ, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. You are to be a partaker of the divine nature. There is nothing else that can save us. Christ comes in His divine nature, and here is every soul will be enlightened according to what you study, according to what you give the mind to feed upon.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 20)
We see that we have troubles and difficulties, that there are those that are led away, how? What through? The devising of Satan. He is watching every mind, every chance, that he may crowd in his scientific problems and get the mind to studying and searching on these things; so that they do not have an appetite to lay hold upon the food that Christ gives us—His Word.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 21)
His Word, He says, is spirit, and His Word is life. Well, it is essential for us, and we want right here in this world to be in a position where we are partakers of the divine nature, where we are living upon the plan of addition, and all the time accumulating knowledge, that our feet shall stand on the platform, the Rock of Ages, upon eternal truth, the foundation which nothing can wreck. That is what we need.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 22)
The light is given to me in regard to the poor understanding of those that have been in the truth, that these sophistries, and this mysticism, and doing away with the personality of God, and with the personality of Christ, will get the hall-room of the heart all ready for these miracles that Satan will come to work right in our midst. Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. That is what we read, and therefore we want to be in a position so that we will understand how He has given them. Then what does He tell us, what assurance does He give? My messenger shall go before you. Oh, that is worth a world! My messenger shall go before you.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 23)
There they are preparing the hearts to receive the message; and we find now in foreign countries, why, the truth is opening doors in a wonderful manner. When I have seen them, I have felt that I would make any sacrifice on my part, so that I could get the truth into these places. I have let them have my books without taking any returns from them, but let them translate them, put them into all languages, and then let the truth go forth as a lamp that burneth. We cannot afford, if we have had the instruction that we have had, to take time to gather large schools together and hold them for years.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 24)
Go right into places where they know not the truth, and begin to work intelligently, and the Lord God of Israel will send His messenger before you. That is the way I have had to work; and unless those promises had been given to me in my very young years when I started to travel, timid and fearful, why, I could not have gone—no voice, had not had a voice. I had lost it, and they said I could not live but about three months, and yet the Lord said, “Go, go, and My messenger shall go before you.” I never knew that there was such a power, till then. My messenger shall go before you.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 25)
The accident that occurred to me so many years ago, which seemed to be unto death, the Lord made unto life; and when I stood before the people in the churches, I could not utter any words aloud. I would stand and try and try for about five minutes to utter a sound, and then: My messenger shall go before you. Oh, how I hung to it! Shall I have to give it up, and these people have come, expecting to hear me? And then everything would break away. I could talk two hours and a half, just as well as I could fifteen minutes. Now, I thought, I have surely gotten the victory, but after that I could not talk again. I was tempted several months. Traveling all the time, I had to go through that process until I had proved my Lord; and then that test was taken away, and I could speak clearly. And now I could speak clearly to thousands of people. And I have had an experience.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 26)
People come up and say, “I have got something new here, and want to bring it before you,” then they come with something that will undermine the position that we have occupied on the truth that is rock bottom; something they want us to receive. I have told them, “I could pile up books that high that God has bidden me to write.”
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 27)
Then there was this accident that I had, that brought me to where I was reduced to a skeleton, and I could not attend school. I could not remain in school at all. After I got so that I could go, I thought it was a little strange, but it happened that the very girl that threw the stone was my monitor in school, over my section of seats, to teach me how to write. My hand was quivering; I could not write. She would try to steady it, and then she would turn, and the tears would roll down her cheeks. She knew what she had done to me; and then they had to advise me not to try to attend school; so I did not attend it after I was nine years old. After that, I could not advance.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 28)
So at one time the Spirit of God came upon me, and brought me out of a discouraging trial, and said, “Write, Write the things that I shall give you.” These words the Holy Spirit of God spoke. “Why,” said I, “I cannot write; I cannot hold my hand steady.”“Write the things that are given you of God.” That is all. No assurance was given me. I sat right down and took my pen in my trembling hand, and I wrote better than I write today, because I have to produce so much writing, and in such a hurry. But there my hand was steady, and that has never failed me.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 29)
When I was in Australia, eleven months with the malaria, and with inflammation, I could not step nor walk, and it was there I was sick eleven months. Well, I never had a happier time in my life. They made a frame that they could put before me, and that arm was never affected. The whole body was affected; every nerve had to lie on rubber; but that arm was always so I could write; and in eleven months I wrote twenty-five hundred pages, that went out to the world everywhere.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 30)
Well, now, that is how my writings have been given; in sickness or in health, that hand is never affected. Here I could not move that hand to my head. I could do nothing to dress myself, but that hand could write. These are evidences I have had all the way along.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 31)
So, how do you think I shall be affected, when they come up and tell me, “Why, we have got something here, and we want to bring it before you, because we don’t think that you have got the truth.” Well, I know I have got the truth. I know where the power has come from. I know how the communications have come. I know how my life has been spared again and again when it was thought that I must go down into the grave.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 32)
Perhaps there are some here who were in Healdsburg when we had a camp meeting there, and they thought I was dying, and they took me out upon a sofa, and they laid me on the platform there, and then I said to Willie, “Will you raise me up?” Well, he raised me up, put his arm around me, and I stood there upon my feet, pale, emaciated, not a particle of color in my face, lips, ears, or any part of my features; and it seemed as though the whole of Healdsburg was out to that camp meeting. They watched it, and they saw the blood coming, coming, saw the streak as it came up to my lips, to my ears, to my forehead. Well, I was healed there; my life was preserved.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 33)
I want to tell you—circumstance after circumstance has happened in this way, that has demonstrated from whom my power came; and I take no credit to myself, but I have books piled up that I have written, and have been writing continually, that are prepared for the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 34)
Now when any one comes in with their sophistry, and with their presumptuous errors, I know where I am. I know a messenger has gone before me, and has exercised a power to keep breath in my body.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 35)
Before that large crowd they had an evidence of the healing power of God. Such things have been given to me all through my life. Now do you think I could go back, in order to agree with some that are running into special errors, and I could accept their errors in order to be in unity? No; they will have to come to that which God has given as truth. I am willing all my writings should go to every part of the work, and I have done all I could to make it go. When the Lord has given me light, I appreciate it highly; and I want to say to you all, I want you to put away the nonsensical magazines; I want you to take the books where the messenger has gone before me and given me light and strength and the healing power of God to carry on the work. I know that that is truth. No one can bring in anything that would change my mind on these points. I have nothing to give up in order to be in harmony with those that shall come up with their errors, and specious devisings—nothing at all. This has been acted over—the healing power of God upon my body—again and again.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 36)
(Here was related the incident of being healed on the cars. Eight camp meetings attended thereafter.)
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 37)
Now I want to say, We want to be in a position to believe if God has sent anything through testimonies. You want to search by Bible, and compare it with the Bible, and see what it says; and if you will do this, you will understand it.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 38)
“Behold, 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. 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 3:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 39)
Here is the very work that is resting upon us to perform. Do not, I beg of you, listen to the unbelief that will be crowded into your mind, and sophistries. Some are to depart from the faith. Where are they? Who are they? Who is departing from the faith laid down, the very foundation that we were on a whole century ago? We are on the very same foundation; we have the same evidence, and we worked on it day and night, to know in regard to the sanctuary question, and in regard to the personality of God, and of Christ, and of all these subjects.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 40)
There were only a few of us, but we would get together, and we would begin in the early evening, and work through the truth, and then they would get to the point: “We cannot handle that; we must give it up; we cannot handle it.”
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 41)
The power of God came upon me then, and light was reflected through the frail instrument, and it was brought out clearly. Again and again, and over and over, as it was opposed, there substantiated; every species of doctrine that we had been holding.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 42)
Now, you see, it is not possible for us to let go of this and take hold of some of these new suppositions and fallacies. We cannot do it. And I mean to present before the people, how God has wrought.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 43)
You have listened to Elder Loughborough. He was with us from almost the first of our work, and he knows and he understands these things, and others understand them.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 44)
I want to tell you: Take Patriarchs and Prophets, and Desire of Ages, and the Great Controversy; there it was that I wrote out these things. Nobody manipulated my writings; why, sometimes I did not know that I wrote. I was taken right up in the night, and there I would write page after page, and in the morning I would find those pages.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 45)
(Speaks at length regarding the manner in which testimonies are given and written out in the night season; nobody manipulates the writings.)
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 46)
Now I want every one of you to burn up your old magazines and your novels, for every soul that is here, you want to understand what is truth. You want to live on the plan of addition, and God has promised to work on the plan of multiplication. You will have your your life insurance policy in the kingdom of our God, by the knowledge you may reap if you will.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 47)
You may fill your mind with trash but that does not do it any good. You will have enough of it, because everything is pouring in; but what we want is the precious Word. Christ has said, “If ye eat My flesh and if ye drink My blood, ye shall have eternal life.” He says, again, “The flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you are spirit and life.” [John 6:54, 63.] That is the Spirit and life.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 48)
We do not half appreciate it. We want to use every capability that God has given us, of mind and soul and body; and we want the doors open for the truth to go; we want no infidelity; we want no skepticism; and we want none of the sitting up long at night, to influence other minds. We want none of that. We want the truth as it is in Jesus; and we want to feed upon Christ; for He is the bread of life. We want to know what saith the Scriptures. And I am dealing in Scriptures all the time, what Christ has said, what the apostles have said, and what steps some are taking to what? Oh, to deny the faith, and we cannot afford it; we cannot afford to go into that line at all.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 49)
Now, I will not keep you, but I want you, every one, to take your Bibles, and ask Christ to here send His messenger to prepare your soul that you may understand what saith the Scriptures, because it means everything to us. Of course it does; and here is a world to be saved. You have no right to be wavering, wavering, wavering here, and not knowing where to stand. Why? Because we have the Bible, and last night, in visions of the night, it was presented to me to present to you that you need here a thorough conversion. You need here a mind disabused.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 50)
It will mean everything—yes, one soul is worth more than the world; and then it makes every difference with you what kind of a story you are listening to; and we want the eternal mind of Jehovah; we want that mind that shall give us the truth. And as I have read to you in Peter, so I would ask you to read the seventeenth chapter of John, and see that last prayer of Christ, with His disciples, and see if you are framing yourselves to love Christ and the truth, so that you can be one with Christ and one with the Father. That means everything to us individually.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 51)
You study the seventeenth chapter of John, and you see where it places you and me. May God let His Spirit come upon us. But why? I am receiving letters all the time, how doors open in foreign countries, and those that have thought to go but were afraid they would not allow an entrance to the Word. Brother Conradi writes me that there is nothing to hinder. The Spirit of God goes before them, and gives them the freedom that they would not have asked for six years ago, because they could not get it. But now what do we want? We want that our means should be used intelligently.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 52)
I am doing everything I can, all the foreign books, giving up the royalty on them, and only to keep them in circulation, that they may have them everywhere. I want to tell you that God told me Christ’s Object Lessons would help in our schools; if you realized how I appreciated that word from the Lord, I think all of you would put to the stretch every muscle and every energy and every speck of influence you have to prepare the way for the schools which must be established in many places.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 53)
Also, now, the Ministry of Healing, why, I get nothing for that. That does not come to me. My brethren have united with me in getting that out, and that I have made a free gift. Do what you can to free our institutions from debt. Will you do it, in the name of the Lord? I have done all I can do in regard to it, and I know that God has helped me in writing those books. I am thankful that the matter was out and Sister Davis gathered it together and put it together. I am thankful that she was with me to do this. She now sleeps in Jesus. Her work is done. I will not hold you any longer.
(21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, 54)
Ms 139, 1906
Sermon/Thoughts on Matthew 4 Oakland, California July 24, 1906 Previously unpublished.
We are to have our senses quickened by the Holy Spirit that dwelt with Christ. We have to move out and improve our opportunities to reach the people where they are. Men and women can labor in their various capacities. In the home life, in visiting with our books and our publications, when opportunities shall present themselves, improve your chance to give the words of the greatest Teacher this world ever knew. God would have our printing establishments honored with men and with women who will realize they have characters to form after the divine similitude. Let the sanctification of the Holy Spirit take possession of voice, of mind, of strength, and use the gift of the voice to give utterance to words that are indited by the Holy Spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 6)
The words of Christ’s discourse from the Mount of Olives is your lesson to take in and impart to the people, high or low. And every sanctified heart and mind can become a channel of light to awaken an interest by taking the discourses and presenting them just as they are given in the Word, and then present them to the people as of the utmost importance, coming from the lips of the divine Teacher. How easy to be understood, how simple. If these discourses were dwelt upon in giving them the exact words, which the disciples did do, they realized that a divine power worked on human minds. If there were not another word often presented on different occasions in outdoor labor, these words would, if received and practiced, be to the saving souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 7)
Why? Because the Holy Spirit is right beside the ones that are giving the lessons in the Scriptures, so that the right impression be made upon the human mind.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 8)
We need in our life practice to preach the Word, to be instant in season, out of season, to have the armor of righteousness on and minister to the souls that need to be converted to Christ. Let every member of the church improve opportunities to speak the truth in love. Let men and women, sound in the faith, obtain acquaintance with that class who know not the truth, and introduce the truth of the Bible doctrine.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 9)
We should not just assemble right among ourselves and cluster right among our own selves, but in kindness, in tenderness, in love, become acquainted with those who know not the truth. God wants you to be the salt of the earth. God wants you to be the light of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 10)
Let all gossip in the church be expelled from you individually.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 11)
Individually, interest yourselves for the unconverted. This is your work. We have no time to gossip; we have no time to censure; we have no power given us of God to be censuring and to be discouraging. We want to encourage every one and sit down together and talk of the best ways to introduce the truth, and to obtain light, so that we shall let that light be reflected upon the pathway of every one that we come in association with.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 12)
Stop your efforts to talk nothingness, things that are of no account at all. God wants us to come to our senses.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 13)
Talk the truth, precious truth as it is in the Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings, as Christ charged His disciples just before His ascension, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” [Matthew 28:19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 14)
When you baptize them, and you see that they are in error in any respect, do you, any one of you that feel that you have a message from God, go to them kindly, and tell them, between them and you alone, where their trouble is, and where their difficulties will come in unless they change the course of their action? This is the work that is to rest upon us. And then what? Why, it says, “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” [Verse 19.] Three personalities; and these three personalities are the pledged power from God that His people shall have, if they have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Now there is no excuse for souls to be left in ignorance and weakness if they will be gospel believers, if they will carry out these principles, and know that the three great Worthies, the Powers in heaven, are pledged to the church of God that will work in harmony with Christ’s teachings.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 15)
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Verse 20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 16)
That is what Christ was teaching in the very last lessons given to His disciples before He ascended up
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 17)
Christ is our power of efficiency. Work under Christ, controlled by His Holy Spirit, and there will be efficiency and power. In your perplexity to understand the way to take up the work, you can say as did the disciples, “Lord, to whom shall we go but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life. We have advanced truth.” [See John 6:68.]
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 18)
God means we shall advance continually. Some phases of the truth in the Word we do not take hold of, and those who do not understand it will come and ask us a question upon it. Then you bow down for a season of prayer, and ask the Lord that you may understand what is in His Word. I think you would have very much more praise to offer to God when you do that way than when you begin a conversation about how this one has done or that one has done, and begin to pick flaws. Had not we better stop right here, and make a vow before God?
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 19)
Seeing that San Francisco is punished because they did not keep the commandments of God, how many have done their duty in San Francisco? How many have worked as living missionaries in San Francisco? That was the question that has been placed before me that I was to place before the people. How many have been blessed by your missionary effort, when there was a world right in San Francisco, a small world there? Who has done his duty? God help us to arouse ourselves, else there will be a repetition of the wrath of God on others besides those in San Francisco.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 20)
There is where in your perplexity you can say, as did the disciples, “Lord, to whom shall we go, but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [Verse 68.]
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 21)
Then suppose, as you cannot see Christ in your midst, that you get right down and see Him by faith, that you become humble enough to pray and ask God to give you the right instruction on how to win souls to Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 22)
“Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men” [Matthew 5:14, 16]—not just before your church, and tell them over and over something; tell them to let the world alone that is perishing in its sins. But let your light so shine before the world that they see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Now, if you shut yourself right in your churches, and preach over and over and over the same things, hadn’t you better stir up every member of the church and organize them and teach them how to become living missionaries, to present the truth to those that are ready to perish?
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 23)
We have a truth which the nominal churches have not received. The grand truth of the Sabbath, the seventh day, in which the Lord rested after creating the world in six days. The Sabbath is the seventh day, and the holy beings in the heavenly courts observe the sacred hours God has specified should be the day of rest. The holy church in heaven assemble before the throne of God. They worship in the beauty of holiness, crying, Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And this divine assembly is looking upon the inhabitants of the earth, who honor God in keeping holy the seventh day, and are in different companies all over the world, who observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and let their light shine amid the moral darkness that follows the transgression of God’s law.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 24)
Those who observe the Sabbath of the Lord have a special work to accomplish in our world, and they need to be aroused and baptized with the Holy Spirit, that they may teach the world. This is acknowledged in the heavenly courts as a sign of their allegiance to Jesus Christ who has bought them with the price of His own blood.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 25)
There are societies all through the world who are observing the seventh day Sabbath. Thank God for these. It is given as “a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 17.] That sign is never to be removed.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 26)
Then why are we so inefficient? You have no time to talk. You have no time to tell of wrongs. You have no time to pull down one another. You have a work to do for the Master; and you are to work for those that would have the blood of souls upon their garments, unless they do this work as God would have them do it. Observing the Sabbath day is doing the very thing that came from God after He had created the world in six days, and rested upon the seventh day, and sanctified the day of His rest. He did not take any other day for that sanctification of the day of His rest. It denominates those who observe the Sabbath as the people of God. These people have given themselves to observe the commandments of God, to teach them to their children, and to work efficiently in behalf of the world. What does it do? It tells the story to the whole world that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. And that day He sanctified.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 27)
There is the testimony, the sign to be borne, that you are loyal, that you are true, if you will carry it out in character. Just your assenting to it does not amount to anything. It can only bring condemnation if you are not carrying out the principles of love for one another. Souls are perishing. We have no time to heap up treasure upon this earth. We want to extend a missionary influence from place to place.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 28)
That is why I came from Australia. I felt that I must see the sanitariums established, the schools established, the educational centers in different parts of America. And we mean to do it. God is helping us, and bringing us into possession of properties for not more than one-fifth of what they cost, that we may have opportunity to work in all parts of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 29)
Observing the seventh day Sabbath, given to the world by our God, is His sign that we are His loyal subjects. And when these numbers who bear the sign of God assemble, let all bear in mind they are acknowledged in the heavenly courts; and all who keep the Sabbath, as God has enjoined the seventh day, they are in harmony with the angels in the heavenly courts. It is God’s distinguishing sign that they are loyal, and are preparing the people to become church members for uniting in the loftiest worship in the city of God. Can you take it in? I am awakened in the night with these things presented to me.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 30)
These are the results of the missionary efforts to bring God’s holy law before those who are in the darkness of error, that they may keep God’s commandments and live.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 31)
Now a little point. As the saints in the kingdom of God are accepted in the beloved, they hear: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] And then the golden harps are touched, and the music flows all through the heavenly host, and they fall down and worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And then what? What next did I see? One meets another; and they say, as they fall right upon their necks with their faces shining with the glory of God, “It was you, it was you that brought the truth to me, and I would not hear it at first, but, O I am so glad.” Now that will be acted all through the heavenly courts, thanksgiving and praise to God for those that have been the means of winning others to the truth, that they should come and have an interest for them, and then they are united among the saved. O what a meeting! what a meeting!
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 32)
Exodus 31:13-16. No change takes place. It is not changed to Sunday; it is the very day that denominates you, that you keep to honor God who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and rested the seventh.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 33)
Now sanctification without your having any burden or any weight for souls, it cannot be. God wants the burden to rest upon every soul to make straight paths for his feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way, and that you bring them to show them what the truth is. Wake up, brethren! Wake up, sisters!
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 34)
I do not know as I shall attempt to read all I have here. I want to talk a little.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 39)
I want to say to each one that we have a solemn, sacred work to do. It is not for you to consider how you can bind about the work for fear it will cost something. I have found that when they did advance to present the truth before new companies, there is where my liberty is. There is where I have strength. They took me when I was unable to move any limb but just this arm, when I could not move without much suffering; they would take me in an easy carriage and carry me to the halls, and then carry me up in an armchair to stand before the people, and speak. Well, the blessing of God rested upon us. It was a severe tax for me, but here are able men and able women, keeping the Sabbath. What are you keeping it for? Do you understand it? If so, in simplicity present to others the truth; and if you want to have strength of influence and power before the people, for Christ’s sake make known the truth. Do not hide it; do not put it under a bushel, nor under a bed.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 40)
Your light is to shine forth to all that are in the house, and to whoever you come in contact with. There will be many lost because they do not do this. How? For the very reason that they do not realize the importance of the truth as they might realize it; because everyone that works for God, if it is but one soul that they are working for, they introduce the angels of God; and the angels of God give those workers words to utter, words to speak, as they open the Scriptures. There they see them in a new light, because it is of importance to them to give the clear light to those that they are laboring for.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 41)
There is a work to be done. Now, do not watch for fear we are branching out too much. We are not branching out one-hundredth part of what we ought to be. There are places where people never heard the truth, and we want to improve, every soul of us, our mind; we want to improve our intelligence; we want to search the Scriptures; and as we search them, the angels of God will give us a clear understanding of what these Scriptures mean.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 42)
“Lo, I am with you, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] If you give to others the influence I have commanded you, that is the very work to be done. God wants His converting power to come to us in this meeting, and He wants us to humble our souls before Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 43)
We have schools to be established. In Loma Linda, there should be a first-class school established there, near the sanitarium; and the sanitarium can help the school, and the school can help the sanitarium. I could read it all when I went there and saw the land, nearly one hundred acres of land. “O, this is just the place,” I said. “Now here is where the school can be established; and the sanitarium, the medical work, and the ministry can be worked here, so that it will be the one thing, the perfecting of the work in Jesus Christ, to carry this message to the world. That is our study now.”
