The church at Battle Creek need a self-abasing unpretending spirit. I have been shown that many are cherishing an unholy desire for the supremacy. Many love to be flattered and are jealously watching for slights or neglect. There is a hard, unforgiving spirit. There is envy, strife, emulation. (5T 50.1) MC VC

Nothing is more essential to communion with God than the most profound humility. “I dwell,” says the High and Holy One, “with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” Isaiah 57:15. While you are so eagerly striving to be first, remember that you will be last in the favor of God if you fail to cherish a meek and lowly spirit. Pride of heart will cause many to fail where they might have made a success. “Before honor is humility,”(Proverbs 18:12) and “the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”(Ecclesiastes 7:8) “When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.”(Hosea 13:1) “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14. Many hear the invitation of mercy, are tested and proved; but few are sealed with the seal of the living God. Few will humble themselves as a little child, that they may enter the kingdom of heaven. (5T 50.2) MC VC

Few receive the grace of Christ with self-abasement, with a deep and permanent sense of their unworthiness. They cannot bear the manifestations of the power of God, for this would encourage in them self-esteem, pride, and envy. This is why the Lord can do so little for us now. God would have you individually seek for the perfection of love and humility in your own hearts. Bestow your chief care upon yourselves, cultivate those excellencies of character which will fit you for the society of the pure and the holy. (5T 50.3) MC VC