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 44)
Every penny you can save from dress, every penny you can save from any indulgence in your houses—in expensive indulgence—can be used for the simple cottages that shall be erected in the most simple, inexpensive way at once, right upon Loma Linda ground. There can be the higher school, and at the same time the primary class in another department, so there will be two classes of schools right upon the same ground. One is working with an influence upon the medical line, another an influence upon the ministry, and all is to blend. It is one work; it is a great work. And the foundation timbers are to be laid in different places. And we are to see the salvation of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 45)
I prevailed on Brother Haskell and his wife to come to Loma Linda and labor. And they took up, not the easiest place, Redlands, but the most objectionable place. They went to work right there to see what they could do. They have been sowing the seed; they have been preparing for others to come in and to help to take that work and carry it forward in the right lines; and then they will return again from New England, and the Lord will work. He has wrought wonderfully, and I thank God Brother and Sister Haskell have gone there, and they are fitting up workers that shall go into the field to carry the work. And just as these workers will advance the work, they will see and understand, as their minds are growing stronger. Their intellect is improving. And they have an education by practice. That is what we believe in, an education by practice. And they can carry the work of God intelligently.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 46)
Now there are advanced moves to be made in Loma Linda—these small houses to be established on the ground, so as to save the expense of a big building. And the Lord will help us. There are means that shall come from our people to carry on this very work, for just as soon as they are baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, you could no more keep them to put their means in the mechanical business lines of the world, the money-making schemes. You would see they will say, “This is the Lord’s money. He has let us have it, but every dollar of it is the Lord’s.” He says, “The gold and the silver is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] And therefore the Lord calls upon every one to bring a faithful tithe into His treasury, that the treasury should not be empty. He wants every one to wake up on this point; for when you read Malachi with the Spirit of the Lord resting upon you, you may understand that you have got a responsibility resting upon you, perhaps, that you have not realized before.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 47)
If you have been robbing God in tithes and offerings, come right to your senses. God has given you all that you have. He has given you life, and He has given you what wealth you have that you have not destroyed by indulgence of appetite and liquor taking and tobacco-using. Those who destroy the physical and mental and the moral by a perverted appetite, they need to be converted, that the Spirit of God shall come upon them; and let every one of us stand as soldiers. How? With every piece of the armor on.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 48)
We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. Do you think, when you are talking to this one, that, and the other, it is only just the person? The enemy is trying to divert every effort you may make. You must have the courage that you will not be diverted. You must have a faith that will not be blanketed, that will not be repulsed; and then you take right hold, and you say, “This is the property of Christ, and He has given His blood to purchase these men and these women; and now I must take right hold to impart with all the powers of my being, and I must do everything I can with the means God has given to me to establish the truth in different parts of the world.” And these you will find in the different parts where scarcely anything has been done—not very far off, right in America.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 49)
The Lord would have us work intelligently, that we may have some means, that we may establish the work among the people that do not speak our language—in the islands of the sea, and the various missions in foreign countries—they are the ones that we are to work for. There is no end to the work, and God wants us to prepare a people, for the end of all things is at hand. The Lord is coming, and we have no time to lose, no time to waste. God help us that we may take right hold of His work, and that we may do it intelligently.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 50)
Here are various things to be considered. Here is the work now at Loma Linda that is to be considered, and the preparations made, so that the school can commence at once, and there will be a place where they can go where there are not companies that are constantly working to undermine the confidence of those who come to the place that has seen the glory of God. But Satan thinks this a nice place for him, and he is working there through those who once stood firmly upon the truth. God wants us to prepare a place for those who shall receive their education, not only in book knowledge, but in agricultural lines, to till the soil; and as they are tilling the soil, they are getting their lessons all the time, how the soil of the Lord should be worked, how they should weed out the wrongs, how they should stir up the fallow ground of the heart, that the seeds of truth may find access to the soil.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 51)
What we want is a full religion. What we want is the perfecting of Christian character day after day. And never stop nor hesitate until you can reflect the image of Jesus Christ and are prepared for the next world, which is the heaven above, where there entereth into it nothing that defileth or maketh a lie. Now here is the very work that God calls upon every one of us to do, to understandingly take hold of this work.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 52)
We are not to compass ourselves in a little section by ourselves. No. It is the world. They tried to get Christ to stay in one place in His first ministry. “No,” He said, “I must go to other places.” And then He toiled on. What a light shone forth in this place where He went, and numbers were converted to the truth. This is the very work that we are to do. God help us to understand what it means to be converted. Your tongue is to be converted. Your mind is to be converted. There is to be no frivolity by any one that teaches the truth or that takes hold of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 53)
The Lord would have us minutemen. Put on the whole armor of God, every piece of it; and the gospel shoes, be sure to put them on. If you have on the gospel shoes, you will not sit down in your house and do nothing. If you have the gospel shoes, you must go with these gospel shoes on to impart the truth to those that are in darkness. Travel on foot from place to place, and God will give the grace that is so much needed, and the whole heart will be rejoicing.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 54)
Then Christ went to another place, and another place, and so He kept traveling. He let the light shine forth in these places that He went to, and I want to say, brethren and sisters, Never open your lips to tattle; never open your lips to condemn and find fault. You have got other business to do. You have got other business than to lay these things before the servants of God, and they have other business to do than to hear you. We want every one to work in his capacity and to do whatever he can do for the Master. My heart has bled as I have seen that there are hindrances, hindrances, hindrances to keep the work from going to perfection, where it should be perfected.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 55)
But we want now the Holy Spirit of God to come in. And the Lord will help us. The blessing of the Lord will rest upon us, and I ask you, every one, Pray, pray, pray for the ministers. Do not stop to find fault. Pray for the Holy Ghost to come upon the ministers. There is a world to save.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 56)
Look at San Francisco. How many might have been saved in San Francisco if you had put on the whole armor and the gospel shoes and the lamp of salvation? And if you had kept at work for them, there might have been many souls won to the truth. God help us to take hold of the truth here. We know not how soon Oakland may be visited—there is great wickedness in Oakland. There is a truth for them to take hold of. We want Oakland to know that those that are transgressing the Sabbath commandment, and are keeping the first day of the week, are trampling on and disregarding the positive commandments of God. And yet they expect to enter in through the gates into the city. They would create a second rebellion there. No, it never can be so. God help us that we may take up this work.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 57)
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. Confess your sins one to another. This is the work of God. Confess your sins one to another. This is the Word of God. Confess your sins and forsake your sins. Humble your souls before God. If you do this, just as surely as you make room so that the Holy Spirit of God shall come right into your midst, before you know it, you will find, when the truth is presented in the congregation, you can no more sit and not open your lips. You will say, Praise God, Amen, Good is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and you will find that there will be open lips; and the mind will be absorbing the truth, and that truth sanctifying the heart of the believer. What we want is pure and undefiled religion.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 58)
As I was aroused very early this morning to write out some matters that I have not read to you—I will read it before I leave—I felt such a burning desire to create some kind of a spirit of advancement, to create an earnestness, to create a zeal, to create a proficiency here. Because we are keeping the commandments of God, and He says, It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever. Now, we want to be in touch with Jehovah, we want to be in perfect harmony with the Lord God of heaven who created the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 59)
I want to tell you, God lives, and Christ is making intercession for us; and when He sees you backsliding, He places His hands before God, saying, “Give them another opportunity. I have graven them upon the palms of My hands. They have forsaken Me, they have gone away from Me. I want to exert an influence over My people, that they shall be brought back again.” Now that is the work that the Lord has presented to me to be done. God help us every one to be wide-awake.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 60)
*****
Brother Kellogg wants me to bring in a word here. Do not any one think that the establishment of the Loma Linda school interferes with the school at Healdsburg one particle. It is to educate medical missionaries to go to all parts of the world, and to carry the truth. It is to bring them up to a high standard in the medical missionary work. And then the only school they have besides that is for the young children that are in Loma Linda that come and settle there. It does not interfere with any school anywhere, or in Healdsburg.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 61)
I am glad if they will start the school in Healdsburg and carry it right through on the highest line possible. I am glad if they will take it, and may God put courage into their hearts. But the Loma Linda work has no more bearing on this work at Healdsburg at all. It does not have any bearing. It is to take those that shall go forth in ministry of healing, to act in various places where they have no representation, and there they are to educate, to come in and teach them how to preserve healthful habits and leave off all liquor.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 62)
That makes me think, I want someone to bring to me pledges, just the best pledges that you can get, and bring them here so that we can handle them. What we want is that the appetites and passions shall be brought under control to God. We eat these things and we partake of these things; the dead animal creation, you partake of these things, and you act out the animal; and your children will act it out. You are composed of what you eat, and we want the fruits and grains; and the simple fruits and grains, will be all that will satisfy us. The counsel of God has been given, that if I would come to the position on fruits and grains, (and that was many, many years ago), I should overcome the difficulty of the heart that I was suffering under and fainting away every little while.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 63)
Well I have; I have overcome it. I came right down to the strictest diet, the simplest diet. I let the meat diet go, as the Lord said; it was not good for me, and it was establishing a weakness in my constitution, so that I could not carry His work. Now I want to say to every one of you that will come right to the fruits and grains and let meat alone, you will not be the disposition of that animal of which you now partake. God wants us to bring heaven into our homes, for we are preparing for the heaven above. We want our children there, and we want to be there ourselves. God help us to work to the point.
(21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, 64)
Ms 140, 1906
Sermon/Thoughts on Colossians 1 Oakland, California July 28, 1906 Previously unpublished.
Colossians 1:1-5. [Passage read.] Now bear in mind you have something to look forward to continually.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 1)
Verses 6-10. Now we can see the prospects of continual growth in Christ. There is a height and breadth of spirituality for every soul of us, if we will take right hold of it.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 2)
Verses 10, 11. Now you see how that is brought in. It is not to be such an exaltation of yourself. It is an increasing in intelligence of the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 3)
Verse 12. How did He make you meet? It is through prayer. It is through watchfulness. It is through growth in understanding and intelligence of how to carry the truth, the Word of the living God, acceptably to all that you come in converse and contact with. That is how we are made partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 4)
Christ came to our world, laying off His crown of authority, laying off His kingly robe. He clothed His divinity with humanity that humanity might touch humanity, and that in your humanity—in having the perfect Pattern before you—you should be partaker of what? Of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 5)
Here is the battle. Every soul that is striving for that higher school above will learn his school lessons first of Christ—divinity clothed with humanity. He may be a partaker with Christ, who was partaker with His disciples of all the temptations wherewith men are beset, that He might carry through these temptations in the sight of His disciples—to the knowledge of His disciples—how He conducted Himself in these very temptations that were brought to bear upon Him. And thus, by partaking of the divine nature, they were preparing to do the work.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 6)
Here was the world, a work that was high as heaven. They were preparing to follow in the footsteps of the Lord of life and glory who ordained His disciples to take up the work after He should leave it. And He was educating and training them to go to the earth and proclaim the gospel. He told them He sent them forth as lambs among wolves. Will we all remember, then, whatever your disposition—and we all have varied dispositions—that whatever your disposition may be, that disposition must be brought under control to Jesus Christ. And unless it is brought under control to Jesus Christ, your disposition never will pass in the future, eternal life. So there is an individuality in all our experience.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 7)
There are two parties in our world. There are satanic agencies; and Satan is using all his power, that he may mold human minds so that they will be cross, impatient, unkind, censuring, unjust. And when I see it, I feel so sad, because I question whether they will ever overcome their natural and hereditary tendencies; although they profess the truth, yet do they take the truth, are they sanctified through the truth? Do they keep God’s commandments and love Him with all the heart?
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 8)
The lawyer asked, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ lays the burden right on that lawyer, who had been studying that point for some time. But there were enemies, waiting, hoping to grasp some word so that they could condemn the Lord, and He laid it right on them: “Thou shalt love the Lord ... with all thy mind.” [Luke 10:25-27.] That takes the whole man. Then what? What kind of a world would we have if we keep the commandments of God? It would be next to heaven. We are preparing to enter the gates that shall be thrown open to the saints, who are welcomed into the city of God, to enjoy what? Eternal life—a life that measures with the life of God. Therefore it is of the highest consequence to us that we understand the science of salvation in this world, that we take right hold upon the powers that God has given. “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 9)
Now here that lawyer said they were to do certain things, and then what? “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Well, if “thy neighbor” commits an error or a fault, don’t spread it all around through the church or wherever you can. But Christ has told us what to do—to go right to him and tell him his fault between him and you alone. And then He tells them there is a chance of saving that soul if they will do it. “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, go first and be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer this gift.” [Matthew 5:23, 24.] What kind of a world would we have if we should follow and obey the commandments of God?
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 10)
What kind of character would be upon us that profess to believe in Jesus Christ? What kind of an atmosphere should we bring into our households—the father, the houseband of the family; the wife, the queen in the home? The children should be educated to take the burdens off the mother, that her life may be spared to give the very wisest instruction that can come from human lips to the children, educating, educating, educating from the first to the last child; and then the younger members can be taken charge of by the older members. And not a word of faultfinding, not a word of contention, is to be exchanged between the houseband and the queen of the household; and their children will have an example of right words, of good words, words of comfort, words of encouragement; and they would not have that example that they would carry all through their afterlife of contention and strife and passion.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 11)
Let the churches be converted at this period of this earth’s history. Let them make a decided and determined point that they will have Jesus Christ as a member of their household. “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Now God wants us to act as if in His presence, to know that He hears every word. He knows the tenor and the character of every disposition, and He wants every one to act out the law of God, just as it reads.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 12)
And then it says: “And ye are complete in Him.” Well, let us aim for that completeness—“which is the head of all principality and power”—complete in Him. [Colossians 2:10.] If you are complete in Him, you still stand on the highest level of Christian influence. You will have a power that will come from above, that will give you that grace that will represent the spirit of heaven, that will represent the Spirit of Christ. Don’t let us deny Him by our lips, by our voice, by our attitude. God help us now, right at the last, living in the close of the last days of this earth’s history, to feel that it is important that we have made our calling and our election sure.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 13)
We want to meet every one of you in the heavenly courts. We want to see this large company that shall enter in through the gates into the city and shall have a right unto the tree of life. Why? Because they have kept all the commandments. They have kept the law of God; they have kept His Sabbath, which is the day that He has enjoined upon all them that believe, and that have kept all His commandments. We are to enter right into the spirit of heaven. “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] That kingdom we want. “In whom also ye are circumcised with circumcision made without hands—circumcision of Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 2:11.] His Spirit has taken possession of mind and eyes and heart and soul and strength. What a world we should have, if this were only carried out!
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 14)
“Buried with Him in baptism where—having forgiven you all trespasses.” [Verses 12, 13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 15)
Now here is the whole sum of the Christian experience, if we will carry it out. I am so thankful that Jesus Christ is our representative; “and looking unto Jesus, who is the Author.” It does not stop there. “Author of your faith”—but it does not stop there—“and finisher of your faith.” [Hebrews 12:2.] He carries you through your faith, and Christ gives you the lessons of simplicity. “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for whosoever asketh receiveth, he that seeketh findeth, to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:7, 8.] Now what we want is to give more time to prayer and less to useless conversation.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 16)
What we want is to take our children right under our own guardianship in their childhood, and then to educate and train them; and you will not have to beat them if you give them the first lessons in obedience, and you can have a little heaven here below. And if you will train these children—that little church in your home—you are fitting them up, keep their attention in their babyhood right upon a Higher Power, Jesus, the Lover of our souls. Tell them that He took little children in His arms, and He blessed them; and when the disciples would send them away, why, Christ’s mind had followed them all along. On that occasion of those mothers with their children, as the disappointment came upon those mothers, Christ spoke. He said, “Forbid not these little children coming unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14.]
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 17)
There, when the disciples were contending who should be the greatest—(why, that is the wickedest thing that is among us, the wickedest thing that is in the churches. We do not want any such thought; Christ does not want anything of the sort)—He told them, as He set a little child in the midst, “Unless you are converted and become as this little child, why, then, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 18:3.] But they were not to give their own spirit, to bring that in.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 18)
He wants us to humble ourselves before God. He wants us to learn as Daniel learned. He wants us to have an education as those worthies that were taken from their homes and brought into the courts of Babylon. There they were instructed and educated; but they held fast to the education that they had had in their homes, and therefore they were faithful students, and they were exalted—just the reason God sent them, allowed this to be.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 19)
The Jews were so that they were doing no good to people outside of themselves, and God scattered them. He permitted them to be broken up to other countries. Well, now, here were those who had had the right education; and then what? Right representatives of the religion that God wanted them to have. It was a religion that they would be faithful to God, under any circumstances, under any consequences. They would be faithful to Jehovah.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 20)
Now what we need is this perfection that is mentioned here. “And ye are complete in”—yourself? No. “In Him.” Our whole trust is in Him. Colossians 2:10. I am so very glad of the possibility. Are you glad? Are you going to wrestle for victories? Satan will oppose your way; he will tempt you upon your weakest points. Now, you want to make the weakest the strongest. When you are aggravated by words that you think ought not to be spoken, do not respond. Silence is eloquence, and it will stop the raid that is made against you so much sooner than if you begin to try to explain. Just stop right where you are.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 21)
What we want is a right hold from above. God wants to find a people who are keeping His commandments, whom He can introduce into heaven, and it will not create a second rebellion. There has been one rebellion, and they had to turn out a large number of the angels of God which had been contaminated by one who had been the most exalted angel next to Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 22)
Now, we know that exaltation will not save any one. We know that an exalted spirit will not, but we want the kindness of Christ. If you could have tenderness and sympathy and love for souls, you would see a missionary work done right here in Oakland that would exceed anything that has ever been done before. This work is done by earnest prayer. It is done by meeting together and praying, remembering how that after Christ left them, the disciples assembled together, and they prayed for the Holy Ghost. And there, after they had prayed for the Holy Ghost, it was a time when all parties of the Jewish nation were brought in to celebrate some of their great occasions—and when they prayed, the Holy Ghost came upon them; they healed the sick; and they were taken and shut up in prison. When they went to the prison to find these men, they were not there. Why? Because the angels of God had opened the prison doors and set them free. And then they tried to stop their mouths, but they said, God forbid, we have a message to bear.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 23)
Now, every one of us can have all this fulness, all this preciousness, all this power, if we will give ourselves to searching the Scriptures more. Although you may have work to do, you will find that you will have moments that, if you will not stand in idle conversation and in the novel reading that we see everywhere, if you will just look at the Scriptures, you will be armed so that you shall know how to meet every emergency.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 24)
Heaven is interested in the work that we are doing to bring men back to their loyalty to the Ten Commandments. God has given His Sabbath. He says it is a sign between Him and you throughout your generations forever. Not the first day, the seventh day. He put the sanctity, His sanctity, on the Sabbath day. And we want to bring everyone possible to the light of the truth, so that they shall be prepared to enter right in when the gates are opened, and understand where to take right hold and keep the Sabbath day, because they have kept it in this world. The Lord has got a heaven of bliss for us, and He has got strength and fortitude and courage for every one of us if we will, in simplicity, come to Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 25)
I want to know who among you want to stand hesitating whether you will be good or not, whether you will transgress His commandments and continue in transgression, when there is His Word, charging you of that He has sanctified the Sabbath day, and that He created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh day, and sanctified the seventh day. Why has He established that? Because God created the world. It did not come into existence without His power who created it. He was the one that created the world. And there it is to stand. The Sabbath is His memorial of the creation of this world in six days and resting upon the seventh day. He hallowed the seventh day. He made it holy for us to observe. Why then is the world going after a false Sabbath? Because the enemy has taken possession of human minds.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 26)
God help us to awaken, and then may we seek to carry out all the principles that are in this Book. I now say to you, Who will take his stand determinedly to be on the Lord’s side in this congregation? Who will be determined to please God, and if they please God, they will not make enemies—only those that do not want them to please God. But we want to live in unity and in love, and we want that every family should cultivate the love of Christ in that family. And then, at last, the gates will be opened to you, and you will enter in through the gates into the city; and there you will have life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 27)
Teach it to your children. Educate your children to obey God; educate them to keep the commandments; and from first to last, you will find that your family will be under good discipline.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 28)
God help you that you may have eternal life. We want right here that decisions should be made for God and for heaven and for eternity. Eternal life. It is the riches of all heaven that are given to us. It is a life that measures with the life of God. May God help you to make thorough work for eternity.
(21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, 29)
Ms 141, 1906
Sermon St. Helena, California August 11, 1906 Previously unpublished.
I want to give you some reasons why we are here this morning, on the seventh day of the week.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 1)
We read in the 19th chapter of Exodus some verses. Exodus 19:1-3 quoted.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 3)
Now that is for the Israel of God just as long as they shall live upon the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 4)
Verse 4 quoted. That is how the Egyptians followed Israel after Israel had been delivered from bondage by the miracles and the signs, and the judgments which God had wrought. Notwithstanding, after Israel was delivered, the Egyptians took the whole army, and went after them to bring them back again. That is what Moses refers to. Here they crossed the sea, and the Egyptians went hard after them; but Israel got safely over to the bank, and then it was that that whole wall of water that stood congealed, as it were, overflowed them, and they were destroyed, every one of them, Pharaoh and his host.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 5)
Verse 5 quoted. Now God is going to tell them, after accomplishing this great thing for them, what He will continue to do for them.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 6)
Who is He? The great, mighty Ruler over the heavens and over the earth. The God of heaven, the great Controller. What shall we call Him? The highest Power, the highest Knowledge, the Infinite. Then what shall we do? He tells us.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 7)
Verse 6 quoted. In (verse 5) we have the conditions.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 8)
That is the Word of God. It is the Word of the living God. Verses 4-8 quoted. “To keep it holy.” We are trying to do it here. That is why we are here, to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 11)
What does that mean? That the world has taken the liberty, not given to any power under heaven, to change the law of God in regard to His Sabbath! It is in defiance of God that this is done.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 13)
Verses 12-21 quoted. Now the Lord still converses with Moses and gives him the law of right between one and another, how they shall treat one another, all through the chapter after He has given the line that they should follow in dealing with one another—what is justice, what is mercy, what is necessity.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 14)
Suppose men recognized God and were obedient to His commandments. What did He give these commandments for? It was to preserve them in their integrity, that humanity should be in unison with divinity. That is the reason for His giving His commandments. And He tells them that it will be a blessing unto them, that He will keep them, and hold them, and protect them. Do you think if these commandments had been carried out by the human family, that we should have realized the terrible calamity that has come upon San Francisco? God could not bear with their sin any longer. Again and again, the warnings have come, and out of His Word, if they will only read His Word. The Word is given us to obey. We are to become familiar with it.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 15)
Let the magazines, let the novels, let these books, go. But when you come to the Bible, that is the Word of the living God, which shall justify you, or which shall condemn you.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 16)
Now to every soul that claims to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—He was given to us that we might have a representative of God upon the earth, a representative of His kindness, His goodness, His mercy, and His love. Christ was given, and there was the promise that God would make them as priests and kings unto Himself if they would obey His commandments. Yet all that promise was from whom, and from what? The higher education. It was from One that was giving them the highest education, that human beings could have on the face of the earth. Now that is the education that we all want—the education of obedience. If they had obeyed the law of God, the first world would not have been swept away. And there was one that was translated to heaven without seeing death, to let all know that there was such a thing as these beings on the face of the earth, to know of their being translated, and of their seeing heaven without death. There are some that will be on the earth when Christ shall come.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 17)
Well, we want to know what we must do to escape all these things that are given us for a warning in God’s Word. Is it men that have property, is it men that have the expensive and large buildings, that are considered the nobility of earth? It is the character, not the building, but it is the character building. If we have a character that is after the divine similitude, the Lord can converse with us, and He will send us messengers in love to us.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 18)
What is the matter with us that we have so much affliction in our world? Because men and women will do just as they please. They will have the saloons open in the cities. They know just what they do. They know just the evil that will proceed from these open saloons. They know that it is making drunkards, and families are ruined, and poor drunkards take their drinks, and they are mad—they act like madmen, they do not know what they are about when they are drunk. And the officers and the great men and the powerful men, they put them in office. What will God do with these men? Will they enter into the abodes of bliss? God help us to understand that it is best for us to be temperate in all things.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 19)
What we want is the deep moving of the Spirit of God upon the human heart. What we want is to love God with all our heart.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 20)
Now I want to read a little further. I want now to come to Deuteronomy 4. Is there any Israel here? Yes, there is.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 21)
Verses 1, 2 quoted. “which I command you.” He does not give it to you as a curse. He gives it to you as a way that you can escape the curse of all sin, and that you may be righteous to stand before Him, and that you may be holy, and that you may be happy, and that you may have communion with God, and you can know that He is your God, and that you are His children.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 22)
Verses 2, 3 quoted. Why? And they became so self-sufficient that they thought they could carry all Israel without Moses, without Aaron, or any one that had charge of them. Therefore they got up a counterinfluence, and went to work, and in that counterinfluence came their destruction. The earth swallowed them up.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 23)
Now where is the issue? Will we consider that it is of some value to cleave to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who created man, who is the Owner of the universe, the Owner of all heaven? There is no power that can be equal and above His. What power could come in and save San Francisco from the wrath of an infinite God? It is no use to call it anything else, but the disregard of God’s law.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 25)
Verses 5, 6 quoted. “keep therefore and do them.” Let us see. Does that make them false? Does that make them so Israel cannot understand anything, that they will be so foolish that they cannot make anything of themselves here in this world, or in the future world?
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 26)
Verse 6 quoted. “in the sight of the nations.” Now they are not afraid to stand in obedience to God in the sight of all the nations around them.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 27)
Finish verse 6 quoted. What is the matter? We have got hold of the higher education. We are in the school to learn of God and His heavenly requirements, and we can have the highest education that ever can be given to any mortals upon the face of the earth. So it is best for us not to separate from God.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 28)
Verse 7 quoted. These words were frequently repeated to them as they were being led through the wilderness. There was Christ our Redeemer in the pillar of cloud, and all the directions He was giving to the people—first to Moses, next to Joshua. They were leading the people under heaven’s direction and command.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 29)
And the blessings we ask Him for in obedience we shall have.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 30)
Verses 8, 9 quoted. Here it comes from father to son, and thus it is for generations.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 31)
Verse 10 quoted. Now, here is the education. It is to pass from parents to their children, and we are to educate them strictly in observance of the very day that we observe today.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 32)
Verses 11-14 quoted. Now, this belongs unto every human being that is here today, that you are to take heed to your individual selves.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 33)
Now, here is the commandment of God, and it is repeated here. They asked that they might not hear the words. It thrilled them so, and they said:
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 35)
Deuteronomy 5:25 quoted. We see it; there is an unbelief there.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 36)
What kind of a nature have people had, to come in and put aside the Sabbath day, and to take another day that has no sanctity whatever, and to put that in as the Sabbath? And they are not satisfied with that, if everybody that is very conscientiously observing the Sabbath day. And they are expending all the property they have from place to place and in heathen nations, nations of all tongues—now how is this? Here it is something that is to counterwork God. It is the work of the fallen angel that set to work to counterwork the works of God in the heavenly courts. Now, every one of us, let us bear in mind that we observe the Word of our God. That is the higher education. Everything else that you may produce to call the higher education is a step away from God.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 38)
It is departing from God, and that is why San Francisco lies in ruins today. It was because they departed from God, and He could not preserve them. He wanted other cities to take heed; He wanted other cities to inquire why this calamity should come upon San Francisco. The matters there have been opened to me for years. What wickedness there was in that city you never will know. They went to such wickedness, such horrible wickedness, and they were destroyed, these wicked ones, many of them, but not all. Some were left. Will they take heed? Will they consider?
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 39)
We have a message to bear to them.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 40)
We are not to talk of the higher education. We have got one. He have a high Teacher. And we mean to obey that Teacher. We want to do honor to our God. We want to obey Him, and we want to glorify His name upon the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 41)
Matthew 19:16, 17 quoted. Then He tells them it is for the hardness of their heart. But if they had kept the commandments of God, they would have lived in harmony and peace and love, and these differences would not have taken place. It is because of the disregard of God’s commandments that the world is rushing right on to their last ruin. And God wants that we should warn the people, that they should avoid the wrath of God. He wants us to keep the commandments of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 42)
Now I read you again. Luke 10:25 quoted. Now that is a big question.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 43)
Verse 27 quoted. “with all thy heart.” Not with two-thirds of it, and give one-third to the devil.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 44)
Verses 27-31 quoted. How much of that is seen at the present time!
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 45)
Now why do we have this institution? Why are we establishing these institutuions away from the towns and the turmoil and confusion? Why is it that we are establishing these sanitariums? It is that we may act the Samaritan, that we may call the people of suffering humanity and find a place for them, and what then? Shall we let them go on without any particular sympathy, merely performing the works? No indeed. God wants us to consider that we are the representatives of the Great Physician who never lost a case.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 47)
God wants us to bear in mind that these subjects are suffering because they have not obeyed the law of God. Shall we hide our faith, and think we will get a bigger patronage? Shall we pretend before them that we are not Seventh-day Adventists? No. It is a recommendation. Why? Because we are obeying God, and what then? We are partakers of the divine nature, for we are acting the good Samaritan. That is what we are doing to relieve suffering humanity. We must do everything in our power to brace against what? Satanic agencies.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 48)
Now Jesus Christ, how was it with Him? He came to our world. Let me give you the reason. John 3:16 quoted.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 49)
Now, Satan concluded that he could work better than Jesus Christ and God. There he was an exalted angel in the heavenly courts, and he was working in an underhanded way in every deception possible, that he might obtain advantage. There were two powers, and finally the satanic agencies had to be shut out of heaven. And here they are on the earth. These two parties are in this world.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 50)
Now the question is, Which side are we on? Jesus Christ clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might reach humanity, and that His humanity, coming as a little child, was coming up, coming up every day. He might have taken legions of angels with Him, but He would sympathize with men; and He came in poverty, and you know that He was rejected of the priests and rulers, because they expected a great king to take the throne and to rule forever and ever, and break the powers that were ruling then. Well, when He did not come as king, then they were disappointed. But He came just as God and Christ had made the plan that He should come to save humanity.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 51)
Then here humanity has the greatest sympathy from Christ Jesus. He went around everywhere carrying the gospel from place to place, and when He ordained His disciples, He said to them, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. You are to represent the divinity and the mercy and the compassion of God. And every one of us has a work to do, whatever our position, whatever we have, if we enter heaven we will be co-laborers with Jesus Christ. If you will enter heaven, you will not be looking at this one and that one and the other one, and finding fault with them and complaining of them. Lift the standard in your own house, in your own heart; and in doing this work you shut the door against the enemy.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 52)
I can touch only upon a few points, but God wants us to come into harmony. All heaven is looking upon us, and every word that shall be said, and every action that shall be done, it will be recorded. Christ came, the great Physician, and He is in every sanitarium that is established that is trying to serve God and that will bear the standard of righteousness. He is with every converted physician who is taking hold of the work, and as the instruments are used, as it has been presented to me, one hair’s breadth would sacrifice a life; Christ is there. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Then we have our Redeemer who is working with us to harmonize the house, that the Spirit of God could be blended in every house, and He wants us to come into order.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 53)
O, when we can think of the compassion that is represented by that Samaritan, what he did! “Go thou, and do likewise,” Jesus says. [Luke 10:37.] There is a work for us to do. They had no sanitariums then. They had to take the sick right where they were, and Christ was with them, the great Healer, and His healing power was felt everywhere. And He would take them, and He would heal them, and they would testify of Christ. There He healed them on the Sabbath day. Yes, you can have your sanitariums on the Sabbath day, but not go into all the work that is unnecessary to be done, but do those kinds of work which would relieve the sufferings of humanity.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 54)
And when He came to a poor suffering man who could not get to the pool, He stands right over him, and He says, Wilt thou be made whole? Can you tell how that man felt that had been so many years trying to get relief and could not get any? Jesus Christ bids him be whole. “Take up your blanket, and go to your home.” Well, the righteous priests would not do any such thing. There he was suffering for years. “It is on the Sabbath day.” [John 5:8, 10.] Now all such words as those He shows us—what should we know without His example? He tells us there are cases of necessity, and He has come to show us in His experience and example what to do for suffering humanity.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 55)
We know that these institutions have been ordained of God, and we want every soul that has any connection with this institution to feel that Christ Jesus is standing right by the side of the afflicted ones. They want words spoken to them. They want words of encouragement, knowing that you are a partaker of the divine nature.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 56)
Christ took humanity, that we might become partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Now if we take hold of the work—just where we see people need help and strength, and we encourage them—I am glad that we have this institution on the hillside.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 57)
My husband and myself and some of the friends here in St. Helena selected this spot. My husband has been dead for 25 years, and I stand in the battle with my sons to help me. But let me tell you that my heart is in these institutions, to see that the work is carried along religiously, that the commandments of God are not sunk under a mass of rubbish, so that they do not come right to the front, and that we can understand what the principles are. I am so glad that we have them in the various places.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 58)
Now, I am not going to say anything more of this point. I have given you just a little touch of what God expects of us. Now in a little while, we expect, if we keep the commandments of God, that we shall have a place with the redeemed in the kingdom of God. That is what we want to teach everybody how to obtain—that closeness with Christ so that they will be translated to the heavenly courts, and have life, eternal life, in the kingdom of glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 59)
Who has had the highest education? It is those that have been obedient to all of God’s commandments.
(21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, 60)
Ms 142, 1906
Sermon Oakland, California August 18, 1906 Previously unpublished. Sabbath, August 18, 1906 Sermon at Oakland, California
We have met together, quite a company here this morning, and we want to have a clear knowledge of why we are here. We are here on the seventh day of the week, because the Lord created the heavens and the earth in six days, and rested upon the seventh day. Wherefore He blessed the Sabbath day, the seventh day, and hallowed it. And there has been no change in the mind of God concerning the day of His rest. What is this day of His rest? A memorial of creation by the hand of our God, who created the world and all things that are therein. And He sanctified and blessed the seventh day. And He gave it to all the world that should recognize God to observe that day.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 1)
Why is it that the world has gone astray? Because Lucifer, the son of the morning, one next to Jesus Christ, one that was highly exalted, committed the first sin. Jealousy, envy, evil surmising, all were brought in, and were hidden in that brain, that he was allowed to develop what was in him. Of course, God knew there would have to be a division. And here he worked underhanded in every way possible, to supersede God and Christ and to take Their position. There was war in heaven at last. His underhanded work must come to the surface.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 2)
It was so underhanded that he would put ideas into the minds of the angels; and then he would bring out some remarks, and he would take them and carry them right to the angels in heaven, and tell them there was dissatisfaction among them. Well, he put it there, but he laid it upon the angels. And God let him work out what was in him until it came to a point that the wickedness that originated with Satan—and no one could tell how—must come to an end in the heavenly courts.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 3)
And then it was that there were two parties. One was warring on the one hand, and God and His angels on the other hand, and Satan was overcome and thrust down to this world. Then there was peace in heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 4)
Now let me tell you, ever since such a terrible thing as sin could prevail upon the human mind, so that there will be such large additions to the worldly element, we ask you in the name of Jesus Christ that every soul shall take his position on the side of God. There are two parties, and God wants that every soul should stand in his moral accountability before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 5)
We see that there is to be constantly what we have been having in the past—warfare. It is coming gradually, one thing after another, after Satan’s dealings. But we are not to sit peacefully and do nothing. When God has spoken, as He has, and manifested His judgments, let me tell you, it is time that we began to understand that there are two parties in the world, and that God will recognize His people if they will keep His commandments and love His law as the apple of their eye. You know how tender the apple of the eye is.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 6)
Now, He wants us to be just as exact, just as careful, how we meddle with God’s law. When God has a law, it has no “ifs” or “ands” about it. What position shall we take if we want to be recognized as the children of God? We are to be the children of light. All the priests, all the popes, all the ministers that there are in creation, they are only men. But we have a God that in a little time can sweep away whole cities, as you have seen in San Francisco, and we want to acknowledge that we will obey God at all hazards.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 7)
Matthew 3:1, 2 quoted. No whispering voice was there when John the Baptist said these things.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 8)
Verses 3-5 quoted. There was something in that message that brought out the people to hear him.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 9)
Now there is a message to bear. It is no smooth message. It tells the truth of the situation. And there is just such a message, from the light that God has given me; it is to come into our ranks. Here before us is one of the fulfilments of prophecy, that before the day of the Lord should come, there should be earthquakes in divers place, and that there should be wars and rumors of wars. And that when these things shall take place, wherever you are, if you are at the top of the house, do not go down through the house, that you may get your luggage and carry it out. That time is right ahead of us. It is only a little way that you are to flee to the mountains, just as fast as you can go. You will not have a chance to pack up your goods at all. So do not accumulate a great amount. It will not pay. The judgments of God are in our world.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 11)
The very best thing that you can do in the world is to seek the “life insurance policy.” There is a life insurance policy that is given to us in Second Peter, and we want to know in regard to that policy. He begins to tell us of the wonderful work that may be given to the children of God. And he tells us in regard to the grace that is to be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Take the magazines out of your houses; do not keep them to search into.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 12)
We want a knowledge of the Lord, and our Saviour Jesus Christ! That is our only hope in this time of earthquakes, of cloudbursts, and all these judgments that are coming in our land. We want to find out if we have got a shelter, if we have got a life insurance policy—a life insurance policy to all the glories of heaven, to be like Jesus Christ; to go to a country where there is no war; where there are no earthquakes; where there is no death; where all is peace and harmony and love and salvation and goodness and life. Now that is what we want; we want the life insurance policy.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 13)
When one comes into our midst, the first thing you see is he begins to find fault with this one and with that one and with the other one, he had better find fault with himself. The very reason why such are finding fault with others is because they do not know and understand themselves. When they search their hearts as with a lighted candle, when the Spirit of God comes upon their minds, they will feel that they have no time to pick up flaws in others, but see that every fault is removed from the human heart and the human mind, and that they are preparing for the great day of God which is right before us. You have no time to spend in unwholesome words. You want to seek the love of God in your hearts. He has said, Love one another as I have loved you. That is the last prayer of Christ, and you read it in the seventeenth chapter of John. You read it there, and see if your lips will not be closed. Does it give any place to any picking flaws in others? Humble your own heart before God.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 14)
2 Peter 1:3 quoted. “life and godliness.” Now He has given us that which pertains unto life and godliness. Are you Christians? Do you believe the Word? And if you do, why don’t you take hold of it and practice it; that which pertains to life and Godlikeness? Study what Godlikeness is. Find it out.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 15)
Verse 3 quoted. That is the garment of Christ’s righteousness. That is what we want.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 16)
Verse 4 quoted. Just think of it. The divine nature. “Having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 17)
There are two parties, the devil working right upon the minds, if you will let him, if you will invite him in. He will give you a long road of travel, if you give him a chance. That is just what he wants.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 18)
Verses 5-8 quoted. What then? You are all ministers. You may never be ordained, but you have a ministry, every one of you.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 19)
The devil has armies, very large, and the Lord wants every one of you who is a soldier of Jesus Christ to act your part manfully, that you may work on the side of Christ, with all the intelligence, with all the grace, with all the ability that Christ is ready to impart.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 20)
Verses 7, 8 quoted. “knowledge.” [Verses 5, 6.] You learn of Him in prayer. You learn of Him in searching the Scriptures, by practicing His life of self-denial and self-sacrifice.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 21)
Verse 9 quoted. “lacketh these things.” This is the matter with us. This is the matter with our churches. “is blind.”“And hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” We run right back in the very same track through envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings and evil speaking, and put our mind in somebody else, the mind that we should walk accordingly as we take the idea that they ought to walk. Let him attend to his own business, and let everyone seek the Lord, that they can find Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 22)
What will you get if you serve God with all your heart? You will get a life that is full of meekness and lowliness and contentment. And the blessing of heaven can communicate to every one of you, and then, I can tell you, we will have churches where the angels of God will be walking up and down in their midst. Angels of God are here today, and the evil angels likewise are here, trying to hear something that they can take account of and perhaps carry away to make trouble. Now the mischievous tongue had better cease. If you want the glory of God to be revealed in Berkeley, if you want to get right into the missionary work and humble your own hearts before God and seek the Lord while He may be found, you have got a most wonderful missionary work to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 23)
Now churches are forgetting all about what San Francisco was swept away for. It was because of their sins. They are forgetting all about it, and hardly any voice is raised to proclaim the truth to them that they should come to the right foundation. May the Lord help us to do our duty.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 24)
Verse 10 quoted. “Wherefore the rather, brethren,” rather than to forget that he was purged from his old sins, and that he must keep purged. If you walk in the counsel of God, let me tell you, You will not forget that you were purged from your old sins.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 25)
Verse 10 quoted. Now here is the life insurance policy for every one of us to accept, for every one of us to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. And we shall have our insurance policy for the inheritance—the inheritance in the kingdom of glory, the city of God, that we shall have our portion there; and we shall be welcomed by Jesus Christ; and we shall receive a crown of life that never will be taken away from us. We will have the most glorious singing, we will have harps of gold. O what a happy time! We begin to see that while we were reading all these novel papers and all these magazines and all these stories and bringing them into the house for the children to have, they did not know anything about eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 26)
Fathers and mothers, it is time for you to wake up, as John the Baptist was awakened. It is time for you to begin to understand where you are. You want the life insurance policy. And you can have it if you will. How? By a life of obedience to all of God’s law. And if you will be obedient to His law, you shall have that life insurance that no one can take away from you. No one can deprive you of it. You will have to give it up of your own account if you lose it.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 27)
“To an inheritance.” [1 Peter 1:4.] Yes, riches, riches that we cannot specify. But it will be one with Christ. We shall be one with Christ, an heir of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. That is our life insurance policy. Well now, are you going to join the enemy’s army, or are you going to come right into the ranks, right now? Are our young people to be looked after? Here is intemperance, and the liquor is drugged. For years it has been presented to me that liquor makes men mad. They do not know what they are drinking. Take the youth, labor with them, pray with them, entreat with them, and the Holy Ghost will come down and will acknowledge your work and impress their hearts.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 28)
What we want is pure and undefiled religion. We have had a mixed-up concern, a good many of us, long enough. We want to strip for the race and harness for the battle. We must run the race that lies before us with patience, for a crown, an everlasting crown, and we are to run that we may obtain it.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 29)
The Lord would have us all come into that position that our oneness with Christ should acknowledge us as one with Him. He wants us in that position. Now let us see what becomes of that party.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 30)
[2 Peter 1] Verses 11-13 quoted. Now he is looking to the time when in a little while he must suffer for Christ’s sake. He is a prisoner of the Lord. And these testimonies are given for us. He knew what privation and what suffering were, and he wants us to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 31)
Now I go back to John. Matthew 3. Here were the Sadducees coming to his baptism.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 32)
Verses 7-11 quoted. “unto repentance.” They had not repented yet. They would have to receive Christ before they repented. There would have to be a second baptism.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 33)
Verse 12 quoted. I might go on, but we want to know whether you have made up your mind to believe in the commandments of God. These commandments you will read in (Exodus 20), and be sure to let it carry you to (Exodus 31), and there you read from the 12th to the last verse.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 34)
Now we will say to our friends, Let every one of us seek the Lord. Seek the Lord this morning. I am not going to preach to you any more. I have given you the Word. Now we want to know who it is that is coming right to the point. We call for those who want to be Christians, we want every one that wants to be a Christian to understand that they have got a life insurance policy to gain or they will never enter the kingdom of God. If that life insurance policy is gained, the heaven of heavens will be opened before us. You can have communion with God, you can come to Him with heart and soul and voice, and you are to believe just what Jesus said, “Seek, and ye shall find; ... shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 35)
Now, we want you to consider that in the epistle of John you will find great instruction. “Behold,” he says, “what manner of love ... knew Him not.” [1 John 3:1.] Now here are the beloved of God called upon, and we entreat every one of you to seek the Lord while we are at these meetings. We did not come to these meetings for any exaltation or for any amusement. We came here to set ourselves right with God. And we want those that have intelligent minds to consider that they are accountable to the God of heaven for that mind and how they use it. He wants that every one of you should become a child of God. We are the sons of God; and while we profess to be this, unless we have the possession, we are mocking God and the world, and it will not answer.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 36)
We want to humble our individual hearts before God. He loves us with a love that is infinite. And that love He expressed to us in coming in our behalf and giving His life for the life of the world. If there were not but one, He would have given His life. Now, shall we be in such an indifferent position that God cannot number us with those who shall be one with God? He prayed that His disciples might be one with God as He is one with God. He wants you to answer His petition. He wants you to read His prayer. In the 17th chapter of John is that wonderful prayer, the last that He made before His crucifixion, when He embraced the whole of the believers as His, all these believers as His children. And He prays His Father that they may be one, even as He is one with the Father. There they are to be sanctified through the truth, to be one with Christ in God.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 37)
Christ came to our world and clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity could be sanctified through divinity. Now this is the very work that is appointed for us, to bring divinity into our life. And here was Christ on the earth; and the disciples could, in their humanity, laying hold on divinity, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 38)
That is how we are to stand in moral dignity before God, and He wants to let His rich blessing rest upon you. Now, I am not going to take up the time, but I do want to know if right here, while we are together, we cannot have some voice cast in favor of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 39)
There is intemperance. Every one of you must battle with it, you must war against it, you must give all the light you have.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 40)
“Ye are the light of the world.” And let your light, Christ says, “so shine before men ... in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Well, when they do that, they do not want any spirituous liquor. They do not want that which will make men mad, that will spoil the character, that will bring poverty into the family and in the world. Men must be men. They must know that they are living, responsible beings, if they ever have that life which measures with the life of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 41)
Now we want to know if, while the efforts are being made in this place, we shall see of the salvation of God among our own people. There needs to be a sanctification of the Spirit of God through the truth. We want to know how many are going to lend their influence, and their grace, and their power that God will give them, to be living agencies with Christ. We want to know how many will let their influence grow on the right side, how many will take of the graces that God has given. We are partakers of the divine nature. We are laborers together.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 42)
It is the “together” that is worth everything to us, laborers together with God. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Here has Jesus Christ given His life; and now He calls you to make some sacrifice, to be hunting and fishing and working to get souls to come to the truth and bear the test that they may have to bear in these last days. We ask you if you will take right hold, if you will begin right here in this morning meeting; and if you do not have, many of you, any dinner, it will not hurt you any. Christ fasted forty days and forty nights and was tempted of the devil all the time, with all his power upon Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 43)
But He did not try to answer the devil back. In His weakness, when Satan came, He said: “It is written: It is written.” Let no one frame up words for yourself. You take the Bible, and you will know how to meet temptations. We want more intelligence. We want to cultivate the spirit that John had: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” [Matthew 3:3.] They had got all mixed up in regard to His paths. They did not know what the paths of the Lord were.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 44)
We want every one of you to take a part in this work, and may God help you! He helps. The Lord will give us capability, He will give us the Holy Spirit, that we ask in prayer.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 45)
Now we want to know if there are not those here that will today place themselves decidedly with the knowledge that John had, with the industry in regard to the subject of saving souls. What account could you have to give to God for the warnings that you have not given? You know the truth; you know the Bible, and yet you pass right by and make no effort to win souls. Will you come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty? Who will stand up and tell us by standing here that they will stand on the Lord’s side? And then let us have a praying season. Will you stand up upon your feet, those that will answer to this? (Nearly all rise.) In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, O what we need is the deep moving of the Spirit of God. And now I leave the meeting in your hands. God help us to work and to pray. Let us kneel right down and pray:
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 46)
(Praying.) Our heavenly Father, Thou knowest our weakness. Thou knowest all about us, and we now come to Thee, and we present these souls to Thee. We cannot impress their minds, but Thou canst. We ask it in the name of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that is in our midst this very day, as He said He would be. He said that if we would give the commission, that He had given to us, to the people, He said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] We claim Thee, our Saviour, to impress the human minds. Touch them with the Holy Spirit; and all this envy, all this evil speaking, all this lifting up the souls unto vanity, let them see this wickedness, that it stands directly in the way of the work of the Holy Spirit of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 47)
I ask Thee, Lord, work upon the minds, that they made understand that if they will work with Him who has bought them with a price, He will work with them; and He will give them intelligence, and He will give them grace, as He has promised it; and He will be with them in working for other souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 48)
I ask Thee, Lord, that Thou wouldst impress this congregation to prepare for the great changes that are beginning to take place in our world. I ask Thee to help them to begin to feel the necessity of pleading with the youth, that they shall bring them on the Lord’s side and away from the temptations of the devil, who will work with all His capabilities and powers; and shall we be silent on our side?
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 49)
My heavenly Father, imbue us with the Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit of God rest upon us, my Saviour. I know that Thou art here, because we have Thy promise. And now we ask Thee that Thou wouldest reveal Thyself in softening and subduing the hearts of these people. O, let the hearts be broken before Thee, and let self die, and Jesus Christ take the throne of the heart, and Jesus Christ work through the instruments, that they can be one with Christ in God; and then they have all this power that was granted to them, when they were laid down into the water and baptized. And if they have forgotten it, O let them repeat the work, to be baptized and take hold of the heavenly powers again. Give us power to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And there with these three mighty powers promised, how can our faith be a nonentity, how can our faith be feeble and weak?
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 50)
I ask Thee, Thou precious Saviour, as Thou hast presented to me again and again Thine hands wounded, ever to keep the wounds until all the redeemed are in the kingdom of glory. “I have engraven thee upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] And there He presents us to the Father. O Jesus, our precious Saviour, the little that we have been willing to suffer for Thee, forgive us. The little that we have been willing to magnify Thy holy name, forgive us, pardon our transgression.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 51)
I ask Thee that the light of heaven may shine into hearts here today. We are nothing without Thee. And if we have Thee, we are everything. We can work with minds, we can win characters, we can present Thee in Thy great efficiency and power. And Thou wilt make the heart soften. Soften our hard hearts that have felt so little.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 52)
O my Saviour, my Saviour, Thou art our only hope. If we lay hold upon Thee, Thy great grace will be upon us, and we shall be able to proclaim the way of the Lord. We shall be able to make straight the paths for our God that have become so mixed up with worldly science and with satanic delusions.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 53)
I ask Thee, heavenly Father, to let the power of holy angels come to Thy people. We claim it. We want it now. Sweep back every mist and every cloud of darkness, and let the sunlight of Thy glory in. And may these souls embrace Thee. May these souls at this very meeting feel the power of God striving upon the human heart, upon the human character. Come, Thou heavenly Dove, I pray Thee to put Thy disposition in the hearts of the people here today. Thy converting power we want to see, and we want to sense.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 54)
We love Thee, we love Thee, because Thou hast so loved us that Thou hast given Thy life to a life of shame, to a life of abuse. They spit in Thy face, Thou Lord of glory; they smote Thee with wickedness, and called out, “Prophesy unto us who it is that smote Thee” [Matthew 26:68]; and O they abused Thee and drove the cruel nails through Thy hands and through Thy feet, and they speared Thy side, and O, amidst it all, Thou didst forgive a poor sinner on the cross, and Thou didst say, “Thou shalt be with Me in paradise” [Luke 23:43], because he asked it, because he saw and acknowledged Christ. Help us every one to acknowledge Thee here today.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 55)
Come, Thou Lord Jesus Christ, in Thy converting power here in this congregation this very Sabbath, which Thou hast ordained, which Thou hast sanctified, which Thou hast blessed as a memorial of Thy creative works; and I ask Thee, Lord, that Thou wouldst touch the human heart. Let the love of Christ spring forth in the heart, and may they give themselves to Christ, to suffer for His dear name’s sake, and then afterward receive them to glory, and Thy blessed name shall have all the glory. Amen.
(21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, 56)
Ms 143, 1906
Sermon/Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 2 Oakland, California September 1, 1906 Previously unpublished. Incomplete.
1 Corinthians 2:1 quoted. Let us mark every word of this, because we need it.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 1)
Verse 2 quoted. What do we make of that verse? It is that of ourselves, we are not to be easily disturbed with outside considerations, things that may happen unto us—to consider that we are having a hard time; but we are to stand in the wisdom of God, whatever our calling, whatever our work may be; we are to bear the living testimony that it is through Christ Jesus, who was crucified for us. We will be ashamed then to get into a quarrel with anybody, we will be ashamed to spend our precious time with picking up little tidbits, of this and that and the other, that we can find fault with. Because if we do this, we do not remember Jesus Christ, that He was crucified for us individually; and we have an individual work, we have an important work, we have a work that we must do for our individual selves through the excellency of Jesus Christ which He has presented before us in His own matchless character.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 2)
Verse 3 quoted. Why? Why was there all this fear and trembling? It was that he was afraid that he should not strike the very note that he ought to strike in the hearts of those whom he wanted to encourage and comfort. There was where his fear came in.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 3)
Verse 4 quoted. Paul was not trying to make a great flourish of something to exalt himself. We do not need it. If we are indeed the followers of Jesus Christ, we have the greatest work to perform. We hang our helpless souls upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. When we make Christ our helper, make Christ our dependence, will He fail us? Never, never, my brethren and sisters.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 4)
O, if I did not believe this I should not have been alive today. But I took my cross, as it was presented to me in my very girlhood, to present the truth before those who knew it not. And what was that truth? It was the merits of the blood of Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 5)
And now our work is to be very humble. O there are so many that lose so much; they swell unto such large proportions, and swelling as they do, enlarging themselves, they lose that power that they might have if they would let Christ work upon heart and character; then they could reveal that Christ who works in them.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 6)
Paul says, verse 4, quoted. There is a power for us. Verse 5 quoted. We need not feel that we must have all that education of words. God can give us words.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 7)
I was 16 years old when I took my pen, to commence to write. Why did I delay so long? Because of this accident, my nerves were ruined by a careless throw of a stone to frighten me. It caused me all the suffering of a lifetime. But when I pleaded with God, when I entreated Him to take me as a helpless child and to give me of His Spirit, and I would bear anything, the Lord took me off in a vision and showed me Christ—merciful, full of kindness, full of tenderness, full of love. One look prostrated me, but O, that has been enough for a lifetime. There is nothing, no inducement, no attraction, nothing at all that can come in, that can separate Christ from my soul. I love Him, I love Him with my whole heart. Why? Well, why shouldn’t I? He revealed Himself to me as my Saviour; and since that time, I have in every emergency hung my helpless soul upon Jesus Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 8)
And when, through manifold visions, the great work of salvation has been spread open to me, and the part that I must act in it, it seemed impossible. But the work given to me with that trembling hand—for the nervous system seemed to be destroyed after the accident—was: Write the things that I shall give thee. “Why,” I said, “I cannot write. I have not been to school, not a day since I was 12 years old, and I cannot write.”“Write the things that I shall give thee.”
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 9)
Well, there I had had my monitor. And who do you think was placed as my monitor but the very one that cast that stone when I was trying to get an education, and had to leave the school; my writing was under her. She knew what she had done to me, and she would try to guide my hand, but I could not write. The tears would come to her eyes, and the perspiration to her face, and she would cry. “No use.” Therefore I gave up school.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 10)
But I took in answering any points, “Write the things that I shall show thee.” And I took pen and paper, and I traced just as easily, and wrote an even hand, and the blessing of God rested upon me. Little did I think that that was to reach until I was 78 years old; that work of writing volume after volume, and volume after volume, that has passed all through our world. I have been writing the things that He gave me. And there was a helpless, unlearned child. Why have I not reason to praise Him? Have I not reason to glorify our God? I have, and I magnify His holy name!
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 11)
Verses 6-10 quoted. Now we want to come right to the simplicity of true godliness. Do we know Him by an experimental knowledge? Do we understand Him, that we can take Him at His word? O, that the Spirit and power of God might open blind eyes of understanding, that they might see Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 12)
Here Christ so loved the world that He made His pledge in regard to the creation of men, that if they failed He would give His life to redeem them. And “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not,”—that “not” is worth everything to us,—“should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] O I am so glad that we have had such a value put upon us individually. Individually—we must understand that a value is put upon us individually. What did Christ do in order to save us? He laid off His royal crown, He laid off His kingly robe, and He clothed His divinity with humanity. Just think of it! He came to our world as a little child. There He came as a babe in Bethlehem—no place. Who was He? Why, “Unto us a child is born—Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] Don’t you want Him? Will you be so careful, for fear that you will not be exalted here in this life, that you run the risk of losing life everlasting?
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 13)
Give your life to Jesus Christ, just as you are, to be a partaker with Him of His suffering. And when you are opposed and misjudged, do not make a fuss about it. Remember Christ bore it for you. And so He stood with divinity clothed with humanity, and gave an example to the whole world, that God would protect and keep by His love and power every soul that would take hold of His strength and make peace with Him. This is the very work every one of us wants.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 14)
We want heaven. What is this world good for, with all its uncertainties and its pain and its sufferings and its calamities? Tell me what this world is good for, if we have no prospect for a better life than this.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 15)
Well then, what are we to do? We are to consider the humanity of Christ, who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. And if we will learn of Him, what then? Humanity takes hold of divinity, and humanity escapes the corruption that is in the world through lust. And every victory that is gained, O what joy there is in heaven, to testify that humanity can, through partaking of divinity, be obedient to all God’s requirements—that is what it means—and escape the corruptions.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 16)
O, the world is so corrupt. It need not be. Christ embraced the whole of humanity. He wants to clothe you with the robe of His righteousness. That is why He laid off His kingly robe and came in the guise of humanity, that He might be an example to all humanity that should live upon the face of the earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 17)
O, as I have been writing so many years upon these subjects, they are never exhausted; I have just as much more to write. And as I begin to write, there is a word, perhaps, I want to put right in that place—just what it is I cannot immediately grasp. Soon it opens up as plain as day, and what it means. O how grateful I am! I lay down my pen, and I thank God that I will and can be worked by the Holy Spirit of God, that He gives me wisdom.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 18)
Now, I do not know what experiences we may have to come to in our world, if we will only escape the corruption that is in the world through lust, by taking hold and being partakers of the divine nature. That is what we need. You never will be lonesome; you never will be homesick. Why? Angels of God are around us. And we should be so grateful, so full of thankfulness, that the whole angelic host is interested in our welfare. We are not left alone to struggle on to be an overcomer in our own strength. The heavenly angels are watching to see our minds turning toward the heavenly, and then they have the perfect power to take charge of that mind.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 19)
But men must act. Man has a work to do for himself, and we must do our work. We must have the simplicity of Jesus Christ. All this faultfinding, all this perceiving of others’ wrongs that are in the church, it hurts my soul. It hurts my heart, and I feel as though I should die as I think of it. When that soul might be looking to be a partaker of the divine nature, he is looking at somebody else’s wrong, to cover up his own. Now God help us that we may walk humbly with Him. We want to be a partaker of the divine nature. And I feel so grateful to God that He will work out for us such wondrous things. I have seen it, and I know it, and He will work for us, if we will only get ourselves out of the way and give Christ a chance. But we are holding on to ourselves. We want this, we want that, and we want the other. Why, God can do wondrously for us; and He wants us to come right to Him, just as we are—needy.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 20)
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:9, 10.] Then let us, for Christ’s sake, take right hold, and be determined that we will be partakers of the divine nature; and if we will do this, we shall realize the expectation in Second Peter, the first chapter. Here we have verses 1 and 2 quoted. We want to know Him by an experimental knowledge.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 21)
Verses 3, 4 quoted. Now you are not to stop at any place—there is no hitching post. Now He has given us a sum in addition: Verses 5-8 quoted. O that we could hold to that! That we had the experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ; that His life was our pattern. He lived as we should live. He came as our example, from His childhood up; and at 12 years of age, He began to give them to understand that He knew His work and what was before Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 22)
Then they lost Him. His parents could not find Him. When they returned home, they were visiting and they forgot about the Saviour; and when they came to look for Him, He was not to be found. Then they went back. Three days they were searching for Christ, and at last His mother caught the words—His voice she understood it—and He was in the temple sitting among the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions. Now, what kind of questions was He asking them? Right in regard to the very promises that centered in Himself.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 23)
His mother came in grief, and she said: “Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing, why have Ye done thus with us?” He reached up His hand to heaven, while divinity flashed through humanity: “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.] And yet He went home and was subject unto them.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 24)
Now we have the revelations that God gave, even to children; and if fathers and if mothers could only realize, and educate their children to live upon this plan of addition from their very childhood, what families we might have—a church in every family. The father is the house-band of the family circle; the mother is the queen and educator of these children that are under her care; not a slave to educate these children; but she is to be just as tender and careful and true to teach these children how to bear the responsibilities of childhood from their earliest years. Why? Because a life, a life of wrestling, of trial, and of victory is before them.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 25)
Therefore she must educate line upon line, and precept upon precept, not to see how beautifully they can be dressed, and how they can look to excite praise, and wear out her life in that kind of work, but teach them how to lay right hold upon the things that are of value, that they may be clothed with humility and meekness, and be fitted to take their position in the family circle—the older members of the family to take care of the younger members; and thus the education, just like a church, goes on in the family. And what next? Then she is prepared that these children shall, as they are educated in the Word of God, come into church fellowship, be baptized, and there is a whole family that is where? Taking hold of the divine nature. How many fathers educate about that divine nature? Partakers of the divine nature—think of it, and talk of it.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 26)
But here is a knowledge that is presented: temperance, patience, godliness; and as we work in families on the plan of addition, to add to our own faith by faithfulness at home, by patience, by self-denial of our appetites—no liquor, no tobacco, nothing of this kind to come into our house, to keep all these narcotics away. There is little enough of us, but we want to keep what brain we have; we want to keep its strength; we want to keep the nerve power; we want to keep the nerves under control, that we will not smite our children unmercifully if they do not come right into line. There is another way. It is to pray with them; it is to talk with them. If punishment is needed, let the children see that you are punished more than they, that tears are in your eyes, that you hate to punish the flesh. This work, there is but very little of it done in our world. What an accountability fathers and mothers must meet in the judgment!
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 27)
Now, it is stated here just as distinctly, that if we work on the plan of addition, Christ will work. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:2.] Now, the more we try for knowledge, the more that knowledge will be multiplied, and you will see that there will be a learning and an education and a solidity of character and of wisdom that God imparts unto the man, so that he shall be a useful man in every line. But man destroys himself, by taking liquor and other things that lessen his vitality.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 28)
That is why we have to build sanitariums, we have to build institutes. The Lord has presented to me that there should be sanitariums all through our world, and school buildings and churches.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 29)
Where are the laborers? Where are they? An education must be given in the very household converted to God. Then we could take hold of the work. But what about all this that is being gained?
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 30)
Verse 5 quoted. “charity.” [Verse 7.] What kind of households would you have, if you cultivated these graces?
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 31)
Verse 8 quoted. That knowledge is imparted to you, if you will live on the plan of addition.
(21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, 32)
[Remainder missing.]
Ms 144, 1906
Sermon/Thoughts on Revelation 7 Oakland, California September 22, 1906 Previously unpublished.
Revelation 7:1-4, 9-14 quoted. That is the main business of our life. It means life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 1)
Verse 15 quoted. We are in good companionship, are we not?
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 2)
Verses 16, 17 quoted. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, all the congregation! Praise Him with heart and soul and voice for this assurance. These words will be verily fulfilled. Now we want—we might go on to the next chapter, but we want to speak a little on this. We want that everyone of us should be in that position where we have hearts open to understand what is for every soul that is warring the good warfare for eternal life, and for the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 3)
And when we consider Christ, the precious Saviour—that He gave the great sacrifice of Himself—He does not ask anything of any soul that is here to make a larger sacrifice than He, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Here He consented to leave the royal courts; He consented that He would take human nature upon Himself. He laid aside His kingly crown; He laid off His royal robe; He clothed His divinity with humanity, that divinity might touch humanity; and that humanity could hopefully lay hold of divinity, to have that power that they could escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 4)
Not one of us needs to fall, if we will lay right hold of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. But we cannot have this great reward if we want to mingle with the world, and if we want to climb to the highest ideas in this world, to have our name noted. No. If we are willing to be partakers of Christ and His sufferings; if we are willing to bear the reproach for Christ’s name, then the crown of immortal life will be placed upon the brow of the overcomer. We shall see the King in His beauty. He came right to this world to stand here, to bear the sins of the world, the results of the sins of the world, and in His humanity overcame the temptations of the wicked one.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 5)
Now, we want you all to understand that it is by being partakers of the divine nature that we shall escape the corruption that is in the world through lust—if you will bow in humiliation before God; if you will live a life of sacrifice, as Christ has given you an example in His Word. Do not hunger and thirst for what this one may think of you, or what the other one may think of you, if you do not enter into temptation with them. Keep yourselves upon a high, exalted level. Keep yourselves where you can indeed lay hold of the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 6)
And when you do this, your sorrows will be very endurable. Why?—because of the Word. We have the assurance. We have here our credentials. We have here that which we can rely upon from now until Christ shall come; and then the crown of glory will be placed upon every overcomer. “And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” [Revelation 12:11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 7)
Now there are testimonies that come in various ways. Who is willing to make sacrifices for the truth’s sake? Who are willing to deny themselves of selfish indulgences? Dress plainly; dress modestly. And get the best material when you get it, if you can, and do not put any trimming on it. It does not need it. When you get a good material, you do not need to put on these dressings that cost money. It costs money to purchase dress; it costs money to make it. Now let us study economy, every one of us. There is a world to save, and we cannot afford to indulge in what?—In fear of what the world will say. Well, if they do not take us as followers of Jesus Christ, what are you worth to the world? What are you doing to save them? What are you doing to uplift them? What we want is a solid hold upon the right to be partakers of the divine nature. It is our privilege. We want to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 8)
Think of His self-denial. All through His life, He was ever touched with the feeling of our infirmity—with human woe—and we want to be in that position that we have a heart that can throb with the misfortunes and the suffering of mankind. We want a heart that is sensible, perfectly sensible, to what Christ has accomplished in our behalf, and we never—try the best we can—we never can exceed Christ in the sacrifice that He made in our behalf.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 9)
Well then, let me tell you the great step that He made to come to this world, leaving the heavenly courts—let that speak to you.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 10)
And let every one feel an interest in the work that we are trying to do to bring the Bible, the precious Word, before the people. Because Christ says, “It is Spirit, and it is life,” and therefore we want that life. [John 6:63.] If we will be partakers of the divine nature, we shall eat of the bread of life; and Christ says, if we eat of the bread of life, He will raise us up at the last day. He will give us eternal life, life, eternal life, that measures with the life of God. That is the life that every one of us may have if we will. But it rests with us whether we will.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 11)
Now may the Lord so soften and subdue our hearts that we may see the great and matchless worth that Christ is to us, that He has given us assurance of a life that measures with the life of God. It is not like the life that we have here. There is no pain, no sorrow, but it is a life of the highest dignity. And it will take a great deal for any of us to study His Word and to understand it in all its bearings. It is doing the Word. It is living the Word. It is coming out from the world, and being separate, and touching not the unclean things. “Come out from among them. Come out,” said Christ; and He is the Bread of life. [2 Corinthians 6:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 12)
Now we must enter into His life, by being partaker of what?—His purity. Partakers of what? by standing on the highest level of what?—sanctification, holiness.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 13)
And in doing this we have our life insurance policy. That you will find in the first chapter of Second Peter. Now he tells you what you will have. “You must add to your faith virtue, charity.” And then what? “If ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [Verses 5, 7, 10.] What is that but a life insurance policy? You read it when you get home. What is that but a policy which will insure us to a life that measures with the life of God. And can you not make any sacrifice here in this world that you may be accounted worthy to have a life insurance policy, of everlasting life?
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 14)
I beseech of you, my brethren and my sisters, Let us every one see what we can do for the Master right in this meeting, right in these meetings that are being held. They are not for your amusement. They are not for any motive except to work diligently, that you may be inclined to choose Christ Jesus as your portion, as one that can save to the utmost all that come to Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 15)
Now we invite you to arouse for your life. We invite you that you shall press to the mark of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, that you will allow nothing to interpose between your soul and God.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 16)
We understood a contribution was taken up here this forenoon, that those who wanted to give might help those who wanted the saving grace of God—to give them a chance. Now we want to say, There was one who gave quite a sum to help the work along. Was she wealthy? She is a widow. She works over the sick; she tries to take charge of the sick and the suffering, and she brought her large donation. She gave more than the whole church raised in that meeting. Now, do you think she would have done it, unless she had had a right hold of the hand of Jesus Christ? I thank the Lord, and if my sister is here, I thank you; and I ask you, for Christ’s sake to lay right hold upon the promises, because you may. The Lord wants us to. And although you are a widow, you have no houses and no land, but it is out of your earnings that you received this sum to give to the people of God. The Lord will remember you. And we hope that if at any time you are brought under pressure, there will be those who will remember how you lifted, that they might have means to carry on work in this city.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 17)
It takes money to carry on the work. Let every one do what he can, and the Lord of heaven will just as surely brighten up your experience, because this is your life insurance policy. And it is worth more than all the life insurances that you can enter into according to a worldly point of view. But it is life, eternal life that we are reaching after; it is the crown of glory that fadeth not away. We want that there should be an education right here on this point, that Brother Haskell and his wife, Brother Rice and his wife, and others that may unite with them, that their whole hearts will be in the work to save souls. There is nothing that can equal this. One soul, Christ pronounces, is worth more than the whole world beside. Then if we are blessed in this life-saving policy to see the souls that are being saved, we want to see them. We invite every one of you that wants to know any Bible truth to come here to the school, the educational school, and try to learn how that you can receive life.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 18)
And the children, we certainly want them to have some part in this matter. We want life, and Christ can give us life. There never was a time when we needed more to understand what we are to do than right here at this time. We want your hearts softened. We want the light of heaven to come right into your souls—kindness, self-denial, and sacrifice. We want all these to be brought into your lives, and then remember that Christ gave His life to a life of self-denial, of self-sacrifice; and then He is going to lead us.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 19)
[Revelation 7] Verse 17 quoted. That is our reward. And we cannot afford to lose it. Now I want to say, Do not let anyone come to you and you not be able to lead them step by step heavenward. They will have self-sacrificing to do; and if they are being led on, and proved and sanctified, and are numbered with the host that is here represented, they shall hunger no more. “Therefore,”verse 15 quoted. What is He doing? “They”verses 16, 17 quoted.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 20)
Now there is the promise, and we want to ask high or low, rich or poor, we want to ask you to take part with us in advancing heavenward. We want to ask you to be of that number which Christ shall lead to the living waters, and to whom He shall explain His Word. Here is promise after promise that is given in the Word. “And I saw another sign.”Revelation 15:1, 2 quoted.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 21)
Just think of that. Having the harps of God. Keep that before you, that there is a victory to gain, a precious victory, every day; and we want to see souls brought to a knowledge of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 22)
Let everyone do his best. Go to your neighbors, talk with them, and they may see the light that we have seen and that we have been rejoicing in now for half a century. And yet we are not discouraged, and we would say: Let the light of truth shine into your hearts, and into your minds, that you may reflect the divine image.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 23)
Verse 4 quoted. Now this is something that we want to take in. Will you study the Bible? Will you study Revelation, that you treat just as though it were a sealed book? When the Lord Jesus Christ came to reveal it unto John, His servant, and when He represented His glory before him, he fell as one dead; and the Lord strengthened him to hear the message that was coming to the churches. Read it, and you will find what it is, from the first of Revelation to the last, you will see what it means. We want everyone to be converted. We do not want one soul to be under the discipline of Satan. We do not want one soul to be held in the travails of the enemy. We want that everyone should come to Jesus Christ in their simplicity, in their humbleness of mind, and we want them to surrender to Jesus Christ. And we want them then to testify before angels and men, as they go down into the water; and as they receive baptism. And what do they find there?
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 24)
“The likeness.” [Romans 6:5.] They are buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection. And then what? All heaven is pledged in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost they receive at their baptism. That heavenly party is pledged that They will be with you to keep your baptismal vows, and that you shall rise up from the water to live in newness of life. “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:3.] And then you are to live the new life unto Jesus Christ. He loves you. He has made all these provisions, that the power of Satan should be broken off from human minds, that you should take hold of a power, yes, a power. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—all these blend, and in Their strength you can be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the words of your testimony. Will you try it? Will you watch, will you pray, will you have your seasons to lay hold of the promises? I want heaven.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 25)
I have been more than half a century in the world. I am now nearly 79, shall be in two or three months. I have proved Him, I have found Him a strength to me. And when I was in your meeting here, the camp meeting that was here, I want to tell you that I had been suffering under influenza again and again and again, until I felt that I could not speak more than fifteen minutes. But just as soon as I rose upon my feet, I felt the everlasting arms were around me. I went there meeting after meeting, I bore my testimony; I worked in the revival efforts, and I was refreshed every time. When I came there, I felt as though I was invigorated and refreshed. And I have kept it ever since. The Spirit and power of God have been with me since that time, and many know how I have suffered with the influenza. But I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice that He has given me strength to again stand before the people and call upon them to come: “Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 26)
Now this is the message that I bear to you. May God give you help and strength and grace.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 27)
I want to know right here how many that are here who will take up this work? How many of you will see the necessity of living a life of holiness unto God, if you will be with the holy ones in heaven? You must not wait till the last moment; you must take right hold when the Spirit speaks to you. How many will make their covenant with God by sacrifice this very day, to serve the living and the true God? Let them rise right up.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 28)
Amen and amen. I thank God with heart and soul and voice, because I believe you mean it. I want you to mean it. My very soul is drawn out after every one of you, and we want all to unite in the work. Do not give up to lightness and trifling; but wherever you are, see if you cannot sow the seed of the Word of God, if you cannot plant holiness from the Word into the human mind, if you cannot get a grasp of souls, that they shall accept the hope of eternal life. God help us that the Holy Spirit may come upon us here.
(21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, 29)
Ms 145, 1906
Sermon/Lessons From the Fifteenth of John “Laguna Street Church,” San Francisco, California November 3, 1906 Previously unpublished. +
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. 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. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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.” [John 15:1-4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 1)
Let us bear these words in mind and carry them out in all our works. Let us remember that if we claim to be believers in Christ, and yet do not the works of Christ; if we are studying all the time how we shall gain temporal advantages for ourselves, we shall miss the mark. By working selfishly, we reveal that we have concluded to take ourselves in our own hands, to make our own mark, and to follow our own inclinations, and yet we continue to make a profession of godliness. In doing this, we wonderfully deceive ourselves. Not one of us can afford to do it. It is too expensive a matter for us to claim to be children of God, and yet work away from the life of Christ. We should, every one of us, be in a position where we glorify God day by day.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 2)
“Now ye are clean through the Word.” [Verse 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 3)
“Through the Word.” [Verse 3.] We must know what the “Word” is. We must understand what it means, what it says. We are not in safety at all, unless we search the Scriptures; for in them we think we have eternal life—and we do, if we obey.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 4)
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” [Verse 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 5)
Wonderful privilege! Is this possible? Can we abide in Christ, and Christ abide in us? This is possible. We can, and our life will be filled with happiness. We might expend all our strength and capabilities on ourselves, in advantaging ourselves, in trying to please ourselves, and in conforming with the spirit and temper of the world; but what then? We would lose eternal life that would otherwise be ours. Yes; we cannot afford to live a divided life. We must live a life of consecration to God. When we shall consecrate our lives to God, the grace of Jesus Christ will come upon us. It is the simplicity of godliness that enables us to honor and glorify God, and that gives us a clear understanding of what the will of God is.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 6)
“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.” [Verses 4, 5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 7)
The bearing of much fruit is evidence that we abide in Christ. Then how careful we should be to carry out every word of instruction, every requirement, found in the Word; for God’s will concerning man is given to us line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. It is given that we may be placed in a position where we can honor God upon the earth by living in accordance with His character. We are then representing to the world what it means to abide in Christ. God will help us with all the heavenly powers, the heavenly angels, to do His will, to communicate to us the strength, the power, the facility, that will enable us to come right to the people where they are, and by living faith awaken an interest in the truth in the minds of those who know not the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 8)
There is a world to save; and if you and I have a living connection with God, if Christ is abiding in our hearts by a living, active faith, we shall manifest that faith in our works, and thus bear testimony to the whole world. Our lives are to be so fully assimilated in the life of Christ that wherever we come into contact with humanity, we shall testify by our words and actions that we are abiding in the True Vine.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 9)
Christ is not here in person to speak for Himself; but He has given us His Word. He tells us to eat it; He tells us to live it. We are to bring our life into right relation to Him, that He may speak to the world through us. Will we do it? Will we ever put on Christ? Will we ever abide in Christ? Will we have life to the glory of God? My dear brethren and sisters, examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith. Except Christ be in you, you are reprobates.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 10)
I hope that not a soul of us who is here today will attain to a cheapness of experience. In our association with one another, we should try to be a help and a blessing. In all that we say and do, we are to keep Christ in view, that we may not dishonor Him in any way. If you think that some one is wrong, and speak to him in a discourteous manner, you are liable to arouse in his mind a spirit similar to that which you have manifested. This you cannot afford to do. This is working in harmony with Satan’s purpose. Not one of us can afford to lend his influence on the side of the enemy. We need to lay hold on Christ Jesus and to exemplify His character in the life practice. Then those with whom we associate will see that we are not shaping our characters after the worldly similitude. They will see that we are living in accordance with the divine pattern, which we behold.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 11)
When you went down into the water and were baptized in the name of the three great Worthies in heaven, you professed to be dead unto the world. As a solemn token of your profession of faith, you were laid under the water, in the sight of the heavenly universe, and were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. At that time, the apostle declares, “Ye are dead, and your life is hid”—where?—“with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:3.] He who chooses to have a living connection with our Saviour will have a living connection with our God; and he will exemplify the spirit of Christ in life and character.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 12)
This is what you have pledged yourself, in the presence of the whole heavenly universe, to do. And if, in association with the world, you reveal an ambition to act and look and dress and talk like worldlings; if you reveal worldliness of mind and character, you dishonor God greatly. Christ left the royal courts that He might redeem mankind. He laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and came to this earth to stand at the head of humanity. At the same time, He retained His divine nature while living in the guise of humanity. Why? In order that divinity and humanity, combined in our Lord, might make such an impression upon the human family that they would, by a living connection with Him, escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 13)
The enemy of our souls is no ordinary foe. He was once one of the highest intelligences in the heavenly universe. And since his fall from heaven, he has had long experience in dealing with human minds, and in manipulating them in accordance with his will. We can be saved from his snares only by beholding and imitating the life of Christ. This is our only hope. We must die to the world and to sin and be baptized. Then we shall have the privilege of walking in newness of life.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 14)
Christ has trodden the path before us. He has borne every test that could be brought to bear upon Him by Satan. He has made it possible, by a life of obedience, for us to become partakers of the divine nature, and to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Thus we shall reveal to the world that we are His children, His chosen people.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 15)
The Jews failed of fulfilling God’s purpose, and hence they were cut off. They can be grafted into the parent stock again and bear fruit to the glory of God, if they, in humility, stand on the right platform. Notwithstanding Christ’s miracles, the Jews—His own chosen people—refused to receive Him. They ascribed His power to cast out devils to the chief of devils. They were not able to discern the divinity of His mission. They disconnected from the True Vine and were cut off altogether.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 16)
These words regarding fruit bearing were spoken by Christ to His disciples in the presence of the Jewish people who flocked around Him on every side. The disciples were able to understand Him, because of the simplicity of His words. And every soul of us who chooses to believe in Christ can understand His words.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 17)
Who is this Jesus? Ask Isaiah who He is, and he will declare: “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.] In Him all the attributes of God are combined. And those who claim to be His followers, and to reveal in their lives similar attributes, are to stand on vantage ground. They are not to be easily offended. Under provocation, they are to remain patient and kind. Thus they will properly represent Christ. As Christians imitate His meek and lowly disposition their consciences will be void of offense toward God or man. They will know that they are not hurting the feelings of others by speaking harsh words or words of criticism.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 18)
Christ is our living, working Master. We little appreciate the advantage we enjoy of standing on the platform of eternal truth, and of carrying out this truth in our missionary work. We have opportunities everywhere, in every place. And right where we are living, we are to represent Christ in our life practice.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 19)
I receive many, many letters—some of them sent from places thousands of miles away—asking me to pray for certain individuals, that they may have this or that blessing. Often, when reading such letters, I feel a sadness come over my spirit. Why? Because those who have written do not seem to recognize Christ, who has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 20)
We have a Friend who knows every heartbeat, who knows every circumstance; and yet we are prone to look to someone else, perhaps thousands of miles away, to pray for us. Why can we not pray for ourselves? We mistake our Lord. We do not fully understand Him. He is just as willing to hear any other poor, trembling soul as He is to hear me. He calls upon all to study His life. This is what He means by the eating of His flesh and the drinking of His blood. He declares, “The flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] We are to stand where we shall manifest this life—where the truth can sanctify soul, body, and spirit.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 21)
Every one who recognizes the value of a human soul will work to bring forth fruit to the glory of God by working for souls. He will be a co-worker with Christ Jesus. “Ye are laborers together”—together, together—“with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] As you place yourself in right relation with those who are out of Christ, and labor lovingly for them, you will not have so much delicacy that you fear to speak to them. There are souls who are starving for a word of comfort and encouragement—a word that you can give. We must all strive to help one another and to climb the hills of difficulty.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 22)
Many times I receive a letter saying that the writer had sent to me for advice regarding a certain thing, but had not received any reply. There is a reason for this. I have much to do. Often messages are given me that I must write out as fast as my pen can go. Frequently, I am up at one o’clock in the morning, tracing these messages. And God helps me. I know He does. Words come to my mind to trace on paper; and before my breakfast is ready, at half-past seven o’clock, it is no unusual thing for me to have finished writing out ten or fifteen pages of letter paper, or even more, to be sent to places where help is needed in order to surmount difficulties.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 23)
Let no one hesitate to come freely to Jesus, for He has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] Do not pass Him by. Depend not on what some human being may tell you. Go to Jesus. He died a most cruel, humiliating death in order that He might bring you into right relation with Himself as your Saviour, as your Redeemer, as your Helper, as One who can give life. His Word is life, eternal life.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 24)
And this is what we want—life eternal. We must not fail of making sure of this. If you are a child of God, and feel in need of more power and grace, just go to the Saviour, and say, “I am needy, Lord. I desire Thy help. May my heart be so sanctified to Thee that I may reveal Thee to those who are around me.” He will hear and answer such a prayer. But there is a part for you to act. You are to be a co-laborer with God. He will work, and you are to work. Through self-denial and self-sacrifice, you are to place yourself in a position where you shall be a partaker with Christ of His sufferings. It is important that we understand this fully. We are not “dummies” merely, but have a part to act in the divine plan of salvation.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 25)
We need to have a greater burden for souls than we reveal. We need to manifest love for perishing souls, and to be so fully conversant with the Word that we can teach man and women regarding the life to come.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 26)
Here, sitting before me, is a mother with several children. A solemn responsibility rests upon this mother, with reference to these children. Every mother is to mold and fashion the minds of her children after the divine similitude. It is of no use to think that it is unnecessary to do more than a haphazard work for them. Mothers are to watch, lest the enemy shall take possession of the children’s minds. Parents, give your children to Christ, and work with Him in the formation of character. Watch the unfolding of the mind. Lead your children into the fold of Christ. As you do this, you will be instructed by Him, and your reward will be great. You will not have to write thousands of miles off to receive instruction regarding what you ought to do. Christ is near. Seek Him right where you are. He is your help, your strength, your frontguard and your rearward, the Mighty Counselor. He will place us on an exalted platform before the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 27)
We see what difficulties you are in here at San Francisco. What is the use to put your mind and soul and body to tax to please the world? What is the use of it? We see the highest authorities that have been ruling in San Francisco in contention. They are acting like a family of unruly little children, contending for place and position. What confidence can we have that such men are suitable to carry the responsibilities connected with the governing of this city? I ask you, What confidence can we have in them? We need to learn who is the Mighty Counselor. We need to depend on the One who came into this world and from childhood lived under the supervision of God and of a pious mother who brought Him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 28)
What a lesson of obedience there is in the readiness of Jesus to return to His home at Nazareth after His parents found Him sitting at the feet of the doctors in the temple! Supposing He was in the company that was returning, His parents journeyed from Jerusalem and left Him behind. It took only one day for them to lose Him, and it was three days before they found Him. During this time, the mother was in great agony of mind. Finally the parents recognized His voice in the temple, and there they found Him among the doctors, listening to them and asking questions.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 29)
The doctors were astonished at His learning, as He had never been in one of their schools. And yet when the mother said unto Him, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing,” Jesus, who had been talking upon the realities that were to come to the world, in the revelation of Jesus Christ, said unto them, “How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?”“They understood not the saying which He spake unto them.” But the mother understood much of what this meant. She knew that Jesus was beginning to realize His relation to His heavenly Father. And what did the Saviour do? “He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.” [Luke 2:48-51.] There in His humble home He worked at the carpenter’s trade. In every experience in life He revealed the character of His heavenly Father and was an exemplar of filial obedience.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 30)
This record is given for the instruction of mothers and fathers. We need to be truly converted to God. Our faculties are to be made keen, our intellects to be increased in strength by a cultivation of the principles of self-denial and self-sacrifice that actuated the life of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 31)
When I think of these things in the night season, my prayer is, “O God, help me to present to the people the simplicity of true godliness.” This is what I greatly desire to do. We are liable to try to get up above the work of God. We should try to come down to the level of true Christianity. Let us not disappoint our Lord by uttering trifling, fretful, impatient words. Let us never scold. Why, such words are not Christlike. The enemy of our souls prompts such words. Often, under provocation, silence is eloquence. When words are spoken that irritate, remain silent. Nothing equals this form of reproof to the one who would hurt your feelings. Let us learn of Christ Jesus and be crucified with Him. Crucifixion of self—this is often lost sight of. Let us not shrink from following the pathway that Christ has trod.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 32)
Let us read on: “He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.... If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:5, 7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 33)
Do we realize this? “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [Verse 7.] How wonderful this promise! Who made it?—the One who gave His life for the world. Cannot you take Him at His word? Cannot you plead with Him, repeating this promise, and then saying, “You said it, Lord, You said it; and now I come to Thee; I am tempted, I am tried; and now, I beseech Thee, grant me help!” Let your heart break before Him. It would not hurt you at all, were you to shed some tears. Remember how Christ used to go with His disciples into some solitary place, and then He would leave them, and they would soon hear Him at a little distance from them, praying for hours at a time, with strong supplication and tears. “Why should He do this?” you inquire. Oh, He was tempted in all points like as we are, and He felt the need of drawing strength from the great Source of all strength, to bear the trials that came upon Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 34)
And thus it is with us. When we are sorely tempted, we have a sure Refuge. The Saviour understands all about our great need, and He will never disappoint us when we come to Him with sincerity of purpose and make our requirements known. Pray, O pray, brethren and sisters! This is the way we must obtain the victory. You cannot gain victories by resting satisfied with a half-hearted experience. We must by agonizing pleadings obtain an experience in wrestling with God that will strengthen us for every unforeseen trial. The Holy Spirit is granted to every one who is in need of divine power and who places himself in connection with heavenly agencies.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 35)
“If a man abide not in Me,” Christ declares, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered.” How many of us are withered? In a withered branch there is no vitality, and from it there is produced no fruit unto life eternal. Of withered branches it is said, “Men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [Verse 6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 36)
“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [Verse 7.] “And My words abide in you.” This implies a careful study of the Word. Brethren and sisters, study the Bible. Put your novels into the fire. Make a great bonfire of all the novels you have. Let them not come into the hands of your children. Let every novel be consumed. You have no time to read them, nor have your children.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 37)
The promise, “Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,” is conditional; it is dependent on whether we abide in Christ, and His words abide in us.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 38)
“Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” [Verse 8.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 39)
There is much missionary work to be done in this city and in Oakland. If you approach the people in the simplicity of Christ, and in a kind way help them and speak with them, you will see of the salvation of God. In Cooranbong, when our work was starting there, we had meager facilities for holding meetings; and often we would appoint an outdoor meeting in a country district. I would stand in the bed of our phaeton and speak to the men and women who gathered there; and then we would try to get acquainted with them. Mothers were there, with their babies in their arms; and the tears would roll down their faces as they listened to the words spoken. Thus we labored in many places around Cooranbong. Now, that is an important center for our work in Australasia and the islands of the sea. We have a good foothold in Australia; the publishing work, the educational work, and the sanitarium work are all established on a firm basis. The blessing of the Lord rested upon the early efforts put forth there and is resting upon the work there still.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 40)
We cannot expect to see souls brought to a knowledge of the truth, while we sit still and do nothing. And if we leave all the work to the ministry, we make a sad mistake. The minister has his work of ministering in the desk; and there remains a most solemn, important work to be done by the church members;—house-to-house work. There are papers that can be carried to the homes of the people. There are opportunities of reading to the people and telling them of the importance and the simplicity of the truth contained in these publications. There are many opportunities for doing a work similar to that which Elder Haskell and his wife have been teaching many to do. We thank God that they have been meeting with success in doing this line of work; but we desire to see a larger number who understand that they must give their lives to Jesus Christ and His service.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 41)
We are to be laborers together—remember the “together”—with God. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ works, and we must co-operate with Him in order to draw the attention of the people to Him. You must work to awaken an interest in souls. You must be converted men and women, daily converted. It is not safe for you to be unconverted and to remain under your own control—no, not for a single hour; because Satan will watch his opportunity and may bring some misfortune upon you when you are not upheld by the power of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 42)
“Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. As the father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love.” [John 15:8, 9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 43)
This means a great deal. Christ revealed His love for us by coming to this world to seek and to save the lost. Let us remember the injunction, “Continue ye in My love.” [Verse 9.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 44)
“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.” [Verse 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 45)
Let us abide in His love. To the parents who are here, I would say: For Christ’s sake manifest the patience and meekness and love of the Saviour toward your little children.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 46)
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [Verse 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 47)
He does not speak these things unto you to make you cross, but “that your joy might be full.” [Verse 11.] He speaks to you in order that you may look to Him and draw from Him strength and light and power.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 48)
“This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 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. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.” [Verses 12-15.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 49)
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you”—just think of that—“and ordained you”—will you remember that?—“that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” [Verse 16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 50)
“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. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had had no sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” [Verses 18-22.]
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 51)
If we will to do the will of God, we shall know His doctrine. We shall not be in perplexity. When I consider in the night season what a happy privilege is set before those who believe in Christ Jesus; when I consider how they can present to Him the promise, “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” [Verse 7]; when I realize that if we abide in Him, we shall ask the proper thing, I am overwhelmed with the thought of the love of God. Abiding in Him, we shall not ask for riches or for the pleasures of this world, but we shall ask to be Christlike, and our Redeemer will make us Christlike.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 52)
Jesus loves us with a love that is infinite. He desires that we shall all be happy in this life, and that we shall receive, finally, the life that measures with the life of God, eternal life in the kingdom of glory. This is what our Saviour desires us to have. Let us all stand on the side of the One who enables us to overcome. “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.” [Revelation 3:21.] Will we do this? The battle, the striving, is left with us. It is not necessary for you to try to do something wonderful of yourself. You need only to believe in Christ. Believe that He will take you just as you are. Believe that His power will rest upon you. Believe that He gives you just what you ask for. In believing thus, you will find that the grace of Jesus Christ will be upon you, and you will praise Him because of your infinite privileges.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 53)
“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.] Enter not into the frivolities of the world. Enter rather upon the suffering part of religion, if need be. You need not make yourselves sufferers unnecessarily. You need not place yourselves where you are not called upon to stand; for then you are not in reality partaking of Christ’s sufferings. But wherever you are, be prepared to look unto Jesus, who is the Author and the Finisher of your faith. Realize that there is a mighty working agency in the heavenly courts, and that Christ is presenting your cases before the Father.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 54)
No matter how great a sinner you have been, if you truly repent of your sins, you will be forgiven, and He will allow you to stand before Him. He presents His wounded hands to the Father, and declares: “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] His pierced hands He presents before His Father as an evidence of His right to ask that men and women shall be overcomers, if they repent. And every one that sincerely repents of his sins will be enabled to overcome.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 55)
Let us seek to get away from our sins. Let us put away sin from us. Let us come right to Christ, and say, Here I am, all sinful and polluted. I cast my helpless soul upon Thee. I believe in Thee. I will honor Thee upon the earth. I will be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings on this earth, for He was a partaker of suffering on my behalf when He was on earth. I will, I will yield my whole heart and affection to Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 56)
And when you have made this surrender, do not afterward give way to a spirit of scolding and fretting. A manifestation of such a spirit will give no relief at all. Use your power of speech to the glory of God. Let you lips utter only those words that will honor God’s name. Go right to unbelievers and ask them if they have a few moments to listen to something you desire to read from one of our publications. And then take the Scriptures, and show the people what these things mean. In this way you can be laborers together with God. This is what is wanted. Will you do it? Every soul that will repent before God will be forgiven. The converting power of God will be revealed through those who become united with the True Vine. Under temptation, they will bear the right kind of fruit to the glory of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 57)
I have presented these few words before you, and I now beg of you, for Christ’s sake, to humble yourselves before God. Do not try to humble someone else. Let us humble ourselves before God. Every one is to deal with his individual self. When we are converted, we shall be able to strengthen our brethren. We are not to find fault and complain, but we are to come to Jesus Christ and let Him convert the soul. This prepares us to co-operate with God in the conversion of other souls.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 58)
Missionary work is to be done all through these cities. Lay right hold of this missionary work. Yield not to discouragement. The power of God will attend you because you have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and the names of these three Worthies of heaven you can present as your power and efficiency. You are to remain dead unto the world and alive unto God. May the Lord’s blessing rest upon you, and may you have the comfort of His grace day by day and finally shout the triumphs of victory in the kingdom of glory. We can meet there. Oh, may God help us. I believe He will.
(21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, 59)
Ms 146, 1906
Sermon/“Remember the Sabbath Day, To Keep It Holy” “Laguna Street Church,” San Francisco, California November 10, 1906 Previously unpublished.
In Genesis we read: “God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 1)
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” [Genesis 1:31; 2:1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 2)
Let us turn to the twentieth chapter of Exodus. Here we find recorded the Ten Commandments.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 3)
“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” [Verses 1-4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 4)
Let us bear this in mind. No image is to be made to represent God; no image is to be worshiped in the place of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 5)
“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 6)
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 7)
“Remember”—now here is something that is particularly enjoined on every one of us: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Verses 5-11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 8)
Look at the world, and see what they are doing. There is only a remnant who are keeping the Sabbath and who are explaining its importance to the people and urging them to keep the very day that God has specified. The Ten Commandments have been given us to observe.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 9)
It was because of our desire to let the people know of the Sabbath truth that my husband and I, many years ago, came to Oakland and San Francisco. We knew that some provision must be made for the people to assemble to worship God. At that time we had no house of worship in either city; but we went to work with a will. We sold our property in Michigan, and, with a few others, many of whom are now sleeping in the grave, we erected this meetinghouse in San Francisco. When I heard of the earthquake and the conflagration, I wondered if the meetinghouse were destroyed. Well, here it is, and here I am standing in the desk to speak.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 10)
In order to advance the cause, my husband did the work of three men. His whole soul was in the cause of present truth. In 1881 we had to close his eyes in death, and lay him away, there to rest until the morning of the resurrection. After his death, some of our brethren came to me, and asked, “What are you going to do? Will your work stop now? Shall we not come and pray for the Lord to raise your husband from the dead?”“No,” said I; “he has done the work of three men, and he has died in the faith. Let him rest until the morning of the resurrection. I shall have my sons to depend on to help me in my work. The Lord is coming, and we must prepare for it. We must prepare a people to stand in that day.”
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 11)
I was not expected to live until the time of the Lord’s coming because of having been a sufferer nearly all my life. But the Lord God in mercy has given me health and strength; and the twenty-sixth of this month (November), if I live, I shall be seventy-nine years old. I have never suffered so little pain in my life as I have during the past few years. Especially since the July camp meeting in Oakland, I have been blessed in health. Before that meeting, I had been writing early in the morning, night after night, from one o’clock—and sometimes from twelve o’clock—till breakfast time; and then through the hours of the day, in order to prepare manuscripts that were to be sent to all parts of the world. Every morning I felt as if possibly it might be the last morning I should see.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 12)
But at the camp meeting held in Oakland, the blessing of the Lord came upon me; and although I felt great weakness at the beginning of that meeting, yet I stood up before a large congregation in the mammoth tent; and as I began to speak, the blessing of God rested upon me in a very special manner. Every time I spoke during that meeting (six or seven times in all, besides laboring sometimes for those who came forward for prayers), I had not a weary feeling in my body. I felt like one refreshed. I felt like one upon whom the blessing of God was resting. I was very thankful indeed for His presence. Since that meeting, most of my time has been spent in writing and in speaking; and yet I am thankful to be able to say that the Lord has preserved me, so that I feel no discomfort healthwise. I have been revived by the Holy Spirit. I thank the Lord for all this. I praise His holy name with heart and soul and voice.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 13)
I desire to say to you that I have realized the blessing that comes from keeping the Sabbath. At the beginning of my Christian experience I knew nothing about God’s holy Sabbath; but soon after the period of disappointment in 1844, additional light came; and as we began to inquire into matters, the light of the Sabbath broke in upon us, and we have been teaching this truth ever since that time. We have no doubt but that these commandments of God are given to perfect Christian character through obedience. This is why we are here today—as an evidence that we keep the seventh-day Sabbath, not the first day of the week. The first day is not the Sabbath that the Lord has specified. In the commandment is specified the seventh day. “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day.” What is the conclusion? “Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Verse 11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 14)
There is not a single evidence in all the Word of God that this day, which God has blessed and sanctified, has been changed by Him afterward into a common working day.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 15)
The remaining commandments are:
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 16)
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 17)
“Thou shalt not kill.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 18)
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 19)
“Thou shalt not steal.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 20)
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 21)
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.” [Verses 12-17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 22)
These are the commandments of God. Regarding these holy precepts, and particularly the fourth, we read in the thirty-first chapter of Exodus:
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 23)
“The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Verses 12, 13.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 24)
“It is a sign.” [Verse 13.] Let us not forget this. When God gives a sign, He means that we shall recognize it. Through obedience to the law of God, we are to have a knowledge of the fact that the Lord is our sanctification and our redemption. Whatever the world may do, whatever any denomination may do, no man or no company of men can change the Word of the Lord. It means just what it reads.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 25)
“The Sabbath is a sign”—how long? “Throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you. Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death.” [Verses 13, 14.] The death penalty is not now required, but it was exacted in the days of Israel for Sabbath-breaking. When a man wilfully went before the congregation and gathered up wood to make a fire, or did some other unnecessary work, he did it against the commandment of the Lord and was cut off from the people because of his transgression. God is very particular regarding the observance of His holy law. And although the death penalty is not now exacted, yet there is coming a time when man must answer for every disregard of God’s law. Upon us rests a solemn duty to study how to observe the Sabbath of the Lord our God and to teach others regarding its sacredness.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 26)
“Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you. Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” [Verses 14-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 27)
Do you desire to destroy the covenant between yourselves and your God? “A perpetual covenant” means just what it says. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever;” God declares, “for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” [Verses 16, 17.] This is our evidence. You will see ere long that there will be those who will become weary of hearing repeated the things that they ought to do but do not desire to do, and they will change the wording of the Bible. We know what the Lord says in Revelation about those who do that. “A perpetual covenant” is a perpetual covenant.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 28)
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you.” [Verses 1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 30)
The Lord does not immediately execute His judgments, but He gives time for the people to come back to a knowledge of the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 31)
“But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land wither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” [Verses 4-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 32)
Not only will our brethren and sisters in the church understand, but the nations of the earth will see and know that the Lord has power to shield and guard those who keep God’s commandments. Commandment keepers will stand before the world and before God as “a wise and understanding people.” [Verse 6.] And if the commandments of God had been kept, oh, what a different state of things would exist in the world today!
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 33)
Why here we should be going forth, and every one that shall speak in meetinghouses should give the very same message that God gave; but here we see that they are laboring a first-day law that shall forbid any work being done on the first day. Well, now, that is an insult to Jehovah, and supposing, dear friends, supposing that the people had kept the law of Jehovah. Would they be in the situation they are in today? Would this earthquake have come? Would this suffering and death be brought to so many? This great loss of property—would it have come? No, no; for God says He will keep them, He will bless them.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 34)
“For what nation is so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for?”Deuteronomy 4:7. Well, then, search it out, find out what God has said. Find out what God will claim as His right—obedience. And then, let me tell you, in doing obedience, you can ask Him for His blessing, and He will give it to you. Now He says: Verse 8, quoted. “So righteous.” Why, it is righteousness. It is taught that neighbor shall look after neighbor, and that they should be friendly, and that all wickedness should be put away. Now, we have a very busy devil in our world. He is gathering in his harvest. We cannot afford to dishonor God one iota in disregarding one precept of His law.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 35)
Verse 8; Verse 9. “all the days of thy life.”“Teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons.”Verse 10.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 36)
Do you suppose that these robbers that are filling up their wickedness, do you suppose that if they had been educated from their childhood to respect the law of God, to be obedient to it, do you think that they would be found among the robbers? No indeed.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 37)
First portion of (Verse 10) quoted: “And I will make them hear My words.” Yes. There was a cloud that covered the mount. Through that cloud they heard the words of the infinite God that came down from the infinite God to Sinai, and there He spoke these words with a voice that made the people tremble every time they heard it.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 38)
“I will make them hear My words”—last part of Verse 10 quoted.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 39)
Now I want every one to consider what kind of an account the parents have to answer to if they let their children come up in ignorance and disobedience of the very words that the Lord has spoken. You consider that. We have children. We must bring those children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In every house is a church. We should realize, in every house, if it is only father and mother and the children, they are to be educated and trained to fear God and keep His commandments. Why?—Because all will be cut off to be punished by the wicked, who disregard this Word of the living God.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 40)
And there sacredly they are preserved, and they will be brought forth. They are hidden now, but they will be brought forth in that great day, when every case is judged and every case is settled, whether the man will be obedient to God or obedient to the great transgression of God’s law. Now we have a case to settle with our God, and I am very anxious that you shall have all the blessings that are possible to come through obedience, and I would invite every one of you to make the Bible your textbook, and do you search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life. Yes, and you are to think, for it is a right kind of a thought, that if you obey the Word of God, it is life, eternal life, to you. It is not make-believe.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 43)
“To teach you statutes.” Moses is talking. He is going to leave the children of Israel soon, and he is talking:
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 45)
“that teach you statutes” ... Verses 14, 15.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 46)
“Lest ye.” Now let us see why they do not find any similitude. Verse 16. Now you see they are guarding every point.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 47)
Verse 19. “To worship them.” They are grand beings, wonderful beings. But there is One that created them, that demands all your service. The whole confidence of your life and heart and soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 48)
Now He has divided all these blessings; He has given unto man. Well, now, it seems that we ought to respect the law, and to do His commandments; and thus He goes on. He gives, He enforces the law of God, and over and over it is enforced, and you read through Deuteronomy, these Scriptures, and you will see what blessings the Lord gave them; and He tells them not to make marriages with the daughters and sons of unbelievers, “for they will turn away thy sons from following thee, ... unto the Lord thy God.”
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 50)
Keep His commandments how long? How long?—To a thousand generations. Now then, when those thousands of generations are brought in, we, all that are in the world, that have served God will be translated to heaven, and the dead shall be called forth, and there we shall see the King in His beauty. Yes; He comes for us; He raises the dead; He calls them, and He takes the clouds with Him, and the gates of the holy city are swung back on their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 52)
Do you suppose that He would bring in there one that would not keep His commandments in the world, after He told them to do it? Would He bring in father or mother or children to spoil the heavenly courts? They have had one rebellion, but they will never have another one. No; those who are commandment keepers, and that are tried, and that love God supremely, they will have a welcome into the golden city. There they will be welcomed by Christ Jesus, for they have kept His commandments. Now I wanted to read this, that you might know that the Lord has respect unto those that are obedient. But what shall we do now? Why, the very work that we are to do is to remember that He has given this to a thousand generations. They are to keep His covenant for a thousand generations. And if we will do this work, the great God will let His blessing rest upon us.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 53)
Now here Pharaoh, after he had agreed to let the children of Israel go, and had kept them until all the whole country was destroyed, all Egypt was suffering under the curse, why, then he concluded to let them go; and no sooner had they gone than he pursued right after them. There were his chariots, and there were his horsemen, but what about that? Why, there were the people trembling, trembling, but a path was made for them to walk on dry land, and they thought that they could go right in that path where Providence had prepared. They went right along; they could not see where they were going, because the light was not shining upon them to see where they were going, and Pharaoh and his host, every one of them, were destroyed.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 55)
Now, we want that every one of us should realize that we have a special work upon us, and that is to give to the world an evidence that we repent that we have broken God’s law. That is what we are to give. We are to show them what it means to keep the commandments of God. It is life to us; it is strength to us. I have traveled nearly over the world, and an invalid, but the Lord presented before me the message that He gave me to bear, that there should not be a hand laid upon me to harm me. And there never has been; and the blessing of God now is such that I enjoy better health than I have enjoyed all my lifetime that I know. And I want every one of us should come into right relation to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 56)
We have a case to settle with our God, and we had better begin to settle it here, and that is to repent and be converted. I want a part in the city of our God. Christ will welcome every one of us that is prepared to enter there. But those that are not prepared, let me tell you there is no place for them there, because there never will be a second rebellion in heaven, and there will never be a risk run to take a person that is not sanctified soul, body, and spirit first in this world.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 57)
We are to make preparation right in this world for the future kingdom home in the heavenly courts; and if we do this, we shall certainly have a converting power upon the minds of others; but we are not half converted ourselves. There are those that keep all the Sabbath, but they do not appreciate it; they do not understand its value. It is a sign—a sign between obedience and disobedience. “It is a sign between Me and you through your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 17.] Now, there is no period of time when you can be lax. Well, what can you say to the world in that great day when the judgments will come, and there is such slackness and looseness, that you have not appreciated the Sabbath even that God has given you as a sign between you and Him? He wants that you should be prepared, that He can let His blessing rest upon you. Sweet tempers, heavenly tempers. Be kind, be courteous.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 58)
You need not drive souls; you need not be harsh; you need not be uncourteous. There is nothing that you need to be uncourteous about in handling such precious promises as these—such promises, full of meat and satisfaction—full of blessings which God has promised. And then he refers here,—Moses calls them to have reflection—“How He bore you through all this wilderness, and your shoes did not wax old upon your feet, and you were not weary.” [See Deuteronomy 29:5.] He presents here all the blessings that God has given them. Your garments wax not old and what was he carrying them through that wilderness for? Why, it was the only way to get them away from the idolatry of the Egyptians, and of other nations, and for forty years—who led them? Who led them the forty years? Moses was the personal leader, but here was One enshrouded in the clouds of heaven, that when they became rebellious there, this signal from heaven would come right down to the tabernacle, and there it was that they were called to account.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 59)
And some of them were slain—hundreds, and thousands, were slain on that journey, because they “braved” the matter through to do as they pleased. It is not the best thing for us to do as we please. What we want is willing obedience to God. And the seventh day, He declares, is the Sabbath. No matter whether the Pope of Rome, no matter whether the ministers in the congregations, may try to establish themselves that they are right, let me tell you that they will have to give an account to the God of heaven for the influence that they have given to the world to transgress the commandments of God. If everyone had obeyed the Word as it was his duty to do, why then they would have been greatly blessed. The nations would have looked upon them. I have read to you how the nations would all have said they were a nation of wisdom, a nation where God had manifested His wishes unto them.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 60)
Now every one of you should have in your homes a sanctifying influence over your children—precious children. They do not understand the importance of these things that these older minds ought to understand. And then again, while you are educating your children—the father, the priest of the household, and the mother, the queen of her family, the queen in her home—there is not to be a single word of scolding or of fretting. There is a better way. It is to be kind and attentive. But when the children need discipline, discipline them, and let them feel that you are weeping over them, that you do not want to bruise their flesh in any way, if they will only come to obedience; that you cannot bear with them as Eli bore with his children, to lead the people of Israel astray. No. And Eli missed the mark; and we do not want any of you to miss the mark.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 61)
Educate your children, but do not fret at them. When you fret at them and scold them, there is an opposition that rises right in their hearts and minds, against your corrections, so that it does not do them any good. Wait until everything is calm, and then talk with them. They may have gotten rid of that wicked feeling that they had. We want more praying, a great deal more praying, and we want our houses sanctified, made holy and clean and pure. Why? Because we want to invite the holy angels to come in. They are right in our homes, watching over us, and we want to show that we honor God, and that we keep His commandments.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 62)
Do you give the attention to your children that you should? Think what our papers are revealing today! Think what terrible history is being written, when young men are robbing, killing—all this thing they are carrying on. Even youth, quite young, are being educated in that line. Is it not time that you began to be afraid? Is it not time that we began to get our family in a condition that they will stand amid the temptations and perils of the last days? It is time, and it is worthwhile. If one soul is more precious that the whole world, how are you acting in regard to that soul? May God wake up our sensibilities. May we see the necessity of seeking the Lord while He is to be found.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 63)
I have not much more to say on this subject, but I want to say: I want you to have heaven. It is a grand place. Paul tells you about it. He tells you of the many visions that he had, and he does not tell you one-hundredth part, one-thousand part, of what has been revealed to him in the sight that he had had in the heavenly courts. It was too much for him, and to have all these preparedness that we shall have, why, we want to wake right up.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 64)
There are souls to be converted here in San Francisco. There are souls to be converted in Oakland, and I leave my home and come down—change after change to get here—but I am always glad I came; I always feel thankful that I have a chance of speaking a word in season. I want a home in heaven, and I want it at the cost of everything here.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 65)
If it is persecution, let it come. We see what is going on in our world, that the Spirit of God is leaving the world. We see hardness of heart. We see such wickedness. Well, shall we not seek to arrest this wickedness by a counter-influence? Shall we not exert an influence which shall lift up and sanctify and ennoble? That is God’s work, and He wants us to be what? Co-workers with God. He wants us to be built up in the most holy faith. He loves us with a love that is immeasurable. He love us. What did He do to show His love? Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God. Now the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; but it doth not yet appear what we shall be; when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 66)
Now, you think of that. We can look upon Him. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [1 John 3:3.] Now, that is what can be done. Will we come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty? The powers of darkness are very great, but God and His angels are round the righteous, and they can make the impression. I do not expect to make the impression on your heart. I have no special eloquence, but I have a determination that I will exalt my Saviour, I will honor Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 67)
Only think of it. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not”—thank God for that “not”—“should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Live for it; teach it in your family; read the Bible. Oh, it is full of precious things. Talk of it, and in every way possible be so that you can indeed appreciate the work that Elder Haskell and his wife are doing here, and Elder Simpson and others that are at work in connection with their fields; seek to appreciate their labors, and help them all that you can. We want the help from heaven, and we want that our prayers shall go up together with heartiness, and go up to God, that he shall take our petitions and shall help abundantly.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 68)
Your families, your families! What we want is religion. What we want is a reformation in the families; every one take hold of it. Heaven we must have; and we try with all our might to have Christ as our Saviour.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 69)
“Not perish, but have everlasting life, a life everlasting.” [Verse 16.] Only think of it! And God suffered His Son to pay the price of all the redemption of every single soul that is in this house, every soul that is in the world, the redemption price. And yet they won’t be converted; they won’t be good; they don’t love goodness, and the devil takes possession of them.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 70)
Now I leave this subject with you, and I ask you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to make a determined effort that you will keep the commandments of God, and live, and His law—what a description—as the apple of your eye.
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 71)
A child was struck, just before we came here, with a piece of wood, and it destroyed the sight of the eye. Oh, what sadness. That mother walked the room almost desperate. Her husband was in Africa. But what could be done? The apple of the eye. Well, now, let us every one of us keep His law as He says, “the apple of the eye.” [Proverbs 7:2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 146, 1906, 72)
Ms 147, 1906
Sermon/“Behold What Manner of Love” Oakland, California December 15, 1906 Previously unpublished.
“Behold 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. 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.” [1 John 3:1, 2.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 1)
Would that we all might truly “behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [Verse 1.] I praise the Lord for these precious words. They bring me great comfort. Do all of us who profess to be children of God really know Him? Do we all, by well-ordered lives and godly conversation, represent Him?
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 2)
There are many here today who have been listening to the Word of God, who have had an opportunity to know more of what that Word says, and who are just beginning to understand the hope that is in the gospel. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verse 3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 3)
Notice especially what is said of those who abide in Christ: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [Verses 4-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 4)
Christ made an infinite sacrifice in order that we might enjoy the great privilege of being called the sons of God. Before the world was created, the Father and His Son conferred together as to how man, if he should sin, might be reinstated as a member of the heavenly family. Christ then offered Himself as a ransom for the human race. The privilege secured for us at such an infinite cost, the privilege of becoming children of God, is the greatest privilege that could be conferred upon us.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 5)
Consider the exalted position of Him who gave His life for the redemption of a sinful, fallen race. Like His Father, He was immortal. He was the beloved Commander of the hosts of heaven. How sad it is that so many will treat the Saviour indifferently. Thus their eyes become blinded to the eternal realities, and they cannot behold God. They cannot understand that “He so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” to be rejected of men and put to an ignominious death. [John 3:16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 6)
A time had come when it seemed as though Satan was doing in the world about as it pleased him. He reigned in the hearts of men and had filled the world with disease and woe and human misery. But Christ came to break the power of the enemy and to redeem man as His purchased possession.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 7)
In every detail, Christ fulfilled the prophecies that spoke of His advent as the Messiah. To a humble band of shepherds, angels announced His birth and the place where He might be found. With joyful hearts the shepherds went to find Him, that they might worship Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 8)
Let those who are striving for a high position consider the condescension of Christ. He left the riches of heaven and came to this earth in poverty, assuming the form of humanity. He might have made His advent attended by a retinue of angels. But He did not come thus. He was born as a babe in Bethlehem. His parents were unable to find room, except in a stable, and there the Prince of heaven was born. His life was ever one of humility.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 9)
At every step He was withstood by the archenemy. Our Saviour was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. No human being will ever be called upon to endure what He endured for our sakes. Because of His experience, He knows how to succor them that are tempted.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 10)
It was through the union of the divine and the human in Christ that power was imparted to men to become partakers of the divine nature. He gives this power to every one that receives Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 11)
He was the Word made flesh, dwelling among men. In Him all fulness dwells, and those who believe in Him will become workers together with Him. It is the privilege of every one to follow the Pattern set before us.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 12)
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] Behold Him as revealed in His Word. Behold Him revealed in the prophecies. Study carefully the record that is left of His life on earth.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 13)
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem, of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel.” [Matthew 2:1-6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 14)
Then follows the account of how Herod tried to kill Jesus. Satan sought continually to stir up men against Jesus, that His life might be taken.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 15)
In the third chapter of Matthew is brought to view the work of John, the forerunner of Christ. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” [Verses 1-3.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 16)
The prophecies that speak of the second coming of Christ are just as verily being fulfilled today. Our message today is, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Verse 2.] And there is a work of decision before every one of us. Shall we accept the infinite sacrifice that Christ has made for us, or shall we reject Him? This is a life and death question. The Lord desires to save everyone. He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. But some will not come to Him that they may have life. We desire to see many turning for salvation to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 17)
“And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 18)
“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” [Verses 4-12.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 19)
O, how our hearts are pained as we see so much of the chaff that must be consumed with fire. The Bible is full of predictions relating to the coming of Christ, but there are many whose eyes are blinded to the truth.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 20)
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Verses 13-17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 21)
The Father thus signified His acceptance of the Son. In accepting Christ, the Father gave a pledge to all the human family that they through Christ might also be accepted. Those who will intelligently and understandingly receive His Word will certainly see of the salvation of God. Now follows a record of the temptations of Christ:
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 22)
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:1-4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 23)
Jesus gave no answer to the enemy, except to quote the words of God.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 24)
“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 25)
Here the enemy quotes Scripture, but he does not repeat it all. He leaves out one qualification. The Scripture to which he referred says, “He shall give His angels charge over Thee, to keep Thee in all Thy ways,”—that is in the ways that God would mark out. [Psalm 91:11.] Jesus again answered him with Scripture:
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 26)
“It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 27)
“Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.” [Verses 8, 9.] Here the enemy reveals his real purpose.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 28)
“Then Jesus saith unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 29)
Let us consider carefully the example of our Lord. Weary, fainting with the want of food, He yet resisted the temptations of Satan at every point. It seemed that He would die under the strain, but He obtained the victory, and that victory is for us. Then the devil left Him, and “angels came and ministered unto Him.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 30)
“Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee: and leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” [Verses 11-16.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 31)
On such occasions as we have seen here in Oakland, when the truths of the Bible are clearly presented, it is light springing up, and let those who receive that light be joyful. Those who have received Christ as their Saviour should be the most happy people in the world. They should not be hesitating over what they are giving up, for they are gaining life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 32)
“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 33)
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [Verses 17-19.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 34)
Jesus desired these fishermen to learn of Him, to become fellow workers with Him in saving souls. So He calls each one of us today. Shall we respond as did these men? “They straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” [Verse 20.] Then Jesus called others, and they also responded without a question.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 35)
“Going on from thence, He saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.” [Verses 21, 22.]
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 36)
I am so thankful that there are some here today who have responded to the call of the Saviour. O that we might see hundreds and thousands here in this city who would realize that they are facing a life-and-death question. Christ will stand by every one who will receive Him. He will break the power of the enemy over them, and He will be their Helper.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 37)
I know what it means to suffer under the thought that I never should be saved. When I was but a child, eleven years old, I could not believe that Christ would save me. I was filled with a sense of my unworthiness. It seemed too great a thing for me to grasp the truth that Jesus would save me.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 38)
For three weeks I was in a state of despair. Then I had a dream that seemed to give me new hope. I seemed to be sitting in a state of abject despair, with my face in my hands, reflecting like this: If Jesus were upon earth, I would go to Him, throw myself at His feet, and tell Him all my sufferings. He would not turn away from me, He would have mercy upon me, and I should love and serve Him always. Just then the door opened, and a person of beautiful form and countenance entered. He looked upon me pitifully and said, “Do you wish to see Jesus? He is here, and you can see Him if you desire to do so. Take everything you possess and follow me.”
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 39)
I heard this with unspeakable joy and gladly gathered up all my little possessions, every treasured trinket, and followed my guide. He led me to a steep and apparently frail stairway. As I commenced to ascend the steps, he cautioned me to keep my eyes fixed upward, lest I should grow dizzy and fall. Many others who were climbing up the steep ascent fell before gaining the top.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 40)
Finally we reached the last step and stood before a door. Here my guide directed me to leave all the things that I had brought with me. I cheerfully laid them down; he then opened the door, and bade me enter. In a moment I stood before Jesus. There was no mistaking that beautiful countenance. Such a radiant expression of benevolence and majesty could belong to no other. As His gaze rested upon me, I knew at once that He was acquainted with every circumstance of my life and all my inner thoughts and feelings.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 41)
I tried to shield myself from His gaze, feeling unable to endure His searching eyes; but He drew near with a smile, and, laying His hand upon my head, said: “Fear not.” The sound of His sweet voice thrilled my heart with a happiness it had never before experienced. I was too joyful to utter a word, but, overcome with ineffable happiness, sank prostrate at His feet. While I was lying helpless there, scenes of beauty and glory passed before me, and I seemed to have reached the safety and peace of Heaven. At length my strength returned, and I arose. The loving eyes of Jesus were still upon me, and His smile filled my soul with gladness. His presence filled me with a holy reverence and an inexpressible love.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 42)
My guide now opened the door, and we both passed out. He bade me take up again all the things I had left without. This done, he handed me a green cord coiled up closely. This he directed me to place next to my heart, and when I wished to see Jesus, take it from my bosom, and stretch it to the utmost. He cautioned me not to let it remain coiled for any length of time, lest it should become knotted and difficult to straighten. I placed the cord near my heart and joyfully descended the narrow stairs, praising the Lord and joyfully telling all whom I met where they could find Jesus. This dream gave me hope. The green cord represented faith to my mind, and the beauty and simplicity of trusting in God began to dawn upon my benighted soul.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 43)
And it was in my youth that the work was laid upon me of bearing messages to the people. I have had many precious messages, but sometimes I have been bidden to speak words of correction or reproof. This has always been painful to me. Some have rejected the words of counsel or warning, but still I have continued to labor on without losing courage. When I was but a child, physicians told me that I could live but a few months. They said I had consumption, and I had even lost my voice. The first time I tried to deliver my message before an audience, I was unable to articulate a word. I stood before them for several minutes, vainly endeavoring to speak. Then my voice came to me, and I was able to speak distinctly for above two hours.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 44)
I thought that my voice had returned to me, but as soon as I had finished speaking before the people, I once more found myself unable to speak. For some time I was obliged to labor thus, always waiting for my voice to come to me before I could address an audience. Then the Lord gave me my voice permanently, and I have never since been unable to speak.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 45)
Then I was bidden to write out the things that had been revealed to me. Oh, I thought, how can I write? On account of an accident I had been obliged to leave school when I was twelve years old, and for months I had hovered between life and death. I had tried to learn to write, but my hand was too unsteady to hold a pen. Still the word came to me that I should write. So I began to write; and by the Lord’s help, I have since written thousands of pages.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 46)
The Lord often chooses very frail instruments to do His work. He does not look to those who have the greatest capabilities or the most learning. He can use those who will yield to Him. These He will teach and lead. All who will submit to Jesus Christ—giving up self-will, and making a covenant with Him by sacrifice—will know that He will not disappoint them.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 47)
The trouble with many is that they try to fill an important position. In their effort to place themselves where they will accomplish a great work, they often fail. Let all begin to work humbly, pleading with God to help them. Then they will find that they have a Helper, One who will never leave nor forsake.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 48)
To those who will tomorrow go down into the water in full faith in Jesus Christ, to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I would say: These three great heavenly powers are pledged in your behalf. Give yourselves unreservedly to God. You are buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection. The powers of heaven will be with you if you will follow on step by step to know the Lord. Act as though you were raised from the dead—a new creature. Reveal that your mind is changed into conformity with the mind of Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 49)
Do not complain or become discouraged when the tempter comes to you with thoughts of discouragement. Take your Bible and read there some of the words of praise and thanksgiving. The Bible is full of such words. With these you may rise above the power of the enemy. Your power is not in your own feeble self, but help is laid on One who is mighty to save.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 50)
Let no one feel that because he is weak and ignorant that he may as well give up in despair. It is your privilege to go right to the Lord and cast your helpless soul on Him. Go to Him just as you are, saying, “Here, Lord, I give myself to Thee; ‘tis all that I can do.” When you come to the Saviour as a repentant sinner, do you think He will turn you empty away? No, indeed. Whatever your sins may have been, if you will come to the compassionate, tender, merciful Saviour, His arms of love will encircle you.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 51)
Here are these large cities of Oakland and San Francisco. They must be warned. For years the importance of the work in these cities has been kept before me, but there has seemed to be among church members a settling down, a failure to reach out for souls. The Lord calls for an awakening among His people. He will greatly bless them as they go forth in His service—humbly and with meekness and lowliness of heart. Will you now consecrate your lives to God? Will you empty yourselves of the spirit of envy and jealousy? Let Jesus cleanse the soul temple and the sweet peace of heavenly love will fill your heart. There is a world to be warned, and God calls for every one of us to work hand in hand with Him. Labor for those around you, and give of your means for the support of laborers in other parts of the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 52)
Shall we not lay aside jealousy and envy and become humble children of God? Shall we not labor diligently in His service? Let us seek to cultivate the spirit of Christ. If we will walk humbly with God, we shall finally see the King in His beauty.
(21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, 53)
Ms 148, 1906
Sermon/“The Word testifies...” Oakland, California July 30, 1906 Fragment only; not on file.
Ms 149, 1906
Report of an Interview Regarding the Work in Oakland and Berkeley, California NP December 16, 1906 Previously unpublished.
Present: Mrs. E. G. White, W. W. Simpson, and William Saunders
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 1)
E.G.W.: I wanted to ask somebody about who is to take responsibility of the work here when Eld. Simpson leaves.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 2)
W.W.S.: It was arranged with Brother Knox that Brother Hibbard should stay in Oakland and carry on the work, seeing that he was with us right through.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 3)
E.G.W.: If I had another opportunity of speaking in meeting, I should have said something before all our people, when I was agonizedly distressed about the indifference of many here—the ministers and others—about going out, launching out. They would hover right over the church—young men. Brother Knox and others would write out the discourse for them to preach. And you know it is the worst thing that anybody could do for any human mind—one man’s mind being instilled into another man’s mind. Our work is to go to God.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 4)
I talked and I talked and I labored. Well, we had some very remarkable meetings. We got the office hands together, and there seemed such a spirit of complete indifference that I felt in an agony of mind, and I said, “It is time that we sought the Lord.” We knelt down to pray, and I think I prayed twice while we were knelt down, but it seemed as though the Lord was a great way off. This was soon after I came from Australia. We had a praying season, and I bore a testimony, and the power of God came down in that meeting. The angels of God were there. It was a remarkable meeting. I do not know as I ever have had a more remarkable meeting with the office hands in Oakland than at that very meeting. The power and Spirit of God could be felt.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 5)
We had two or three such meetings. But some way they did not carry it out, they did not keep alive, and the impression wore away because there was nobody there to build up the thing. It hurt me terribly. I did not know what to do.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 6)
Then I told the brethren, You must do something; Oakland must be worked. And you know how at every camp meeting I pressed the matter that Oakland should be worked but went away with nothing done. Time and again I have had such special testimonies to bear.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 7)
Then Brother Knox said, “We have got a man who is going to come and he will do the work.” Now, Brother Gardiner is a good man, but he can no more build up against any influence that shall come; he cannot do it. He cannot be a man of opportunity. I thought it would come out right in the end, but every time I would come it was just the same, over and over and over, and when it came to having the real spirituality to get right to work for a decided interest, I could not get it aroused.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 8)
You know what testimonies I have borne in that church about the church. The individual church must go to work for those that were outside, and they should give life and soul to the work. But they would get up a few young men that could not do anything. They had no instruction. They needed somebody to tell them how to go to work, and to be with them.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 9)
Wm. Saunders: May I say something? I think there has been a better state of feeling, more spirituality, since the Press went away, with those remaining, than there was before.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 10)
E.G.W.: You see, they did not get any new element, nor educate the element—the ministers did not educate the element that they had—because they had not the spirituality themselves.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 11)
Wm. Saunders: Another thing, the ministers we had here were editors, and their time was employed.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 12)
E.G.W.: Now, Eld. Knox has not that capability to understand the spirituality that must be brought in from a real experimental knowledge, to labor around in Oakland. And so it went, over and over, in the very same way.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 13)
Well, I told Brother and Sister Rice, we have got to have workers, but how to get them I do not know. Said I, My soul is burdened, burdened, burdened, and I do not know what we are going to do. Well, said they, Brother Gardiner is going around. Do you know that he has brought [even] one soul to the truth? Well, they could not say that he had. Then said I, What use is it to play with the service of God?
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 14)
I heard that Brother and Sister Rice had gotten them a little place—that small house that they got from Brother Stickney (?). He offered that house for sale [because] he wanted to go to some different climate. (Well, he is dead now.) Brother and Sister Rice bought that little house, and then they worked early and late, early and late, to improve it. He was at work in the office as bookkeeper. They labored among the people. He would speak, and she would speak, and the people became interested. I was so glad. I charged them, “Brother Rice, you have capability to present the truth in a clear manner, but do not be too long. When you get through with your discourse, stop. It is that that wearies the hearers.” (I suppose you think that I ought to attend to my own case, for sometimes I talk over an hour. I do not get a chance very often.) Brother Rice has had to work against that, and I have been very plain with him.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 15)
He did shorten up; and his wife—they were very much interested in her presentations, as she brought out things. “Well,” I said, “I will wait. I will not say anything one way or the other, and I will see how it comes out.” It was a representation that was given to me that they were helping the people more than anyone else by getting hold of the upper classes.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 16)
Wm. Saunders: That was in Berkeley mostly.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 17)
E.G.W.: I call it all Oakland. We came here when there were only a few—only six—Sabbathkeepers. (Relates early experiences with tent and local option, etc.)
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 18)
We were in the very beginning of the work here in Oakland. I have had a very great interest, because it was our home. We settled here, and we tried to build up the work.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 19)
Now I will go right to the truth of the matter. When I heard that Brother and Sister Rice could get into the higher classes, I was [as] thankful as any person you ever saw. I was so thankful because the light was given me that there were souls in the higher classes [who] would take hold of the truth if they would work for them, and then that would bring it up [i.e., strengthen the work.] ... When I heard that Brother and Sister Rice were doing this work, I encouraged them. I told them, it is the very work for you to do. Brother Rice cannot give himself to it as you can, because he is book-keeping all the week. He can speak some, but you can work through the week. So I felt very thankful about it.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 20)
And then again the matter was presented, that it was just the work we must take hold [of] as a people, ministers and officers—to lay out a work that they should do, those that had capability. And so I kept telling, drilling them on that point; but my work was so constant in one place and another, with my book making, that I could not come. I wanted to come; they begged me to come and see how their meetings were going on. But I said, “Go on in the name of the Lord, humbly, meekly, in the name of the Lord, and He will be with you. Just as surely as there is a God in heaven, He will be with you.” Well, they did just as I told them to until the time came to change some in the office, and then he [Brother Rice] came and united with his wife.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 21)
Well, I think they have tried in every way to reach the people, and with success. They have reached them with success, and I felt so thankful to the Lord.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 22)
At the San Jose camp meeting, Brother Corliss came to me and said, “We must have an interview with you, Sister White.”“What is it?” I asked. “Well,” they said, “We want to remove Brother and Sister Rice from the place where they are. They had just got this building fixed, and the mother-in-law had bought them a cow. We want you to give your influence with us.”“Well,” said I, “What influence is it?”“Why, it is to send them away somewhere else.” Said I, “What is the matter?”
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 23)
Well, they did not think things were moving right. Said I, “I do not know about these things, but let me tell you one thing, if Brother and Sister Rice are not capable spiritually and religiously to carry on the work here, they will carry themselves with them to Santa Cruz. They will carry themselves with them, so you see it would be a poor policy to send them off there. The first thing is to know what the matter is, and to take hold if it.”
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 24)
But I would not have any conversation with Brother and Sister Rice. They wanted me to talk with them, but I would not.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 25)
That night the matter was all laid out before me. There were persons in this Berkeley church that were meddlesome, envious, and childish, and they were just working, working, to get Brother Rice and his wife, to get hold of something that they could use [against them].
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 26)
Well, they said [that] their children went to the theater. They have got just as well behaved children as I know of. But I do not know what took the daughter’s mind. She had a little one in her arms, and she stepped into the theater to see what it was. She wanted no more to do with it, and came out. But that went all over with the mischief makers. Then [they said] she dressed too richly. She did not dress like our people. (They were poor, and their people were wealthy, and they would give them the dresses that they had made.)
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 27)
Well, I told them—I did not have a chance to speak a word with Brother and Sister Rice—but I told them it is the rich people that give them these dresses, and their own people. They think she does not dress properly, and so they give her clothing that she can wear, and she takes off all the [finery] as much as she can, and then she wears the clothing. Nearly all she has comes in that way.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 28)
But they got envious because she could hold the people. She has good tact. She can hold the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 29)
And there are two women here. The last time that I spoke, they sat right at my left hand. Do you remember what I said? I spoke just as plainly as it is possible for a woman to speak and not call names. The Lord gave me great freedom.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 30)
When Sister Caro came, these two women went to her, an utter stranger to them, and they talked about Brother and Sister Rice, the most ridiculous things.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 31)
Now, what about these two women? Brother Corliss and Brother Knox got it fixed up in their mind that Brother Rice had wages, and Sister Rice had wages; and why should she not have when she was acting as a minister, going around in these wealthy places to give readings, and getting people interested? They were embracing the truth, and I was so thankful to think they were doing it.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 32)
They came right up at San Jose and told me about the matter, that they wanted me to handle the case. In the night season the whole particulars were opened before me, and I was not to be in haste to bring things to a head. I was to wait, and let them work out, but if I saw that there was any determined effort made to [drop] them, to get up an opinion in the church to drop them, or any such thing, I must demand in the name of the Lord for them to stop right where they were. I must not allow it. I was the only one that could do it, and that was the light that was given to me. In the night season that was opened.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 33)
Now, I have not seen them; they have come up to see me, and I have said, No, I cannot see you or talk with you. All I say to you is, walk humbly with God. Keep right on your work, steadily, just as you have been. If they won’t hear in that place, go to another. Well, they went, they put them out in that place, and they went to another place. They had openings in almost every place.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 34)
But they took these women that I told you [about]. They are the greatest mischief makers, and [they] put them right in to go around on their track. There, you see, was the greatest confusion. They would keep throwing out and throwing out, questioning right before the unbelievers, just presenting things in that light.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 35)
Well, when Sister Caro came to me, [I] said, Do tell me who these women are. She opened to me that Brother and Sister Rice were the awfulest people, [that] they were the wickedest people, that they were doing this and that and the other, and a great mass of stuff that was perfectly horrible. I said, I will see them about it. But then the light came to me [that] the time was not yet, so I let it pass on.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 36)
But I heard they were having a church meeting in Oakland, and [that] the case of Brother and Sister Rice was brought up, and he was deprived of his wages, and there was a great deal that they brought out of complaints that they were making about Brother and Sister Rice. I said to myself, I will go and see them; but matters came so pressing, and I could not go. I wrote to them, Do not make any aggressive warfare on Brother and Sister Rice. I am waiting for things to develop, but you let them alone.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 37)
The very next thing I heard was they had come to cut them off from the church. Well, the time had come. I sent them a word just as quickly as I could send it: “Just as surely as you take one advanced step in that work that you have undertaken, then I will take advanced steps, I will take hold of this matter.” They were ready to empty them out of the church, disfellowship them. Well, I had to let the things pass, because I had to meet cases in Mountain View and in different places, and it was not just yet, but just as soon as they were going to empty them out I thought something should be done. “Just as surely,” said I, “as you take that step, I shall come right before the whole church, and will lay out the whole matter.” Then they withdrew it. “Don’t you take another step because you do not know what you are about.”
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 38)
Now, these things have been passing along until we got to that camp meeting, then I saw how things were. They never asked Brother and Sister Rice onto the platform, and here were souls they had brought into the truth, and they had reached them in the higher classes. She had been all around to get to meet these people, but they were going to drop them right out of the church. It was to stop the money that they would pay for their work, and they were almost the only ones doing anything. Now the mischief began, and it has been going on and on.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 39)
But I have seen them face to face. I have seen Brother Knox, and they repeated over to me about that theater business, and how she dresses, and how that Brother _____ was converted, and he was the most grateful, humble man, and after the meeting was closed that Brother and Sister Rice had been holding, after it was closed, he came up and saluted Brother Rice, and his wife was right by, and he kissed her. Now that went as though it was the unpardonable sin. It was not so at all. The meeting was dismissed and they were so envious and jealous, I knew just what they would do.... That they would make so much of it, and exalt the enormity of it, there was no sense in it all.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 40)
But these women, Oh, they would tell the most terrible things about Brother and Sister Rice. Now you see [how it] was—Brother Knox put those women in—he cannot read character—to go around, and to follow around where they go. There were two or three that were getting ready to take their position, and these women would go right in, and in their silly, foolish way—they know no more how to deal with human minds, and they should not carry out that work. But they appointed them in the place of Brother and Sister Rice.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 41)
And that camp meeting, I never should have allowed it to go off as it did without taking them right in the desk and having them take their position. But I thought probably it was their choice not to go there, so I did not say anything at first. But when I saw what the matter was, [and] that the whole Berkeley church was absent, then I commenced my work in the house that I spoke in yesterday. And the elder there, he has got all indoctrinated with [the spirit of] Battle Creek, that the Testimonies are not anything—just the spirit of Battle Creek. I would not have anything to say to him. When I would speak, he would come up and give his testimony, and then he would take his hat and go out. That man is not to be depended on.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 42)
Now this is the condition of the church. These women are making the most mischief. I am sorry that Brother Knox had no better judgment.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 43)
There was a young man came in here—Horace Hare. He was determined that he would marry Maud Rice. They let him come in here. They took care of him. They boarded him for several weeks—a long time—and he would not do a thing. You could not keep him out of the house. There was work enough to be done, but he would not do it. They talked to him, and tried to reason with him. Finally they saw that he was determined to work his way so as to get Maud Rice. Well, Maud had not a particle of interest in him. At first, of course, they had to see what the man was, and they saw what he was, and they would not have him come into the family. The boy told lies to Maxson, and Maxson took him up to his place. Maxson, you know, has gone dead against the Testimonies for years.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 44)
Bro. Simpson: Brother Maxson is getting quite a different experience during these meetings. He is a different man entirely. Yesterday I spoke on the Spirit of Prophecy and walked home with him, and he felt quite deeply touched with it.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 45)
E.G.W.: Well, I hope so. He has been telling them—there was one coming into the truth from the outside, and they were telling him how they felt about it—“Oh, you should not pay any attention to this. Sister White is a very good woman, but all this Spirit of Prophecy, there is nothing in it.”
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 46)
Bro. Saunders: I think he is a different man now, Sister White.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 47)
Eld. Simpson: There is a wonderful change in the whole family. I baptized his children this morning.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 48)
E.G.W.: Well, I hope something will get hold of him, but he has been set right against me, because I would not consent to things that he was carrying on in the institution at St. Helena. We opposed his putting meat on the table twice or three times a day, and we would not consent for him to do many things that he brought into the Institute. Finally he chose to come away and go to Oakland. You know how it has been, and yet he has been in the church, and he has taken part right along.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 49)
Eld. Simpson: He admitted to me that he never had such an experience as he has had lately. He feels so anxious over things now that he is willing to drop everything he has on earth to go out and tell the people that the Lord is coming.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 50)
E.G.W.: I wanted to say [that] now, under the existing circumstances, these women that are going around, they have got to be stopped. What to do I cannot tell. I might go to them, and talk with them, tell them all about it....
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 51)
Brother Knox and Brother Corliss came up to talk with me. Now, said I, I want to tell you. You have talked with me. I have got a writing that I wrote out at San Jose, and when I got up to speak at San Jose, after Corliss had been to me, after I got up to speak on Sunday I laid it all out in principle. I did not make any reference to anyone, but I laid out the whole matter in principle, of dealing one with another just according to the Bible. I read the Bible rule and laid it all out before them. But they sat there indifferently. This discourse was taken down in shorthand and could not be found until recently. I find there is not a thing in it, only just the Bible, how [we are] to treat one another. But they sat there, and there was not the least thing to show that they were in harmony with me.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 52)
I told Brother Corliss, You want me to help you get these people [the Rices] out of Berkeley. They have just got them a little house built, and they have worked early and late, done everything they could to get the place to live in. Now, said I, suppose you put yourself in their place. Suppose the case was yours, how would you like to be told, We do not want you here any longer? They may not have said it to them, but they have to others. The money that we pay out for Brother Rice and his wife we can forgo, and there they were, almost the only ones in Oakland that were trying to do anything to find entrance among the people. Said I, Would you like to be uprooted in that way—just get settled and thankful for a little home, and worked early and late to get it? Said I, [If] you send a man off with this impression on his mind, I would not vouch for what he would do, unless he could have this matter straightened out, and find out what he had done. This is what he must have done.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 53)
They talked to me about their girl going to a theater, and this thing and that thing and the other. Now, brethren, said I, you have told me this; now I want to tell you something. Brother Knox, from the light God has given me I know where the failure is in your family. You do not bring you daughter into control. She rules the house, and I know the mistakes in your family. Brother Corliss, do you know where you have made your failures? Do not you know about your son? Do you not know how he had his own way and his own will and did just as he was a mind to do? Now brethren, this is an individual matter, and I speak to you straight. You both had better search your own hearts to find out how you stand before God. But for you to uproot a man and send him off into another place when he has a hold of the people and when they have access to the people, what kind of courage do you give that man? You are taking his foundation out from under him. What kind of courage can you give to a man to treat him in that way? You see just how you would feel to have such a course taken toward you. What chance would there be for your improving, and what encouragement would you have to carry on the work anywhere?
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 54)
Now, Brother Simpson, the time has come for you to go away, and who are things to be left with? These women are going from place to place, they will talk to our people, and they [our people] will say, What is it that these women are doing? One woman says, My husband was just about to come out and identify himself with these people, and these women came and began their talk, and the way they talked and acted, they were thoroughly disgusted, and they wanted no more to do with these people. The woman had taken her position, and she cried and cried, when she told about it. Now these women are just as active now, and I must see them or write to them. Which is best, I hardly know.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 55)
Now, this is the condition of things. There is Steele—he came from Battle Creek—and he has no settled position in regard to the testimonies at all. And he is acting as elder of that church. But these women, they stir up and stir up and go around and talk. I want this matter to be settled in the right way, and in an agreeable way. I do not want to meddle with anything, but I know the disposition of the women.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 56)
Bro. Saunders: These two women are not the only ones.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 57)
E.G.W.: Oh, no, there are others. It is not only they, but they are the ones that are the most prominent that are going at it. They are indoctrinating others and strengthening them in these things. That is why you have heard my testimony every time I have gotten up to speak. It is upon that point of putting away the evil surmising and jealousy and all these things, you know how I have talked about it and prayed about it.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 58)
Bro. Saunders: Let me say one word to you, Sister White. I think in your last meeting before the one yesterday, when these people were there, I think [what you said] was a little misunderstood. You said Oakland, and really it was Berkeley, and some of the Oakland people misunderstood it.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 59)
E.G.W.: I always identify Oakland with Berkeley.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 60)
Bro. Simpson: If you could talk with the Berkeley church, it might get at the root of the matter.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 61)
E.G.W.: I am willing to.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 62)
Bro. Simpson: Because in a large congregation like the Oakland church many would not know. Many misunderstood it and thought it referred to Oakland.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 63)
E.G.W.: I identify all these little churches with Oakland. I have always called it Oakland.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 64)
Bro. Simpson: Eld. Hibbard is going to carry on things here Sabbaths and during the week to keep the workers together until something else develops.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 65)
E.G.W.: From the knowledge that I have of the man, as far as his capability of opening the Scriptures is concerned, I would think he would do nicely, excellently. He has excellent qualities, and just as soon as I get opportunity I shall speak to him to let him know that I appreciate his capabilities and could not endure the thought that he could in any way spoil his influence before the people.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 66)
Bro. Simpson: As far as Eld. Hibbard is concerned, personally I love the man because of his beautiful spirit, so free from jealousy. Now, in my work, coming in here and taking everything, the Lord giving me the hearts of the people, it is quite a thing for a minister to sit back and keep free from being jealous; and the very fact that he has had such a beautiful spirit through it all makes me love the man.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 67)
E.G.W.: From the light that I have, there was a mistake made. When you took the meetings, Elder Haskell and his wife should have been carrying on their very work in their places right here.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 68)
Bro. Simpson: I was disappointed that we could not work together. I had it all planned in my own mind.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 69)
E.G.W.: I did not oppose their going, because I did not know from Knox’s position how he was standing. This idea that one man’s mind has got to keep correcting another man’s mind, that man will lose his soul, there is where it is. I am afraid of responsibilities coming onto young men. (Speaks of Eld. Reaser, and experience in purchasing Loma Linda, etc.)
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 70)
Now, the question that I wanted to decide here is, Brother Haskell writes and fears he did not do right in not staying and uniting with Brother Simpson, that they might blend together. I know that his position in regard to the truth is just as our position has been, and as people are accepting Bible truth, he can educate minds, and together you could make a perfect whole. Would it not be a good thing for Eld. Haskell and his wife to come right in now?
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 71)
Bro. Simpson: I see light in it. Eld. Hibbard could speak in the evening service occasionally or on Sabbath. He and Eld. Hibbard could work together.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 72)
E.G.W.: We would not want to push Eld. Hibbard out. I wrote him a letter recently speaking of his tendency to the dramatic, and he wrote a very nice letter in response.
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 73)
(Here the conversation turned on experiences in southern California, and lasted for some time.)
(21LtMs, Ms 149, 1906, 74)
Ms 150, 1906
Words of Warning for Judge Arthur NP Early 1906 Previously unpublished.
A new year has opened before us—1906.
(21LtMs, Ms 150, 1906, 1)
I have words to speak to Lawyer Arthur. You have been influenced by the course of Dr. Kellogg. You have exacted fees that were unjust in the sight of a holy God, and I am charged to show him that lawyers are to be governed by the laws God has given us.
(21LtMs, Ms 150, 1906, 2)
What is Christ's commission to His disciples? Matthew 28; read this whole chapter. Read chapters 27 and 28. Here you have the history of professedly pious Jews. I have had great interest in Lawyer Arthur. I am so sorry that the Lord is not pleased with your transactions in business that are not to your honor as a Christian. And if you continue to let other minds blind your judgment, you will soon lose your spiritual eyes of discernment. There have been many things transacted that cannot be in harmony with the law of God. Oh, my brother, stop just where you are. The Lord has not one set of commandments for the lawyer and another code for the church. This law is to judge all by the same rule. Will you think of this?
(21LtMs, Ms 150, 1906, 3)
Ms 151, 1906
“Go Ye Therefore, And Teach All Nations.” NP June 9, 1906 Previously unpublished.
“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshiped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid; go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” [Matthew 28:9, 10.] Read verses 11-15. Here is a circumstance where the most striking evidence was made known unto the Jews, and what was done with the testimony? “Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.... So they took the money, and did as they were taught, and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” There is true evidence smothered, and this same work will be [done] in this our day—even among those who once had the light and believed the truth, and have made false theories and worked them out. All these diversions from the commandments of God will bear testimony in that great day when truth will stand to vindicate itself. But at that day of revelation it will be too late for the overgrasping to be righted.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 1)
See Matthew 28. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.” [Verses 16, 17.] There will always be men who will not [accept] evidence that is given them. We find this in every age of the world. Truth is smothered, and error is exalted and circulated as truth. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Verses 18-20.] Here is the great work to be done. There is God's plan. Every fitting, holy agency is to bear a message in the Bible words: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.” [Revelation 22:17.] Every consecrated plan is to [be] put into action to do this great and grand work. Christ, angels, and consecrated, converted workers are combined in the work of giving this last message of mercy to the world.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 2)
“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.” [Verse 17.] Amen. Here is the plan in which every holy agency is combined and united for the recovery of man from Satan's snare. Every new force that receives the message is to join their powers of voice and pen to give the warning: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Verse 16.] The Lord Jesus unites the wide extremes of divinity and humanity. This work is being done now to instruct the churches everywhere in the clear words of the gospel message. No mysteries are to be brought in. The simple gospel message is to go forth to instruct the churches in the light of the truth. The bright and morning star is to appear. “I have opened a fountain of life for the perishing world.”
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 3)
The Spirit and the church combined with Jesus Christ and angelic beings are to work, comprising the church agencies [that] are to voice the Holy Spirit's ministry to the world, and inviting, “Come, publish My invitation to all nations, tongues, and people. And whosoever will, let him come and partake of the waters of life freely. And then, by their influence and by their voice and pen, they are to publish the message to be given to all parts of the world. I testify, therefore, that if any man shall alter the words of this book of this prophecy to hinder the practical working of heavenly angels combined with the imparting [of] the Spirit of grace, and hinder the Word I will have accomplished, I will visit him with severest retribution. Nothing is to be said or done to lessen the efficiency of the messages which I have ordained to come to all nations, all tongues, and all people.”
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 4)
This is the work to be done. The binding of means by unjust exactions, the underworking current that has been carried on for years that would bind up the means [so] that it shall not accomplish the very work God designs—by the working of lawyers, or by the men who work these lawyers to carry out their own purposes—[all who do such] are to receive their reward when every case shall be brought into judgment with every evil work.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 5)
There is a long list of injustices that have retarded the work and diverted the truth from its executing the very work the Lord designed should be done. Every Christian mission is to be put in operation, every message is to be taken up by the churches of today who have the last message of mercy to give to the fallen churches.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 6)
Sanitariums are to be conducted just as outlined in their first establishment. [Giving] the facts of the history of Seventh-day Adventists is a very great and important work [which should] be repeated with every sanitarium established. God has given the message [as to] how they should be conducted—not after the world's policy plans but for the conversion of souls. But the sanitarium at Battle Creek has been converted to the world in the place of converting the church to the principles of faith. We have a work to do to lift our voice [and call] for every sanitarium to come into line. But when the leader has lost his bearings and has not himself the truth that has made us what we are, and [has] called for property for sanitariums to advance his work, that man has not the truth in heart or soul or practice.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 7)
Christ is not acknowledged and the eternal foundations of the structure of truth have been made of no account through the fraudulent workings of doctors and lawyers. The refusal, in action and in dealings, of living and practicing the Word in Christian character [results in] the decline of Christian power. Where Christ is not acknowledged as the great power of efficiency, then prosperity is not seen in our work and in the sanitariums. The sanitariums were established to become an efficiency depending upon the ministry of Christ. The very necessity for which the sanitariums were brought into existence was to bring the last solemn message of warning to our world. [But] when the sanitarium becomes a worldly institution, as it is in Battle Creek, where the Sabbath is desecrated, [then] in the place of the truth convincing of the claims of the Lord's Sabbath, it lessens the correcting force of truth. The less patronage that such a sanitarium shall receive from Seventh-day Adventists the safer will be the morals and the religious faith.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 8)
Our work is to keep families out of Battle Creek. Every jot and tittle of lawyers' influence that is brought in to help those who have tried [by] every resource to bind up all institutions in Battle Creek makes it a necessity to speak. Let every family in every church keep your children away from Battle Creek, for God has given me this message for years. Let the families who have been warned over and over again now heed these warnings. We are to go forth into all the world with [the] message of truth, and the warning is to be given continually. You cannot get your preparedness in Battle Creek, for the spiritual atmosphere is contaminated.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 9)
Schools must be established in many places. No one mammoth school is to be centered in one place. Enlarge your powers of efficiency by scattering the location of your educational centers in various places. Christian devotedness has declined and lost its bearings when the man who stands as a responsible agent has not a pronounced faith. He was as a person [pretending to be] sent of God to our people, [yet telling] a collection of disconnected fallacies that will never produce true fruit. Many lives will be quenched.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 10)
Our people were constantly to be missionaries, not bound to any one sanitarium for years but under the divine Teacher to go to work. The moment we lost sight of the expansive character of the work, then its influence was decreased and the counter-influence of worldlings brought us through mysterious workings which no one can trace out.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 11)
There must be not be the slightest diversion of the object for which these institutions—sanitariums, schools, and churches—are brought into existence. The power of our church is lessening, for [those with] worldly-loving propensities are wide-awake. Let every family that believes the truth be very careful how you expend your means. Dress plainly; be diligent in acquiring means for the expansion of the work of converting the souls who are in the darkness of error. Do this work by leaving Battle Creek.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 12)
When [in] the church many [of ] the ministers or doctors are ever crying, “Higher wages,” and become extortioners, absorbing all possible in the place of being almoners, then the world has begun to convert the church in the place of the church converting the world [and] doing their utmost to let their light shine forth to the world. They have lost their bearings and are not Bible Christians, whatever may be their profession. This kind of neglect the Lord Jesus would have changed. God has been working to bring the light of saving truth to churches.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 13)
I have a message to call upon the churches to have a pronounced faith. God has been working to bring the light of saving truth to our world. Arise and shine; put away that class of reading that gives you no light. Wake up, brethren; time is short. Let not one of you neglect your duty now.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 14)
At the Day of Pentecost three thousand converts were brought to the faith. We would [have] our young people arise and obtain a knowledge of the Word and its converting power. The works and words of Christ can be the sure evidence of what you present to the people in a “Thus saith the Lord.” When the lesson of John 16 has been studied and you are willing to the take the words Christ has commanded you to give, then the evidence will come to the people, “Lo, I am with you alway,” says Christ, “even to the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 15)
When the lesson in John 6 was given, many of His disciples walked away from Christ, and Christ turned to His remaining disciples and said to them, [“Will ye also go away?” Peter answered,] “Lord, to whom shall we go but unto thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [Verses 67, 68.] Christ's teachings are precious in their simplicity; [they are] to be repeated and repeated. While Christ is sending His disciples to various places, He is walking and working in the midst of His church today through them. Let every soul seek daily to be a fully consecrated Christian. And as He sends you to fields that are not promising, Christ points to the many in darkness of error and tells you not to be discouraged at the appearance. He bids you to look, and He says, “Ye were once in darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.” [Ephesians 5:8.] He would have you consider the objectionable features, and He says, “Such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Corinthians 6:11.]
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 16)
Missions are opening in all parts of the world; the way of the Lord is being prepared. The commission is too plain to be misunderstood: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:19, 20.] We are in no wise to sit at ease, claiming to be Christians while localities are all around us and unworked. They have been left to remain in darkness and error. Among all nations there is to be a work done to convince the human agencies of sin. With the Word of God, publications and tracts go forth with the “sword of the Spirit.” [Ephesians 6:17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 17)
Each working force should have a head and [should] oft consult together. Each is a party that thus goes out. If they can find entrance into the homes of the settlements, and [if] within the home there may be sickness, the understanding [that] you can do something to relieve this will be to them as the work of the Good Samaritan. Bear with you the little book, The Parables [Christ's Object Lessons], and follow your judgment in reading portions of the little book. Dispose of [it] if you can for money or make a gift for favors received. Tell them the history of Christ's Object Lessons; loan it if they are not prepared to buy, and tell them to read [it] to their neighbors. You will surely have little books that will interest them.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 18)
Of the thousands converted in a day [at Pentecost], one subject was deeply impressed on their minds. One interest prevailed: Who should walk in [the] humble footsteps of Jesus Christ in doing the work He had given them to do? Christ Jesus had promised to be with them; the influence of His Spirit would follow them in their interested work to convince the world of sin. Christ was the unseen agency and His field composed the world. God called on every believer in Him to be His agency. Their lips were to speak forth His words and their voice [was to be] the talent to convince the world of sin. Therefore the law of God was to be their interested subject and their voice sanctified [and] subdued by the Holy Spirit. Truth from His own [lips], subjects on which He dwelt, were the weapons they were to use, learning every day.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 19)
Make the voice pleasant. The subjects, in clear and distinct speech, may become the sword of the Spirit. Some who are more capable than others should be appointed for certain work and Christ will make the impression on the hearers. Let everyone who can, now begin to train his voice and lips to speak distinctly and with that fervor the subject requires. This is the very best educational school that our young men and young women can receive.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 20)
To save the world was Christ's work. And did Christ fail? Did He come short in reality? No! No! Was His representation in His ministry meager, that anyone can imitate it without earnestly learning the importance of the great, grand truths that He carried, printed upon the heart and mind, and [that were] carried out in the example that Christ Himself gave—a living, suffering sacrifice? Tell the story. In your humble measure attempt the giving of the invitation: “Christ died to save man, that he should not perish.” Keep the Lord Jesus ever before you and the best you can give in imitation of Christ's virtues. Put on Christ and practice His life of self-denial and self-sacrifice. He died to save the world, and [He] would save every soul if they would come and be obedient to His commandments. As you are teaching, let nothing be neglected and do your uttermost to practice Christ's self-denial. This benevolence must be our work in life. His self-denial and self-sacrifice are to be practiced. The believers and followers of Christ are appointed to be His channels and representatives of His interested love and grace to save souls ready to perish.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 21)
Let me tell you, an acknowledged Christ is your instrumentality in all your work. Never magnify self. Christ is your Head. He sends you the Comforter, who should abide with you forever. We need in simple faith to claim the promise, and often and in every perplexity and emergency to claim the agency unseen yet visibly felt. What [is] your part? “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 of heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.] Do not fret at anything. Take all your perplexities to the Lord in prayer and do not burden any soul with your griefs or your sorrows. They have enough of their own. You have an unseen witness to consult, an unseen agency ever ready to receive you.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 22)
We read [that] those who received the holy impartation of the Spirit ten days after Christ ascended, prayed and removed everything they supposed would be an hindrance. One subject of earnest seeking and hunger was above every other—to be a converted instrumentality endowed with the Spirit of Christ, [so] that they would never misrepresent Him. The whole multitude who believed was of one heart and of one mind, and then the Spirit of Christ could run from heart to heart and assimilate the human agency to become a partaker of the divine nature, to escape all the corruptions that are in the world through lust. The impartation of the Holy Spirit was not hindered, and wherever they went souls were added to the church of such as should be saved. The Gospel was carried everywhere.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 23)
Let all now understand the representation given by Christ, “He shall not speak of himself”—He shall testify of Me; He shall glorify Me. [John 16:13; 15:26; 16:14.] As the Saviour came to glorify the Father by demonstrating His infinite love in all His works, so the demonstration of the Spirit came to glorify Christ by demonstrating [that] “I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30.] This the true disciples of Christ will do—to so assimilate themselves to Christ that in His disciples should be manifest His great love to the world in [the] expression of their oneness in and through Christ.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 24)
There is a circumstance given of an underhanded kind of work in the case of Acts 5. “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all them that heard these things.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 25)
“And the young men arose, and wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 26)
“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on bed and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” [Verses 1-16.] Verse 17 to the end of the chapter.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 27)
I wish our churches in every place to understand that when things are done in a deceptive way, when dealings in the Lord's work are not straightforward, but oppressive, using lawyers to take advantage of circumstances, doing things that savor of injustice, then the Lord will just as surely punish those people as [He did] in the case presented in the fifth chapter of Acts. God has a work to accomplish in the earth in order that the truth shall triumph. And for every hindrance, every exorbitant price exacted and every connivance of fraud, the Lord will bring upon the actors His punishment. For diverting His means in a wrong channel, the Lord will pass His judgment against the wrongdoer.
(21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, 28)
Ms 152, 1906
Diary/Dependence Upon the Life-giving Power NP March 3, 1906 Previously unpublished.
We have a most sacred work before us. We cannot trust in man or make flesh our arm. The Lord will not leave His people to the will of their enemies. We need the life-giving [Power] every moment. The fruitfulness and success of the people of God are in their dependence upon the life-giving Power. It is My Father's good pleasure that ye bear much fruit, and this can only be through the presence and life of Christ in the soul. All the fruits of the religious life must be consecrated to the service of God. Self in no case is to take the glory.
(21LtMs, Ms 152, 1906, 1)
We are in danger of losing much through spiritual slothfulness, which is the result of depending too much upon human props and not fully depending upon our true and only sure Helper, Jesus Christ. There comes in so much that is human, and the outcome in religious movements lack much—the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, which can make us fit, meet for the Master's service. There is want of that fervent love towards Christ and the expressions that should come from human lips if Christ's love is abiding in the heart.
(21LtMs, Ms 152, 1906, 2)
The want of that fervency of expression in decided action makes the works tame and unsuccessful in influence. Christ sends messages of warning which, if received, will awaken a sincerity and decided expression in fervency of love to God. Christ is too much dishonored by a tame (neither cold nor hot) position of His people, and the faithful witness of warning is given to arouse them from their slumbering inaction, which is sinful, because souls are perishing in their sins. The Lord calls them to awaken from sinful inaction. He sends messages of mercy, of reproof, and the penitence and confession from sincere hearts will be rewarded with the impression and assurance, “I have heard thy prayers. I have seen thy tears. I will give you peace and pardon.” [See 2 Kings 20:5.]
(21LtMs, Ms 152, 1906, 3)
In our Redeemer's love the comfort of the grace of Christ will be most present to the soul. Christ's love for His people is strong. He delights to magnify His grace unto them. His church is most precious in His eyes. He will, if they walk humbly before Him, make her, by the gifts of His Spirit, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. Cling to the Saviour as your atoning sacrifice.
(21LtMs, Ms 152, 1906, 4)
Ms 153, 1906
Diary/Thoughts on 1 Kings 13 NP Circa 1906 Previously unpublished.
The Lord sent His messenger, His prophet, to Jeroboam. He was to bear a message to the king, but this prophet saw the king stand by the altar to burn incense. The prophet, beholding his sacrifice, cried out, against the altar, “O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord, Behold, a child shall be born into the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee. And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.” [1 Kings 13:2, 3.] Read the whole including verse 10. The heart is hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. God delights not in the death of sinners. He bears long with them rather than destroy them in their sinful, idolatrous course of action. He will seek to arouse them. It was a very bold message that was given the king by this stranger messenger, but the Spirit of the Lord was moving the messenger to interrupt the profane solemnity of the offering upon the altar. In the place of the king being at all humbled by the interruption of his purpose of sacrificing to his god, “he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.” [Verse 4.]
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 1)
“And the king said unto the man, Entreat now the face of the Lord thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.” [Verse 6.]
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 2)
“He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art: and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.... And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back: and he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, but camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase. And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt. And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the Lord” [Verses 18, 20-26] for he had given the reason to the old prophet why he could not do the thing he asked him to do. [Verses 16, 17.]
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 4)
The man had his directions from the Lord, and he repeated his authority: “I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.” [Verses 16, 17.] Thus far he was correct, but the [old] prophet said unto him, “I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.” [Verse 18.] So he went back, believing the word of the one who claimed to be a prophet, for he was a false prophet on this occasion certainly, as he had his word from the Lord positively, and disobeyed the word of the Lord, for Satan had put that lie into the prophet's mouth. “So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water. And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back: and he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, but camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.” [Verses 19-22.]
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 5)
The man of God had honestly and bravely refused the king's invitation, though he promised him a reward; yet, [he was] over-persuaded by the framing of a lie. The scheming method of Satan is after this character—to claim to speak the words he did as a prophet of the Lord to come back with him and dine with him in Bethel contrary to the commandment given him of the Lord. He found that to be to him an expensive dinner. He was a false prophet, and the act cost him his life.
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 6)
It may seem strange that such a supposed good man should make such a deliberate lie. When God gave His orders to not tarry in that place He meant it, but corrupt trust in falsehood cost the one to whom God had given a message of very decided character. The action of bearing the words to the altar was to make an impression on hearts that they should turn to the Lord. The impression of the most sacred character was to create awe and bring the people to repentance. It was something that was permitted of God to [show] God's displeasure against idolatrous sacrifices. How could any gift be acceptable when the whole process was an abomination to the Lord?
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 7)
The religious sacrifices were an abomination to God, a reproach to the people. The altar was rent under the pronunciation, and the act would cause much notoriety. That hand that was stretched out to the seizing of the man of God was in vain. He could not fulfil his [purpose]. He insulted the man of God whose hand was sacred, but the cry to the altar had a most decided rebuke. The wrath of man was restrained and judgment [came] upon the man who should attempt to seize the man of God. His arm and hand were helpless. But at his earnest request to pray for him, the hand was healed [even] in his abominations. This was a reproach to all Israel and their hearts were hardened as the stones which composed the altar. Thus was Jeroboam so filled with defiance against God that he assaulted the man who brought him the message.
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 8)
What kind of a lesson is this to all those who shall live under such misconceived opinions? This was a parable of what should be done to their supposed most sacred altars which were a reproach to all the people. This parable was to have a strong influence in correcting [existing evils.]
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 9)
“After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests for the high places: whosoever would he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of earth.” [Verses 33, 34.]
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 10)
The prophet's message against the altar, the refusing of gifts and repeating the words of the Lord, and then human influences—a man pronouncing the lie that God had given him another message directly opposed to the messages God had given—is a parable to us as a people in this our day, for we are witnessing this parable acted in our very midst. We shall see the hardness of hearts that turn away directly from the messages God gives and act decidedly contrary to the words God has spoken in forbiddings that will bring results that men who have worked against God will not covet.
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 11)
Had this prophet been in consecrated order, God would not have passed him by and chosen a prophet from another section to bear a testimony as witness against idolatry exhibited for a place of worship. I am instructed to say, we are [to] lean not on human voice or human claims of influence, but listen to the word of warning God has given. When men reject a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” let men [who are] shepherds of the flock beware, for Satan is ready to fill the earth with his counterfeits in every place possible. He is doing this now.
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 12)
This false prophet gave charge to his sons to bury his body in the same grave with the man who was a true prophet of God, to let his bones and ashes commingle with the bones and ashes of the prophet, as though there would be any virtue to him to lessen the offense of his lie.
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 13)
The Lord has directed me to write these things, for men who have been reproved for their wrongs have come in and taken the man that has been reproved for his course of action and sustained him. The Lord gave me a special message for one he has greatly favored, but he walked and worked directly contrary from the Word of God. He has chosen his own course to glorify himself and has tried by misstatements to undermine confidence in the work of the Testimonies God has given. But when the time of the Lord comes after long forbearance, there will be false prophets who lead astray from God's directions, after sufficient evidence that they will choose the falsehoods and not the truth. The Lord will not spare those who have deliberately worked against a “Thus saith the Lord” and they will be left in their choice to follow their own devising under condemnation and the rebuke of God, as agencies of Satan to carry out his devisings. In no case is my message to contradict the Word of the Lord, but the Lord will continue to give the straight, close-cutting messages that are yet to come. And no power can hinder the work God will do to rescue His people from their deception. The falsehood of the one who claimed to be a prophet was directly opposite to the Word of the Lord, a framed lie. If this prophet was one God had accepted, he could have received the word given to one the Lord did choose, but the Lord passed him by and took a stranger from another place.
(21LtMs, Ms 153, 1906, 14)